Trip report describing a current-swept Pala Pala with corals, anthias, and deep-water cave structure.
Pala Pala
Deep wall-and-cave reef on Maratua.
Make this a real next stop
Save it, log a dive, or explore nearby on the map.
Save it to come back later
About Pala Pala
Pala Pala is a boat-accessed deep wall-and-cave dive in the Maratua / Derawan region. The site combines a long wall, a broad cave entrance, and enough structure to make gas management and buoyancy planning the core of the dive rather than the easy part. Divers come here for the overhangs, sponges, soft corals, and the reef sharks that often rest inside the cave.
Where Is Pala Pala?
Pala Pala Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
Up to 36.8m
Depth Note
Described as a deep dive at 36.8 m and hard to do on a single tank; divers should plan to reserve enough gas for a decompression stop.
Best Season
Year-round, with peaks from September to December and March to April.
Typical Conditions
Deep wall-and-cave diving with strong current, warm water, and generally good visibility.
Safety & Access At Pala Pala
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Use a reliable primary dive light with a backup for the cave. Plan gas reserves to allow for a decompression stop.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; plan with a liveaboard or Maratua resort dive operator.
Legal Notes
Follow local marine-area rules and the guide's plan.
Local Intel For Pala Pala
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A deep cave-and-wall dive to about 36.8 m, requiring strong gas management and appropriate lighting, with decompression planning mentioned.
Freediving
Not a freedive-first site; the depth and cave structure make scuba and solid gas planning the better fit.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel-first site; the interesting part starts deep on the wall and inside the cave.
Pala Pala Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Pala Pala.
Exposure Profile at Pala Pala
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Wildlife at Pala Pala
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Pala Pala
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
No Dive Logs Yet
Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!
Dive Spot Log Averages At Pala Pala
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Pala Pala Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Pala Pala Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
Research Sources
Derawan archipelago guide with Pala Pala wall, cave, current, visibility, and season context.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.



