Dive Sites in Nusa Penida
Most Popular Dive Sites in Nusa Penida
Gamat Bay
Gamat Bay is located between Crystal bay and ToyaPakeh opening directly to the Nusa Penida dive sites channel. The bottom of the bay is covered by white sand with several coral patches and bommies full of marine life and crystal clear waters, making it a perfect dive site for macro life, photographers and snorkelers.
Mangrove
This dive site is located in front of the Mangrove forest on the north side of Nusa Lembongan island. Mangrove forest plays a crucial part in the local ecosystem and provides plenty of nutrients to one of the healthiest coral reefs in whole Nusa Penida.
Mimpang
Gili Mimpang consists of three rocky formations situated near Padang Bai, not far from Gili Tepekong. Due to currents originating from the Lombok Strait, conditions can range from calm to highly challenging. As a result, this location is best suited for experienced divers.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is the most well-known dive site in Padang Bai, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed fun dive, a PADI certification course, or an opportunity to capture rare marine species through macro photography, this site has something to offer. With its sandy-bottomed bay, it provides an ideal setting for practicing underwater skills while also allowing photographers to capture stunning images at a leisurely pace.
Tepekong
Gili Tepekong is a rocky islet near Padang Bai, known for its dramatic underwater landscapes and thrilling dive experiences along Bali’s eastern coast. This site is particularly affected by strong currents and unpredictable conditions, making it suitable only for experienced divers who are comfortable with deep drift diving.
Toyapakeh
Located off Nusa Penida, Toyapakeh is a world-class dive site renowned for its crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs. The shallow plateau, ranging from 6 to 15 meters, hosts a rich variety of marine species, while the deeper sections, reaching up to 30 meters, may reveal larger creatures such as the elusive Mola Mola. The currents can create an unforgettable drift diving experience!
Manta Point
Situated on the southern coast of Nusa Penida, Manta Point is one of the best places to encounter majestic Manta rays in their natural habitat. drawn by abundant plankton and three primary cleaning stations, these graceful giants congregate to have small reef fish rid them of parasites. However, the site's coral formations and sandy seabed can be difficult to reach due to powerful surges from the south coast.
Crystal Bay
Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, Crystal Bay is one of Nusa Penida’s premier dive sites, particularly famous for Mola Mola sightings between June and October. The shallow bay, ranging from 5 to 12 meters, is suitable for beginners, while the deeper sections feature cleaning stations along a dramatic reef drop-off. However, divers should be prepared for strong currents and increased crowds during peak season.
Manta Bay
Manta Bay is a shallow, easily accessible dive site that provides year-round opportunities to encounter smaller manta rays in their natural habitat. Manta Bay Drawn by high concentrations of plankton, manta rays can often be seen gliding over the sandy seabed as they feed. This site also offers the chance to spot Wobbegong sharks and Dolphins near the adjacent reef.
Lembongan Bay
Lembongan Bay is an excellent choice for night dives, beginner divers, and underwater photography enthusiasts. Its sandy bottom, adorned with coral bommies, is teeming with fascinating macro marine life. With a maximum depth of 10 meters and calm waters, it’s an ideal location for learners or those looking to refresh their diving skills.
North Penida
The dive sites of Buyuk, Sental, PED, and SD along Nusa Penida’s northern coast offer incredible drift diving experiences. These sites boast thriving coral reefs, large sponges, and an abundance of colorful fish. The sloping reef descends into deeper waters, where pelagic species, including the elusive Mola Mola, are commonly seen from June to October. Additionally, SD’s shallow coral formations make it a fantastic spot for snorkeling.
Cristal Bay
Crystal Bay, famed for clear waters, is a top Nusa Penida dive spot and ideal for spotting Mola Mola, especially from June to October. The shallow bay (5-8m) suits beginners, while deeper areas have cleaning stations along a reef drop-off, though strong currents and crowds are common in high season.
Manta Bay
Manta Bay, a shallow and accessible site, offers year-round sightings of smaller Manta Ray attracted by high plankton levels. The sandy bottom provides a great view of feeding Mantas, while a nearby reef may reveal Wobegon sharks and spinner dolphins.
