Gili Biaha, Candidasa - Lombok & Gili Islands

La Pared on Costa Rica's Caribbean side is one of those sites we always come back to. It’s not a dramatic drop into the abyss, but rather a proper vertical rock face that bottoms out at about 18 metres. We love how different it feels from the usual Caribbean reef, with the wall itself creating these little ledges and overhangs that are perfect for spotting things hunkered down. Keep your eyes peeled for Player Scorpionfish, they blend in unbelievably well, and we’ve often found Punctuated snake-eels peeking out from the cracks. The visibility averages around 9 metres, which might not sound like much, but it really focuses your attention on the wall itself. Our favourite tip here is to take it slow, really scour those nooks. You'll often find juvenile snappers and grunts schooling tight against the rock. It's an easy dive, current is usually mild, making it a great spot for newer divers to experience a wall without the usual deep-water pressure.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.509000, 115.613900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KK Karangasem

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 Gili Biaha, Candidasa

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 Gili Biaha, Candidasa

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 are the typical diving depths at Gili Biaha, including the Shark Cave?
Divers at Gili Biaha can expect typical diving depths up to 24 meters. The famous cave on the eastern wall has its gate at a depth of 12 meters, making it a favorite part of this dive site. While the surrounding rocky walls extend beyond 40 meters, the maximum recommended depth for this site is 24 meters.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Gili Biaha?
Gili Biaha offers diverse underwater features, including dramatic rocky walls and a notable cave on its eastern side, with the entrance at 12 meters. Divers can anticipate encountering a rich variety of marine life, such as sharks, lobster, banner fish, Puffer fish, crab, and Barracuda. During the right season, there's also a chance to spot the impressive mola mola.
How challenging is diving at Gili Biaha, and what level of experience is recommended?
Diving at Gili Biaha is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some prior experience beyond basic certification to comfortably navigate the site. It's recommended for divers who are confident in varying conditions and capable of managing depths up to 24 meters.
When is the best time of year to dive Gili Biaha for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
While the data specifically mentions sightings of mola mola during the "right season" at Gili Biaha, no further details on optimal diving conditions or specific months are provided in the context. For general information on when to dive in Indonesia, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required or highly recommended for diving Gili Biaha?
Given that Gili Biaha is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site with a maximum depth of 24 meters, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience to safely explore the site's features, including the cave entrance at 12 meters and the deeper sections.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures at the Gili Biaha dive site?
The provided data for Gili Biaha does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or water temperatures. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on these factors.