Black Pearl Bali - Lombok & Gili Islands

Dolphin Wall sits a quick five-minute boat ride west of Paptura, a colourful stretch of reef that’s become a bit of a local favourite. We’ve found the currents here can be a bit shifty, changing direction with the tide, but that just keeps things interesting. It’s pretty sheltered from big swells, though a strong wind can chop up the surface. Drop down and you’ll find a vibrant wall, gently sloping from about 5 metres down to our max recorded depth of 24 metres. We’ve had some great dives here, spotting plenty of wrasse, triggerfish darting about, and nudibranchs adding little splashes of colour to the corals. If you keep an eye on the deeper blue, sometimes a reef shark will cruise by. This site is a solid choice for a relaxing afternoon dive, especially if you’re into macro life and enjoying a good coral display without too much effort.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.134200, 115.379400
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: KK Buleleng

Best Time to Dive in Lombok & Gili Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lombok & Gili Islands occur in December, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.6°C
  • February: 29.3°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.1°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 28.5°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Lombok & Gili Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Black Pearl Bali

Marine Life in Lombok & Gili Islands

Home to 258 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 44 sharks & rays, 37 hard corals, 10 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Black Pearl Bali

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 23 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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 diving depth at the Black Pearl Bali dive site?
The Black Pearl Bali dive site offers a maximum depth of 22 meters. Divers will find sponges and coral growth in shallow waters from 7-10 meters, transitioning to a sandy slope with isolated cylinder roses. This makes it suitable for various dive profiles within recreational limits.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Black Pearl Bali?
Black Pearl Bali is a fantastic macro dive site, known for its unique underwater features. Divers can expect to see sponges and coral growth in shallow areas, transitioning to a sandy slope with isolated cylinder roses and ginkgo-like leaves. Keep an eye out for diverse marine life including variations of "Shaun the Sheep" nudibranchs, tunicats with skeleton shrimp, harlequin crabs, and occasional frog fish or pipefishes/pipe horses, all detailed in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Black Pearl Bali dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Black Pearl Bali dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it offers a maximum depth of 22 meters, its classification suggests it is more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Divers should possess the necessary skills and comfort level for an intermediate dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Black Pearl Bali for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data for Black Pearl Bali does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. For general information on seasonality in the region, you might consult our when to dive guide.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive at Black Pearl Bali?
The provided information for the Black Pearl Bali dive site does not explicitly state specific diving certifications required. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, it is generally recommended that divers hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and water conditions like at the Black Pearl Bali dive site?
At the Black Pearl Bali dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 19 meters, offering clear views of the macro life. The provided data does not include specific details about typical currents or water temperature. It's always advisable to check with local dive centers for real-time conditions before your dive.