Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida, located off the southeast coast of Bali, is a world-renowned diving destination famous for its thrilling drift dives and encounters with large pelagic life. The island's dive sites are characterized by strong, nutrient-rich currents sweeping through the Lombok Strait, which support vibrant coral reefs and a staggering abundance of marine biodiversity. This is the place to come for adrenaline-pumping dives, with key attractions being the seasonal appearances of the enigmatic Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) and the year-round presence of majestic reef manta rays at dedicated cleaning stations.

Diving conditions here are best suited for experienced divers comfortable with strong currents and potential downwellings. Water temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, dropping significantly between July and October, which coincides with the best time to see Mola Mola. With over 16 distinct dive sites offering everything from exhilarating drifts along pristine coral slopes to unforgettable big animal encounters, Nusa Penida, Indonesia, provides a raw, powerful, and immensely rewarding diving experience that draws adventurers from across the globe.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
Manta Point is unquestionably the most famous dive site in Nusa Penida, Indonesia. It is a cleaning station for majestic reef manta rays, offering divers an almost guaranteed chance to see them year-round. The site is relatively shallow, but its popularity stems from the incredible opportunity to observe these graceful giants as they effortlessly glide by, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
Well-known sites include Crystal Bay for Mola Mola sightings and SD Point for its beautiful drift dive over a healthy coral slope. For a less-crowded but equally stunning experience, visit Toyapakeh. It boasts rich coral walls and is often more sheltered from strong currents than other sites in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, offering incredible biodiversity and vibrant marine life.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
Water temperatures in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, vary significantly. From December to May, expect warmer waters around 26-29°C (79-84°F). However, from June to October, cold upwellings can cause temperatures to drop to as low as 18-24°C (64-75°F), especially at sites like Crystal Bay. These colder waters attract the famous Mola Mola.
When is the best time to visit Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
The prime diving season in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, is during the dry season from May to November. For the best chance of spotting the rare Mola Mola (ocean sunfish), plan your visit between July and October, when the water is colder. Manta rays can be reliably seen all year. Sea conditions are generally calmest from March to May.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
Underwater visibility in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, is typically excellent, often reaching 20-40 meters (65-130 feet) due to the strong currents that keep the water clear. While plankton blooms can occasionally reduce visibility, especially during the colder Mola Mola season, conditions generally remain fantastic for spotting both large pelagics and vibrant reef scenes.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
The main seasonal event in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, is the Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) season from July to October. During this time, these giants ascend from the deep to visit cleaning stations. Majestic reef manta rays are resident and can be seen year-round at Manta Point. There are no regular whale shark migrations in this specific area.
What marine life can I expect to see in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
Beyond the famous Mola Mola and reef manta rays, Nusa Penida, Indonesia, is teeming with life. Expect to see sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, giant trevallies, tuna, and barracuda. The healthy reefs are also home to Napoleon wrasse, moray eels, sea snakes, and a wide variety of macro life like nudibranchs, frogfish, and pygmy seahorses for keen-eyed divers.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
A 5mm full wetsuit is highly recommended for diving in Nusa Penida, Indonesia, year-round to protect against potential thermoclines. During the Mola Mola season (July-October), when water temperatures can drop significantly, a 5mm or even a 7mm suit with a hood and gloves is advisable for comfort, especially on deeper dives.
How do I get to Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
First, fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. From the airport, take a taxi to a harbor such as Sanur or Padang Bai. Multiple fast boat companies operate daily, scheduled trips from these harbors to Nusa Penida, Indonesia. The boat journey typically takes 30-45 minutes.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Nusa Penida, Indonesia?
Nusa Penida, Indonesia, is best experienced through shore-based diving. Numerous dive resorts and operators on the island offer daily trips to all the key sites. This provides greater flexibility and a more immersive local experience. While some liveaboards visit the area, staying on the island is the most common, practical, and recommended way to explore its underwater wonders.
All Dive Sites in Nusa Penida (16)
AmokBatu NunggulBuyukCeningan WallCrystal BayGamat BayKarang SariLabyrinthManta Bay 3 The CrackManta PointPedPmg Pura Mas GadingSampalanSdToyapakehTugu