SD Point - Lombok & Gili Islands

The Crack at Pulau Babi isn’t just a wall; it’s a living labyrinth, especially when you start exploring its namesake. We love dropping in here, letting the gentle current (it’s rarely a serious push) carry us along the face. Keep an eye out for those Blue-finned Rock Cod tucked into the crevices; they’re masters of camouflage. The wall itself is thick with whip corals and sea fans, but it's the smaller stuff that really shines. We’ve spent solid chunks of dives just poking around for Gardiner's Headshield Slugs and the tiny, grumpy-looking Blennies. Down deeper, around 18-20m, the wall develops these incredible fissures and overhangs, almost like the rock is peeling open. That's "The Crack." Slip inside and the light filters down in shafts, illuminating schools of Banded Blue Sprat that shimmer like a liquid curtain. It’s wonderfully atmospheric. We’ve seen reef sharks cruise by in the blue, though usually they're just passing through. This site is fantastic for macro photographers and anyone who enjoys a slow, detailed dive rather than a pelagic hunt. The maximum depth of 22m makes it accessible for most certifications.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.672500, 115.505600
Type
reef

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 SD Point

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 SD Point

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 SD Point?
At SD Point, divers can expect a maximum depth of 20 meters. This makes it suitable for various certification levels, allowing you to explore the diverse reef system comfortably.
What kind of marine life and corals can I expect to see when diving SD Point?
SD Point boasts an incredibly diverse collection of corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. You can commonly spot fascinating marine life such as red tooth triggerfish, various angelfish, and moray eels, alongside many other reef fishes. Keep an eye out for the occasional sighting of an Ocean sunfish, which has been reported by divers.
Is SD Point a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginner divers?
SD Point is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While it offers excellent drift dive opportunities due to its shelf slope bottom, the current can occasionally be very strong, making it less suitable for absolute beginner divers. Divers should have experience managing currents to fully enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year or day to dive at SD Point for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for SD Point does not specify a best time of year or day for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in Indonesia, you might consult our When to Dive guide. We recommend checking with local dive operators for the most current conditions and specific recommendations.
What diving certifications are required to dive at SD Point?
The provided data for SD Point does not explicitly state specific diving certifications required. However, given its intermediate difficulty and the potential for very strong currents, it is generally recommended that divers have experience beyond entry-level. With a maximum depth of 20 meters, divers should be comfortable with their skills and current conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at SD Point?
At SD Point, the current conditions can vary, with the potential for them to be very strong occasionally, making it ideal for drift diving. Despite the currents, divers can generally expect excellent visibility, averaging around 19 meters. This combination offers an exciting and clear underwater experience.