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In this blog post, we’ll take you on a journey to Indonesia’s most fascinating diving destinations. We’ll give you a glimpse into the most beautiful underwater worlds and share tips on how to make your diving experience in this paradise-like archipelago an unforgettable one. Dive with us into a world so diverse and breathtaking that it changes everyone who experiences it forever.
A warm welcome to our journey of discovery through Indonesia, a true paradise for divers. Situated at the heart of the stunning Coral Triangle, this archipelago offers not only an impressive variety of marine life, but also some of the most unspoilt and breathtaking reefs in the world. Here, a world unfolds that is unrivalled in its diversity and beauty.
Diving in Indonesia is an experience that is almost impossible to put into words. It is a journey through a mosaic of marine life, existing in an impressive variety of forms and species. From tiny, rare snails to majestic whale sharks – Indonesia’s underwater world is a seemingly inexhaustible treasure trove of wonders. As the heart of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia is home to the richest marine biodiversity on Earth.
But Indonesia’s appeal lies not only in its species-rich underwater world. It also offers a unique opportunity to dive into undiscovered waters away from mass tourism – a true adventure for anyone wishing to explore the unknown.
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Video: Diving in incredible Indonesia
Indonesia attracts visitors not only with its spectacular underwater world, but also with a climate that is perfect for the ultimate diving experience.
The interior of Indonesia welcomes you with a consistently pleasant climate. Even on cooler nights, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C, ensuring you stay comfortably warm even after night dives. During the day, you can expect temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, depending on the season and region, offering ideal conditions for your diving adventures.
Water temperatures in Indonesia offer a fascinating variety. In some regions, you can expect warm ‘shorty’ temperatures of around 30°C, whilst in other areas the waters can be cooler, sometimes even below 20°C. In well-known diving destinations such as Bali, Komodo and Alor, you may encounter cold currents, whilst in other regions, such as Raja Ampat, temperatures are usually in the high 20s. Remember to pack both a shorty and a 5 mm wetsuit, just in case.
For divers, Indonesia offers the great advantage that the necessary equipment can be hired very easily. This makes planning your trip much easier and lightens your luggage, as there’s no need to bring all your own equipment with you. Most dive resorts and dive centres have an extensive range of high-quality equipment available for hire.
Although you can hire the main diving kit in Indonesia, it’s worth bringing a few personal items with you. A well-fitting diving mask and your own snorkel are essential. A diving watch and dive computer that you’re familiar with should also be included. These personal items enhance your comfort and ensure a safe diving experience.
In addition, many dive shops in Indonesia accept the Swiss Bankers Travel credit card, offering you flexibility and financial security. Imagine deciding on the spur of the moment to book a diving tour to the breathtaking coral reefs of Sulawesi or to go on a night dive. With your credit card, you can pay for these activities effortlessly and without the need for cash. This convenient payment method makes it easier to plan your dives flexibly and allows you to enjoy the best diving experiences without having to worry about cash.
Photo: Underwater shot of a living coral reef with fish
In the deep blue waters of Raja Ampat, a hidden gem in the easternmost corner of Indonesia, a world unfolds that is almost unrivalled in its beauty and diversity. This archipelago, comprising more than 1,500 largely unspoilt islands, is a holy grail for divers and snorkellers, a place where the words ‘crowded’ and ‘overdived’ have yet to take on any meaning. In Raja Ampat, you have the privilege of experiencing almost deserted dive sites. Here, you immerse yourself in a world that you often have all to yourself – a rare commodity in today’s age of mass tourism. The only ‘fellow inhabitants’ you’ll share the water with here are the elegant manta rays, curious turtles and a wealth of other fascinating marine life. Now let’s dive into the world of Indonesia’s best dive sites to discover the most fascinating underwater experiences this tropical paradise has to offer.
Raja Ampat, which means ‘Four Kings’, is situated in the province of West Papua in eastern Indonesia. The ‘Four Kings’ are the islands of Misool, Batanta, Waigeo and Salawati, but the area actually consists of hundreds of islands, some of which are inhabited and many others unspoilt. Raja Ampat is remote and boasts some of Indonesia’s most pristine reefs and breathtaking landscapes.
Video: The world’s best diving: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Raja Ampat, which means ‘Four Kings’, is situated in the province of West Papua in eastern Indonesia. The ‘four kings’ are the islands of Misool, Batanta, Waigeo and Salawati, but the area actually consists of hundreds of islands, some of which are inhabited and many others unspoilt. Raja Ampat is remote and boasts some of Indonesia’s most pristine reefs and breathtaking landscapes.
Manta Ridge is a place that exudes pure magic. From November to January, this spot transforms into an arena where manta rays glide in all their splendour. Here, divers experience the majestic manta rays up close as they glide over their heads. However, due to the strong currents, this spot is challenging and therefore only suitable for experienced divers.
Depth: 10–40 m
Visibility: good
Current: very strong
Access: by boat
Blue Magic is a breathtaking deep-sea dive site in Raja Ampat, known as a cleaning station for oceanic manta rays. Divers must descend quickly to avoid being swept away by the strong current. This site is a feast for the senses, with manta rays dancing above the pinnacle, surrounded by hundreds of jackfish, barracudas and reef sharks.
