Scuba Diving in Kuta (Lombok), Indonesia
Kuta is a popular tourist destination located on the island of Lombok in Indonesia. The town is known for its beautiful beaches and surf spots, but it also offers some great scuba diving opportunities. Here is some information about scuba diving in Kuta, Lombok.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers:
- The Magnet: This is a popular dive site located in Belongas Bay, about an hour's boat ride from Kuta. The site features strong currents and deep waters, making it a challenging dive for experienced divers. The Magnet is known for its pelagic marine life, including schools of hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays.
- Cathedral: Another dive site located in Belongas Bay, Cathedral is known for its underwater rock formations that resemble a cathedral. The site features strong currents and deep waters, making it suitable only for experienced divers. Marine life here includes reef sharks, eagle rays, and various species of fish.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners:
- Mawun Slope: This site is located near Mawun Beach, about 30 minutes' drive from Kuta. It features a gentle slope that gradually descends to a depth of 18 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. Marine life here includes turtles, lionfish, and various species of reef fish.
- Tanjung Aan: This site is located near Tanjung Aan Beach, about 15 minutes' drive from Kuta. It features a coral reef that is home to various species of marine life, including clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. The site has a maximum depth of 12 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers.
Marine Life:
Kuta, Lombok is home to a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, turtles, sharks, and rays. Some of the marine life you may encounter while diving in Kuta include clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, reef sharks, eagle rays, and green turtles.
Dive Conditions:
Dive conditions in Kuta, Lombok are generally good all year round, with water temperatures ranging from 25-30°C (77-86°F). Visibility can vary depending on the dive site and time of year, but is generally between 10-30 meters (33-98 feet). Currents can be strong at some dive sites, making them suitable only for experienced divers.
Cost:
The cost of scuba diving in Kuta, Lombok varies depending on the dive center and the type of dive. Expect to pay around $50-$100 per dive, with discounts available for multiple dives. Some dive centers may offer packages that include equipment rental and accommodation.
