Big Fish Country
Also known as: The Channel, The Pass
Best time to dive
March to December; April to October; January
What you might see
- BarracudaLikely
- Eagle rayPossible
- Hammerhead sharkPossible
- Nurse sharkLikely
- Whale sharkPossible
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - deep channel drift dive, not suitable for snorkeling
Safety notes
Extreme, unpredictable currents and downcurrents that can sweep divers into the channel or below safe depth; requires SMB, drift-diving technique, and an experienced local guide
Permits & fees
Derawan Archipelago marine-park diving fee collected via resort/dive-center packages
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Maratua
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.