Swimming With Turtles on Derawan Island

How to read this: Maratua Resort is an independent concierge guide — we curate and compare dive resorts and island stays in the Derawan archipelago, then arrange your booking through a vetted operating partner. We do not own or operate the resorts, and resort or brand names are used only as neutral examples, not claims of affiliation. Prices are by quote and vary by resort, season and party; figures here are indicative. Flights, transfers and dive seasons change — confirm before you travel. This is general information, not a binding offer.

Swim with turtles Derawan means one simple thing: sharing shallow, clear water with large green turtles that graze right off a lived‑in island village. Derawan Island is one of Indonesia’s easiest, most reliable places to see wild green turtles from the jetty, from the beach, or with a basic mask and snorkel.

Derawan is not a remote “dive resort island” but a real fishing village in the Derawan archipelago, sitting between Berau on the Kalimantan coast and the famous reefs of Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki. That mix of village life, easy logistics and exceptionally relaxed turtles is what makes a Derawan turtle encounter so accessible — even for non‑divers and first‑time snorkellers.

Below is a calm, practical guide to finding and swimming with green turtles on Derawan Island, how to do it respectfully, and how to combine Derawan with the rest of the archipelago.

Why Derawan Is Turtle Central

Derawan Island has become almost synonymous with green turtles. If you stand on the main village jetty and watch the water for ten minutes, chances are high you will see one surface to breathe.

Green turtles and seagrass right under the village

The key reason Derawan is so good for turtles is simple: food and shelter.

The island’s shallow lagoon and sandy slopes support patches of seagrass and algae, exactly what green turtles like to graze.
The seabed around the village and jetties is a mix of sand, rubble and coral heads — ideal resting spots between feeding.
Human activity has been constant here for years, so many turtles are surprisingly tolerant of snorkellers in the water, provided you give them space.

Turtles use the reef off Derawan as a daytime feeding ground. At night, many move to deeper resting areas or out towards nearby reefs; some females use beaches on islands in the wider archipelago for nesting.

So while Derawan is not a designated turtle sanctuary in the formal, fenced sense, it functions as an everyday foraging ground where marine life and village life overlap.

Access: easier than most “turtle” destinations in Indonesia

Compared with more remote turtle islands in Indonesia, Derawan is relatively easy to reach:

Fly into Berau (Kalimantan), then continue by car and boat.
From the main pier, local boats make the hop to Derawan Island.
Once on the island, your turtle snorkel is often just a short walk and a ladder down from your guesthouse or the public jetty.

You do not need a dive license to see turtles here. Good swimmers with basic snorkel gear can often see them in water shallow enough to stand up in at low tide (though you should float, not stand, to protect the reef).

Village island, not a manicured resort bubble

Derawan is a lived‑in village island first, holiday destination second. That matters for how you experience turtles:

Expect wooden houses on stilts, kids jumping off the jetty, small warungs and the atmosphere of a working coastal community.
The main jetty area doubles as both social hub and the classic “turtle snorkel Derawan jetty” entry point.
A few small accommodations extend out over the water; others sit back from the shore with easy access to house reefs.

If you imagine a pure nature reserve with boardwalks and visitor centres, that’s not Derawan. It’s a place where conservation, tourism and daily life meet in imperfect, very human ways.

Where To Find Green Turtles On Derawan Island

You don’t need a boat to snorkel with turtles on Derawan, though a boat does widen your options. Below are the main places visitors typically see turtles, from easiest to more effort.

1. The main village jetty: classic turtle snorkel spot

The main pier on Derawan village is the single most famous place to see green turtles on the island. Many visitors will have their first derawan turtle encounter right here.

What to expect:

Depth: usually 3–10 metres under the jetty, often shallower as you move towards the beach.
Habitat: seagrass patches, sand, coral rubble and man‑made structures.
Wildlife: green turtles grazing or resting on the bottom; reef fish under the jetty; occasional rays on the sand.

How to snorkel it:

Enter from the ladder or steps, or — if permitted locally that day — from a quieter section of the jetty.
Float and drift with the current; avoid standing on coral heads or seagrass.
Give the turtles space: move slowly and let them choose how close to come.

