10 Best Diving Destinations in Indonesia
17,000 islands, 80,000 kilometers of coastline, 3.1 million square kilometers of territorial waters, 3,000 fish species, and 600 coral species—it all adds up to the ultimate scuba experience.
In Indonesia you’ll find excellent shallow reef diving, as well as deep wreck and wall dives. Indonesia’s crystalline waters provide pin-sharp visibility ideal for underwater wildlife encounters. Indonesia’s warm coastal waters are bustling with marine biodiversity.
To help you pick your perfect dive spot, here’s our list of ten of the best locations for scuba adventures in Indonesia.
10 Best Diving Destinations in Indonesia
17,000 islands, 80,000 kilometers of coastline, 3.1 million square kilometers of territorial waters, 3,000 fish species, and 600 coral species—it all adds up to the ultimate scuba experience.
In Indonesia you’ll find excellent shallow reef diving, as well as deep wreck and wall dives. Indonesia’s crystalline waters provide pin-sharp visibility ideal for underwater wildlife encounters. Indonesia’s warm coastal waters are bustling with marine biodiversity.
To help you pick your perfect dive spot, here’s our list of ten of the best locations for scuba adventures in Indonesia.
1. Raja Ampat, West Papua
Home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish, 13 mammal species and 700 types of molluscs, Raja Ampat is home to the highest concentration of marine diversity to be found anywhere on earth.
Expect turtles, manta rays, sharks, seahorses, tuna and trevallies to make an appearance, along with 27 species of reef fish known only to Raja Ampat. Around 75% of the world's coral species can be found here.
Raja Ampat is a living library for the world's coral reefs and a haven for marine life. The water is so clear and the coral so pristine, the area actually acts as a nursery for marine animals, re-stocking the Indian and Pacific Ocean populations of many species. This makes Raja Ampat one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world for diving.
2. Bunaken Marine Park, Sulawesi
Bunaken is an 808-hectare island fringed by coral in the Bunaken Manado Tua Marine National Park of North Sulawesi. This laid-back and leisurely corner of Indonesia is a top tourist destination, yet it has managed to maintain its authenticity and stayed true to its island soul.
The marine biodiversity here is truly extraordinary, with more than 300 types of coral and 3,000 species of fish, abundant sponges and iridescent tapestries of colourful life clinging to vertical walls. Diving in Bunaken is a little like floating through nature’s very own art gallery
3. Tulamben, Bali
The big attraction here is a WW2 shipwreck called the Liberty, perched on a coral outcrop just 50m from the shore, so close it can actually be reached by snorkeling. Dive shops have sprung up all along the coastline of Tulamben, offering discovery dives for the inexperienced, along with gear and expertise for the more scuba-savvy.
The best time to visit the wreck is at night, when torches and the full moon illuminate both the wreck and the colours of the coral that support it. A variety of animals also make this eerily beautiful wreck their home; divers can expect to come into contact with many kinds of reef fish, crustaceans, turtles, rays and even the occasional shark has been known to come cruising.
4. Lombok
Just next door to the famous Bali, Lombok holds many secrets and offers some spectacular diving to the more intrepid traveller, with untouched coral reefs and pinnacles, drop-offs, plateaus and slopes covered in fascinating corals, home to a variety of marine life, including hammerhead sharks and reef fish.
Belongas Bay offers exciting, challenging “adrenalin dives” at dive sites known as The Magnet and The Cathedral. Here you can expect to see schooling barracudas, tunas, and other pelagic life year round, along with mobula- and eagle ray during August and September. Hammerheads tend to school around the Magnet from June until early November. This is the one of only three places in the world where you can see both kinds of hammerhead sharks (the other being the Philippines and Costa Rica).
Gili Air is the second smallest of the Gili islands, and the ideal starting point if you wish to scuba dive the Gilis. The crystal clear, warm waters offer a huge variety of sea life, with something for everybody - from plenty of macro life to the big schools and pelagics. Gili Air also has a reputation for being the turtle capital of the world - giving you 95% chance of turtles on most dive sites.
The Senggigi region is the main tourist destination in Lombok and an ideal base camp for diving expeditions. From here you can easily reach the Gili Islands, enjoy the beaches and kayaking of Sengiggi itself, or take day-trips to dive the South Gili’s and Belongas Bay.
5. Derawan Islands, Northeast Kalimantan
The scuba diving and snorkelling to be found at Derawan rank among the best in Indonesia, in an environment that offers a blissful stay between trips down into the depths.
