Lipah Bay, Bali - Lombok & Gili Islands

Ojo de Agua is one of those spots on Cozumel where we always find ourselves lingering a bit longer. It's not a deep dive, peaking at maybe 5 metres, but it offers such a unique feel. You're essentially diving a cenote right where it meets the sea, and that freshwater upwelling creates a hazy thermocline. It feels like swimming through a watercolour painting. We love drifting through that mix of salt and fresh, watching the light refract in the most surreal ways. The real draw here, for us, is the sheer volume of fish that gather around the freshwater source. You'll see schools of grunts and snappers, sometimes barracudas just hanging motionless. We’ve spotted Key Brotulas tucked into crevices and plenty of angelfish, from Queen to French, foraging on the bottom. It’s also our favourite spot for night dives on the island. The low light really brings out the lobsters and octopus, and the freshwater haze takes on an ethereal glow with your torch beam. The visibility averages around 11 metres, which is decent for a shallow, nutrient-rich site. We'd suggest going early morning or late afternoon to avoid any crowds. This spot is perfect for photographers who love unique lighting or anyone looking for a relaxed, atmospheric dive away from the deeper drift sites Cozumel is famous for.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.350200, 115.683400
Type
cenote

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 Lipah Bay, Bali

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 Lipah Bay, Bali

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 in Lipah Bay, Bali, and are there any deeper areas or wrecks to explore?
The maximum depth for diving at Lipah Bay, Bali is 17 meters. The dive starts from a sandy beach shoreline, leading to a gentle slope. Information regarding deeper areas or wrecks to explore at this specific site is not available in our current data.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Lipah Bay, Bali?
Divers at Lipah Bay, Bali can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including turtles, blue spotted stingrays, clownfish, Clark’s anemone fish, scorpion fish, lion fish, and ghost pipe fish. The site features several coral blocks along a ledge, which are home to many colorful fish. You can learn more about these species in DivePlnr's wildlife database.
How challenging is diving in Lipah Bay, Bali, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Lipah Bay, Bali is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. While the entry is from a sandy beach, the intermediate rating suggests it might be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. Beginners should consider gaining more experience before diving here.
When is the best time of year to dive in Lipah Bay, Bali, for optimal conditions and marine sightings?
Specific information regarding the best time of year to dive at Lipah Bay, Bali for optimal conditions and marine sightings is not provided in our current data. We recommend checking general when to dive guides for the Lombok & Gili Islands region.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving in Lipah Bay, Bali?
Our current data does not specify the exact dive certifications required or recommended for diving at Lipah Bay, Bali. Given its classification as an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is generally advisable to have at least an Open Water certification and some prior diving experience. Please consult with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like when diving in Lipah Bay, Bali?
When diving at Lipah Bay, Bali, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 15 meters. Information regarding the typical current conditions at this dive site is not available in our provided context.