Derawan Islands vs Wakatobi — Dive Destination Comparison
Derawan Islands (Indonesia) scores 64.1/100 vs Wakatobi's 63.9/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose Derawan Islands for reef diving with 9–24m visibility. Choose Wakatobi for reef diving at ~$150/dive.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Derawan Islands | Wakatobi |
|---|---|---|
| OkToDive Score | 64.1/100 | 63.9/100 |
| Country | Indonesia | Indonesia |
| Visibility | 9--24m | 15--40m |
| Water temp | 26--29 C | 26--29 C |
| Max depth | 30m | 40m |
| Current | moderate | moderate |
| Cost per 2-tank dive | $60 | $150 |
| Budget tier | mid range | mid range |
| Best months | May, September | May, September |
| Dive types | reef, wreck, muck, night, pelagic | reef, wreck, muck, night, pelagic |
| Min certification | Open Water | Open Water |
| Key species | manta ray, seahorse | manta ray, seahorse |
| Google rating | 0 (0 reviews) | 0 (0 reviews) |
Which should you choose?
Choose Derawan Islands when...
- + Wreck diving enthusiasts
- + Anyone visiting Asia-Pacific for the first time
- + Groups seeking 15+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You can only travel outside May, September — conditions deteriorate
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Choose Wakatobi when...
- + Wreck diving enthusiasts
- + Wide-angle photographers wanting crystal visibility
- + Groups seeking 40+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You can only travel outside May, September — conditions deteriorate
Bottom line
Derawan Islands wins on overall score (64.1 vs 63.9), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Derawan Islands is more affordable ($60 vs $150/dive). Wakatobi has better peak visibility (40m vs 24m).