Dive Site: Big Fish Country

About Big Fish Country

Big Fish Country, located in the Derawan Islands of East Kalimantan, is a renowned dive site where nutrient-rich waters from the Celebes Sea converge, creating an exceptional hub for large marine life. This destination is ideal for divers seeking high-energy encounters with pelagics, often requiring a reef hook to observe the action safely. The topography features a distinct coral reef channel that transitions into a wall, with activity concentrated from approximately 26 meters down to 30 meters and beyond. While its name suggests a focus on larger species, the site also boasts healthy coral coverage and supports diverse macro life on its sandy bottom. Strong currents are a defining characteristic, making it a challenging yet rewarding dive for experienced individuals. During plankton-rich months, especially between October and April, the site becomes a magnet for manta rays, reef sharks, and barracuda, with occasional whale shark sightings adding to the excitement. The best dives align with specific current windows, allowing divers to position themselves to witness the abundant marine traffic.

Dive site facts: Big Fish Country

Depth

20–30+ m

Current

Strong to very strong

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

29°C

Entry

Boat drop

Level

Advanced, current experience required

Dive type

Reef channel, wall, drift, big animals

Region / port

Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan

Coordinates

4.6235° S, 123.7296° E

Conditions & Currents

Big Fish Country is defined by strong to very strong currents within its reef channel, requiring advanced diving skills and the use of a reef hook. Divers must be comfortable holding position against significant water movement, as the action revolves around the current itself and the pelagic traffic it attracts. Entry is typically a swift boat drop, where divers must descend quickly as a group to avoid being swept away from the target area. The dive profile involves positioning along the wall or channel, watching the pelagic show, rather than extended swimming. Exit requires careful planning with the boat crew, who track divers as they surface, often some distance from the entry point. Visibility can be excellent, but plankton blooms, which are crucial for attracting megafauna, may occasionally reduce it to around 15-25 meters.

Marine life & sighting chances

Reef Manta Ray

October–April (peak Dec–Mar) · common

Whale Shark

October–April · occasional

Grey Reef Shark

common

Whitetip Reef Shark

common

Barracuda

common

Eagle Ray

occasional

Green Turtle

common

Blue-spotted Stingray

common

Garden Eel

common

Batfish

common

Sweetlips

common

Octopus

occasional

Nudibranch

occasional

Mantis Shrimp

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Big Fish Country begins with a boat drop directly into the current, where divers must descend quickly as a group. The boat will position near a specific crack or feature on the reef channel. Divers should stay with the guide, who will lead them along the wall or channel, often using a reef hook to hold position against the strong flow. The primary objective is to observe the pelagic action in the current, rather than swimming a long line. Depths typically range from 26 meters, where the channel transitions into a wall, down to 30 meters or more, depending on the current and target species. Air consumption needs careful management due to the effort of holding position and potential deeper sections. The safety stop will be conducted as a group, typically near the wall, before surfacing. The boat will pick up divers downstream, requiring accurate surface signaling.

Underwater photography

Big Fish Country is an exceptional site for wide-angle photography, especially during peak pelagic season, capturing schooling barracuda, trevally, reef sharks, and manta rays in the current. A wide-angle lens with external strobes is essential to illuminate subjects against the blue water backdrop and manage dynamic lighting conditions. Given the strong currents and potential need for a reef hook, excellent buoyancy control and streamlining are paramount to avoid damaging the healthy corals and to maintain stable shots. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens can capture the diverse smaller life found on the reef and sandy bottom, but the primary photographic draw here is typically the large animal action. Be mindful of subject etiquette, giving large pelagics ample space and not pursuing them.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Turtle Traffic

  Turtle Traffic is a prominent reef dive site located off Maratua Island in Indonesia, celebrated for its high density of sea turtles.

• Kelapa Dua
• Barracuda Point (Kakaban)

  The Point is a dynamic dive site located in Roatan, Honduras, part of the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, the second-largest…

• Manta Run
• Big Fish Wall

  Cozumel's western coast features a dramatic reef shelf that plunges thousands of feet into the ocean.

• Batu Kangan

Getting there & logistics

Big Fish Country is located in the Derawan Islands of East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Access to this remote region is primarily via liveaboard, which typically includes transfers from major Indonesian hubs. Divers often fly into airports like Jakarta (CGK) or Bali (DPS), then connect to smaller regional airports such as Berau (BEJ) or Tarakan (TRK) in East Kalimantan, followed by further boat transfers to the liveaboard departure point. Trips to the Derawan Islands can vary in length, often integrated into broader itineraries exploring other parts of Eastern Indonesia. There are specific local dive centers that operate within 20 km of the site, indicating day boat options may also exist for those staying at island resorts. No specific permit fees for this site are mentioned, but marine park fees are common in Indonesia.

Safety & environment

Due to the very strong currents at Big Fish Country, advanced dive training and experience in current diving are essential. Divers must always dive with a guide and strictly adhere to briefing instructions regarding reef hook usage, entry, descent, and ascent procedures. The nearest recompression chamber and medical facilities are likely distant, requiring comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation. Evacuation could involve lengthy transfers from the remote Derawan Islands, potentially requiring air transport. Key hazards include being swept away by currents if not properly hooked in, rapid air consumption due to exertion, and potential separation from the group. Divers should carry an SMB (surface marker buoy) and a whistle, and ensure they are proficient in their use.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Big Fish Country FAQ

Liveaboards diving Big Fish Country

These liveaboards may visit Big Fish Country on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m