Dive into the spectacular world of Indonesia’s underwater treasures, home to some of the most diverse and fascinating marine life on the planet. With more than 17,000 islands and crystal clear tropical waters, Indonesia offers a diving experience like no other. In this guide, we’ll explore the best dive locations, best times to visit, and travel tips to make your diving adventure in Indonesia a reality.
First on the list, Pulau Weh diving is fantastic destination followed by Komodo National Park, is undeniably the best diving spot in Indonesia. Offering a mix of vibrant coral reefs, pelagic species and stunning underwater topography, Komodo National Park is a must-visit diving location.
The best dive spots include Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Manta Point, but Komodo provides dozens of amazing dive sites. The best time to dive is between April and November during the dry season when the weather is most suitable for diving. Diving in the rainy season in Komodo is not ideal due to poor visibility, but it is also the time when the Manta ray migration takes place.
To reach Komodo, you can fly to the city of Labuan Bajo from Bali or Jakarta. Labuan Bajo is a small city so the journey there is very fast.
To dive in Komodo, there are two options: on land at dive centers and dive resorts or by liveaboard. Either way, they are absolutely stunning and whatever you choose will work perfectly. It all depends on what you like.
Third is Raja Ampat, Known as the “Crown Jewel” of diving destinations in Indonesia, Raja Ampat is a marine paradise with more than 1,500 species of fish and 500 species of coral. You won’t go wrong choosing a dive site in Raja Ampat.
Some of the best dive sites in Raja Ampat are Tanjung Kri, Blue Magic, and Manta Sandy, but just like Komodo, Raja Ampat also has dozens of other dive sites. Raja Ampat is divided into three different regions, namely the central, northern and southern parts. Choosing your itinerary is key to Raja Ampat.
The best time to visit Raja Ampat is between October and April, as opposed to diving in Komodo. That’s when the sea is calm and visibility is best.
To reach it, divers must fly to Sorong via Jakarta, Bali or Makassar, then take a boat to Raja Ampat. Submarine diving is the best in Raja Ampat, but there are also several dive resorts located mostly in the Central area.
Next up, Bali With iconic shipwrecks, thriving coral reefs and diverse marine life, Bali is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The best dive sites are USAT Liberty Wreck, Crystal Bay, and Manta Point Nusa Penida, but there are also other dive sites.
Diving is best all year round, but the best conditions occur from April to November, just like Komodo National Park.
Direct flights to Bali are available from many international airports, making it Indonesia’s most convenient dive destination.
Nusa Penida is by far the highlight of diving in Bali as it is where divers can enjoy the best coral reefs and of course the majestic Manta Rays.
Indonesia has many more diving destinations: Maumere, the Banda Sea, Bunaken, and we are sure there are many more yet to be discovered. Aside of underwater, Indonesia has also magnificent land tour. Sumatra wildlife tour is one of the best overland tour in Indonesia.