The Terrains at Derawan are diverse, ranging from walls and reefs to caverns. In addition to the turtles who share your island home, the seas around Derawan support luminous multi-coloured dumpling squids, metre-long crocodile fish, finger-sized purple sea horses, many species of worms, tunicates and dwarf scorpion fish. There’s also white tip, leopard and nurse sharks, schooling barracudas, napoleon wrasses, cuttle fish, Spanish mackerel, jacks and batfish. Plus, ornamental reef fish hang out here in record densities and diversity.
Travel between the Derawan islands is expensive and there are no ATMs, so plan accordingly. Seas around Derawan itself can get rough in January and February, limiting diving and increasing travel risks.
6. Pulau Weh, Sumatra
Pulau Weh is off the beaten track in Indonesia, offering more than just a dive trip, but a trek into the heartland of Sumatra. Part of the island itself has been declared a wildlife protection site by the Indonesian government, because it is the home to many rare species. Beneath the waves there’s an even greater abundance of exquisite marine life just waiting to be explored.
The remoteness of this Island makes the open Banda Sea all the more fascinating to dive in as the place is still bursting with vibrant and natural reef systems and a large variety of marine life yet to be exploited. This is un-crowded and un-complicated diving, in a location with lots to offer.
7. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the largest of three islands just off the south-eastern coast of Bali, the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. There are more than 20 identified dive sites dotted around the island, the most notable being Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Manta 66, Toyapakeh, Gamat Bay, Ped and SD. The rich waters around the three islands support no fewer than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish.
Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include spectacular Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish, usually visiting the area from July to October, although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience, as currents can be strong and unpredictable.
8. Banda Islands
One of the best-kept secrets of Indonesia, this little-known diving site is bursting with healthy reefs of massive hard corals, sea fans, sponges and marine wildlife of pelagics and reef fishes.
Since fishing in these islands is not as extensive as in other coastal areas, the Banda Islands are home to large sea fans and thick coral gardens. Gigantic pelagics such as spinner dolphins and cetaceans are just a few of the many of endearing visitors.
Thanks to a relatively small local population and the remoteness of the area, the Banda Islands offer divers a pristine submarine wonderland.
9. Wakatobi, Sulawesi
Dotted in the Banda Sea, the islands of Wakatobi – Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea and Binongki are Indonesia’s latest addition to a world-class lineup of diving destinations.
Rich with reefs along barriers, corals and fishes, this national park is well protected and brimming with abundant marine life. Diving here will also contribute towards local communities and support the marine park. Relatively new in the diving scene of Indonesia, the place is still practically untouched. A real gem.
10. Komodo National Park, Flores
Waters can be cold and currents can be strong in the Komodo seas; but diving in the Komodo National Park is definitely worth the thrill for its abundant marine life and sensational wildlife encounters.
Witness the dazzling kaleidoscope of colors and amazing diversity as mantas, eagle rays and pygmy seahorses harmoniously live in this submarine dwelling. Several species of dolphins, ghost pipefish, and blue-ringed octopus also regularly pass through the Komodo straits.
Known globally for its dragons, the island of Komodo also has a strong reputation for world-class diving, with plenty of monsters and primeval magic lurking in the depths.
1. Raja Ampat, West Papua
Home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish, 13 mammal species and 700 types of molluscs, Raja Ampat is home to the highest concentration of marine diversity to be found anywhere on earth.
Expect turtles, manta rays, sharks, seahorses, tuna and trevallies to make an appearance, along with 27 species of reef fish known only to Raja Ampat. Around 75% of the world's coral species can be found here.
Raja Ampat is a living library for the world's coral reefs and a haven for marine life. The water is so clear and the coral so pristine, the area actually acts as a nursery for marine animals, re-stocking the Indian and Pacific Ocean populations of many species. This makes Raja Ampat one of the most extraordinary destinations in the world for diving.
2. Bunaken Marine Park, Sulawesi
Bunaken is an 808-hectare island fringed by coral in the Bunaken Manado Tua Marine National Park of North Sulawesi. This laid-back and leisurely corner of Indonesia is a top tourist destination, yet it has managed to maintain its authenticity and stayed true to its island soul.
The marine biodiversity here is truly extraordinary, with more than 300 types of coral and 3,000 species of fish, abundant sponges and iridescent tapestries of colourful life clinging to vertical walls. Diving in Bunaken is a little like floating through nature’s very own art gallery
3. Tulamben, Bali
The big attraction here is a WW2 shipwreck called the Liberty, perched on a coral outcrop just 50m from the shore, so close it can actually be reached by snorkeling. Dive shops have sprung up all along the coastline of Tulamben, offering discovery dives for the inexperienced, along with gear and expertise for the more scuba-savvy.
The best time to visit the wreck is at night, when torches and the full moon illuminate both the wreck and the colours of the coral that support it. A variety of animals also make this eerily beautiful wreck their home; divers can expect to come into contact with many kinds of reef fish, crustaceans, turtles, rays and even the occasional shark has been known to come cruising.
