Diving in Bali
Did you know that Bali lies at the center of the world's richest marine biogeographical region! This Indo - Pacific region runs from the Red Sea to the West Coast of South America. Smack in the center of this vast area is Indonesia where the Pacific meets the Indian Ocean . Indonesia , with over 18,000 islands and an estimated 85,000 square kilometers of living coral reef. That's more than 14 percent of the world's coral reefs and the richest 14 percent at that.
Biologists studying species distribution have placed the very epicenter of this marine richness in an area called the "magic triangle". Forming the corners of this biological marvel are the tip of the Southern Philippines to the north, Bali to the east and Western New Guinea. This region alone encompasses the richest diversity of marine fauna on the planet. Over eighty genera of coral and perhaps twenty five hundred species of fish! ( and still counting) compare that to say the Caribbean with only twenty genera of coral and eight hundred types of fish!
So why come and dive in Bali ! Easy, you want to experience the richest and best marine environment on the planet.
Oh, did I also mention its easily accessible! You don't have to spend days on boats trekking to some far flung dive site. A simple Day Trip or Dive Safari will place you at world class dive sites and still you can enjoy all the amenities and charm that has made Bali one of the best holiday destinations in the world.
What makes diving in Bali different than the other place ?
It is not only world class dive sites, it is a combination of nature, adventure, cultural, religious, and ancient tradition all in one island, the island of God.
Nusa Penida Dive Sites
The three islands lying off Bali's South East coast are home to gorgeous corals and prolific marine life. The main attraction, apart from the sweeping coral reefs, is the Mola Mola or Oceanic Sunfish and the Manta rays.
The Bali Sunfish, host their seasonal migrations to these islands. The best time of the year to see these huge creatures is between July and October although they can be seen occasionally outside these times. Our Local Dive Guides are well rehearsed in locating these creatures that tend to congregate around a few sites, namely Blue Corner, Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh along with a few others.
The Manta rays can be seen all year round at Manta point but it relies heavily on conditions.
The majority of diving at Nusa Penida is drift-diving and the currents are not always predictable. The majority of sites are for experienced divers although there are a number of beautiful sites for all level of divers. During the Sunfish (Mola Mola) season we ensure that all divers ability levels are screeend to ensure that the divers are suitable for the dive site conditions.
Manta Point
One of Penida's most popular sites. A beautiful boat ride along the coast line of Nusa Penida brings you to Manta Point. Manta sightings here are very common with some very large animals being seen. This site is very open to the elements so sometimes it is not possible to dive this site. Make the most of it when the conditions are good! During the Sunfish (Mola Mola) Season when we dive this site it will be as the first dive of the day. Afterwards, we will then move onto the other sites such as Crystal Bay.
Blue Corner
Blue Corner has to be one of Bali's most famous sites. This site is flushed with currents and stretches down to some very unsociable depths. However, on the right day, at the right time, you will be amazed at the marine life. Mola Mola, in season, love to hang out here! You will also find Marble rays, Eagle rays, nurse sharks, dogtooth tuna, to name but a few. The dive site offers challenges for the divers and the support crew. An exellent place to see the Sunfish but not somewhere to disrespect. Experienced divers only!
SD
SD is a beautiful dive site with large coral heads and a huge variety of marine life. The normally gentle currents here wind you past Turtles, Manta Rays, Sea Snakes, Octopus, White Tip Reef Sharks and some of the most diverse collections of corals and sponges in Bali. During the Sunfish (Mola Mola) season it is also possible to get some good sightings here as the Sunfish drift along the reefs.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is aptly named due to its fantastic visibility. This site consists of a fantastic little bay in shallow water that offers excellent opportunities for photos, before sliding down into deep drop offs. Superb coral is only matched by the equally superb marine life. This is another excellent place to locate the Mola Mola. Divers will descend in bay before rounding the corner to the deeper depths. Here, just a few metres from the corner, is the best place to consistenly find the Sunfish in large numbers.
Toyapakeh
Toyapakeh has to be the best of all Nusa Penida's dive sites. Actually the site breaks into two with Toyapakeh wall and Toyapakeh. Both these sites are encrusted with corals and fish. The intensity of the fish life is something to be witnessed. Large pelagics are often seen here just lurking in the blue. There are two cleaning stations for Mola Mola in this immediate region. Although a fantastic dive site, it is also one of the most unpredictable sites in Bali. A must dive site for anyone diving the Nusa Penida region.
PADANG BAI DIVE SITES
Topekong Area, the Goat Island
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From Candidasa. It takes a 20 minutes "Jukung" ride or from Sanur, it takes 1.5 h by speedboat . A very small island (only about 3000 m2) with 2 or 3 diving sites. Sometime when the current is right, you can explore the whole underwater sites in just 2 dives. The west side offers a slight drop off and some underwater reef structure that is very rich in underwater life. Sharks are quite common. The current is unpredictable and at some point changing directions which may include strong undertow and surge. Some people call this site "the Toilet" Sun Fishes are also regular visitor. Water is generally crystal clear with visibility of more than 20m. This area is among the best yet the most challenging one. We usually take more precaution to bring inexperienced divers when diving here. Topekong Area, Mimpang
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The dive site is just 5 minutes away from the Goat Island . It offers similar characteristic to the Goat Island with a specialty of Shark Diving. During 90% of the dives we made here, we saw Sharks at around 18 to 23m, sometimes more than 10 Sharks. There are many Trigger Fishes, and schools of everything, the fish life is exceptionally rich. The current may be tricky, but negotiable. Sun Fishes are regular visitors especially from July to September. This location is a great place to see something "big".Ferry Channel
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A 5 minutes "Jukung" ride from Absolute Scuba Padang bai dive centre South. Back roll is usually the best entry method to enter the water. The current is mild here, sometimes Sunfish & Sharkes on the same dive. Some walls and slopes with a very healthy reef surround the entire site. The wall is black with abundant soft coral in some area. There is lots of small marine life compared to Mimpang and Goat Island . 
