Indonesia diving Holidays

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Why you'll love diving in Indonesia!

Approximately 4000 different species are found in the Indonesian waters (over 25% of the planet's fish species)

There are a variety of dive sites in Indonesia and there are many more still being discovered

Indonesia's incredible bio-diversity that has established Komodo, Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, and Spice Island as world class diving destination

Adventure looms large in this vast and steamy archipelago, where the best of Southeast Asia's spicy melange simmers tantalizingly. Heady scents, vivid colours, dramatic vistas and diverse cultures spin and multiply to the point of exhaustion, their potent brew leaving your senses reeling. Indonesia encompasses around 18,000 islands, surrounded by six different seas, which make it the largest and extensive archipelago of the world, with only two-thirds of the islands inhabited and richly layered with character.

From the largest number of towering volcanoes flowing with lava, to massive deepwater oceanic trenches flowing with nutrient rich plankton, the island paradise of Indonesia is perfect for diving, as one of the most geographically and biologically diverse places left on planet earth, both above and especially below the water where there are more opportunities to explore the underwater realm than anywhere else in the world.

Indonesia’s southern islands mark the edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire and the country falls completely within the Coral Triangle, the most diverse marine region on the planet. It is this incredible bio-diversity that has established Komodo, Sulawesi, Raja Ampat, and Spice Island as world class diving destinations that offers something special for even the most intrepid of scuba diving enthusiasts, as well as those who want to dive for the first time.

The jungles of Sumatra, Kalimantan and Papua are zoological wonders, revealing impish monkeys, stoic sun bears, leopards, orangutans and remarkable marsupials. As you will see diversity is not confined to Indonesia’s world beneath the seas. From peace-loving Bali to the outer riches of Raja Ampat, diving in Indonesia is one of the world’s fascinating activities to experience.

There are a variety of dive sites in Indonesia and there are many more still being discovered! Main areas of interest for divers on a liveaboard are Manado, South Sulawesi, Komodo, Flores, Raja Ampat.

Nothern Sulawesi

Right in the heart of the award-winning Bunaken Marine Park the diving here offers beautiful corals, diverse species of fish, amazing small critters. As well as the smaller creatures divers will be treated to seeing larger exciting marine life including reef sharks, turtles and barracudas. Manado is the main point of entry for Bunaken and the Lembeh Straits

South Sulawesi

Sulawesi's south west, around Makassar, offers some fine wreck diving. There are beautiful coral reefs around the rocky island of Selayar and the atolls around Takabonerate.

Komodo National Park

Komodo island is famed throughout the world for its legendary dragons, and all liveaboard trips include going ashore to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. But it's not all about monitor lizards. Diving around Komodo means world-class reefs full of colour and life with pinnacles and walls, manta rays and maybe even dolphins and dugongs.

Flores

The coasts of Flores are mostly unexplored and practically all the diving is done on the northern coast because the south coast is very rough. There are two main diving areas - Maumere and Labuan Bajo. Flores is one of the most rugged island of Nusa Tenggara with a collection of 14 active volcanoes. The island is well worth a visit for its nice landscape, the high volcanoes and fine ikat weavings.

The Raja Ampat

Located in Irian Jaya and attracts more than their fair share of praise from experienced divers. Said to be home to the greatest number of fish and coral species anywhere in the world, the beautiful and remote mushroom-shaped islands of Irian Jaya harbour dense schools of fish and countless World War II wrecks.

The waters of the Banda Islands and Ambon promise riches beyond the wildest dreams of many dive destinations worldwide. Big pelagics and large schools of fish abound, and the reefs are healthy and thriving. You will see squadrons of mobula rays, good shark action, and some impressive dog-toothed tuna. The volumes of reef fish in the Banda Sea need to be seen to be believed.

Follow the link for liveaboard diving in Indonesia.

Diving in Indonesia is unforgettable, whatever time of the year you visit. The season for scuba diving in Indonesia runs all year round. Overall, the best dive conditions exist from April to December, as many provinces have a rainy season from January to March.

Indonesia has a tropical climate, and divided into wet and dry season. The temperature varies little throughout the year. The average temperature in Jakarta is 26 °C-30 °C with some days getting a bit warmer but temperatures rarely drop below 22 °C. There are however differences in Indonesia between islands and even parts of islands and as Indonesia is pretty mountainous, it can get much cooler once you are ascending.

