Tuesday, 24 Jun 2025

A Diver’s Guide to Whale Shark Tours from Sienna Resort Maratua

Imagine gliding through the clear blue waters of Maratua, sharing the ocean with one of nature’s most gentle giants, the majestic whale shark. For divers and ocean lovers, encountering a whale shark is an unforgettable dream come true. Sienna Resort Maratua offers the perfect base to turn this dream into reality. In this guide, discover how to plan, book, and enjoy a responsible and memorable whale shark tour from our resort.

Why Maratua is a Top Spot for Whale Shark Encounters

Maratua Island, nestled in Indonesia’s stunning Derawan Archipelago, is known for its pristine reefs and rich marine biodiversity. Whale sharks are drawn to this region by the abundance of plankton and fish spawned by local fishing platforms. Unlike other whale shark destinations in Indonesia, Maratua offers fewer crowds and a more authentic, serene experience. The best time for whale shark sightings here is generally from March to May and September to December, when the plankton bloom is most active.

Read:

Scuba Diving Trip: Sienna Resort's Exclusive Whale Shark Experience

Planning Your Whale Shark Tour from Sienna Resort

Booking your whale shark adventure is easy when you stay at Sienna Resort Maratua. Our in-house dive center and experienced guides handle all the logistics, from permits to safety briefings. Choose from snorkeling trips for a relaxed surface swim or full scuba dives for a closer look beneath the waves. Tours usually include boat transfer, gear rental, expert guides, refreshments, and photography assistance, so you can focus on the magic underwater.

Read:

Manta Ray Snorkeling Experiences at Sienna Resort, Maratua Island

What to Expect During the Dive

Your whale shark tour typically starts early in the morning when conditions are calm. After a short boat ride to the feeding area, your guide will brief you on safety and behavior around these gentle giants. Once in the water, you’ll have plenty of time to swim or dive alongside these magnificent creatures, which can grow up to 12 meters long! Visibility is often excellent, and you might spot other marine life such as manta rays, turtles, and colorful reef fish during the trip.

Diving Tips for a Safe and Responsible Encounter

Respect for whale sharks and marine life is key to a sustainable adventure. Here are some essential tips:

Keep a safe distance of at least 3 meters from the body and 4 meters from the tail.
Never touch or ride the whale sharks.
Avoid flash photography, which can disturb them.
Stay calm and move slowly in the water.
Listen to your guide at all times for your safety and the sharks’ well-being.

We recommend that divers have at least an open water certification for scuba tours, while snorkelers should be comfortable swimming in open sea conditions.

Diving Tips for a Safe and Responsible Encounter

Other Marine Highlights Near Maratua

While whale sharks are the highlight, Maratua’s underwater world has so much more to offer. Extend your stay to explore Kakaban Island’s unique jellyfish lake, dive with manta rays at Sangalaki, or drift along Barracuda Point — famous for its strong currents and large schools of fish. Our dive team can help you create a customized dive itinerary to make the most of your holiday.

Why Choose Sienna Resort for Your Dive Adventure

At Sienna Resort Maratua, we understand divers’ needs. Our PADI-certified dive center, comfortable boats, and local dive masters ensure a safe and enriching experience. After your adventure, unwind in our beachfront villas, indulge in fresh seafood, and relive your dive moments with new friends at our ocean-view bar. Guests rave about our personalized service and attention to detail — we make your ocean dreams come true.

Conclusion

Swimming with whale sharks in Maratua is more than a dive — it’s a life-changing experience. Ready to tick this off your bucket list? Contact our team at Sienna Resort Maratua to plan your whale shark tour and discover the magic of Indonesia’s best-kept diving secret.