Lembongan Bay
Lembongan Bay is ideal for night dives, beginners, and photographers. Its sandy bottom with coral bommies hosts vibrant macro life, and with a maximum depth of 10m, calm waters make it perfect for learners or refresher dives.
North Penida
Buyuk, Sental, PED, and SD offer superb drift dives along Nusa Penida’s north coast, featuring vibrant reefs, sponges, and colorful fish. The reef slopes into deeper waters where pelagics like Mola Mola are spotted from June to October. SD’s shallow coral start also makes it great for snorkelers.
Gamat Bay
Gamat Bay is located between Crystal bay and ToyaPakeh opening directly to the Nusa Penida dive sites channel. The bottom of the bay is covered by white sand with several coral patches and bommies full of marine life and crystal clear waters, making it a perfect dive site for macro life, photographers and snorkelers.
Mangrove
This dive site is located in front of the Mangrove forest on the north side of Nusa Lembongan island. Mangrove forest plays a crucial part in the local ecosystem and provides plenty of nutrients to one of the healthiest coral reefs in whole Nusa Penida.
Mimpang
Gili Mimpang dive site is a series of three rocks facing Padang Bay and next to Tepekong. Because of currents coming from Lombok’s strait, the conditions here can vary from being calm to being extreme. Consequently, this dive site is only recommended for experienced divers.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is the most famous dive site in Padang Bai. Perfect combination for beginners. Either for an easy fun dive, a PADI dive course or for macro lovers and photographers that wish to explore the rare marine species. As a sandy patch bay, the topography of this dive site is perfect to perform underwater skills but also to catch the perfect shot in pace.
Tepekong
Tepekong is a rocky outcrop facing Padang Bay and offering both a spectacular and exhilarating dive site of Bali’s eastern coast. Particularly prone to currents and unpredictable conditions, make sure you are experienced divers that can afford strong drift and depth.
Toyapakeh
Toyapakeh in Nusa Penida is a premier dive site with exceptional visibility and vibrant coral reefs. The shallow plateau (6-15m) teems with diverse marine life, while deeper areas (up to 30m) may reveal larger species, like the elusive Mola Mola. Gentle currents make for an easy, memorable drift dive.'
Manta Point
Manta Point on Nusa Penida’s south side offers a high chance to see Manta Rays, attracted by plankton and three main cleaning stations. These gentle giants gather to have parasites removed by small reef fish. The site’s soft coral and sandy bottom, however, can be challenging to access due to strong surges from the south coast.
Gamat Bay
Gamat Bay is located between Crystal bay and ToyaPakeh opening directly to the Nusa Penida dive sites channel. The bottom of the bay is covered by white sand with several coral patches and bommies full of marine life and crystal clear waters, making it a perfect dive site for macro life, photographers and snorkelers.
Mangrove
This dive site is located in front of the Mangrove forest on the north side of Nusa Lembongan island. Mangrove forest plays a crucial part in the local ecosystem and provides plenty of nutrients to one of the healthiest coral reefs in whole Nusa Penida.
Mimpang
Gili Mimpang consists of three rocky formations situated near Padang Bai, not far from Gili Tepekong. Due to currents originating from the Lombok Strait, conditions can range from calm to highly challenging. As a result, this location is best suited for experienced divers.
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is the most well-known dive site in Padang Bai, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed fun dive, a PADI certification course, or an opportunity to capture rare marine species through macro photography, this site has something to offer. With its sandy-bottomed bay, it provides an ideal setting for practicing underwater skills while also allowing photographers to capture stunning images at a leisurely pace.
Tepekong
Gili Tepekong is a rocky islet near Padang Bai, known for its dramatic underwater landscapes and thrilling dive experiences along Bali’s eastern coast. This site is particularly affected by strong currents and unpredictable conditions, making it suitable only for experienced divers who are comfortable with deep drift diving.