4. Lombok
Just next door to the famous Bali, Lombok holds many secrets and offers some spectacular diving to the more intrepid traveller, with untouched coral reefs and pinnacles, drop-offs, plateaus and slopes covered in fascinating corals, home to a variety of marine life, including hammerhead sharks and reef fish.
Belongas Bay offers exciting, challenging “adrenalin dives” at dive sites known as The Magnet and The Cathedral. Here you can expect to see schooling barracudas, tunas, and other pelagic life year round, along with mobula- and eagle ray during August and September. Hammerheads tend to school around the Magnet from June until early November. This is the one of only three places in the world where you can see both kinds of hammerhead sharks (the other being the Philippines and Costa Rica).
Gili Air is the second smallest of the Gili islands, and the ideal starting point if you wish to scuba dive the Gilis. The crystal clear, warm waters offer a huge variety of sea life, with something for everybody - from plenty of macro life to the big schools and pelagics. Gili Air also has a reputation for being the turtle capital of the world - giving you 95% chance of turtles on most dive sites.
The Senggigi region is the main tourist destination in Lombok and an ideal base camp for diving expeditions. From here you can easily reach the Gili Islands, enjoy the beaches and kayaking of Sengiggi itself, or take day-trips to dive the South Gili’s and Belongas Bay.
5. Derawan Islands, Northeast Kalimantan
The scuba diving and snorkelling to be found at Derawan rank among the best in Indonesia, in an environment that offers a blissful stay between trips down into the depths.
The Terrains at Derawan are diverse, ranging from walls and reefs to caverns. In addition to the turtles who share your island home, the seas around Derawan support luminous multi-coloured dumpling squids, metre-long crocodile fish, finger-sized purple sea horses, many species of worms, tunicates and dwarf scorpion fish. There’s also white tip, leopard and nurse sharks, schooling barracudas, napoleon wrasses, cuttle fish, Spanish mackerel, jacks and batfish. Plus, ornamental reef fish hang out here in record densities and diversity.
Travel between the Derawan islands is expensive and there are no ATMs, so plan accordingly. Seas around Derawan itself can get rough in January and February, limiting diving and increasing travel risks.
6. Pulau Weh, Sumatra
Pulau Weh is off the beaten track in Indonesia, offering more than just a dive trip, but a trek into the heartland of Sumatra. Part of the island itself has been declared a wildlife protection site by the Indonesian government, because it is the home to many rare species. Beneath the waves there’s an even greater abundance of exquisite marine life just waiting to be explored.
The remoteness of this Island makes the open Banda Sea all the more fascinating to dive in as the place is still bursting with vibrant and natural reef systems and a large variety of marine life yet to be exploited. This is un-crowded and un-complicated diving, in a location with lots to offer.
7. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the largest of three islands just off the south-eastern coast of Bali, the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. There are more than 20 identified dive sites dotted around the island, the most notable being Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Manta 66, Toyapakeh, Gamat Bay, Ped and SD. The rich waters around the three islands support no fewer than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish.
Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include spectacular Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish, usually visiting the area from July to October, although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience, as currents can be strong and unpredictable.
8. Banda Islands
One of the best-kept secrets of Indonesia, this little-known diving site is bursting with healthy reefs of massive hard corals, sea fans, sponges and marine wildlife of pelagics and reef fishes.
Since fishing in these islands is not as extensive as in other coastal areas, the Banda Islands are home to large sea fans and thick coral gardens. Gigantic pelagics such as spinner dolphins and cetaceans are just a few of the many of endearing visitors.
Thanks to a relatively small local population and the remoteness of the area, the Banda Islands offer divers a pristine submarine wonderland.
9. Wakatobi, Sulawesi
Dotted in the Banda Sea, the islands of Wakatobi – Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea and Binongki are Indonesia’s latest addition to a world-class lineup of diving destinations.
Rich with reefs along barriers, corals and fishes, this national park is well protected and brimming with abundant marine life. Diving here will also contribute towards local communities and support the marine park. Relatively new in the diving scene of Indonesia, the place is still practically untouched. A real gem.
10. Komodo National Park, Flores
Waters can be cold and currents can be strong in the Komodo seas; but diving in the Komodo National Park is definitely worth the thrill for its abundant marine life and sensational wildlife encounters.
Witness the dazzling kaleidoscope of colors and amazing diversity as mantas, eagle rays and pygmy seahorses harmoniously live in this submarine dwelling. Several species of dolphins, ghost pipefish, and blue-ringed octopus also regularly pass through the Komodo straits.
Known globally for its dragons, the island of Komodo also has a strong reputation for world-class diving, with plenty of monsters and primeval magic lurking in the depths.
