Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in Samarinda, Indonesia
1. Takusara Island
A vibrant marine park teeming with colorful coral reefs and diverse sea life, perfect for snorkeling.
- Rich Marine Life: Home to various species of fish, turtles, and sharks
- Coral Reefs: Abundant coral reefs offering stunning visuals for snorkelers
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by speedboat from Samarinda
2. Derawan Island
Known for its crystal-clear waters and incredible marine biodiversity, a must-visit for scuba divers.
- Marine Biodiversity: Boasts rare species like the Napoleon wrasse and green turtles
- Night Diving: Offers unique experiences with bioluminescent marine creatures
- Seasonal Manta Rays: Visit during manta ray season for an unforgettable encounter
3. Sangalaki Island
A marine sanctuary where you can swim with sea turtles and witness manta ray feeding.
- Sea Turtle Encounters: Offers frequent opportunities to interact with green sea turtles
- Manta Ray Feeding: Witness manta rays feeding on plankton during certain times of the day
- Protected Marine Sanctuary: Supports marine conservation efforts and sustainable tourism
4. Kakaban Island
Famous for its bioluminescent jellyfish lake, a magical underwater experience.
- Bioluminescent Jellyfish: Jellyfish that glow in the dark create a mesmerizing display
- Mangrove Forests: Explore the unique mangrove ecosystem around the island
- Limestone Karst Landscape: Features stunning limestone cliffs and caves
5. Tambak Raya Island
A hidden gem offering a tranquil snorkeling experience with diverse coral reefs.
- Tranquil Environment: Less crowded and perfect for relaxation
- Diverse Coral Reefs: Variety of corals catering to both beginner and advanced snorkelers
- Proximity to Samarinda: Easily accessible by boat from the mainland
6. Tobatobo Island
An untouched paradise with pristine waters and abundant marine life.
- Untouched Paradise: Less developed, maintaining its natural beauty
- Marine Biodiversity: Hosts a variety of fish and sea turtles
- Off-the-Beaten-Path: Ideal for travelers seeking unique, less touristy experiences
7. Bidukbiduk Island
Known for its pristine white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Pristine White Sand Beaches: Enjoy the beauty of untouched coastlines
- Snorkeling Opportunities: Offers a rich underwater world to explore
- Island Hopping: Combine island hopping with snorkeling for an unforgettable experience
8. Mangkalihat Island
A secluded island offering superb diving and snorkeling opportunities with diverse marine life.
- Secluded Location: Less crowded, providing a serene experience
- Diverse Marine Life: Variety of marine species including turtles and sharks
- Advanced Diving Sites: Offers challenging dives for experienced divers
9. Sangkulirang Island
A beautiful island with clear waters and a variety of coral reefs suitable for snorkeling.
- Clear Waters: Allows for easy underwater exploration
- Variety of Coral Reefs: Suitable for both beginner and advanced snorkelers
- Nearby Villages: Opportunity to interact with local culture
10. Kalidirih Island
An idyllic island perfect for snorkeling, featuring a rich underwater ecosystem.
- Idyllic Location: Tranquil and picturesque setting
- Rich Underwater Ecosystem: Variety of marine life including turtles and colorful fish
- Island Resorts: Accommodation options available for travelers
11. Muna Island
A remote island with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, ideal for scuba diving.
- Remote Location: Less developed, maintaining its natural beauty
- Marine Biodiversity: Hosts a variety of fish, sharks, and sea turtles
- Advanced Diving Sites: Offers challenging dives for experienced divers
12. Buton Island
An island with numerous dive sites, showcasing a diverse array of marine life.
- Numerous Dive Sites: Variety of diving options catering to different skill levels
- Diverse Marine Life: Includes species like sea turtles, manta rays, and sharks
- Eco-Tourism Focus: Promotes sustainable tourism and marine conservation efforts
13. Taka Bonerate National Park
A marine national park with exceptional biodiversity, offering world-class diving experiences.
- Exceptional Biodiversity: Home to rare species like the dolphinfish and mola mola
- World-Class Diving Sites: Offers unique underwater landscapes and abundant marine life
- Marine Conservation Efforts: Supports conservation programs for the protection of marine ecosystems
14. Bangkakulawa Island
A secluded island with pristine waters and diverse coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling.
- Secluded Location: Less crowded, providing a serene experience
- Pristine Waters: Allows for easy underwater exploration
- Diverse Coral Reefs: Suitable for both beginner and advanced snorkelers
15. Timang Island
A picturesque island known for its incredible underwater landscapes and marine life.
- Picturesque Location: Stunning beaches and cliffs
- Incredible Underwater Landscapes: Features a variety of coral formations and marine creatures
- Accessible by Ferry: Easily reachable from the mainland by ferry