Toyapakeh
Located off Nusa Penida, Toyapakeh is a world-class dive site renowned for its crystal-clear waters and thriving coral reefs. The shallow plateau, ranging from 6 to 15 meters, hosts a rich variety of marine species, while the deeper sections, reaching up to 30 meters, may reveal larger creatures such as the elusive Mola Mola. The currents can create an unforgettable drift diving experience!
Manta Point
Situated on the southern coast of Nusa Penida, Manta Point is one of the best places to encounter majestic Manta rays in their natural habitat. drawn by abundant plankton and three primary cleaning stations, these graceful giants congregate to have small reef fish rid them of parasites. However, the site's coral formations and sandy seabed can be difficult to reach due to powerful surges from the south coast.
Crystal Bay
Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, Crystal Bay is one of Nusa Penida’s premier dive sites, particularly famous for Mola Mola sightings between June and October. The shallow bay, ranging from 5 to 12 meters, is suitable for beginners, while the deeper sections feature cleaning stations along a dramatic reef drop-off. However, divers should be prepared for strong currents and increased crowds during peak season.
Manta Bay
Manta Bay is a shallow, easily accessible dive site that provides year-round opportunities to encounter smaller manta rays in their natural habitat. Manta Bay Drawn by high concentrations of plankton, manta rays can often be seen gliding over the sandy seabed as they feed. This site also offers the chance to spot Wobbegong sharks and Dolphins near the adjacent reef.
Lembongan Bay
Lembongan Bay is an excellent choice for night dives, beginner divers, and underwater photography enthusiasts. Its sandy bottom, adorned with coral bommies, is teeming with fascinating macro marine life. With a maximum depth of 10 meters and calm waters, it’s an ideal location for learners or those looking to refresh their diving skills.
North Penida
The dive sites of Buyuk, Sental, PED, and SD along Nusa Penida’s northern coast offer incredible drift diving experiences. These sites boast thriving coral reefs, large sponges, and an abundance of colorful fish. The sloping reef descends into deeper waters, where pelagic species, including the elusive Mola Mola, are commonly seen from June to October. Additionally, SD’s shallow coral formations make it a fantastic spot for snorkeling.
Peak Diving Season in Nusa Penida
One of the great advantages of diving in Nusa Penida, as in Bali, is that there isn’t a single “perfect” season—conditions remain favorable throughout the year. That being said, the rainy season, particularly in December and January when the first showers arrive, can make diving slightly less comfortable. Visibility may change from day to day, but it’s still possible to have a rewarding dive experience.
For those eager to spot Mola Mola, the best time to visit is between July and October, as these months offer the highest likelihood of sightings. Interestingly, this is also when the water tends to be at its coldest. At the end of the day, the best time to dive is whenever you’re ready for an unforgettable underwater adventure. That’s why we welcome divers all year long!
Peak Diving Season in Nusa Penida
One of the great advantages of diving in Nusa Penida, as in Bali, is that there isn’t a single “perfect” season—conditions remain favorable throughout the year. That being said, the rainy season, particularly in December and January when the first showers arrive, can make diving slightly less comfortable. Visibility may change from day to day, but it’s still possible to have a rewarding dive experience.
For those eager to spot Mola Mola, the best time to visit is between July and October, as these months offer the highest likelihood of sightings. Interestingly, this is also when the water tends to be at its coldest. At the end of the day, the best time to dive is whenever you’re ready for an unforgettable underwater adventure. That’s why we welcome divers all year long!
Nusa Lembongan’s Relaxing Getaways, Exciting Dives and Accommodation
Nusa Lembongan’s Stress-Free Escapes, Fun Dives, and Accommodations
Embark on a stress-free dive adventure with Legend Diving at Nusa Lembongan. We provide fast boat transport, accommodation options, diving adventures featuring Molas and Manta Rays , plus snorkeling and DSD programs.
Nusa Lembongan’s Stress-Free Escapes, Fun Dives, and Accommodations
Nusa Lembongan’s Stress-Free Escapes, Fun Dives, and Accommodations
Embark on a stress-free dive adventure with Legend Diving at Nusa Lembongan. We provide fast boat transport, accommodation options, diving adventures featuring Molas and Manta Rays , plus snorkeling and DSD programs.
