Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida - Lombok & Gili Islands

While many divers flock to Bali, we often point friends towards the Nusa Islands for a slightly different vibe. Take Nusa Lembongan and Penida, for example. Specifically, the Blue Corner dive site. It’s where you go to chase a sunfish encounter. The currents here can be a bit of a rollercoaster, shifting directions and strength without much warning, so you need to be comfortable with a dynamic dive. But when that massive, flat sunfish, the mola mola, drifts into view, often around the cleaning stations, you forget all about the drift. It’s a proper bucket-list tick, leaving you grinning for hours after you surface.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.750000, 115.450000
Type
drift
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 Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida

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 Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida

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 depths for diving around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan dive sites?
The dive site Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida, located in the Lombok & Gili Islands sub-region of Indonesia, typically offers depths ranging from 20-40m. This range allows for exploration of various underwater features and marine life.
What kind of marine life, especially large pelagics, can divers expect to see when diving in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan?
Divers exploring sites like Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida can expect common sightings of the incredible sunfish (Mola Mola). This makes it a prime location to tick off a major diving 'must see' from your list. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the dive sites in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
Dive sites such as Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida are rated as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to their drift diving nature and changeable currents. While exhilarating, these conditions suggest that the sites may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers. Divers should be comfortable with currents and drift diving techniques.
When is the best time of year to dive Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan for optimal conditions and specific marine life encounters like Mola Mola or manta rays?
The provided data specifically mentions common sightings of sunfish (Mola Mola) at sites like Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida. However, the context does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or these specific marine life encounters. For general information on when to dive, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for exploring the various dive sites around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan?
Given that dive sites like Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida are rated as intermediate difficulty and reach depths of 20-40m, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This certification ensures divers have the necessary training for deeper dives and managing drift conditions.
What are the typical water temperatures and current conditions divers should expect when visiting Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan?
Divers visiting sites like Lembongan Island - Nusa Penida should expect changeable currents, characteristic of a drift dive. These currents can be quite strong, leading to an exhilarating but potentially "shaken" experience. The provided data does not specify typical water temperatures for this region.