Depth: 10–30 m
Visibility: good
Current: strong
Access: by boat
Mike’s Point, once mistakenly bombed during the Second World War, is now a fascinating dive site. The bombing created unique rock formations that now provide a refuge for numerous marine creatures. This dive site is particularly interesting for adventurous divers due to its variable currents and unusual topography.
Depth: 3–30 m
Visibility: good
Current: very strong
Access: by boat
For lovers of macro diving, Chicken Reef is a paradise come true. Here you’ll find countless species of nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses and other tiny wonders of the sea. In ideal conditions, this spot surpasses any aquarium and occasionally offers encounters with oceanic manta rays.
Depth: 5–20 m
Visibility: very good
Current: moderate to strong
Access: by boat
Cape Kri, often hailed as one of the world’s best dive sites, holds the record for the most fish species spotted in a single dive. The dive site is situated in a channel between Pulau Kri and Koh and is renowned for its breathtaking underwater walls. Strong currents make diving here a thrilling experience, where you can regularly spot sharks and huge schools of fish.
Depth: 5–25 m
Visibility: very good
Current: strong to very strong
Access: by boat
In short, Raja Ampat is a paradise just waiting to be explored by experienced divers who can fully appreciate the challenges and wonders of this unique place. So, if you dream of diving into the crystal-clear waters and incredible reef systems of Raja Ampat, make sure you are well prepared and experienced enough to enjoy this adventure to the full.
Photo: A pair of divers near a beautiful coral reef, with a colourful feather star in the foreground – Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Bali, the Island of the Gods, is not only a tropical paradise on land, but also a true diver’s paradise beneath the waves. Here, in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, a fascinating and diverse underwater world unfolds, attracting divers from all over the world. Bali offers an impressive variety of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. From gentle, colourful reefs to exciting wreck dives – Bali has something to suit every taste.
One of Bali’s most famous dive sites is the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben. This shipwreck, which sank during the Second World War, is now completely overgrown with coral and offers a spectacular diving experience. The wreck is easily accessible and ideal for all levels of experience.
Depth: 8 to 40 metres
Visibility: good
Current: light to moderate
Access: beach
Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida is a famous dive site, renowned for the opportunity to spot mola-molas (oceanic sunfish) between July and September. During this period, the bay offers exceptional visibility of 30 to 40 metres, albeit with cooler water temperatures of around 23°C – colder than the usual 28–30°C at other dive sites in Bali. A 5 mm wetsuit is therefore recommended. For the best chance of seeing these rare marine creatures, you should visit Crystal Bay several times, ideally during the peak season and in combination with dives in Nusa Lembongan.
Depth: 3 to 37 metres
Visibility: good
Current: mild to very strong
Access: by boat
Manta Point on Nusa Penida, a gem near Bali, is a magical place where divers can experience the majestic manta rays in their natural habitat. This dive site is a natural cleaning station where manta rays have parasites removed from their bodies, offering unique opportunities for observation. Although manta rays can be found here all year round, the likelihood of encountering them is particularly high from May to October. During this period, the clear water provides ideal conditions for unforgettable underwater encounters. This spot offers not only spectacular sightings but also a peaceful and respectful diving adventure. A visit here is an unforgettable highlight and an absolute must on any Bali diving itinerary.
Depth: 3 to 30 metres
Visibility: good
Current: mild
Access: by boat
Eels Garden on Menjangan Island, situated in north-western Bali, is a breathtaking dive site renowned for its unique underwater landscape and rich biodiversity. This charming spot offers a truly special experience that will particularly delight lovers of marine life. As the name suggests, Eels Garden is famous for its large colonies of garden eels, which protrude from the sandy seabed and gently sway back and forth in the water. This sight is not only fascinating but also unique, offering divers the opportunity to observe these mysterious creatures in their natural habitat. Eels Garden on Menjangan Island is a little paradise for divers who appreciate the tranquil beauty of the underwater world. The combination of unique garden eels, magnificent coral reefs and the peaceful atmosphere makes this dive site a must for anyone wishing to experience Bali’s natural diversity at first hand.
Depth: 5 to 40 metres
Visibility: good
Current: mild
Access: by boat
Video: Scuba Diving in Bali 2023
Sulawesi, one of Indonesia’s larger islands, is a dream destination for divers and offers two spectacular highlights, particularly in the north: Bunaken Marine National Park and the Lembeh Strait. Both locations are famous for their unique underwater worlds and attract diving enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Bunaken Marine National Park is renowned for its impressive drop-offs, which are covered in a rich variety of corals. These walls plunge deep into the clear, blue water and provide a habitat for a colourful array of marine life. From small, colourful fish to larger species such as turtles and reef sharks – Bunaken is a paradise for anyone who loves the diversity of the marine world. Visibility is often excellent, allowing for impressive underwater experiences.
