Mangrove Point Gawana - Bali

Pascaline is a classic Loyalty Islands dive, a real standout in a region known for its caves and swim-throughs. We love it for the sheer variety, which makes deciding between wide-angle and macro a genuine struggle. The main draw is a series of interconnected tunnels and arches that really play with the light, creating these incredible shafts of turquoise that slice through the gloom. It’s an easy dive, maxing out around 22 metres, making it approachable for most. You'll fin through sections absolutely plastered with gorgonian fans, perfect habitat for the tiny pygmy seahorses, though spotting them requires a good eye and a patient guide. Keep an eye out for grey reef sharks patrolling the entrances, and we’ve often seen big schools of blue fusiliers swirling around the exits, almost blocking out the light. Inside, the walls are covered in corals, lots of different brain corals and honeycomb corals, and if you take your time, there’s a surprising amount of small stuff. We've found some really interesting molluscs here – Strawberry Drupe, Chiragra spider conch, and even the occasional Triton's trumpet. Visibility tends to be excellent, often around 20 metres or more, which really enhances the feel of those light rays. This site suits divers who appreciate intricate reef architecture and are happy to slow down for the smaller wonders, but it still delivers the bigger pelagics too.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.138900, 114.542600
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Bali Barat

Best Time to Dive in Bali

The warmest water temperatures in Bali occur in December, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 29.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.1°C
  • February: 29.7°C
  • March: 30.1°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.1°C
  • September: 29.3°C
  • October: 30.1°C
  • November: 30.9°C
  • December: 30.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Bali

Nearest Dive Centres to Mangrove Point Gawana

Marine Life in Bali

Home to 528 recorded species including 359 reef fish, 73 hard corals, 42 sharks & rays, 12 other, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 11 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Mangrove Point Gawana

Based on average water temperature of 30.1°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for scuba diving at Mangrove Point Gawana?
The maximum depth for diving at Mangrove Point Gawana is 18 meters. This makes it an accessible site for a wide range of divers, from beginners to more experienced individuals.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Mangrove Point Gawana?
Divers at Mangrove Point Gawana can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including many species of damselfish, mackerel, cuttlefish, and turtles. The site boasts very beautiful coral growth, featuring colorful coral reefs with small steep walls, partly sandy slopes, and very large gorgonians. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the diving at Mangrove Point Gawana, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Mangrove Point Gawana is rated as intermediate difficulty, yet it is suitable for divers ranging from beginners to experts. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for divers of various experience levels looking to explore the beautiful underwater world of Bali.
What are the best times of year or conditions to dive at Mangrove Point Gawana for optimal experience?
The provided data does not specify the best times of year or conditions to dive at Mangrove Point Gawana for an optimal experience. For general guidance on dive seasons in Indonesia, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Mangrove Point Gawana?
Given that Mangrove Point Gawana is suitable for beginners to experts and has an intermediate difficulty, an Open Water Diver certification would generally be sufficient. However, divers seeking to enhance their skills and explore more challenging aspects might consider advanced certifications.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at Mangrove Point Gawana?
Divers at Mangrove Point Gawana can typically expect an average water visibility of 13 meters. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions at this dive site.