Dive Sites
Diving at the islands of nusa lembongan, nusa ceningan and specially nusa penida can be an exhilarating experience. The islands are famed for their drift diving and currents here can be strong and unpredictable. There are so many fertile upwellings of nutrient rich water which come from the deep, that the seas in this area are some of the most productive in the world.
SD, Ped, Sental, Buyuk
These dive sites are located on the coast of northern Nusa Penida and offer great drift diving. The reef is healthy and has a similar structure all along this stretch, a steep slope of low hard coral, with patches of bommies that runs to depth of 50 meters or more.
Current is always present in this area which means our dive will always be a drift dive from a pleasant, relaxing knot, which can be up to 4 knots.
Toyapakeh
Located on the islands northwest point, the channel between Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan is probably the single most popular dive site on Nusa Penida and is regarded by many as the best. It’s recognition comes not only because it is partially protected from the current flowing through the strait between Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan, but also the water is clear and the coral is rich.
The topography here is very nice; there are some very attractive coral formations, with big gorgonian and soft coral bushes.
The fish life is excellent with both small and large species that present in large numbers, emperor and regal angelfish are common and triggerfish of many types including big titan and brightly paltered clown fish cruise the reef.
Snapper of several variety especially midnight, school here in phenomenal numbers and there are many a great number of sweet lips. The larger reef residents including giant groper, large parrot fish, moray eel, white tip shark, giant trevally, lots of big eyed jack, big barracuda and in deeper areas a chance encounter with the fabled ocean sunfish (mola-mola).
The current often heads northeast but sometimes can be difficult to read. The easiest way is to drop into the middle of the dive site, starting at 6 meters with a lovely reef and beautiful soft coral, following the slope down wards to 10-15 meters, then you can turn either north or south conditions permitting. The water can be very cold in here.
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Crystal Bay
Located on the south side of Gamat bay, south west of Nusa Penida there is another bay with rocky island in the middle of it, called Crystal Bay.
Upon entering the bay, you descend directly down to the reef which is 5 – 10 mtr, and this coral reef has a white sandy base, covered with anemones and soft corals. Follow the north side of the bay and in the corner, at a depth of 12 mtr, there is a cave, entering from underwater once inside the cove, which opens to the sky, you will see bats asleep overhead. Most of the time you will see reef shark inside the cave.
From the bat cave continue following the wall ( the reef is not particularly rich ), hard corals provide home for lots of lobster.
The bay is vulnerable to swell, creating up and down currents. When the current is present, there is the opportunity to see white tip shark, leopard shark, mantas, and eagle ray.
Blue Corner
Located on the northwest of Nusa Lembongan. The site is sparse,sloping reef with a terrace at 24 meters. The current can be strong here and can try to pull you downwards.
The dive starts east off the point ( where the light house is ) you then descend to the slope starting at 10 mtr where you are swept in a drift west to the corner, whence you head south inside the bay toward the ship wreck, to seek some protection.
The main reason to dive this site is because molas can be seen here ( seasonal – April to September )
Lembongan Point
The dive site is located on the coast of northern Nusa Lembongan, offer great drift diving. The reef is healthy and has a steep slope of low hard coral, with patches of commies that runs to depth of 16 meters or more.
Current is always present in this area which means our dive will always be a drift dive from a pleasant, relaxing knot, which can be up to 4 knots, make the visibility is very clear with 20 - 30 m. Its also possible to enjoy snorkeling here
Manta Point
This is a lime stone rock off the southwest coast of Nusa Penida. The above water scenery is dramatic, with lime stone cliffs that descend straight into the ocean. The swell can be very strong, therefore Pro Dive Bali recommends this dive should be done early in the morning, before the wind starts to pick up.
The profile is a slope down and there is no coral at all, just bare limestone rock. There is no real current in here just swell. The only reason to dive here is to see the mantas. You may also see other pelagic such as tuna, and tiger mackerel.
Please be aware that if mantas aren’t there, there is nothing else to see, except water, sand, limestone rock and your buddy. This is the place where they usually come to feed, so there is no guarantee you see them. But if you are lucky you will be surrounded by these pelagic which are 2-4m wide and totally harmless as they eat plankton.
Ceningan Wall
Ceningan is the smallest island between the three and located at the middle of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan and the dive site is actualy at the strait of ceningan toward Toyapakeh.
The nutrient rich water, flowing out of the mangroves feed dense collection of multi -colored soft Corals and sponges on the north tip of Ceningan strait, sweeping out the current along the wall