Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida - Day Diving & Dive Sites
Indonesia, an archipelago boasting over 17,000 islands, is a diver’s paradise. Located in the famous ‘Coral Triangle’, it has an abundance of varied marine life that makes it one of the world’s must-dive destinations. And the water around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida encapsulate all that is great about the region.
There is a genuinely awe-inspiring array of underwater life to see. Turtles, stingrays, octopus, barracuda, trevally, snapper, pufferfish, and schools of reef fish are regular sights while seasonal or occasional visits are made by mola-mola, dolphins, whaleshark, threshers, eagle rays, tuna, frog fish, seahorses. There is so much to catch the eye.
And the joy of our Lembongan base is that all the best sites are no more than 15-30 minutes sailing away. This means more time in the water and less time getting there. Notable sites such as Crystal Bay, which is frequented by divers eager to spot mola-mola (ocean sunfish); Manta Point, whose name speaks for itself as somewhere these graceful giants glide around in the stunning underwater topography; and Toyapakeh where the colourful coral gardens play home to an abundance of marine species are literally on our doorstep.
Our dive centre is very close to the iconic Yellow Bridge which links Nusa Lembongan with Nusa Ceningan. It has an on-site bar with a beautiful view of the channel and is equipped with all the diving gear and safety equipment you could need. Some of most amazing marine life in the world inhabit these waters and we can have you out and enjoying them in a matter of minutes….
Emperor Divers Lembongan priovides unrivalled access to the delights of the Coral Triangle.
- Year-round warm waters with excellent visibility, diving conditions in Indonesia are exceptional. Water temperatures typically range from 26°C to 29°C.
- All recreational diving includes; PADI dive guide, full equipment rental inc. SCUBAPRO regulators, BCDs & full-length wetsuits, with refreshments on the boat.
- Packages to include multiple days of diving and accommodation are available.
- The diving is generally suited to all levels. Conditions vary from easy to challenging with moderate current and drift dives, although sites that are known for strong currents are reserved for experienced divers only. Our dives are planned around forecasts for each site so will vary depending on conditions.
Day Trips
The sites around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan need to be seen to be believed! We feel safe in saying they will bring you some of the most incredible dives you will ever experience. These are some of the highlights but we visit the sites on a rotational basis depending on conditions and activity. More information on the wide range of sites we visit can be found on the map below:
- Crystal Bay: Prized for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, Crystal Bay is frequented by divers eager to spot mola molas (ocean sunfish) during the season.
- Manta Point: Another hotspot for manta ray sightings, Manta Point in Nusa Penida offers mesmerizing encounters with these graceful giants amidst stunning underwater topography.
- Toyapakeh: Featuring colorful coral gardens and an abundance of marine species, Toyapakeh is ideal for both novice and experienced divers seeking vibrant underwater landscapes.
- SD: Named after the local primary school (Sekolah Desar), this site will offer some of the best drift diving of your life! The changing currents make it so exciting as you explore the long and vibrant coral reef.
- Mangrove: Also known as Sakenan, this Lembongan site is in nutrient-rich waters and has a thriving ecosystem which delivers a diverse array of corals and abundant marine life, making it one of the most stunning dive sites in the area.
Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida Dive Sites
Click dive site markers for detailed descriptions. Some dive sites may only be visible on zooming out.
Dive sites & areas that we may visit are subject to weather conditions and may involve additional charges.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is one of Bali’s most renowned diving sites, especially popular during the July to October Sunfish season. The dive site earns its name from the incredible ‘crystal’ visibility, reaching up to 50 meters on the best days. The bay itself forms a horseshoe-shaped coral reef surrounding a white sandy, sloping bottom. Here, divers can encounter a stunning variety of marine life, including Batfish, Sea Snakes, leaf blower wrasse, and flounder. The area boasts impressive soft and hard corals, such as giant table corals, making it an ideal location for dive training due to its protected waters.
Venturing outside the bay’s sheltered area, alongside a small island, divers will find a shelf and a deep wall. The strong currents in this region bring nutrient-rich waters that support vibrant, healthy coral and abundant marine life. This is where the elusive Mola Mola (Sunfish) can be seen being cleaned by Bannerfish and Moorish Idol. Divers might also spot reef sharks, octopus, nudibranchs, and, with a keen eye, even frogfish or seahorses.
Manta Bay Nusa Penida
Manta Bay offers generally easy conditions, though occasional surges can occur. The manta rays here are typically juveniles that come to feed, the site is believed by the Marine Megafauna Foundation to be a nursery for young manta rays, not yet ready to mate. The plankton-rich waters along the limestone coast attract mantas year-round.
The site features a shallow bay with a mix of sandy and coral bottoms, with a maximum depth of about 18 meters. Most of the dive is spent at shallower depths, where you can closely observe the mantas as they feed and sometimes perform for the divers.
Venturing deeper, you can explore gullies and swim-throughs in search of bamboo sharks, wobbegong sharks, and turtles, which are commonly spotted here.
Manta Point Nusa Penida
Manta Point is an exhilarating dive site, though strong currents and big waves mean it isn’t always accessible. A thrilling 45-minute boat ride along dramatic limestone cliffs, reminiscent of a Jurassic Park set, brings you to this incredible location.
