you’re heading to Nusa Penida on a diving vacation, then you’re probably in search of the Molas and Mantas. Crystal Bay and Manta Point, 2 of the famous Nusa Penida dive sites, are only a short boat ride away. From June – October, we can see Mola Mola circling the cleaning stations of Crystal Bay and other dive sites. Mola Mola can grow to 3metres long and weigh up to 1000kgs. Additionally, it’s possible to see Manta Rays all year round and they grow to be around 5metres wide. [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]Other than these 2 dive sites, Nusa Penida and its 2 sister Islands, have many other incredible locations to visit. Drift diving is popular on the Island with many options available. Dive sites such as SD, Mangrove, PED, and Blue Corner are just some highlights. Marine life such as; Turtles, Barracuda, Sharks, Ryas, and others can be found.
PRISTINE, YEAR ROUND DIVING CONDITIONS
Our diving conditions are pristine all year round. On this note, the visibility is generally around 20 – 30metres with warm water at an average of 27ºC . Having said that, during the high season months of July – September, the water can be cold and drop to 16ºC . The perfect temperature for Mola spotting!
As mentioned, most of the dive sites are close, which makes it a fantastic daily diving trip to the Island.
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CRISTAL BAY
As one of the most sought-after dives sites on Nusa Penida, Crystal Bay stands out amongst them all. The name comes from the impeccably crystal clear, blue waters. [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]Mostly, we begin our dives within the bay and return to the same point, to finish. During the dive, we will explore the inner bay at 5-8 meters. Beginner divers or snorkelers will enjoy this as it is protected from stronger currents. Within Crystal bay lies a smaller Island. We will dive around this Island once we have exited the bay itself. Depending on your diver level, it is possible to reach depths of 40 meters and below. Crystal Bay is most well known for its regular sightings of Mola during the high season months from June – October. However, it can become a bit crowded. Mola can also be seen and enjoyed at other dive sites without as many people.
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TOYAPAKEH
Toyapakeh, voted by many visitors and dive staff as one of the most abundant dive sites on Nusa Penida Island. Descending into Toyapakeh is like a dream. [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]The reef is brightly colored and bursting with marine life. Additionally, we can expect visibility of 20-30 meters on most visits. Toyapakeh is located at the entrance of Nusa Penida Island and a short boat journey away from our dive center. All diver levels can enjoy the dive as the reef starts at 6metres and drops to below 30metres. At the top of the reef, we can enjoy both soft and hard coral gardens full of different fish species. As we descend further, we will find a steep drop-off and possibly encounter Mola, and other pelagic creatures. Moreover, the macro life is plentiful, too. Notably, Toyapakeh has a gentle drift that can become stronger depending on the sea conditions.
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MANTA POINT
Manta Point is not only a dive site, it’s a destination with a breathtaking journey. As we head towards Manta Point, we will have views of gigantic cliffs and private beaches inaccessible [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] by land. Manta Point is world-famous for its almost daily Manta sightings. Because of the mass amounts of plankton in the water, the chances of bumping into a few Mantas are high. Plankton is their primary food source, so you don’t need to worry. The dive site consists of 3 main cleaning stations where the Mantas will generally be found. Smaller cleaner fish will remove parasites from the Manta bodies whilst they put on a dancing show for us. Sandy patches and soft coral make the dive site topography where you will find stingrays and other reef fish. Notably, you can expect surge during your dives at Manta point due to its geographic position.
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MANTA BAY
Before arriving at Manta Point we will pass a bay that is closer to our dive center, called Manta Bay. Because of the high concentration of Plankton within the bay, there’s a good chance [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”] that you will encounter the Mantas. Although they are smaller than the Manta Rays of Manta Point, they are just as amazing, nonetheless. Fortunately, this dive site has Manta activity all year round, too. The bottom composition is mostly covered in sand, however, there are small parts of reef that can be explored. Besides Manta spotting, we can also observe Wobegon Sharks, Bamboo Sharks, and maybe even spinner Dolphins, if we are lucky.
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LEMBONGAN BAY
Lembongan bay has been dubbed as the perfect dive site for training due to its shallower depths and calm conditions. Nevertheless, Lembongan Bay is not only just a training site, [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]it is also a great location for night diving, too. The dive site is located just off the beach on Nusa Lembongan Island, making its a close boat journey away. You can expect a bottom topography of sand and larger coral bommies as well as different reef gardens to explore. Coral propagation is big on the Island and it happens at Lembongan Bay making it a great place to learn. Notably, the maximum depth is 10metres which again, makes it perfect for beginner divers or even photographers.
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NORTH PENIDA
The North Coast of Nusa Penida is a drift divers fantasy come to life. With a coastline stretching for several kilometers, it truly is a great place to visit if you love drift diving. Buyuk, Sental, [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]SD, and Pura Ped are a few of the dive sites we will have the pleasure of exploring. All the mentioned dive sites start at shallow depths with abundant coral and reef fish of many species. Depending on your certification level, we will descend further down the sloping reef and follow the current as we go. Drift diving is available for all levels of diver, from beginners to professionals, everyone is invited to enjoy the experience. Whilst drifting along, you may encounter the elusive Mola Mola, especially from June – October, as well as other pelagic creatures. North Penida is full of marine life of all shapes and sizes, so keep your eyes peeled.
