Dive into Lombok’s Pristine Waters with our Guide to Lombok Diving
Lombok’s crystal clear waters leave travellers with several magnificent diving sites to uncover. The best time to plan your dive is over the dry season, beginning in March until November, and water temperature ranges from 26 to 30 C (79 to 86 F).
The Magnet: Lombok’s Crown Jewel
Situated on the southern coast in Belongas Bay, The Magnet is undoubtedly Lombok’s most renowned dive site. This site earns its name from the impressive array of marine life it attracts, including hammerhead sharks, barracudas, and eagle rays. The Magnet plunges down to 80 meters and is reserved for advanced divers seeking an exhilarating underwater adventure.
North Gili Islands: A Diver’s Paradise
Just a short boat ride west of Lombok, you’ll discover the North Gili Islands, a diver’s paradise. These islands, including Trawangan, Air, and Meno, are popular among honeymooners and backpackers. Gili Meno boasts a unique attraction known as ‘The Nest,’ featuring underwater sculptures. Here, you can get up close and personal with turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and more. Nearby, Meno Wall offers an 18-meter drop with a mesmerizing mix of coral fish, crabs, lionfish, wart slugs, and nudibranchs, along with hawksbill and green turtles.
South of Gili Trawangan: Thrilling Encounters
South of Gili Trawangan comes alive with Manta Rays during the wet season, while reef sharks and turtles inhabit the area year-round. The underwater drop goes down to 40 meters, and you’ll be captivated by the diverse marine life, including blue-spotted stingrays, lionfish, white tips, and spiny lobsters. Nearby, Shark Point sits east of Gili Trawangan, revealing its vibrant marine life in the morning. With up to 24 meters of coral waters to explore, you can encounter triggerfish, white-tip reef sharks, ribbon eels, and mantas. Volker’s Golf Course, located 500 meters from Shark Point, starts at a depth of 30 meters and promises sightings of sharks, doctorfish, and mackerel. However, be aware of strong currents at times due to the distance from the shore.
Remote Diving in the South of Lombok
Venture to the remote waters in the south of Lombok, including Sekotong (mainland) and South Gilis like Asahan, Gede, and Ringgit. Here, you’ll discover pristine white sandy beaches and untouched reefs. Gili Ringgit, although small, is an excellent spot for beginner divers, featuring cuttlefish, blue-spotted stingrays, and vibrant coral gardens. The southwest region offers quieter dive sites with gentle currents, making it ideal for diving enthusiasts looking to hone their skills. Don’t miss the Stairs of Medang, where the reef descends in a stairway-like formation to 30 meters. You’ll encounter playful turtles, fish schools, manta rays, and sharks as you venture deeper into the ocean.
Dive Beyond Expectations
Lombok Diving is plentiful with a plethora of dive sites waiting for you to explore. Add these must-visit sites to your list: Frog Fish Point, Hammerhead Sharks (a newer site boasting pristine coral and, of course, sharks), The Cathedral, Nipah Slope, and Alang-Alang Wall (perfect for night dives). With these options, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable underwater adventure in the captivating waters of Lombok. Dive into the beauty of Lombok’s underwater world and create lasting memories.