This is also one of the easiest spots for non‑swimmers to simply watch turtles from above. On many days, you can see green turtles Derawan Island style without even getting wet: they surface to breathe within a few metres of the jetty edge.

2. House reefs in front of over‑water and beachfront stays

Several small guesthouses and simple resorts on Derawan sit directly over the water or on the beach. Their house reefs often attract turtles, especially:

Grazing in the seagrass patches.
Cruising the reef edge at 3–8 metres.
Resting under pier structures and stairs.

House reef access is typically via:

A small flight of stairs off the deck, or
A short walk to the nearest accessible jetty.

Quality varies by location. Some stretches have healthier coral and more frequent turtle sightings; others are more sand and rubble. If you plan your trip with us via WhatsApp (+62 811 3823 875) we can talk through up‑to‑date, property‑specific impressions rather than generic promises.

3. Boat‑supported snorkel spots around the island

If you’d like quieter water or fewer people around, a short boat ride can take you to:

The outer reef slope on the seaward side of Derawan.
Sand and seagrass areas slightly removed from the main village traffic.
Sections of reef wall frequented by turtles moving between feeding and resting spots.

These trips are usually organised locally, by quote rather than fixed rate. Last verified June 2026, simple half‑day snorkel outings in the archipelago typically fell into a mid‑range per‑boat price (shared between participants), though exact figures shift with fuel costs and group size.

We recommend asking for:

Mask, snorkel and fins included if you don’t bring your own.
A guide in the water if you are not fully confident in open sea conditions.
Clear briefings on currents and entry/exit points.

4. Combining Derawan with classic turtle sites nearby

Derawan sits within easy trip distance of:

Sangalaki: historically famous for both manta rays and turtles, including nesting activity on the beaches.
Maratua: more of a “dive island” feel, with walls and channels used by turtles and pelagics.
Kakaban: better known for its jellyfish lake, but also surrounded by rich reef walls.

So while Derawan Island is the easiest “step‑off‑the‑jetty” place to snorkel with turtles, it can be part of a broader turtle‑and‑reef itinerary across the archipelago.

Respectful Turtle Snorkeling Rules

Swimming with turtles is a privilege, not a theme park show. The turtles of Derawan Island are wild animals using a busy coastal ecosystem; how visitors behave genuinely affects their stress levels and long‑term patterns.

These guidelines combine general marine‑wildlife best practice with observed realities on Derawan.

1. No touching, no riding, no blocking

This should be obvious, but bears repeating:

Never touch a turtle, even “lightly”.
Never attempt to hold on or ride.
Do not block a turtle’s path to the surface — they must breathe.

Turtles can appear calm or slow, which sometimes tempts people closer than they should be. Remember: a relaxed turtle is not an invitation; it is a sign of trust you should not abuse.

2. Keep a respectful distance

Aim for:

At least 3–5 metres of space horizontally.
More if the turtle is resting on the bottom.

If a turtle approaches you:

Stay still, keep arms close to your body.
Let it pass; do not reach out for a “closer” moment.

If a turtle changes direction suddenly, speeds up or makes repeated sharp turns, you are too close.

3. Float, don’t stand — protect seagrass and coral

The green turtles of Derawan depend heavily on seagrass and algae growing on rocks and rubble. Kicking and standing can damage these.

Avoid standing on the bottom except on clear sand with your guide’s approval.
Practice gentle finning: small kicks, behind you, not downwards.
If you’re not confident at staying off the bottom, consider using a snorkel vest or buoyancy aid.

4. Control your photography

Turtles are photogenic, but images should not come at a cost:

No flash: bright bursts can startle wildlife.
Avoid chasing a turtle for a “better angle”.
Keep cameras on short lanyards to prevent dragging them on the reef.

If you feel your camera pulling your attention away from your buoyancy or surroundings, it’s time to put it away and just watch.

5. Group behaviour matters

On busy days at the main turtle snorkel Derawan jetty, several groups may be in the water at once. Crowding a turtle from all sides is stressful.

