10 Best Diving Spots In Indonesia You Must Explore - Updated 2023

1. Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua

Raja Ampat Islands is the top among all of Indonesia’s diving spots and arguably, one of the best dive sites in the world. It’s regarded as the best one because the islands ‘Four Kings’ cover the most diverse underwater life. You will see the arrays of wonderful coral reefs, unique wobbegong sharks (only found in the site), and the native hawksbill sea turtles. Another great feature of this diving spot is its warm temperature all through the year with great visibility. You can dive from 10 to 40 meters (32-130 feet) in depth. There are several outstanding spots you should try; Manta Ridge, Cape Kri, Manta Sandi, Farond Island and The Passage. Their natural underwater beauty is extremely captivating.

Read more about diving at Raja Ampat here.

Dive Raja Ampat

Website:Dive Raja Ampat

2. Pemuteran, Singaraja, Bali

Pemuteran is a diving spot situated in west Bali offering a still underwater view. The crystal clear water combined with the gorgeous coral reefs creates something special for diving exploration. The beautiful spot has a unique underwater Hindu temple. Other lovely sea creatures such as seahorses, lion fish, frog fish, octopus and scorpion fish can be spotted here. You will be mesmerized with these enticing marine inhabitants swarming over the temple. Dive at night to see strange tiny creatures. This spot is recommended for beginners.

3. Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara

There is no better word to describe our next location than “marvelous”; we’re talking about Komodo National Park. The huge variety of tropical fish, the multitude of outstanding coral reefs, and the manta rays are superb to behold. If you have good fortune, you’ll spot either the grey shark or the hammerhead shark. For the best diving conditions with great visibility, go in March to October. If you are willing to see a school of manta rays, just come in the rainy season (December to February). It’s regarded as the best diving spot in Indonesia beside Raja Ampat Islands and Bunaken Islands.

Komodo National Park

Website:Komodo National Park

4. Bunaken Islands, North Sulawesi

Exploring the captivating underwater world in Bunaken Islands is extremely terrific. You can spot numerous incredible sea creatures; an array of gorgeous tropical fish, various sharks (the white tip and black tip reef sharks), sea turtles, and the graceful manta rays. They swim beautifully over the most colorful reef garden on earth. The best time for diving is in the dry season (from May to October). You’ll enjoy the warm blue water with super clear visibility. There will be no regret when it comes to a Bunaken underwater discovery adventure.

5. Wakatobi Islands, South East Sulawesi

Wakatobi Islands are home to the most magnificent sea biodiversity. Although it doesn’t offer a spotting huge fish experience, the diving point in South East Sulawesi with its vivid coral reefs is undoubtedly enticing. The endemic sea creatures such as pygmy seahorse swimming around fabulous sea fan and newly discovered ghost pipefish are the highlight. You can make your own diving schedule anytime all year round, as this spot is drier than anywhere else in Indonesia. Make sure you avoid the peak season (April and May). Aside from diving exploration, don’t miss your chance to meet the local sea tribe; the Bajaus.

6. Menjangan Island, Bali

Although Menjangan Islands are no longer famous for their flat reef corals, they still hide a terrific underwater beauty. The gorgonian sea fans, the superb colorful fish, and the vibrant corals decorate the sea garden in epic ways. The diving spot located in north Bali has still current with clear visibility and warm water. Another feature you need to discover is the Anker Wreck. The ancient wooden boat can be found in the depth of 40 meters (130 feet). You need to get this wreck discovery experience. We recommend that you dive in the dry season (April to October) to avoid the monsoon.

7. Gili Islands, Lombok

The diving spot in Gili Islands is not as famous as either Bunaken or Komodo, yet, it’s still captivating for underwater exploration. The water has a constantly warm temperature ranging from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (78-86°F). The coral reefs, the colorful fish, and the green sea turtles are the main highlight. It’s recommended for beginners since the current is so light. If you crave for a challenging ambiance, try Shark Point and Deep Turbo for a shark experience. Other spots named Halik Reef, Meno Wall, and Sunset Reef are good to explore also.

8. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, Bali

“Fantastic” is the right word to describe the underwater world in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. A rare opportunity, you can be amazed by the captivating Mola-Mola; an oceanic sunfish. No wonder there are so many global divers who head to the islands for Mola-Mola sightings in August to October. This fish usually lives in the deep sea, but they appear in the shallow water during those months to get clean. Crystal Bay is the right spot to witness Mola-Mola, with another creature feature being the manta ray. The manta point in the islands is super clear and shallow, recommended for all types of divers.

9. Pulau Weh, Sumatra (from USD 17)

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This small island, with its azure waters and spellbinding underwater canyon, is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. Indeed, despite its small size it is home to dozens of different diving centres, so you’ll have little difficulty finding the perfect one for you. And when you finally do leave the waters and their beautiful schools of fish behind, the island itself is home to a host of hotels as well as natural attractions ranging from waterfalls to paradise-like sandy beaches. So, whatever your plans, a trip to this island will linger long in the memory.

While you are there, check into Pulau Weh Paradise for the perfect trip.

10. Tulamben, north-east Bali (from USD 76)

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A great option for drivers of all abilities, Tulamben is home to wreck sites just 30 meters from the shore and at depths of as little as four meters - allowing you to explore as shallow or as deep as your experience or comfort level will allow. The coral seas are also teeming with all manner of colorful and spellbinding fish. Naturally, this excellent mix of wildlife and wrecks has made the area particularly popular with divers, and a host of hotels have sprung up offering not just the usual mix of ocean views, swimming pools, and spas - but also a selection of diving and snorkeling trips.

Travel to Indonesia and experience the enticing underwater worlds

Diving in Indonesia surely gives you another perspective to what it usually called “beauty”. The abundant vibrant coral reefs, the school of multicolored tropical fish, the wild sharks, the endemic turtles are just tiny examples of the grace and splendor of the underwater world. The crystal clear water with warm temperature is the main feature of most Indonesian diving spots. Plan your underwater adventure so you will know how beautiful this country really is. We guarantee that this is the real tropical paradise you should discover.