Coral Basket - Lombok & Gili Islands

Half Moon Wall, just off West End, is one of those Roatán sites we always find ourselves coming back to. It’s an easy run for most boats, making it popular, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just another wall. The reef crest starts shallow, around 5m, before dropping away to our max depth of 22m. What we love here is the sheer density of life clinging to the wall itself. You’ll spot parrotfish everywhere, munching away, and the occasional great barracuda hanging in the blue. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too: we’ve spent ages watching rusty gobies darting in and out of crevices and the shy rosy blennies peeking from their holes. The black coral formations are particularly striking, contrasting with the vibrant orange elephant ear sponges. We’d suggest going in the late morning, the light catches the wall beautifully then, really making the colours pop. Visibility generally holds around 19m, so you get a good sense of the wall stretching out below you. It’s a site that suits anyone looking for a relaxed dive with plenty to observe, whether you’re into macro or just enjoying the reef's overall health.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.338100, 116.039000
Type
wall

Marine Protected Area: KK Pulau Gili Air, Gili Meno, dan Gili Trawangan

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 Coral Basket

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 Coral Basket

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 Coral Basket dive site?
At the Coral Basket dive site, the maximum depth you can expect to reach is 19 meters. This allows for exploration of both shallow walls and beautiful coral ridges in the deeper parts. It's a great depth for divers of various experience levels to enjoy.
What kind of marine life and corals can I expect to see when diving at Coral Basket?
When diving at Coral Basket, you'll be delighted by colourful and healthy corals throughout the site. Keep an eye out for a variety of fascinating marine life, including star pufferfish, schools of batfish, triggerfish, trevally, baby sharks, and turtles. It's a vibrant ecosystem waiting to be explored.
Is Coral Basket a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginners?
The Coral Basket dive site is remarkably versatile, described as perfect for both beginners and advanced divers. While officially rated as intermediate difficulty, its diverse features cater to a wide range of skill levels. You can enjoy the small wall in the shallows or explore the beautiful coral ridges in deeper parts.
What is the best time of year to dive at Coral Basket for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Coral Basket for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving, you might find our When to Dive guide helpful. We recommend checking local dive operators for current conditions and seasonal recommendations for the Lombok & Gili Islands.
Do I need a specific certification level to dive at Coral Basket?
While the Coral Basket dive site is suitable for both beginners and advanced divers, its maximum depth of 19 meters typically requires at least an Open Water Diver certification. This certification allows you to safely explore the site's small wall and coral ridges. Always dive within your certification limits and consider diving with a local guide.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Coral Basket dive site?
At the Coral Basket dive site, you can expect excellent average visibility of 20 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant marine life and healthy corals. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site. We always recommend checking with local dive operators for real-time current information before your dive.