If you see a turtle already being watched:

Ask yourself: does this animal need one more snorkeller hovering above it?
If a cluster has already formed, consider moving on and looking for another turtle or different reef life.

Sometimes the most ethical choice is to enjoy turtles from the jetty rail, not from the water.

Best Times Of Day To See Turtles Around Derawan

Wildlife is never guaranteed, but patterns do exist. Green turtles on Derawan are present year‑round, with daily rhythms influenced more by tides, human activity and light than by a strict tourist timetable.

Morning: calm water, fewer people

Early morning can be an excellent time to snorkel with turtles on Derawan:

Light is softer, which is kinder to both turtles and your own eyes.
Water is often calmer before day‑boat traffic fully starts.
Fewer people in the water can mean more relaxed behaviour from turtles.

On some days, you may see turtles actively grazing in the shallows soon after sunrise, especially if the tide is suitable.

Midday: brighter colours, but more activity

Midday brings:

Stronger sunlight and brighter visibility — good for photography.
Warmer surface water.
More village and boat activity, and usually more snorkellers.

Turtles may still be present, but they may shift slightly deeper or to quieter patches if surface conditions become noisy or crowded.

If you are not heat‑tolerant, plan for shorter midday sessions with hydration breaks in the shade.

Late afternoon: returning to feed and rest

Late afternoon often sees turtles returning to familiar feeding and resting spots:

Softer light again, potential for peaceful snorkels.
Some visitors prefer this time for a final relaxed turtle encounter after other excursions.

Watch the current and your exit options as light fades; it can be harder to read surface chop and reef features in low sun.

Night: observe from above, not in the water

Night snorkelling around turtles is not something we generally recommend for casual visitors:

It is easy to disturb resting animals with lights and noise.
Many turtles use the darker hours to move or rest with less surface disturbance.

Instead:

Watch from jetties with minimal white light.
Listen for the breathy exhale of turtles surfacing nearby.

If you do arrange any form of night snorkel or dive via our partner, it should be with a strong conservation‑first briefing focused on minimising disturbance.

Planning A Turtle‑Focused Derawan Stay

You can build turtle encounters into a wider Derawan archipelago trip in several ways, depending on your interests and how much you want to move around.

How many days to allow on Derawan for turtles

A reasonable minimum:

2–3 nights on Derawan Island if turtles are a main goal.
This allows multiple early‑morning and late‑afternoon snorkels.
It builds in some slack for wind, visibility or simple fatigue.

If you’re combining Derawan with Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki, many travellers find:

~1 week across the archipelago gives a good balance of turtles, reefs and relaxed unstructured time.
Longer stays reward slower days: reading on the deck between short sessions on the house reef instead of “chasing” wildlife non‑stop.

Derawan versus other turtle spots nearby

Use this as a rough sense‑check, not a rigid formula:

Derawan Island: Village island with easy, shallow turtle encounters from jetty/house reef; suitable for non‑divers and mixed groups.
Sangalaki: Smaller island historically known for mantas and turtles, often visited via boat day trips rather than as an overnight base.
Maratua: Larger atoll‑type island with dedicated dive stays; turtles are common but access is more via boat dives and deeper snorkels.
Kakaban: Unique jellyfish lake and rich outer reef walls; turtles present but usually not the primary reason people visit.

If your priority is simply to snorkel with turtles Derawan offers the most straightforward logistics and the highest “time‑in‑water versus travel‑effort” ratio.

Snorkel gear and comfort level

For a calm Derawan turtle encounter, gear and basic skills matter more than fancy equipment:

Bring a well‑fitting mask if you can; rental masks vary in condition.
Consider short fins and a thin rash guard for sun and jelly protection.
Practice clearing your snorkel and relaxing your breathing beforehand if you’re new.

If you plan your itinerary through us, we can flag which stays have decent on‑site gear and which are better assumed “bring your own”.

Budgeting for turtle snorkels

You can see turtles on Derawan at almost no extra cost beyond your stay if:

You have your own snorkel gear.
You’re comfortable entering from the jetty or house reef.

Additional costs might include:

Local guided snorkel sessions.
Boat trips to quieter spots or to neighbouring islands.

