Indonesia Diving
Discover the Underwater Wonders of the World’s Best Diving Destination
Dive into the world of Indonesia’s spectacular underwater treasures, home to some of the most diverse and mesmerizing marine life on the planet. With over 17,000 islands and crystal-clear tropical waters, Indonesia offers a diving experience like no other. In this guide, we’ll explore the top diving locations, the best times to visit, and travel tips to make your Indonesian diving adventure a dream come true.
Top Diving Locations in Indonesia
Komodo National Park
First on the list, our very own Komodo National Park, undeniably the best there can be in Indonesia diving. Offering a mix of vibrant coral reefs, pelagic species, and fascinating underwater topography, Komodo National Park is a must-visit diving location.
The top dive sites include Batu Bolong, Castle Rock, and Manta Point but Komodo provides tens more 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 wet season in Komodo is not ideal as visibility is poor but that 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 town so traveling there is quick.
For Komodo diving there are two options: either land based with the dive centers and dive resorts or with the liveaboards. Either way, it’s simply stunning and whatever you choose will work perfectly. It all depends on what you like.
Raja Ampat
Known as the “Crown Jewel” of Indonesia diving destinations, Raja Ampat is a marine paradise with over 1,500 species of fish and 500 species of coral. You simply can’t go wrong with diving in Raja Ampat. Some of the best dive sites in Raja Ampat are Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and Manta Sandy but same as Komodo, Raja Ampat provides tens and tens of other dive sites. Raja Ampat is split in three different areas, Central, North and South. Choosing your itinerary is key for Raja Ampat. The best time to visit Raja Ampat is between October and April, contrary to diving in Komodo. That’s when the seas are calm and visibility is best. To get there, divers must fly to Sorong via Jakarta, Bali, or Makassar, and then take a liveaboard to Raja Ampat. Liveaboard diving is the best for Raja Ampat but there are also a few dive resorts mainly located in the Central area.
Bali
With its iconic shipwrecks, thriving coral reefs, and diverse marine life, Bali is suitable for divers of all experience levels. The top dive sites are the USAT Liberty Wreck, Crystal Bay, and Manta Point Nusa Penida but there are other dive spots as well.
Diving is excellent year-round, but the best conditions occur from April to November, same as Komodo National Park.
Direct flights to Bali are available from many international airports, making it the most convenient Indonesia diving destination.
Nusa Penida is by far the highlight of Bali diving because that is where divers can enjoy the best coral reefs and of course the majestic Manta Rays. Indonesia diving provides significantly more destinations: Maumere, Banda Sea, Bunaken, and we are confident there are a lot more not yet discovered.
Top Diving Locations in Indonesia
Visa Requirements
Ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and a tourist visa, which is available upon arrival for most nationalities. If you plan on staying longer for Indonesia diving you can pay for Visa On Arrival and have the ability to stay in Indonesia for up to 60 days.
Airlines and Flights
Popular airlines servicing Indonesia include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, AirAsia, but there are other domestic airlines as well. Regardless, you should be careful with the flights after the booking because Indonesian airlines are notorious with last minute changes and cancellations.
Diving Insurance
Consider purchasing dive insurance and ensure you’re up-to-date with your diving certifications. Bali is a very well sourced place but Komodo and Raja Ampat for example are still largely undeveloped with limited facilities.
Diving Certification And Experience
Except if you plan on diving in Bali where the water conditions are friendly for almost all levels, you should upgrade yourself to Advanced Open Water certification and bring your dive experience to at least 40-50 dives. If you lack the certification and the experience, you will not be able to enjoy the best dive sites. Komodo especially is notorious for very strong currents and strongly enforcing the rule of advanced certification.
Choose Your Dive Operator Or Liveaboard
Indonesia diving is packed with hundreds of dive centers, dive resorts and Liveaboards. Take your time to do your research and ensure that you choose a highly professional dive operator.
Read reviews, talk to the people and ask questions until you feel confident that you are making the right choice for your Indonesia diving experience.
If you are planning to visit Bali, we strongly recommend our sister company Neptune Scuba Diving, the reviews will impress you.
In Komodo if you plan to dive with a liveaboard, our luxurious vessel Komodo Sea Dragon stands ready to welcome you.