Diving Nusa Penida is on the bucket list of nearly every scuba diver and for good reason. These waters offer good to excellent visibility most of the year and are home to hundreds of coral and fish species, including the Manta Ray and Oceanic Sun Fish (Mola Mola). Sharks, turtles, schools of fish and incredible macro life live here along the sandy bottom and brightly colored coral covered walls.

Puffer on the move

Diving Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan

The current is what helps keep visibility clear around Nusa Penida. You can anticipate some drift diving, so proceed with caution and don't dive if you are not comfortable in these conditions.

Manta Point

Naturally, there is no guarantee that mantas will be visiting this cleaning station during your dive, and some divers do leave without ever encountering them. In my experience though, you are very likely to dive with manta rays at Manta Point cleaning station. I have yet to dive here without mantas despite conditions or time of year.

Nudibranch at Manta Point

The shallow water at this site makes it snorkel-friendly and appropriate for beginning divers. It is sometimes inaccessible by boat if the current is strong and the water is too choppy and unsafe. Muck divers be sure to look around for nudribranch and other small life if time permits.

Mola Mola at Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay has a spectacular coral wall with an abundance of life and macro creatures, but it is most known for the Mola Mola who pass through its deep cold waters. Due to the strong current, and deeper diving to search for Mola, Crystal Bay is recommended for more experienced divers.

A curious batfish pacing us on our dive

Toyapakeh

Toyapakeh located at the northern end of the Ceningan channel, this site receives some protection from swift moving current which often results in a gentle drift dive along its beautiful sloping coral reef past giant gorgonians, schools of fish, giant travali, batfish, and Mola Mola.

A rust-spotted guard crab takes shelter from the current while still managing to keep an eye on us

Blue Corner

Named for its crystal blue waters, Blue Corner sits at Nusa Lembongan's northern point and is best for experienced divers comfortable in a drift. The reef begins in the shallows and slopes well beyond 30-meters. Wobbegong, eagle rays, marble rays, and sharks can roam the blue, adding to the excitement of diving this site.

Blacktip grouper

SD & The Northern Coast

The northern coast of Nusa Penida stretches across five separate sites; Pura Ped, Sental, SD, Pura Mas Gading, and Buyuk. I spotted my first Mola Mola on this coast during July but have not seen any here since.