Magic Pier - Lombok & Gili Islands

Papetoai Aquarium on Moorea is exactly what it sounds like: a shallow, calm pool that's just brimming with fish. We love this site for a relaxed morning dive, especially if we're easing into a trip or have newer divers with us. It’s a gentle introduction to French Polynesian diving, with a maximum depth of 13 meters and typically good visibility, usually around 15 to 20 meters. You’re pretty much guaranteed a fish soup here. Think dusky farmerfish everywhere you look, red and blackfin squirrelfish peering from crevices, and big schools of blue-lined tangs grazing over the coral heads. We always spot greenbelly parrotfish nibbling away, and the four-lined wrasse are constantly darting about. The corals, mostly staghorn and porcelain varieties, aren't the most expansive you'll ever see, but they provide plenty of cover for the smaller stuff. Keep an eye out for the halfspotted hawkfish perched on the coral branches, they blend in well. While it’s often touted for beginners, we find it a genuinely enjoyable, easy dive that reminds you why you started diving in the first place. For something a little different, try a late afternoon dive when the light changes, the colours really pop then.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.406500, 116.073000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KK Pulau Gili Air, Gili Meno, dan Gili Trawangan

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 Magic Pier

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 Magic Pier

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 Magic Pier?
The maximum depth for diving at Magic Pier is 17 meters. This makes it a suitable site for divers looking to explore a vibrant sandy environment within a relatively shallow range.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Magic Pier?
At Magic Pier, divers can explore a unique sandy yet vibrant environment, particularly around the jetty's underbelly. This site is celebrated for its diverse macro marine life, offering sightings of ornate ghost pipefish and frogfish in a wide array of sizes and colors. You can learn more about these fascinating creatures in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Magic Pier dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Magic Pier dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty. While the maximum depth is 17 meters, the intermediate rating suggests it is best suited for divers with some prior experience rather than absolute beginners. Divers should ensure they are comfortable with their skills before exploring this unique site.
When is the best time of year to dive at Magic Pier, considering weather and sea conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Magic Pier, nor does it detail typical weather or sea conditions. For general information on dive seasons in Indonesia, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Magic Pier?
The available data does not specify the exact dive certifications required to dive at Magic Pier. As it is an intermediate site, it is generally advisable to hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, though local dive operators can provide the most accurate requirements.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Magic Pier dive site?
At Magic Pier, divers can typically expect an average visibility of 9 meters, providing good conditions to observe the unique marine life. However, the provided information does not detail the typical current conditions for this specific dive site. We recommend checking with local dive centers in Lombok & Gili Islands for current reports.