DIVING IN INDONESIA
What to expect
Dive with giant mantas in Komodo, whale sharks in Papua, and Mola Mola in Bali. Indonesia offers unmatched, year-round access to the ocean's gentle giants.
Featured diving trips
Handpicked experiences worth checking out
Kickstart your indo adventure by getting certified early
Planning to backpack Indonesia and finally tick learning to dive off your bucket list? Pro tip: smash out your dive course right at the start of your trip. Getting certified early means you can hunt for epic dive spots across the archipelago for the rest of your travels. Imagine hanging out with sea turtles in the Gili Islands and gliding alongside massive manta rays in Nusa Lembongan. Don't just travel Indonesia, dive into it!
Get PADI-certified in Indonesia
Best diving destinations
A wide selection of recommended diving destinations.
Need help planning your diving trip?
Our travel experts can help you refine your ideas, pick the right destinations and plan your trip from start to finish.
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The best dive spots in Indonesia
Indonesia is an absolute playground of tropical islands and world-class dive sites. Here is the ultimate hit list of where you need to go:
Gili Islands: The ultimate backpacker mecca. Easy beach entries, crystal-clear water, and so many sea turtles you’ll lose count. Perfect for beginners!
Nusa Lembongan: Just a short boat ride from Bali, this is your ticket to drift dives and unforgettable encounters with majestic manta rays.
Bali: From the iconic USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben to the vibrant reefs of Menjangan Island, Bali has a dive site for every mood.
Komodo: Famous for its dragons, but legendary for its underwater currents. Expect adrenaline-fueled drift dives, thriving coral gardens, and tons of sharks.
Raja Ampat: The absolute holy grail of marine biodiversity. It is a bit of a trek to get to, but you will be rewarded with the most pristine, untouched coral reefs on Earth.
Pulau Weh: Located at the furthest northern tip of Sumatra, this hidden gem offers uncrowded waters, deep drop-offs, and a totally laid-back, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Lombok: The quieter neighbor to Bali, offering untouched reefs, pristine white beaches, and epic dive spots like the Belongas Bay "Magnet", famous for schooling hammerhead sharks.
Sulawesi: Home to Bunaken Marine Park (insane vertical walls and turtles) and the Lembeh Strait, which is the world capital for "muck diving" and weird, alien-like sea creatures.
Diver on the reef
Frequently asked questions
Because Indonesia is an massive archipelago, different areas have completely different prime seasons.
Komodo (May to September): The dry season brings calm seas, sunny weather and incredible visibility - which is just perfect.
Raja Ampat (October to April): this is for those of you who are looking for the perfect winter escape. This is when the seas in the far east of Indonesia calm down, offering perfect conditions to see some of the world's healthiest coral reefs.
Banda Sea (September–November & March–April): These shoulder months between monsoons gives you very calm, glassy waters, ideal for crossing deep seas to look for schooling hammerhead sharks.
Most dive schools are located right on the beach in backpacker hubs like Bali, Lombok, or the Gili Islands. Your "classroom" is usually an open-air bamboo pavilion overlooking the ocean, and your pool training often happens in a resort infinity pool right next to the sand. You will be learning alongside other young, international travelers, making it incredibly social. The evenings usually end with the group grabbing Bintangs (the local beer) at a beach bar.
You should go diving in Indo if you...
...want the the richest marine life on earth
Indonesia sits right in the heart of the Coral Triangle, meaning it has the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. You will swim over reefs holding 75% of the world's coral species and thousands of types of fish. It is like diving inside a perfectly maintained, hyper-colorful aquarium.
...want epic megafauna encounters
If you want to see the ocean's giants, this is the place. Indonesia offers reliable, year-round chances to glide alongside massive oceanic manta rays, swim with whale sharks, and spot the bizarre, prehistoric Mola Mola.
...want more bang for your buck
Despite offering the absolute best diving in the world, Indonesia remains incredibly budget-friendly. Whether you are looking to get your PADI certification, do daily fun dives, or jump on a multi-day liveaboard boat trip, your money goes significantly further here than almost anywhere else.
