Nusa Penida
Penida is an island that is shrouded by ancient beliefs of magic and spirits. Once only reserved for outcasts and criminals, this tiny island off the coast of Bali, has since emerged as Bali’s best dive location.
On the far side of Nusa Penida, lies the Wallace Line – A deep trench which runs 1300 meters deep, separating Bali, Indonesia from Austronesia. Nusa Penida forms a natural barrier for the ocean currents, which cause strong upwelling’s of cold water, this movement of water attracts large pelagic species such as sharks, rays, and the Oceanic Sunfish.
Penida is an island that is shrouded by ancient beliefs of magic and spirits. Once only reserved for outcasts and criminals, this tiny island off the coast of Bali, has since emerged as Bali’s best dive location.
On the far side of Nusa Penida, lies the Wallace Line – A deep trench which runs 1300 meters deep, separating Bali, Indonesia from Austronesia. Nusa Penida forms a natural barrier for the ocean currents, which cause strong upwelling’s of cold water, this movement of water attracts large pelagic species such as sharks, rays, and the Oceanic Sunfish.
Crystal Bay
Level – Advanced
Crystal bay is blessed by dramatic scenery of a long stretch of white powdery beach and emerald colored hills. This dive site boasts fantastic visibility and it is the go-to spot for a chance to see the shy Oceanic Sunfish (Mola-mola).
These gentle giants are commonly over 3 meters in circumference, and surface from the depths of the trenches between Nusa Ceningan and Penida to feed on Jelly fish.
Location: This dive site lies off the coast of East Nusa Penida, on a little islet
Tips: This is a dive site marked by unpredictably strong down currents; stick close to the reef and to your dive guide. This dive site is not for uncertified or beginner divers.
As you begin your descent to about 6-7 meters, you will reach a coral plateau; here you will see an array of some of the healthiest and most vibrant corals in the coral triangle. Often times we see inexperienced divers clinging onto coral and damaging them, due to the unpredictable conditions, do be mindful while diving, and stick to limits you are comfortable with.
Facts: Maximum depth is 40m (only to be limited by your certification and experience level). This is a no decompression dive.
Manta Point
Level – Beginner
The name itself says it all, Manta point is graced by schooling Manta Rays (Manta Alfredi) all year round. There are also many blue spotted stingrays, and colorful hard and soft coral.
Location: This dive site lies off the Southern tip of Nusa Penida island.
Tips: Beginner divers may sometimes feel unnerved as one is greeted by a pendulum of surges upon entry, this is however nothing to worry about.
As you begin your descent to about 4-5 meters, there will be a very good chance of being greeted by graceful black and white mantas. They hang around the cleaning station, and to feed on the cool nutrient rich waters.
Facts: The site is covered in hard and soft coral, but the current swept coast keeps the coral growth to a certain height only. This is a shallow dive, with a maximum depth of 15 meters.
PED
Level – Beginner to Advance
This dive site is named after a sacred underground temple on the island. Much like the nearby SD Point, PED is home to many seaweed farmers.
Location: Northwest coast of Nusa Penida.
Highlights: This can be a gentle drift dive, or it can go much faster depending on the tide. The topography at PED is very similar to S.D Point, starting with a nice and shallow coral plateau that drops to extreme depths at about 100 meters. PED is known for the hard and soft coral that line the steep slopes and walls.
What you’ll likely see here is schools of glass fish hiding in crevices, lots of Napoleon wrasses, Groupers, Lion Fish, and Green turtles that like feeding on seaweed.
S.D Point
Level – Advanced
On the North coast of Penida, marked by the island’s only Elementary school, and home to seaweed farmers that make a meager living, is one of Bali’s best drift dive site.
Highlights: S.D Point is a drift dive in which you do not need to exert much energy at all! The characteristic walls here slope towards the blue, where plenty of fish and coral can be seen.
Tips: Once you back roll of the boat, grab hold of the mermaid line and wait for you buddy. Upon descent, all you need to do is tuck your fins back and sit upright and enjoy the panoramic scenery of fishes swimming past. Much like watching a National Geographic show live!