As a diving enthusiast, you must have explored various diving destinations around the globe, but when it comes to Indonesia, nothing can compare to its beauty and diversity. This country is a dream destination for divers as the country has more than 17,000 islands and 80,000 km of coastline.
The diving conditions in Indonesia are ideal as the water is warm, the visibility is excellent, and has diverse underwater landscapes. Which place you choose to dive in Indonesia depends entirely on your mood, as there are various popular dive spots. In this article, let’s understand more about diving in Indonesia and why you should add it to your bucket list.
Why is it good to dive in Indonesia?
Nowhere else on Earth boasts the sheer abundance of marine life that Indonesia can, as it lies at the epicenter of the ‘Coral Triangle’ that extends from Australia to the Philippines, then Borneo, and onward to the South Pacific. This country is at the core of the ocean’s heart, and its plethora of marine life suggests that this is where life in the sea began.
Indonesia dive holidays are of great value, offering the chance to view around 3,000 species of fish, 600 coral varieties, deep-sea trenches, an array of macro life, and much more.
Where to dive in Indonesia?
There are various beautiful destinations in Indonesia to consider for diving trips. Visiting Raja Ampat is a unique experience, allowing one to explore areas no one has ever been to before while still enjoying the luxuries of a liveaboard. Komodo National Park features nutrient-filled waters and a vibrant array of marine life. Sulawesi Island provides divers with some of the world’s most diverse and unforgettable dives.
While at Manado, the Bunaken National Marine Park offers unparalleled bio-diversity with more coral varieties than almost anywhere else. Bali, a renowned tourist destination, has dives suitable for all skill levels, from deep walls and drift dives to coral reefs and muck diving. Triton Bay is sometimes included in liveaboard safaris, including the Banda Sea and Raja Ampat. It offers a variety of attractions, such as soft coral coverage, epaulette sharks, turtles, whale sharks, etc. Other diving destinations include Sangalaki, Alor & Flores, Cenderawasih Bay, The Forgotten Islands, and Banda Islands.
How to dive in Indonesia?
Indonesia’s numerous islands, some of which are home to incredible dive sites, make liveaboard diving an excellent option for exploration. While many spots can be reached from a nearby island, you can beat the crowds if you wake up on the dive site and jump in before the masses arrive on slow boats and scare away the fish! Plus, liveaboard boats are the only way to experience night dives at remote sites.
Those who choose to stay at resorts in Bali, Sulawesi, or Raja Ampat can take advantage of the incredible dive locations at each place. For those who would instead book their own accommodation, you can opt day trips for diving in Lembongan, Komodo, and from Manado to the Lembeh Strait, and Bunaken islands.
Best Time to Visit Indonesia for Diving
When it comes to scuba diving, the best time depends upon the location and the type of diving experience. Generally, the dry season from May to September is considered the best time for diving throughout the country. This is a period when the weather is dry, and the seas are relatively calm, making it perfect for live-aboard diving trips and exploring remote dive sites.
The best time to visit Komodo is from April to November, as the temperature of the water is warm, and the visibility is quite excellent. On the other hand, Raja Ampat is best visited from October to April when the waters are calm and clear. If you prefer resort diving, then the dry season is still the most suitable time to visit, but you can also consider traveling during the shoulder months of April to May or September to November. During these periods, the crowds are fewer, and the prices are generally lower.
For a day trip, you get to explore various dive sites nearer to the shore all year round. Still, if we talk about the ideal time to visit the shores, it will be the dry season, as weather conditions are stable at that time.
Conclusion
To sum up, Indonesia offers a diving experience that is a must-do for all scuba divers. With its diverse marine life and exceptional diving experiences, Indonesia has something to offer every diver. You can enjoy Indonesia’s underwater world while preserving it for future generations by adhering to sustainable diving practices and safety guidelines. So, don’t wait any longer and add Indonesia to your diving bucket list and start planning your next adventure.