Manta Point offers year-round opportunities to encounter enchanting manta rays. The main attraction is a cleaning station formed by a large rock at a shallow depth of 5 meters. The plankton-rich waters attract mantas that circle above, waiting to be cleaned, often swooping in for a closer look at divers. It’s not uncommon to see ‘manta trains’ here, part of the courting ritual of adults, sometimes with up to 30 mantas in one dive!
Venturing into slightly deeper waters may reward you with sightings of nurse sharks, bamboo sharks, numerous blue-spotted stingrays, and during Mola Mola season, the elusive sunfish.
Gamat Bay
Gamat Bay is one of the smallest dive sites around the islands, offering unique charm and a chance to escape from strong currents thanks to its shallow depths. The bay features a sandy bottom adorned with an abundance of beautiful soft corals, gorgonians, and table corals. Divers can enjoy exploring this underwater haven, searching for invertebrates, nudibranchs, and other macro marine life—a true wonderland for photographers.
As you venture out of the bay and onto the steep slope, you’ll encounter large coral bombies and stronger currents. These conditions attract larger marine life, including schools of surgeonfish and batfish, along with reef sharks and turtles. During the season, there’s a good chance of spotting the elusive Mola Mola at depth.
Ceningan Wall
This spectacular wall dive plunges to an astounding depth of 170 meters. The nutrient-rich waters, fed by nearby mangroves and the deep channel, nourish a thriving ecosystem of healthy corals and diverse marine life. As an advanced dive site, it truly reveals its wonders at greater depths and often features strong currents, rewarding experienced divers with a unique and breathtaking experience unlike any other in the area. Drifting along the wall, you’ll discover an abundance of invertebrates, octopuses, and nudibranchs nestled in its crevices. Gazing out into the deep blue, it’s common to spot reef sharks, bull rays, eagle rays, mola mola (in season) and occasional hammerheads.
Toyapakeh
Toyapakeh, meaning “Salt Water” in Balinese, is renowned as one of the most rewarding dive sites around the islands. From the moment you descend, you’ll understand why—schools of fish surround you, and the site’s spectacular topography unfolds before your eyes. The shallow bay, adorned with an array of hard and soft corals, provides a serene haven shielded from the swift currents of the Ceningan Channel. This tranquil environment allows divers to discover scorpionfish, orangutan crabs, mantis shrimp, blue ribbon eels, and fascinating nudibranchs.
Venturing deeper towards the channel, you’ll drift along a steep slope, gliding past large coral formations. You’ll encounter schools of red-toothed triggerfish, unicorn fish, jackfish, and batfish. Keep an eye out for the impressive barracuda and giant trevally. Typically, the current runs north along the dive site, creating an excellent drift dive. However, conditions can vary, offering a more adventurous dive with shifting directions. On a lucky day, as you descend further down the slope, you might spot larger pelagics such as Mola Mola and eagle rays.
Toyapakeh Wall
This dive site offers a stunning wall dive experience. Beginning at a depth of 5 to 15 meters, the site features a vibrant coral plateau before plunging into a deep wall and the vast expanse of the open ocean. The constant current along the wall provides an exhilarating dive for those with more experience.
The nutrient-rich waters support a thriving ecosystem of both hard and soft corals, teeming with marine life. As you drift along the wall, you’ll discover invertebrates nestled in the cracks, along with sightings of giant moray eels and octopuses. Schools of sweetlips, red-toothed triggerfish, and batfish are common, and you might even encounter blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, groupers, barracudas, and sometimes Mola Mola. On rare occasions, lucky divers have spotted oceanic mantas gliding through the deep channel.
Sakenan
Sakenan, also known as Mangrove or Jack's Point, is a dive site located near the mangrove forest to the northeast of Nusa Lembongan. The nutrient-rich waters and thriving ecosystem have fostered a diverse array of corals and abundant marine life, making this one of the most stunning dive sites in the area. The reef’s health and beauty are unmatched.
The currents here vary from calm to very fast, but unlike the other drift dives around the island, this site features a gently sloping reef. This makes it an ideal spot for divers of all levels and a popular destination for snorkelers. Divers can explore a multitude of table corals, anemones, and small bommies teeming with mantis shrimp, nudibranchs, and frogfish.
Additionally, the site is renowned for sightings of giant pufferfish, barracuda, and giant trevally. Occasionally, a reef shark or turtle will join divers, adding to the excitement of the dive.
Blue Corner
This dive site lives up to its name, offering divers the thrill of spotting impressive pelagics in the open blue waters. Ideal for experienced divers, this site promises an exhilarating experience that never disappoints. The dive begins with a series of current-swept terraces, leading around a corner to a dramatic, deep vertical wall. The spectacular topography is complemented by the abundant marine life, including schools of snapper and jacks, large napoleon wrasse, big tuna, eagle rays, marble rays, turtles and reef sharks.
