Gamat Bay - Lombok & Gili Islands

La Grotte du Pari is a big lavatube tunnel, tucked away between Teahupoo and Tautira. It's not a deep dive, topping out around 15 metres, but it offers a different feel from the usual reef explorations. Inside, the tunnel stretches for over a hundred metres, quite wide at 20 to 30 metres across, which keeps it from feeling claustrophobic. We've seen sponges clinging to the walls, sea cucumbers on the floor, and a surprising number of shrimps, plus those little bioluminescent fish that light up the darker corners. If you’re looking for something a bit unusual and enjoy the intimacy of a cave dive without extreme depths, this is a solid pick.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.700900, 115.468300
Type
cave

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 Gamat Bay

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 Gamat Bay

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 depth range for diving at Gamat Bay?
Gamat Bay offers a varied depth profile, beginning with a flat shallow area before descending into a slope. While the slope itself reaches more than 40 meters, the maximum recreational diving depth for the site is typically 23 meters. This allows divers to explore both shallow coral gardens and deeper sections of the reef at Gamat Bay.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Gamat Bay?
Gamat Bay boasts healthy coral in its flat shallow areas, providing a vibrant habitat for diverse marine life. Divers frequently spot iconic species such as Mola mola (Oceanic sunfish) during the season, along with Marble rays, Moray eels, and various Nudibranchs. Keep an eye out for Flounder fish, Blue ribbon eels, and Giant Trivially, which also call this site home.
How challenging is Gamat Bay as a dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Gamat Bay is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While it features beautiful shallow areas, the presence of a slope reaching over 40 meters and potentially varying conditions means it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers. Divers with some prior experience and good buoyancy control will be better suited to safely explore this rewarding site.
When is the best time of year or day to dive at Gamat Bay for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
To optimize your chances of spotting Mola mola (Oceanic sunfish), it is best to dive Gamat Bay during "the right season," as noted in the site description. While specific dates are not provided, this indicates a seasonal presence for these impressive creatures. For general optimal conditions, consulting a when-to-dive guide for the Lombok & Gili Islands region is advisable.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive safely at Gamat Bay?
As Gamat Bay is classified with an intermediate difficulty, divers should possess a certification level that aligns with this rating. While specific certifications are not listed, this typically means having experience beyond entry-level diving. It is always recommended to consult with local dive operators in the Lombok & Gili Islands for their specific requirements and recommendations before diving.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving in Gamat Bay?
Gamat Bay typically offers good underwater visibility, averaging around 18 meters, which allows for clear views of its marine life and healthy coral. Although specific current conditions are not detailed, the site's intermediate difficulty rating implies that divers should be prepared for potentially moderate or varying currents. Always consult with local dive operators in Lombok & Gili Islands for the most up-to-date current reports.