Indonesia is consistently hailed as a diver’s paradise, with its breathtaking archipelago of over 18,000 islands and the world’s largest coral reef area, spanning 51,020 km². The country offers some of the most diverse and vibrant marine life on the planet, making it a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts.
But with so many incredible sites to choose from, how do you decide where to dive first? The sheer number of options can leave even the most experienced divers overwhelmed, wondering if they might miss out on the best spots.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve distilled the vast array of choices down to the top 8 dive spots in Indonesia, ensuring you won’t miss the most spectacular underwater experiences this country has to offer. Get ready as we count down to the ultimate diving destination.
ALSO READ : A Day in the Life of a Liveaboard Diver in Indonesia
8. Bali
The First up on our list in 8th spot is the beautiful Island of the Gods, Bali. This 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 ship wreck was actually 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.
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 mater 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.
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 close 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.
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.
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 can not 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.
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.
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.
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, along side some other giants like various whale species. The park 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.