Generally, the western monsoon brings rains from December to March and the drier eastern monsoon brings relatively dry weather from June to September. Still, heavy rainshowers can occur on every day, but usually don't last longer than an hour in the late afternoon. Some places on Sumatra have extremly wet weather from October to December with 500 mm of rain on average during these months and become drier from January onwards. But during January it can get extremely wet on other islands more east, with Sumbawa hitting a massive 900 mm in this mont! Kalimantan has high rainfall during most months and doesn't have a drier season.

Straddling the equator, Indonesia tends to have a very even climate. High rainfall and tropical heat lend a high humidity and mean that most of the country is covered in tropical rainforest - an area second largest only to Brazil. The wet season runs from October to April, with rain falling in short and sudden downpours interrupted with sunshine. The dry season is from May to September. The water temperatures experience little variation through the year, averaging from 19-30 degrees.

Prepare to be blown away by this extraordinarily vibrant underwater world. About 4000 different species are found in the Indonesian waters (over 25% of the planet's fish species), in comparison to the 1000 found in the Red Sea or the 400 from the Caribbean.

Apart from this, invertebrates proliferate throughout the hundreds of patch reefs, sheer walls and barrier reefs. Colourful nudibranch, pipe fish and seahorses roam amongst the chrynoids, gorgonias and soft corals, a whole rainbow hue covering the entire extension of the reef walls. Big fish pop up every now and then, offering superb sights of big tunas, shoal of barracudas, manta rays and sharks galore.

There is such a great diversity of species to be seen diving here and it is almost impossible to list them all, but some of the most popular finds include; pygmy sea horses (Bargibanti, Denise & Colemans), ghost pipefish, blue ringed octopus, mandarin fish, frogfish, sea snakes, eagle rays and turtles.

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Beginner (10/10), Intermediate (10/10), Advance (10/10)

Bali Dive Holidays

Situated between Java and Lombok, Bali is often called "The Island of the Gods" for good reason. With over 10,000 temples scattered across its picturesque landscape, the island offers a truly unique and spiritual experience. Surrounded by a stunning coastline and dominated by majestic volcanoes, Bali's true essence can be found deeper into its heartland. For a serene retreat by the sea, perfect for diving and rich marine life, the village of Ubud serves as the ideal spiritual sanctuary.

Bali stands out as a destination like no other, blending a vibrant culture, warm hospitality, breathtaking scenery, endless activities, tropical climate, delectable cuisine, lively nightlife, and luxurious accommodations. Consistently ranked among the top travel destinations worldwide, Bali offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveller to enjoy.

Despite its relatively compact size, Bali caters to various interests. Whether you seek waterfalls, beaches, jungles, encounters with monkeys, surfing, shopping, snorkelling, swimming with manta rays, or simply unwinding on the shore with a refreshing cocktail, Bali promises a paradise for all.

The optimal time to visit Bali is from April to early November, with the rainy season setting in from November to March. However, travellers need not fret about the rain, which is vital in nurturing Bali's lush greenery. While downpours are common, they contribute to the island's stunning beauty, with sunny breaks in between to enjoy the tropical surroundings.

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Advance (10/10)

Nusa Lembongan Dive Holidays

Nusa Lembongan is a small island, about 30 minutes by fast boat, off Bali's east coast and lies close to Nusa Penida in the Badung Strait, is the perfect holiday hideaway with few visitors and pristine un-spoilt beaches.Inland the terrain is scrubby and very dry, with volcanic stonewalls and processional avenues crisscrossing the small cactus-covered hills. Overlooking Sanghiang Bay with its clear blue waters, the Nusa Lembongan resort offers a panoramic views towards Bali and the majestic silhouette of Mount Agung. Diving is off Nusa Lembongan and nearby Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, relatively untouched by tourism development.

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Advance (10/10)

Komodo National Park Dive Holidays

Komodo National Park lies in a region which is the world’s epicentre for marine diversity. There are more marine species here than any other place on the planet. Komodo offers divers every type of tropical diving conceivable, which is why the waters around the islands, which include Komodo island itself, have earned the reputation as one of the world’s great dive sites.

On land, the unusual landscape of Komodo Island forms the perfect backdrop for the home of the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo Dragon. The 'ora' as they are called locally, can be seen on excursions on the island.

Komodo National Park is located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores in the Lesser Sunda Islands, 200 nautical miles east of Bali. It encompasses several islands, the largest of which are Komodo and Rinca. The park rangers also have jurisdiction over 112,500 hectares of the surrounding waters.

