Blue Corner - Lombok & Gili Islands

Dr. Grooms Garden is exactly what its name implies: a meticulously kept patch reef, and one of our absolute favourite macro sites in Grenada. We love how shallow it is, maxing out around 17 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to really scrutinise every nook and cranny. The reef is a colourful tapestry of soft corals, often swaying gently in the mild current, making for a relaxing drift. Don't come here expecting big pelagics; this site is all about the tiny stuff. We’ve spent whole dives just a few metres from our entry point, finding Spinyhead Blennies peeking out of holes, or the shy Masked Goby trying to disappear against the coral. Keep an eye out for the unusual Butterbun nudibranchs slowly traversing the reef. On a good day, you might even spot a tiny seahorse clinging to a gorgonian. The visibility generally holds around 16 metres, which is perfectly adequate for this kind of intimate exploration. It’s the perfect spot for photographers or anyone who enjoys slowing down and discovering the smaller wonders of the reef.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.661300, 115.450500
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
20-40m

Marine Protected Area: KK Nusa Penida

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 Blue Corner

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 Blue Corner

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 Blue Corner?
The typical diving depth at Blue Corner ranges from 20 to 40 meters. The dive starts from a coral slope that meets some ruins, forming a wall and boulders descending to 20 meters deep.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see when diving Blue Corner?
Blue Corner is renowned for its diverse pelagic marine life. Divers can frequently encounter species like marble rays, whitetip reef sharks, barracuda, eagle rays, fantail rays, and wobbegongs. During specific seasons, you might also be lucky enough to spot thresher sharks and Mola mola.
How difficult is diving at Blue Corner, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Blue Corner is rated as intermediate difficulty. Due to the presence of strong currents that can potentially drag divers into the open ocean, it is generally not suitable for beginners. Divers should have experience managing currents to safely enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year or conditions to dive Blue Corner for optimal marine life and visibility?
While specific seasonal details for optimal conditions are not provided, Blue Corner offers an average visibility of 19 meters. Certain pelagic species like thresher sharks and Mola mola are known to be present "in season," suggesting seasonal variations for specific sightings. For more detailed information on optimal diving times, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive Blue Corner?
The difficulty level for Blue Corner is rated as intermediate, primarily due to strong currents. While specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided information, divers should possess adequate experience and training for drift diving and managing challenging conditions. It is always recommended to check with local dive operators for their specific certification prerequisites.
What are the typical current conditions like at Blue Corner, and how do they affect the dive?
Blue Corner is known for its strong currents, which are a significant factor in the dive experience. These currents are powerful enough to potentially drag divers into the open ocean, requiring careful awareness and experience. Predator fish often utilize large boulders at the site to shelter from the current while ambushing prey, adding to the dynamic marine interactions you might observe.