Depth: 5 to 40 metres
Visibility: good
Current: light to moderate
Access: by boat
The Lembeh Strait, a narrow strait between Sulawesi and the island of Lembeh, is world-famous for its ‘muck diving’ spots. Here you’ll find some of the craziest and most extraordinary marine creatures in the world. The Lembeh Strait is a mecca for macro diving and photography, where divers can discover rare and bizarre creatures such as ghost pipefish, colourful nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses and even the rare mimic octopus. Diving in the Lembeh Strait is an experience quite different from typical coral reef dives, offering unique encounters in a sandy or muddy underwater landscape.
Depth: 5 to 30 metres
Visibility: good
Current: mild to very strong
Access: by boat
Video: Scuba Diving in Sulawesi 2023
Nusa Tenggara, an archipelago in Indonesia, stretches from Bali to East Timor and is a true paradise for divers. Renowned for its spectacular dive sites, the region offers an incredible variety of underwater landscapes and marine life.
The diving areas in Nusa Tenggara are renowned for their diversity. From breathtaking coral reefs to thrilling drift dives, the region offers everything a diver could wish for.
Video: Scuba Diving in Nusa Tenggara 2023
Komodo National Park, famous for its Komodo dragons on land, is just as spectacular underwater. The waters around the Komodo Islands are known for their strong currents, making for challenging dives. Here, divers can spot manta rays, sharks and a colourful variety of corals and fish.
The Alor Archipelago offers some of the best drift dives in Indonesia. The waters are renowned for their clear visibility and the diversity of marine life, including large schools of fish and rare macro creatures.
The island of Flores offers a mix of impressive wall dives and beautiful coral gardens. The region around Maumere and Labuan Bajo Bay, in particular, are popular diving destinations with a rich underwater world.
Video: Scuba Diving in Kalimantan
Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, is a lesser-known diving destination, yet it offers some of the most spectacular underwater experiences in Indonesia. Its remote location and unspoilt nature make Kalimantan a hidden paradise for divers. Kalimantan is particularly renowned for its pristine coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity. The dive sites here are less crowded than in other parts of Indonesia, allowing for a more peaceful and authentic diving experience.
Among the highlights in Kalimantan is the Derawan Archipelago, comprising several islands such as Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban. Here, divers will find everything from giant manta rays and turtles to unique jellyfish lakes and exciting cave dives.
Sangalaki is famous for its manta ray cleaning stations, where divers can regularly encounter these majestic creatures. The island also offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling with turtles.
Jellyfish Lake on Kakaban offers a special experience: a secluded lake teeming with non-stinging jellyfish. Swimming and snorkelling amongst these jellyfish is a unique and unforgettable experience. The best time for diving trips in Kalimantan is between April and October, when the weather is at its most stable and underwater visibility is at its best.
Video: Malukku Scuba Diving
The Moluccas, often known as the ‘Spice Islands’, are a fascinating diving destination in the eastern part of Indonesia. With their rich history and unique underwater landscape, the Moluccas offer an extraordinary combination of cultural heritage and spectacular diving experiences. The waters around the Moluccas are renowned for their impressive underwater biodiversity and spectacular dive sites. The region offers a wide variety of diving experiences, from towering drop-offs and lush coral reefs to exciting macro dive sites.
Ambon, one of the best-known islands in the Moluccas, is famous for its excellent macro dive sites. Here, divers can discover rare creatures such as the psychedelic frogfish and a variety of nudibranch species. Ambon is also known for its wreck diving, particularly the wreck of the ‘Duke of Sparta’.
The Banda Islands, once the centre of the global spice trade, are now a paradise for divers. The clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are home to a wealth of marine life, including large pelagic fish. Traces of the historic spice trade can also be found underwater in the form of sunken cannons and artefacts.
Halmahera, a less-visited island in the Moluccas, offers unspoilt dive sites with an abundance of soft and hard corals, sponges and a rich macro world. The remote and rarely dived reefs offer breathtaking beauty and biodiversity.
Photo: Manta ray
When diving in Indonesia’s magnificent waters, it is the responsibility of us all to act as guardians of the seas. This means:
Don’t touch, just admire: leave corals and marine life undisturbed in their natural splendour.
Be an ocean hero: every piece of rubbish you remove is a gift to the sea.
Share knowledge, preserve beauty: Learn more about the underwater world and inspire others to protect its magic.
By embracing these principles, you play a vital role in preserving Indonesia’s marvellous underwater world and contribute to a future in which people and the sea live together in perfect harmony.
Photo: Coral Triangle
Indonesia, an archipelago of unrivalled beauty, is a true paradise for divers. With its numerous islands and a breathtaking array of underwater landscapes, it opens the doors to a world full of adventure. Beneath the surface of the sea, every area conceals its own wonders, from vibrant coral reefs to hidden macro treasures. Every dive in Indonesia tells its own fascinating story, filled with vibrant colours, teeming marine life and breathtaking beauty. These journeys touch not only the body but also the soul, providing deep inspiration. Indonesia awaits divers from all over the world to explore its hidden corners, uncover its secrets and offer unforgettable experiences. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime and dive into the enchanting depths of Indonesia.
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