Indonesia, an island in South East Asia, is the world’s largest area with a group of islands around in the forms of rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. Also known as the largest archipelagic. It is a country with diverse culture, beauty, beautiful beaches, a variety of seafood, and underwater activities to be explored. It is a must-visit tourist destination, especially in Asia. Tourists from Asian countries visit Indonesia for diving activities, for which it is famous. Divers love Indonesia for its crystal-clear waters and beaches with unique marine species and affordable diving options at various locations. Though diving is also a sport where you jump into the water from a height or a springboard, sea diving is an experience where you dive into waters and explore sea life. This blog has marked up some of the Best Diving Spots in Indonesia that you can add to your bucket list.

What is the Best Time to visit Indonesia for diving?

Indonesia, a sea diving hub, is well-known for its beaches that offer crystal-clear water, rich flora and fauna, and vibrant marine life. It is all-time tourist-friendly, weather makes it a go-to place anytime. However, the best month to visit the places in Indonesia is during the dry season, which lasts from April to October.
November to March is often a wet season, where you can experience low to heavy rainfall. Sea diving and traveling to different places is challenging during that time, especially diving, where it’s difficult to see marine activities and the sea is not calm either.

Best Dive Sites In Indonesia

1. Bali

Location: Indonesia

Bali, also known as the Land of Gods, is known for its beautiful beaches, landscapes, culture, and heritage. It is also known for its traditional spirituals. Having said its stunning beaches, it has vast tourist attractions for diving. It is the most popular scuba diving destination in the world. Best place for photographers for underwater shoots. It has colorful marine life and coral reefs. A vast variety of species can be found under the water. Spots like Liberty Shipwreck, Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Eels Garden, and Drop Off are popular amongst divers. The best season to dive in Bali is during the dry season, between April and October. If one wishes to experience seeing the Manta Rays, April and May are the best months to dive. To experience adventure with culture, this is a must-visit destination for divers.

2. Raja Ampat

Location: Northwest Tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula, at West Papua, Indonesia

Raja Ampat is a coral island known for its Marine life and Beaches. Raja Ampat means 4 Kings. It is also known as the 4 kings land. It is a very famous diving spot in Indonesia. Foremost divers come to this spot for diving. Even a beginner can dive into the beautiful marine life with experienced divers. Raja Ampat has its original beauty as it is, still untouched by human efforts, which gives it a more special place for divers to explore. At Raja Ampat, one can find around 530 coral species. It is said to be more than 75% of the world’s coral species.  All types of species, like water snakes, dolphins, whales, and sharks, can be found here. To explore Raja Ampat peacefully, you need at least 4-5 days. Good stay options like resorts are available here. Raja Ampat is a dream island for divers. One must surely visit this place.

3. Komodo National Park

Location: Border region East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

Komodo National Park consists of 3 major islands: Komodo, Padar, and Rinca. Apart from these, there are many other smaller islands as well. If one wishes to go diving, then Komoda Island is the best. It has many famous diving spots. Like Raja Ampat, this place is well known for its rich marine culture. It is a good spot for experienced as well as beginners to dive. The water at Komoda is clear. Apart from the regular coral life, you may find surgeon fish and giant sea fans on this Island. Preferably visit this place between April and June when water temperatures are expected. Between July to September water temperature becomes slightly more relaxed. It is a unique underwater experience for you.

4. Lombok

Location: West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Lombok is a famous Island for its beautiful beaches and surfing spots. Best known spot for Scuba Diving among divers. Apart from this, there are many tourist spots as well to visit. This is one of the Best Diving Spots in Indonesia, suitable for all types of divers, that is, beginners and experienced ones. On the west coast of Lombok is the famous diving spot in Gili Island.  One can experience seeing manta rays, sharks, dolphins, pipefish, leaffish, angelfish cuttlefish, etc. Stretches of beautiful coral reefs can also be seen here. Also, the beach is not crowded at all due to it’s remote location. You can visit this spot during two seasons only. One is Between May to Oct and Nov to April.