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GAMAT BAY
Gamat Bay is a little gem that lies in-between Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh, which looks onto Nusa Ceningan Island. It truly represents a postcard with its empty white sand beach and palm [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]tree-littered jungle in the background. Gamat Bay has pristine, clear waters that look down into a variety of reef gardens, waiting for us to explore. Having said that, it’s a popular spot for snorkelers to enjoy the marine life that swims closer to the surface. Not only will snorkelers enjoy the bay, but scuba divers alike will get a kick from what lies beneath. Once you move away from the shelter of the bay, the reef slopes down to 15metres and below. Upon exiting the bay, we may encounter strong currents and cold thermoclines of below 20º C . lucky for us, this is the perfect temperature for Mola spotting between the months of June – October.
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BLUE CORNER
For all the adventure seekers out there, pay attention, this one is for you! Blue Corner is known to be one of the most exciting and daring dive sites available on the Island. [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]Therefore, it is only suitable for divers with experience in trickier diving conditions. Thermoclines become present as we descend down the multiple slopes of reef until reaching a covered area at about 25metres. Mola and other pelagic creatures join us whilst drifting toward the overhang, located on the corner of the wall. On arrival at this sheltered part of the reef, the beauty it beholds will certainly mesmerize you.
If you are an Open Water Diver or aren’t a big fan of strong currents, no worries. You can still enjoy the shallower reef of Blue Corner. We must remember that Mola occasionally swims up closer to the surface of the ocean. Keep a lookout for one of them, and of course, other great marine species, too.[/read]
MANGROVE
The Mangrove dive site is located on the Northern tip of Nusa Lembongan Island overlooking the Mangrove forest. Having a dive site located opposite a Mangrove forest [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]is beneficial as it provides many helpful nutrients to the reef. Because of this, we know the Mangrove as one of the healthiest reefs amongst the 3 surrounding Islands. As we descend into the dive site, countless species of coral and marine life will greet us. The slope is gentle and gradually drops to around 25metres. Moreover, this is one of the best drift dive sites available to us and is suitable to all diver levels. It truly is an underwater experience of a lifetime. Marine life scatter the depths in all directions. From pelagic to macro species, the Mangrove has it all. Furthermore, snorkelers love exploring this spot. In fact, it is likely the best snorkeling location in the region.
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MIMPANG
Our voyages are not only limited to the close-by region of Nusa Penida but also Padang Bay in Bali. A collection of three rocks known as Gili Mimpang facing Padang Bay is a dive site with [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]varying conditions. Because of its position, the currents that flow from the Lombok strait can make it tricky. Therefore, we only recommended that divers with experience sign up for these dives. From the months of August – October there is a good chance that you will encounter Mola Mola. However, Gili Mimpang is most famous for common sightings of schooling white tip reef Sharks, and Wobegong Sharks, too.
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BLUE LAGOON
Introducing the most visited and the favorite amongst all the dive sites at Padang Bay, Blue Lagoon. In saying that, it is the perfect location for both beginner divers as well as [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]those with more experience. Underwater photographers love to capture the rare species that are found at Blue Lagoon dive site. These species include; blacktop reef sharks, Rinhopias Scorpionfish, Ghost pipefish, Spanish dancers, and more. Let’s not forget the countless other reef fish, and maybe even sea turtles, too. Dive schools take student divers who are taking part in a PADI dive course here due to the calmer waters. Consequently, it is the perfect place to practice and enhance your skills.
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TEPEKONG
On the East Coast of Bali, facing Padang Bay lies a rocky outcrop called Tepekong. This dive site is both thrilling, as well as incredibly beautiful. On that note, be prepared to experience [read more=”Read more” less=”Read less”]strong currents and rather unpredictable diving conditions. Experience is key to handling the drift that is almost guaranteed to happen at depth. Marine life most commonly seen at Tepekong include; Giant Trevally, Tuna, Bump head parrotfish, and many other pelagic creatures, too. We must also remember that it is possible to dive with Mola from the months of August – late October.
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DIVE SITES – NUSA PENIDA & NUSA LEMBONGAN
THE CORAL TRIANGLE & DIVE SITES NUSA PENIDA
The Coral Triangle is the term that refers to a widespread geographic area connecting separate countries. These countries include; Timor Leste, Solomon Island, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The area is known as the global center of marine biodiversity. Notably, each ecoregion is home to more than 500 species of reef-building corals. Additionally, this area covers 5.7 million kilometers of ocean and helps sustain the lives of more than 120 million people. The Coral Triangle is known as the “Amazon of the seas”, and for good reason. Due to its vast amount of biological resources, it has been officially classified as a worldwide priority of marine conservation. Marine conservation organizations including WWF are aware of the threat this area faces and have made saving it a priority. Sadly, fishing exports, and coastal tourism revenues, are drastically affecting one of the few remaining marine life sanctuaries.
