Sampalan (Nusa Penida, Bali) - Lombok & Gili Islands

Tawharanui, often overshadowed by its famous neighbour, is a brilliant alternative if you’re looking for a quieter dive in the Goat Island area. We love it for its consistent population of snapper – not huge, but plentiful. You’ll typically drop to around 10-12 metres, finding yourself in kelp forests that sway with the gentle surge. Visibility hovers around 6 metres, sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. It's not a site for spotting distant pelagics, but rather for poking around the kelp fronds, searching for banded morwong or the occasional shy cowfish. We’ve had some cracking dives here just watching the yellowtail dart through the light shafts. Our favourite part is the chance to spot larger eagle rays gliding over the sandy patches between the reef. For crayfish, head towards the Takatu Point end; they tend to be bigger there. It suits divers who appreciate a relaxed pace and don’t mind a bit of a search for the smaller stuff.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.671500, 115.563200

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 Sampalan (Nusa Penida, 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 Sampalan (Nusa Penida, 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 diving depth at Sampalan dive site in Nusa Penida?
At the Sampalan dive site, divers can expect a maximum depth of 22 meters. This drift dive offers a unique experience exploring its vibrant reef, with an average visibility of 19 meters.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see at Sampalan (Nusa Penida)?
Divers at Sampalan will be amazed by its unusual coral formations, including coral bommies, large barrel sponges, and enormous compact corals. The reef is bustling with activity, offering abundant fish, and pelagics can often be spotted in the blue.
How challenging is diving at Sampalan (Nusa Penida) for different experience levels, considering the currents?
Diving at Sampalan is considered an intermediate difficulty dive. As a drift dive, divers should be prepared for currents, which contribute to the exciting experience of exploring its vibrant reef.
When is the best time of year to dive Sampalan (Nusa Penida) for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Sampalan for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on dive seasons in Indonesia, please visit our When to Dive page.
What diving certifications are recommended or required to dive safely at Sampalan (Nusa Penida)?
The specific diving certifications recommended or required for Sampalan are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty and status as a drift dive, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience with currents is generally advisable.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures at Sampalan dive site in Nusa Penida?
Sampalan is known as a drift dive, indicating typical current conditions that make for an exciting experience. However, specific water temperatures for this site are not provided in the available data.