With over 18,000 islands and the largest coral reef system in the world, Indonesia is a dream for divers. But the abundance of diving locations can be a double-edged sword. The challenge isn’t finding great spots; it’s choosing the right one.
For divers, the fear of missing out on the best diving spots can be real, especially when the options are endless.
Instead of wasting time on less-than-ideal sites, let us guide you to the cream of the crop. In this article, we’ve narrowed down the top 8 diving destinations in Indonesia, with the most rewarding underwater landscapes this beautiful country has to offer.
Ready to discover the best of what Indonesia’s seas hold?
Table of Content
Indonesia’s Best Diving Spots
1. Komodo National Park
With it’s strong flowing currents and mostly year-round dry weather, Komodo National Park and the Komodo islands are our top pick for diving in Indonesia. Manta Rays can be seen here year-round, alongside some other giants like various whale species.
Komodo is also known for lots of Frogfish, a macro photographers dream subject. Above water too, the rugged dry grassy savannah landscape and giant Komodo Dragons will astound you.
2. Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat is on every diver’s bucket list. Located in the heart of the coral triangle, this place literally has the highest marine biodiversity in the world. A single trip here can have divers tick off most of the species they have always wanted to see.
Manta cleaning stations are a plenty, as are the smaller things like Pygmy Seahorses. It’s remote so you need a bit more time to get here, but the effort is well and truly rewarded.
3. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is an island just 22 km from Bali. It’s just a short 45-minute boat ride to arrive at a location wi45-minuteeally amazing diving. At the right time of year cold southern current upwellings bring the Mola Mola or Giant Sunfish up into recreational diving depths.
The famous Crystal Bay dive site is one of the best places to see these amazing creatures, and a stunning below and above water dive location in its own. In addition, there are another 21 dive sites around the island, including Manta Point, a reliable site for viewing the gentle giants.
4. Lembeh Strait
Nusa Located on the east side of the tip of North Suleweisi, the Lembeh Strait is world famous as one of the best macro diving destinations in the world. If you are into small critters, and especially if you are a macro photographer then this is one place you cannot miss.
Dark sandy bottoms make the perfect contrast for macro subject photography. And even if you are not a photographer, then you can enjoy this place by slowing down, focusing in and being amazed at the tiny little microcosm that these creatures exist in unbeknown to most people in the world.
5. Wakatobi
The islands of Wakatobi National Park lie on the eastern side of Southern Sulewasi. This place really looks like every ideal post card photo of a paradise tropical islands. With over 100 in the area, they all have white sand beaches, palm trees and pristine coral reefs awaiting you.
The main islands being Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia and Binongko can be explored either by liveaboard or from the Wakatobi dive resort. There are some truly spectacular drop offs and walls in this region, and all the reef is very well preserved.
6. The Gili Islands
The Gili islands come in at our number 6 spot. Made up of 3 islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, each island has its own character.
Though they are so close that most of the dive sites are shared and can be dived from any of the islands that you stay on.
As a basic guide for the island culture itself, Gili Trawangan is the overcrowded party island, Gili Meno is the laid back but upscale island, and Gili Air is the sparsely populated family island.
Under the surface you can expect some decent current due to its proximity to the Lombok Strait, although there are some sites that are also nice and calm.
The area has a few wrecks and lots and lots of turtles.
As another little bonus if you want to go for a snorkel there is a cool little collection of underwater statues that the Bask beach club and resort have sunk just off the beach in front of their place on the west side of Gili Meno.
7. Bunaken National Marine Park
The Gili Bunaken National Marine Park is a good year-round diving choice. The collection of islands is sheltered by the mainland of North Sulawesi, allowing decent conditions no matter what month of the year you want to dive.
Dive sites in the area take in Manado Bay, as well as the five main islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen.
Head to the southern mangroves for a chance to see dugongs, something a bit rarer that divers don’t encounter that often in other places in the world.
Schooling fish are also plentiful on most dive sites which are a real treat for those underwater.
8. Bali
Bali has to be the most iconic of Indonesia’s holiday destinations and also has the highest density of dive shops.
The most popular dive spots around the island are Padang Bai, Amed, Pemuteran, Menjangan Island and Tulamben. Probably the most famous and the top pick of these is the USS Liberty wreck in Tulamben.
The 1942 World War 2 shipwreck was once beached on the shores of Tulamben, before a volcanic eruption in 1963 swept it out to its current location under the sea. In the 60 years that have passed, the wreck has become an oasis for marine life and coral growth.
TL;DR – Which One is Indonesia’s Best Diving Spots?
- Komodo National Park stands out for its strong currents and opportunities to see Manta Rays and whale species year-round.
- Raja Ampat, located in the heart of the coral triangle, boasts the highest marine biodiversity in the world, making it a must-visit destination for divers seeking to tick off many species from their list.
- Nusa Penida, just 22 km from Bali, is famous for Mola Mola sightings, with dive sites like Crystal Bay offering stunning underwater views.
- The Lembeh Strait is world-renowned for macro diving, with dark sandy bottoms providing the perfect backdrop for photographing tiny, fascinating critters.
- Wakatobi is a pristine paradise, offering over 100 islands with crystal-clear waters and pristine coral reefs, ideal for those looking for a true tropical island experience.
- The Gili Islands, made up of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, offer diverse dive sites, abundant turtle sightings, and even a collection of underwater statues to explore.
- Bunaken National Marine Park, located in North Sulawesi, offers year-round diving and opportunities to see rare species like dugongs, alongside abundant schooling fish.
- Finally, Bali, one of Indonesia’s most iconic destinations, features famous dive sites like the USS Liberty wreck, a World War II shipwreck that has become a thriving oasis for marine life.
