Katak Drop - Lombok & Gili Islands

Middle Cay is one of those St. Vincent sites we keep coming back to. Drop in, and you’re immediately enveloped by this dense, vibrant forest of whip corals and gorgonians. It’s a real sensory overload, in the best possible way. We love watching the light play through the fronds, revealing the flash of parrotfish and the quiet movements of little post horn squid. The reef here slopes gently, starting around 15 metres, pushing down to a comfortable 20 metres for us. We've often found ourselves just hanging out in the shallows, watching the jacks and barracuda patrol, occasionally rounding up a shimmering shoal of silver mojarras. You’ll spot plenty of green morays tucked into crevices, and keep an eye out for those spiny and slipper lobsters – they’re everywhere. The healthy corals are a real draw, a genuinely colourful reef that feels alive. It’s an easy, relaxing dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in the sheer beauty of a Caribbean reef without battling strong currents.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.437900, 116.750300
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KK Gili Balu

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 Katak Drop

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 Katak Drop

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 maximum depth typically reached when diving at Katak Drop?
The maximum depth typically reached when diving at Katak Drop is 23 meters. This makes it suitable for a range of certified divers looking to explore the vibrant marine life of this dive site in Lombok & Gili Islands.
What kind of marine life and unique underwater features can divers expect to encounter at Katak Drop?
At Katak Drop, divers can expect to encounter a gently sloping reef teeming with vibrant, healthy corals and a variety of fish. With a bit of luck, you might even spot an eagle ray gracefully gliding through the water. This site offers a beautiful display of the Lombok & Gili Islands underwater ecosystem.
How would you rate the difficulty level of diving at Katak Drop, and is it suitable for all certification levels?
The difficulty level for diving at Katak Drop is rated as intermediate. While not suitable for absolute beginners, it is an excellent choice for certified divers with some experience looking to explore the beautiful dive site in Indonesia.
What is the best time of year or specific months to dive Katak Drop for optimal conditions and visibility?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year or specific months for optimal diving conditions and visibility at Katak Drop. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in Indonesia, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving Katak Drop?
Given that Katak Drop is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is highly recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures you are comfortable and proficient enough to safely enjoy the maximum depth of 23m and the site's features.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at the Katak Drop dive site?
At Katak Drop, divers can typically expect an average water visibility of 15 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant corals and fish. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site.