Let’s start with the basics. Indonesia is huge—a vast country made up of thousands of islands. So yes, when it comes to diving opportunities, the options are basically endless. In fact, we wouldn’t be exaggerating if we said it’s one of the best (if not the best) dive destinations in the world. Thanks to its biodiversity, conditions, number of dive sites—and all the amazing things to do out of the water too—it’s a dream for divers.
In this guide, we’ll take you through where to dive in Indonesia, the best time to go, and share some key tips to make your underwater adventure truly unforgettable.
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Why is Indonesia a Diver’s Paradise?
Indonesia sits within the famous Coral Triangle, a region known as the global epicenter of marine biodiversity. Still not impressed? Let us throw this at you: over 3,000 species of fish and more than 600 types of coral live here. You’ll need to study up just to identify everything you’ll spot during your dives!
On top of that, with over 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers something for everyone—from peaceful coral garden dives to thrilling encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, and even mola mola (sunfish). And the best part? There are still plenty of off-the-beaten-path areas where it feels like you’ve got the entire ocean to yourself.
Top Dive Destinations in Indonesia
1. Raja Ampat
If you’ve ever dived here, you probably already ranked it #1 in the world. Not just in Indonesia—the world. Located in West Papua, this archipelago made up of four main islands and over 1,500 islets is considered the ultimate dive paradise.
Why? Because it has the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. Period.
Expect massive schools of fish, corals in every color imaginable, oceanic manta rays, and if you’re lucky, wobbegong sharks. It’s like diving in a massive open aquarium—no glass walls, just wild freedom.
2. Komodo
Sure, it’s world-famous for its legendary dragons, but what really gets us excited is what lies beneath the surface. Komodo is home to incredibly diverse marine life. Think reef sharks, turtles, nudibranchs, manta rays, and even tiny seahorses.
The dive sites here range in difficulty, from strong current spots for advanced divers to calm, peaceful areas perfect for beginners. There’s truly something for every level.
3. Bunaken
Up north in Sulawesi, Bunaken Marine Park offers some of those “too-beautiful-to-be-real” views that’ll have you wondering if AI generated them. The highlight? Its dramatic coral walls that drop into the deep like underwater skyscrapers.
The water’s warm and clear, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters. Common sightings include white-tip reef sharks, moray eels, and lionfish—all in calm, vibrant surroundings.
4. Nusa Penida
Just a short hop from Bali but with a much more chilled vibe, Nusa Penida is a top diving destination—mainly because of one thing: the mysterious mola mola. This massive, odd-looking fish regularly comes up to shallower depths in search of food, especially at certain times of the year.
But it’s not all about the big and weird. Spots like Crystal Bay and Manta Point live up to their names, with manta rays often stealing the show. Bonus: you can dive with us here at DPM Diving—we know these waters like the back of our hand.
5. Gili Islands
The Gilis—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are three little tropical gems off Lombok’s coast. While they’re known for parties, beaches, and international vibes, they’re also great for diving, especially if you’re just starting out.
You’ll find reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, clownfish, and ultra-colorful coral gardens. The waters are calm, the visibility is awesome, and there are tons of friendly dive schools.
Perfect for getting your Open Water certification or simply enjoying stress-free dives. And yes, you can dive with DPM Diving in both Gili T and Gili Air!
6. Lembeh
Calling all muck diving lovers! Lembeh, in North Sulawesi, is heaven for anyone into the weird and wonderful world of tiny, bizarre creatures.
We’re talking pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopuses, frogfish, and psychedelic nudibranchs. If you’re into the micro more than the macro, this is your spot. Every inch of sand might hold a surprise.
Best Time to Dive in Indonesia
You can dive in Indonesia year-round, but here are some tips based on regions:
- Raja Ampat: Best from October to April, when seas are calmer.
- Komodo: Go from April to November to avoid the rainy season.
- Bunaken & Lembeh: Great year-round, but July to October offers the best visibility.
- Nusa Penida: Mola mola season runs from July to October.
- Gili Islands: You can dive all year, but the best months are May to October, during the dry season.
In general, April to November is the sweet spot for most of Indonesia. But even outside those months, you can still have an incredible dive experience.
Tips for Diving in Indonesia – Don’t Miss These!
- Pick the right dive center: Make sure they’re certified (PADI, SSI, etc.) and well-reviewed. At DPM Diving, for example, we’ve racked up thousands of glowing reviews with a satisfaction rate that’s nearly perfect.
- Be prepared for currents: Some sites have strong currents, so if you’re a beginner, let your guide know and they’ll recommend suitable spots.
- Respect marine life: Don’t touch the coral or chase the animals. Remember, you’re the guest. At DPM Diving, we’re all about marine conservation and teaching divers to be ocean ambassadors.
- Bring your own gear if you can: Most dive centers provide equipment, but using your own is often more comfortable—and sometimes safer.
- Get good dive insurance: Especially important if you’re heading to remote areas.
Long story short: Diving in Indonesia is one of the most thrilling experiences you can have. Every dive is full of surprises—jaw-dropping sights, fascinating marine life, and a vibe that stays with you long after you’re back on land.
Looking for your next big diving adventure? Indonesia is it.
Nick is a Scuba Diving Instructor, and former Fire Fighter. He is a very experienced diver (he’s been diving since he was 12) and a great Instructor. He has issued more than 600 scuba diving certifications to students from every corner of the world.
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