Pontoon
Nestled in the shallow waters off the coast of Jungut Batu, Pontoon offers an ideal setting for both novice divers and underwater photographers. The colourful shallows provide a pretty backdrop, showcasing a diversity of reef fish. Whether it’s your first dive or you’re honing your photography skills, Pontoon is a rewarding underwater experience.
Pura Ped
Situated along the northern coast of Nusa Penida, Pura Ped boasts a dramatic drop-off marked by a temple nestled on the shore. It stands as the second of four prime dive locations spanning this entire coastline. Ped offers divers a slightly steeper slope compared to SD, along with extensive wall diving opportunities. The currents here vary from exhilarating roller coaster rides to serene, leisurely drifts along the site.
Exploring Ped reveals stunning features including sponge barrels, exceptionally long whip corals, and vast stretches of staghorn coral. Schools of triggerfish, sweetlips, unicorn fish, and a myriad of other tropical species described in dive guides abound here. During a gentler drift, keen-eyed divers may spot orangutan crabs, nudibranchs, and leaf scorpion fish hiding amidst the coral formations.
Venturing deeper into Ped sometimes rewards divers with encounters with large pelagic creatures such as eagle rays, reef sharks, and, during the right season, Mola Mola.
Sekolah Desar (SD)
This dive site is named after the local primary school, Sekolah Desar. Along the picturesque stretch of white sandy beach, you’ll find seaweed farmers at work, while beneath the clear blue waters, a vibrant coral reef runs parallel to the shore. SD, along with the neighboring dive sites of PED, Sental, and Buyuk, forms a continuous underwater wonderland along the coast, offering some of the best drift diving in Indonesia.
The currents here vary from thrilling to completely calm, adding an element of excitement to each dive, with conditions sometimes changing mid-dive. The dive site features a moderately steep slope adorned with extensive fields of corals and sponges. Drifting along, you’ll encounter triggerfish, schools of butterflyfish, trumpetfish, angelfish, and a dazzling array of other tropical species. Turtles and sea snakes are frequent visitors, and if you peer into the deep blue, you might even spot larger pelagic creatures (keep an eye our for travelling whale sharks).
As the dive concludes, be on the lookout for the resident school of batfish—a delightful sight to enjoy during your safety stop and a perfect way to end your underwater adventure.
Sental
Sental is the third of the four dive sites that span the entire length of this coastline. Its topography closely resembles that of Ped and SD, but with a steeper slope and more clusters of large coral bombies.
Renowned for some of the best drift diving in Indonesia, Sental offers an exhilarating ride or a gentle tour past magnificent corals, depending on the day’s conditions. This site teems with schooling tropical fish, including triggerfish, batfish, and anthias. Divers can spot octopuses, giant moray eels, and beautiful ribbon eels hiding among the corals. In the deeper blue, sightings of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and the seasonal mola mola add to the thrill.
Buyuk
Buyuk, situated on the northern coast of Nusa Penida, is the fourth dive site in a series that spans the entire North Coast.The topography here is similar to the neighboring sites, characterized by its vibrant and diverse coral reefs. The strong currents at Buyuk contribute to the spectacular marine life, featuring impressive sponge barrels, long whip corals, and an array of both hard and soft corals.
When conditions are right, Buyuk offers an adventurous drift dive, sometimes at a thrilling pace. Divers can experience swirling schools of fish and a fascinating variety of macro life, provided the currents aren’t too swift. Giant Napoleon Wrasse and large Barracuda are frequent visitors, adding to the excitement of the dive. Additionally, there are rumoured sightings of Thresher Sharks at greater depths, and during the season, mola mola can also be spotted.
Sampalan
Located on the east of Nusa Penida, Sampalan boasts some of the best table corals to be found anywhere in Indonesia. Normally a drift dive from south-north, the sloping reef offers pristine coral formations with huge barrel sponges. Turtles, schooling sweetlips, bannerfish, triggerfish, angelfish and fusiliers make this one of the most colourful dives in the area.
Karang Sari
A beautiful reef dive on the quieter east coast of Penida. Hige bommies, sandy patches, seafans and a beautiful hard coral reef are found here. Palette surgeonfish (aka Dory) are found on this side of the island along with turtles, thresher sharks, cool macro finds on this mellow side of the island.
Suana Bay
Suana Dive Site presents a captivating wall dive experience where the reef plunges into the depths below. While the currents can be invigorating, a well-timed dive ensures an enjoyable exploration.
The plateau and deeper walls of Suana Dive Site teem with an abundance of macro life and vibrant reef fish. Moreover, the opportunity to encounter pelagic species in the expansive blue awaits divers.
Semaya
A beautiful reef covered in hard corals and sponges. We experience a mild drift here allowing the time to look for critters such as frogfish and leaf scorpionfish. Molas also clean here and you can eagle rays passing in the blue and occasional reef sharks.
Malibu Point
Located on the east of Nusa Penida, Malibu Point is a wonderful bay with fantastic wall dives on the outside of the bay. Start your dives in the protected waters and venture out the bay if conditions are right, returning to the bay for your safety stop.
Malibu Point has an amazing amount of macro life to be found both inside amp; outside the bay. Dolphins can also be seen playing inside, and any large pelagic life can be seen in the blue.
