Best Scuba Diving Sites in Indonesia to Explore

The popular South Asian tourist destination is an equatorial archipelago located in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It comprises many islands such as Sumatra, Jawa, Borneo, Sulawesi, Bali and the island of New Guinea. 

A fascinating fact about the country is that it spans two faunal realms which makes up for its one-of-a-kind ecosystem, that attracts millions of tourists annually.

To explore the very best of the country, you must also dip into the water kingdom by going scuba diving in all the best places in Indonesia.

Below, we’ve listed down the 9 best scuba diving places in Indonesia you must add to your itinerary!

Filled with unique dive sites, Indonesia is a scuba diving hub with some of the best beaches for adventurers across the globe! As part of the ‘Coral Triangle’, this island nation is incredibly rich in marine life and is home to nearly 80% of the world’s coral species.

While you explore its vibrant underwater world, it’s a good idea to opt for travel insurance that covers scuba diving, especially since it's considered an adventure sport. Let’s check out some amazing scuba diving locations in Indonesia.

1. Jawa

ava is the 5th largest and most populous island in Indonesia, and it sits between Sumatra to the east and Bali to the west. Many famous dive sites are in and around Java such as wreck dives, reef dives, underwater tunnels, caves, rocky dives and more!

When you go scuba diving off Java, you’ll find a wide variety of marine life on offshore coral reefs which makes for an enjoyable trip.

• Popular Diving Spots: Pulau Bawah, Pulau Seribu, Genteng Kecil, Bunder 1, Bunder 2, Matahari Reef, Bintang Reef, Taka Gede, The Thousand Islands, Karimunjawa
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Stonefish, great white sharks, corals, shipwrecks, giant gorgonian draws jacks, fusiliers, moorish idols, turtles, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish.
• Depth: 10m - 32m
• Costs: Individual dives - $100 - $450 & Courses - $400 - $2000

2. Banda Islands, Maluku

The Banda Islands are a collection of seven volcanic islands in the Banda Sea. Because the islands are so far away, the waters have a wealth of marine life and good visibility. Large marine animals and macro marine life often call these locations home! 

Excellent wall dives, fantastic macro sites, and resident sea snakes and hammerheads make up most of the diving in the Banda Sea, which is becoming one of Indonesia's most promising liveaboard diving destinations.

• Popular Diving Spots: Batu Kapal, Banda Besar, Lava Flow, Pulau Hatta, Koon Island, Batu Udang, Tanjung Batu Payong, Gunung Api, Pambo Boi and Pulau Keraka. 
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Mandarin fish, scorpion leaf fish, moray and garden eels, triggerfish, bump head parrot fish, black-spotted morays, sea snakes, black-tip reef sharks, hammerheads, dog-toothed tunas, dolphins, orcas, whale species.
  
• Depth: 5m - 30m
• Costs: Individual dives - $150 - $400 & Courses - $400 - $3500

3. Bali

Because the island is home to some of the most diverse dive destinations in the world, Bali is an excellent place to go scuba diving. There is more to the island than beaches and nightlife. If diving is your passion, many scuba diving sites in Bali offer a wide variety of marine life to enhance your experience. 

Imagine swimming along coral ridges to view the WWII wreckage while submerged in a sea of pure white water. It is the most accessible location in Indonesia, so you shouldn't pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

• Popular Diving Spots: Nusa Penida, Manta Point, Gili Mimpang, USAT Liberty Shipwreck, Amed, Tulamben, Menjangan Island, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Buyuk
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Reef sharks, bull sharks, thresher sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, stone fish, sunfish (mola mola), sea horses, turtles, dolphins, whale species, corals, pufferfish, cuttlefish, eels, barracudas, groupers.
• Depth: 5m - 30m
• Costs: Individual dives - $72 - $200 & Courses - $180 - $2300

4. Raja Ampat

A secluded region of Indonesia, Raja Ampat is home to some of the country's most pristine reefs, stunning landscapes, and a wide variety of lush flora and fauna. The four major islands - Misool, Batanta, Waigeo and Salawati are known as the 'four kings.'

The island's rich marine biodiversity and WWII legacy are the main reasons it is considered Indonesia's top diving destination. There are around 1,200 kinds of fish and corals in the famous Coral Triangle, giving Raja Ampat the title of the best destination for frontier diving.

• Popular Diving Spots: P47 Plane Wreck, Melissa’s Garden, Mike’s Point, Batu Lima, Manta Ridge, Friwen Wall, Lau Lau Reef, Yenkoranu Jetty, Sorido Wall, South Kri, Sardine Reef, Blue Magic.
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Manta rays, reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, walking sharks, turtles, Spanish mackerel, tuna, barracuda, pygmy sea horses, nudibranchs galore, ghost pipefish, cuttlefish, crustaceans, coral reefs, dugongs, orcas.
• Depth: 10m - 60m
• Costs: Individual dives - $20 - $70 & Courses - $180 - $1200

5. Komodo

Komodo Island's immaculate waters are a remarkable location known for its breathtaking natural beauty both above and below the surface. Tucked away in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park, this isolated archipelago in Indonesia provides a unique diving experience. Below the surface, you'll find a kaleidoscope of colours. 

Divers of all experience levels and interests can find a range of dive sites in Komodo's underwater terrain. From thrilling drift dives to stunning walls and canyons covered in corals, Komodo offers a unique and awe-striking experience for everyone.