Last verified June 2026, simple local snorkel boat outings in the archipelago typically fell in a lower‑to‑mid price band per person for group trips and higher per trip for private charters, with meaningful variation by distance, fuel price and group size. Since rates change, it is more honest to give you a fresh range once your dates, group and comfort level are clear. Reach out via plan your trip or WhatsApp (+62 811 3823 875) for up‑to‑date estimates.

Pairing Turtle Time With Island Hopping

Derawan is an ideal “soft start” to the wider archipelago. You can acclimatise to the water, refine your snorkelling, and then expand your radius.

A sample “turtle‑plus” circuit

Think of your time as concentric circles around Derawan:

Base	Main Focus	Turtle Experience	Who It Suits
Derawan Island	Easy house‑reef snorkelling, village life	Frequent, shallow encounters with green turtles from jetty and beach	First‑time snorkellers, mixed groups, photographers who like repetition
Sangalaki (day trip)	Manta rays (conditions‑dependent), turtle activity on and around the island	Boat‑based turtle sightings; potential nesting context depending on season and regulations	Those happy with a full boat day and rougher open water at times
Maratua	Diving, channels, walls, wider reef life	More “passing‑by” turtles on dives; still good, but less jetty‑casual	Certified divers or confident snorkellers wanting deeper sites
Kakaban	Jellyfish lake, dramatic outer reef	Turtles as occasional bonus on reef walls	Active travellers comfortable with climbs, stairs and more physical days

You don’t need to see everything. Many people underestimate how satisfying it can be to spend several consecutive days watching “their” local turtles on one reef, noticing individuals and patterns, instead of constantly moving on.

Honest expectations: no guarantees, only probabilities

No guide or website can honestly guarantee a turtle at a specific minute and place. What Derawan offers is:

A high probability of daily turtle sightings from land and water over a few days.
Very short travel‑to‑water times, so you can follow conditions and your energy rather than a rigid schedule.
The chance to observe green turtles Derawan Island style, embedded in a living village, not isolated from human context.

Weather, visibility and human activity all play a role. On some days you may see multiple turtles in a short snorkel; on others you might only glimpse one distant silhouette. Planning a bit of extra time is the best insurance.

If you’d like a realistic, current read on how turtle encounters are shaping up around your intended dates, message us via plan your trip or WhatsApp (+62 811 3823 875). No one can pay to change what we publish; if you proceed with our partner they may pay us a referral fee at no extra cost to you.

Can I swim with turtles on Derawan if I’m not a strong swimmer?

Yes, but with caveats. The main jetty and some house reefs offer relatively sheltered, shallow water. You should still be comfortable floating with a mask, staying calm if you swallow a little water, and following simple safety instructions. Using a snorkel vest and going with an in‑water guide is strongly recommended if you’re nervous.

Are turtle encounters guaranteed on Derawan Island?

No wildlife encounter is guaranteed. Derawan offers a high likelihood of seeing green turtles over a stay of a few days, especially from the jetty and in the shallows, but exact numbers and timings vary with tides, weather and chance. Planning multiple snorkels over different times of day increases your odds.

Do I need to join a tour to snorkel with turtles on Derawan?

Not necessarily. Confident swimmers with their own gear can often see turtles from the main jetty or house reefs without a formal tour. That said, a local guide can improve safety, help you read currents, and encourage more respectful behaviour around turtles, especially in busier areas.

Is it safe for children to snorkel with turtles on Derawan?

It can be, if managed carefully. Children should be comfortable in the water, always wear buoyancy aids, and be within arm’s reach of an adult. Choose calm conditions, avoid strong currents, and keep sessions short. Watching turtles from the jetty can be a good alternative or warm‑up for younger kids.

What should I bring for a turtle snorkel on Derawan Island?

Bring a well‑fitting mask, snorkel and fins if possible, plus a rash guard, reef‑safe sunscreen for exposed skin, and a simple dry bag. If you plan to photograph turtles, a small action camera with a wrist strap is usually enough. Most importantly, bring patience and a willingness to give turtles space rather than chase the closest possible shot.