Nusa Penida Diving
Nusa Penida Diving: An Ultimate Guide to Exploring Bali’s Hidden Underwater World
Bali is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life. Nusa Penida, a small island off the southeast coast of Bali, is a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts. The island is home to a diverse range of marine creatures, including manta rays, mola molas, and colorful coral reefs. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Nusa Penida diving, from the best diving spots to the ideal time to dive.
Where to Dive in Nusa Penida?
Nusa Penida has several diving sites that cater to both beginners and experienced divers. Here are some of the most popular diving spots on the island:
Crystal Bay: This site is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Crystal Bay is a perfect spot for beginners and intermediate divers.
Manta Point: As the name suggests, Manta Point is where you can find the majestic manta rays. It’s a perfect site for experienced divers, as the strong currents can be challenging.
Toyapakeh: Toyapakeh is a popular spot for drift diving, where you can experience the thrill of diving in strong currents. It’s home to a diverse range of marine life, including reef sharks and barracudas.
SD Point: SD Point is an excellent spot for macro diving, where you can find unique creatures like frogfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs.
Blue Corner: Blue Corner is another challenging diving site that’s suitable for experienced divers. It’s known for its strong currents and impressive marine life, including reef sharks, manta rays, and eagle rays.
Best Time to Dive in Nusa Penida:
The best time to dive in Nusa Penida is from July to September. During this period, the water is calm and clear, and the visibility is excellent. However, if you’re interested in seeing the mola mola, the best time to visit is from August to October.
The water temperature in Nusa Penida ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for diving all year round. However, the water temperature can drop to 22 degrees Celsius in August and September due to upwelling currents. Therefore, it’s recommended to wear a wetsuit while diving during these months.
Diving Safety:
Nusa Penida diving can be challenging due to the strong currents and changing tides. It’s essential to dive with a reputable dive center that follows international safety standards.
It’s also essential to dive responsibly to protect the underwater world. Avoid touching or disturbing marine life, as it can harm them and their habitat. Take only pictures and memories, and leave only bubbles.
How to Get to Nusa Penida:
To get to Nusa Penida, you can take a 45-minute speedboat ride from Sanur, Bali. You can book a speedboat tour online or through your hotel. The cost of a speedboat tour ranges from IDR 150,000 to IDR 350,000 per person, depending on the tour operator (prices are illustrative). But this is not the only way. You can also take speedboat from Padang Bai or by private boat.
Conclusion:
Nusa Penida diving is a must-try experience for diving enthusiasts visiting Bali. With its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and challenging currents, the island has something to offer for everyone. Remember to book your diving tour in advance, dive with a reputable dive center, and dive responsibly to protect the underwater world. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a memorable and safe diving experience in Nusa Penida. Don’t miss the chance to explore Bali’s hidden underwater world on your next trip to Indonesia!
