Let's explore the captivating underwater world of Kalimantan, where scuba diving enthusiasts can discover a wealth of marine wonders. Kalimantan is the local name for Borneo and this itinerary focuses on the islands of East Kalimantan - Sangalaki, Kakaban and Maratua
You will be diving away from the crowds and the diving is spectacular with plenty of pelagic sightings possible throughout the area.
Sangalaki Island: Known for its large gatherings of manta rays, Sangalaki is a must-visit dive site. These graceful creatures come here to feed on plankton, and most dives occur in shallow water. While exploring the reefs surrounding the island, you'll encounter green turtles, and during the rainy season (November to March), visibility may be somewhat restricted.
Kakaban and Maratua: These islands offer even better visibility due to their distance from the shore. Kakaban is famous for its unique jellyfish lake, where you can swim among stingless jellyfish. Maratua features deep walls and caves, making it an exciting destination for divers seeking adventure.
Diverse Dive Types: Kalimantan caters to all skill levels - however this is a remote locations and divers should be aware of that. We recomend a minimum 50 dives, with some experience of drift and wall Choose from shallow reefs, lagoons, drift diving, muck diving, and even cave diving. The water temperature hovers around 28C year-round, providing ideal conditions for underwater exploration.
Marine Life: potential for thresher sharks, manta rays, white-tips & nurse sharks, huge schools of barracuda, many turtles, and even Whale sharks! Not to mention plenty of macro life to keep even the most experienced of divers happy. Plus there is a chance to swim amongst millions of non-stinging jellyfish in the freshwater Lake of Kakaban.
White Manta Explorer is a 152 ft (46m) by 33 ft (10m) purpose-built steel hull dive vessel. Stable, sophisticated, and reliable, the yacht is perfect for extended itineraries to the most exotic regions of Indonesia. Guests will di... Learn more about White Manta Explorer
Embarkation Points
Most trips depart from Tarakan, with occasional departures from Berau or Manado.
Liveaboards diving Kalimantan
White Manta Explorer typically offers 7 or 9 night itineraries
She dives around Sangalaki, Kakaban and Maratua
Sample itineraries and maps are for illustrative purposes only. Please speak to your travel consultant for specific information about which sites your chosen liveaboard and departure date will (and won't) visit. Specific sites/areas cannot be guaranteed due to weather, sailing conditions and will ultimately be at the captain's discretion.
Day 1
(0-2 dives) Our staff will meet you upon your arrival at Tarakan Airport or a local hotel and transfer you to the awaiting White Manta. Warm welcome & briefing while we sail from the pier to Derawan. Check dive(s) can ONLY be made if ALL guests arrive on morning flights.
Day 2
(3-4 dives) Diving around Sangalaki looking for manta rays, turtles & more! We also have a chance to visit the beach to watch hatching baby turtles make their dash to the sea!
Day 3-4
(4 dives x2 days) Diving around Maratua island; huge schools of chevron barracudas, and big-eye jacks at the mouth of the channel. Look out for the shark action with possible sightings of hammerhead sharks too!
Day 5
(3-4 dives) Diving around Kakaban with stunning wall dives & visiting the amazing freshwater Jellyfish lake.
Day 6
(4 dives) Diving around Sambit Island with its pristine corals, abundant marine life, and amazing visibility. Heaps of turtles plus look in the blue for sharks & visiting whale sharks!
Day 7
(1-2 dives) Looking for whale sharks at local fishing bogans then sail back to Tg Batu Port Sailing time 5 hours. The last night sleeping on Raja Manta in the harbor.
The last dive will be on the penultimate day of the trip. Divers are recommended to wait for 24 hours before flying after the last dive.
Plenty of time to wash & dry equipment, rest and relax, and if need be, an early flight on trip departure day.
Day 8
(0 dives) 5 am-12 pm. Check out after light breakfast, farewells, and transfer to a local hotel or airport.
Diving days: 7 days (22 dives, including substituting dives for island tours),
Disembarkation Points
Most trips return to Tarakan, with occasional disembarkation in Berau or Manado.
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