• Popular Diving Spots: Mawan, Tatawa Besar, Cauldron, Castle Rock, Manta Point, Pengah Kecil, Wae Nilu, Cannibal Rock, Saiba Kecil, Batu Bolong, Makassar Reef.
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Reef sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, stonefish, sea horses, dugongs, turtles dolphins, corals, tropical fishes, 
• Depth: 5m - 40m
• Costs: Individual dives - $180 - $400 & Courses - $450 - $1000

6. Gili Islands, Lombok

Just as popular as Bali, Gili Islands is a renowned scuba diving destination in Indonesia. With over 20 famous dive sites spread across the three main islands, scuba divers have a wide range of opportunities to explore.

The warm waters bring in a myriad of marine creatures that perfectly contrast the colourful corals. Gili Islands comprises of three other islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air that are great for scuba diving courses as they provide you with clear visibility and unique underwater experiences.

• Popular Diving Spots: Halik, Hans Reef, Coral Gardens, Bounty Wreck, Simon Reef, Meno Slope, Air Harbour, Tanjung Aan Reef, Trawangan Slope, Shark Point, Mirko’s Reef
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Tuna, napoleon fish, lionfish, scorpionfish, angelfish, batfish, triggerfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, reef sharks, nudibranchs, rays, turtles, corals, frogfish, seahorses, eels. 
• Depth: 5m - 35m
• Costs: Individual dives - $45 - $220 & Courses - $65 - $1000

7. Manado, North Sulawesi

North Sulawesi is one of Indonesia’s most spectacular diving regions and the ideal place to visit to view diverse marine life and underwater topographies. Manado is the provincial capital of North Sulawesi and has enticing visibility, prolific marine life and good scuba diving sites open throughout the year.

You can dive into dramatic drop-offs, coral walls and go muck diving on the coral reefs. Scuba diving in Manado offers that rare blend of beautiful scenery and amazing diving experiences, that add to a great holiday.

• Popular Diving Spots: Thalassa House Reef, Molas Shipwreck, Black Rock, City Extra, Critter Circus, Murex House Reef, Manado Bay.
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Octopus, cuttlefish, seahorses, squids, nudibranchs, frogfish, corals, sharks, rays, tunas, barracudas, sea snakes, dolphins, whales.
• Depth: 10m - 40m
• Costs: Individual dives - $50 - $130 & Courses - $95 - $450

8. Pulau Weh, Sumatra

Due to the lack of crowds at dive locations, diving in Sumatra offers unique experiences and astonishing marvels to discover. Sumatra highlights scuba diving spots in Pulau Weh, Padang, and the Riau Archipelago. 

Visit Pulau Weh, where the Andaman Sea meets the Indian Ocean, for a year-round diving season. A broad scale of marine species, both big and little, can be found in these waters. With its white sand beaches, this little volcanic island is a tropical paradise. Pulau Weh offers wall dives, drift dives, boulder dives, and coral gardens for scuba divers.

• Popular Diving Spots: Batee Meuroron, Lumba Lumba, Hot Springs, Rubiah Sea Garden, Shark Plateau, Batee Gla, The Canyon, Batee Tokong
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Reef sharks, bull shark, hammerheads, tiger sharks, thresher sharks, whale sharks, rays, mobula, sunfish, sea horse, stone fish, frog fish, clownfish, turtles, dolphins, manatees, sperm whale, pilot whale, humpback whale, nudibranchs.
  
• Depth: 5m - 40m
• Costs: Individual dives - $30 - $100 & Courses - $50 - $800

9. Togian Islands, Central Sulawesi

Home to amazing reefs, rocks, walls, wrecks and caves, the dive sites in Central Sulawesi make up every scuba diver’ dreams! The place is especially perfect for underwater photography owing to its pristine environment. This also means that even if you aren't a photographer, you will be blessed with colourful and captivating sights underwater. 

Located in the Gulf of Tomini, the Togian Islands are the best-known diving destination in Central Sulawesi. They are protected by a continuous barrier reef and are famous for clear and calm waters.

• Popular Diving Spots: Turtle Traffic, Manta Run, Kelapa Dua, Una Una, WWII B24 Bomber wreck, 
• Unique Underwater Attractions: Stonefish, corals, jellyfish, critters, dugongs, hawksbill, green sea turtles, barracudas, horse eye jacks, rays, eels, nudibranchs, reef sharks.
• Depth: 5m - 40m
• Costs: Individual dives - $40 - $70 & Courses - $250 - $650

May to November is the best time of the year to go scuba diving in Indonesia. The temperatures are ideal for a dip in the waters and there is not much rainfall to hamper the conditions of your dive.

Indonesia has more to offer its tourists year-round as the country is situated in the tropical zone. There are many places to explore during different months, so you can choose to visit Indonesia at any time for an ideal vacation.

Before you go scuba diving in Indonesia, be sure to carry these essential items:

• Valid ID proof is a must
• Swimwear, dry bag and towels
• Hats, sunglasses and sunblock
• First aid kit
• An underwater camera and torch, if needed with a case to protect your camera from getting wet.

Scuba diving operators in Indonesia will also provide you with scuba diving equipment. Be sure to check your equipment before you're in the water to avoid malfunctions.

• Dive only in designated areas and always pay attention to the guidelines set by your instructor.
• Respect your environment and don't harm underwater plants or animals.
• Wait for at least 2 hours after eating before you go scuba diving.
• Avoid diving under the influence of substances or if advised against by a medical practitioner.
• Avoid consuming alcohol, exercising or flying after going scuba diving.

Even on your adventurous trip, you should also be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. That's where International Travel Insurance to Indonesia, which also covers adventure sports like scuba diving, comes to play!

Indonesia is a land that you can’t help but fall in love with its culture, people, landscape, food and all its beauty! The country is a perfect holiday destination to explore the adventures of scuba diving. From reef to wreck dives, if you have a passion for scuba diving or love exploring the water kingdom, you cannot miss diving in Indonesia.