5. Banda Islands

Location: Eastern part of Indo-Malayan

In Maluku Province, is the Banda Sea. Many tourists and divers visit this Island for diving. The Banda Sea has a very colorful underwater world and coral reefs. To explore marine life, the only way is to use Liveaboards. Liveaboards are boats designed to live in the seas. Each dive site has something different to offer, so the help of Liveaboards is a must. One can explore various types of whales, hammerhead sharks, and dolphins. One can also experience seeing seahorses, frogfishes, rhinoplasty, and many other big and small water creatures. Spots like Batu Kapal, Pombo Boi, Koon, Karang Hatta, Manuk, and Gunung Api are famous for diving.  One can visit during springtime, that is, March- April. You can also visit during autumn time, that is, September to December. The Banda Sea offers an unforgettable diving experience.

6. Tulamben Bay

Location: North East Coast of Bali

Tulamben Bay is an Island in Bali. It is a small village known for its fishing. It has a beautiful marine life. Apart from coral reefs, one can experience a variety of rare nudibranchs, species like Costasiella, coerce, branches, or doto donut nudibranch. Also, you can see pipefish, leaf scorpionfish, frogfish, etc. Many macro creatures are also there. One can get good stay options like homestay, Liveaboards, and resorts at Tulamben Bay. The best duration to visit for diving is April to Jun. However, people do see this spot year-round. Tulamben Bay is the best diving spot for photographers to capture underwater marine life.

7. Maratua, Derawan Islands

Location: Off the north coast of east Kalimantan

With diversity in marine life, many micro and macro creatures can be experienced on this Island. It is home to a variety of hard and soft corals.  Spots like Jetty Dive, Turtle Traffic Mid Reef, Eel Garden, Hanging Garden, Cabbages Coral, and The Channel can be used for diving. Diving is open all year round, but the best time to dive at Maratua is between March and October. Water temperatures are apparent during this period. If one wishes to taste what diving is all about, visiting Maratua Island is a must.

8. Pulau Weh, Weh Island

Location: Located on the northern tip of Sumatra

Pulau Weh in Aceh Sumatra is one of the best dive sites in Indonesia for scuba dive lovers. This spot is also tucked away in a remote location, so you may be the only group of divers. The water looks greenish but is crystal clear, allowing you to encounter many small marine species like colorful fish, vibrant corals, and unique sea creatures. If you’re lucky, you may see reef sharks, giant trevally, and even the occasional whale shark passing through – it’s the stuff divers’ dreams are made of!

9. Nusa Penida Island

Location: Southeast of Bali, Klungkung regency

Nusa Penida island is located southeast of Bali in the district Klungkung Regency, which is separated by Bali by Bading Strait. The best way to spend quality time is by taking a day tour. You will travel via speed boat during the tour, including hotel transfers and an Island entry fee. The Island is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and sea, making it a perfect place enveloped by hills and water. You can experience diving and hiking at the same time. There are a few points on the Island where you can even enjoy snorkeling with sunset. You can even rent a scooter there to have your own leisure time.

10. Togian Islands

Location: Gulf of Tomini

Togian Island is one of the 56 Islands in the Gulf of Tomini. The Island is a hidden gem that still needs to be explored by many. This unexplored Island is a nostalgic affair that can awaken your adventurer and explorer. The tropical paradise is full of versatility that can only extravagant your diving experience. One specific place that could be named here for snorkeling is Bomba Wall, where you can explore small caves & cavities, and reef houses. Another one is Bomber Plane, where you can try a wreck dive.

Conclusion

If a diver is hunting for adventure and the best diving experience, Indonesia offers the best. You will always crave to come to this Island in the Southern East part of Asia again and again at least once a year. Diving in Indonesia is always adventurous, whether you choose Bali to explore the underwater world or Lombok to encounter the marine species, including the big whale sharks and dolphins.

So, whether you are a beginner diver or an experienced one, these are the best places to dive in Indonesia, where you can explore fantastic underwater worlds, see colorful fish and coral reefs, and have unforgettable adventures.