Sanur Beach - Lombok & Gili Islands

If you’re looking for a drift dive that delivers, Texas is it. We often find ourselves kicking things off closer to the Salt Life Point buoy, letting the current do the heavy lifting as we sweep towards Texas itself. It’s an exercise in controlled surrender, just hanging back and watching the world go by. The site is off Roatán's westernmost tip, and those currents can be proper spirited. We've had dives here that felt like a sprint against the tide, but when it’s running right, it’s brilliant. The max depth of 22m means plenty of bottom time to really soak it in. You’ll drift past enormous barrel sponges, some of them ancient looking, and gorgonian fans waving rhythmically in the flow. We love spotting the schools of yellowtail snapper, a shimmering river of silver moving with us, and the Atlantic spadefish are almost always hanging around. Keep an eye out for grouper and snapper tucked into crevices. If the current is pushing you offshore, don’t fight it; just enjoy the ride into the blue. It's a proper Roatán experience, a real gamble on the current, but when it pays off, it’s one of the best.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.709000, 115.267800
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: KKP-07 Semawang Denpasar

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 Sanur Beach

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 Sanur Beach

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 Sanur Beach dive sites?
The dive sites at Sanur Beach are known for their shallow depths, reaching a maximum of 10m. This makes it a comfortable environment for exploring the sandy and coral patch areas.
What kind of marine life and corals can I expect to see when diving in Sanur Beach?
When diving at Sanur Beach, you can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life amidst the sand and coral patches. Keep an eye out for fascinating creatures such as sea snakes, bat fish, lobsters, ghost pipefish, trumpet fish, sea moths, lion fish, scorpion fish, and moray eels. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult are the dive sites at Sanur Beach, and are they suitable for beginner divers?
The dive sites at Sanur Beach are rated as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to the presence of drift diving conditions. While it is a shallow area with a maximum depth of 10m, the currents associated with drift dives mean it might be more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners.
When is the best time of year to go diving at Sanur Beach for optimal conditions?
Based on the available information for Sanur Beach, the optimal diving conditions are typically found when the water rises just before the highest high tide. Specific information regarding the best time of year for diving at this site is not provided in our current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Sanur Beach?
While specific certification requirements are not explicitly listed for Sanur Beach, its classification as an intermediate dive site suggests that divers should ideally hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification or have equivalent experience with drift diving. Always check with local dive operators for their specific requirements and recommendations.
What are the usual currents and visibility like for diving around Sanur Beach?
Diving at Sanur Beach typically involves drift diving, indicating the presence of currents that guide your underwater journey. The average visibility at this site is a clear 9m, offering good conditions to observe the marine life.