Scuba diving in Lombok, Indonesia
Lombok offers a unique and exciting experience for both novice and experienced divers. Located just east of Bali, Lombok's pristine waters boast an incredible diversity of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, turtles, sharks, rays, and schools of fish. Here is some information about scuba diving in Lombok:
Best scuba diving spots for experienced divers:
- Belongas Bay: This dive site is known for its strong currents and big fish sightings, including hammerhead sharks and barracudas.
- Gili Islands: The three Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) offer a variety of dive sites suitable for experienced divers, with opportunities to spot reef sharks, turtles, and large schools of fish.
- South Lombok: Sekotong and Gerupuk Bay are popular dive sites in South Lombok, known for their coral gardens and diverse marine life, including macro critters like seahorses and nudibranchs.
Best scuba diving spots for beginners:
- Gili Islands: The calm and clear waters around the Gili Islands make them an ideal spot for beginners. Dive sites like Shark Point and Turtle Heaven offer the chance to see reef sharks and sea turtles up close.
- Senggigi: Located in West Lombok, Senggigi is a popular area for beginner divers with several dive sites that feature easy conditions and shallow depths, allowing divers to get comfortable in the water while spotting colorful fish and coral.
Marine life:
Lombok's waters are home to an abundance of marine life, including over 350 species of reef-building corals and thousands of fish species. Divers can spot turtles, sharks, rays, cuttlefish, octopuses, and an array of colorful reef fish. Lombok is also known for its macro life, including rare and exotic critters like ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses.
Dive conditions:
The dive conditions in Lombok are generally good year-round, with water temperatures averaging 26-29°C (79-84°F). Visibility ranges from 15-30 meters (50-100 feet) depending on the dive site and weather conditions. Currents can be strong at some dive sites, making them more suitable for experienced divers.
Cost:
The cost of diving in Lombok varies depending on the dive operator and the type of dive. A single dive can cost anywhere from $30 to $80 USD, while dive packages and courses can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It's important to choose a reputable dive operator that prioritizes safety and sustainability.