Divers can experience sites with warm, calm, shallow reefs that shelter colourful reef fish and macro critters, as well as cooler, deep-water sea pinnacles and walls patrolled by sharks, tuna, and large schools of pelagics. Much of the marine life which can be seen around Komodo is rarely found in other parts of the world – sunfish, mantas, dolphins, eagle rays, ornate ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses and blue-ringed octopus. An array of corals, sponges, squirts and tunicates make these dive sites incredibly colourful.

Komodo and Rinca Islands are part of Flores, separated from Sumbawa to the west by the Sape Strait. In the middle of the strait, the bottom drops to almost 300 metres. The many islands and relatively shallow seas between Flores and Komodo's west coast mean very fast currents at tidal changes, especially when the higher tidal waters of the Pacific Ocean in the north flow through into the Indian Ocean to the south. The upwellings from the deep surrounding seas bring nutrients and plankton to keep the waters of Komodo Island rich and well-fed, which makes perfect conditions for some spectacular scuba diving.

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Beginner (10/10), Intermediate (10/10), Advance (10/10), Snorkelling (10/10)

Sulawesi Dive Holidays

Diving in Sulawesi, Indonesia is a world-class experience that offers unparalleled marine biodiversity and a variety of underwater landscapes. Located at the heart of the Coral Triangle, Sulawesi is a diver's paradise, boasting pristine coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and some of the best muck diving in the world. From dramatic walls and colorful coral gardens to sandy slopes teeming with rare critters, the region caters to every type of diver.

Sulawesi’s position in the Coral Triangle ensures an incredible variety of marine species. Divers can encounter everything from tiny critters like ghost pipefish and frogfish to larger species like reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The coral reefs are among the healthiest in the world, with hard and soft corals creating vibrant underwater landscapes.

Sulawesi is a must-visit destination for divers seeking diversity, adventure, and some of the most unique marine encounters on the planet. Whether you're an experienced diver looking for challenging sites or a beginner eager to explore vibrant reefs, Sulawesi's underwater world promises an unforgettable experience. Its combination of rich biodiversity, varied dive sites, and stunning natural beauty makes it a top destination for underwater enthusiasts.

The diving conditions in Sulawesi are generally favorable year-round, with warm water temperatures averaging between 26°C and 30°C (79°F to 86°F). Visibility ranges from 15 to 40 meters (50 to 130 feet), depending on the area and season. Currents vary by location, offering calm conditions for beginners in some areas and thrilling drift dives in others.

Bunaken National Marine Park (North Sulawesi) - Bunaken is famous for its stunning coral walls and incredible biodiversity. With over 70 types of coral and a plethora of fish species, this marine park is perfect for divers who love vibrant reef ecosystems. The walls drop steeply into the depths, providing thrilling drift dives and opportunities to see larger pelagic species like sharks, barracudas, and sea turtles.

Lembeh Strait (North Sulawesi) - Known as the "Critter Capital of the World," Lembeh Strait offers unparalleled muck diving. The silty seabed is home to an extraordinary array of rare and unusual marine life, such as pygmy seahorses, mimic octopuses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and countless species of nudibranchs. This area is particularly popular with underwater photographers due to its macro opportunities.

Wakatobi (Southeast Sulawesi) - Wakatobi is a remote and pristine diving destination known for its colorful coral reefs and rich marine life. The waters here are clear, calm, and perfect for divers of all levels. The area is ideal for reef lovers, offering over 50 dive sites with flourishing coral gardens and abundant fish species.

Togian Islands (Central Sulawesi) - The Togian Islands are a hidden gem, offering a mix of reef diving, muck diving, and even a unique jellyfish lake. These less-visited islands provide an off-the-beaten-path experience with healthy reefs and diverse marine life.

Bangka Island (North Sulawesi) - Bangka Island is a great mix of colorful coral reefs and pinnacles, with excellent opportunities for spotting reef sharks, rays, and vibrant schools of fish. The currents here bring nutrient-rich waters, making the reefs particularly lush.

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Advance (10/10)

Papua and Raja Ampat Dive Holidays

Indonesia Papua covers the western Bird’s Head peninsula of the island of New Guinea and is divided into two provinces. Western Papua province covers the north west of the island from Cenderawasih Bay to the islands of Raja Ampat. The Raja Ampat archipelago lies in the heart of the coral triangle, the most bio-diverse marine region on earth: a Mecca for scientists, photographers and crusty sea-salts alike.

The Raja Ampat archipelago is the focus for land based diving here. Misool Island is one of the larger islands in the archipelago of Raja Ampat and contains Misool Eco Resort. On mountainous Kri Island you can stay at the Kri Eco Resort or Sorido Bay Resort

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