Seahorse Bay - Lombok & Gili Islands

The Gardens is a standout for us at the Poor Knights, and often one of our first stops. We love the easy entry into this shallow bay, especially when there's a bit of a swell running elsewhere. The back wall is riddled with cracks and archways, perfect for poking around, and you’ll find plenty of inquisitive snapper hovering in the shadows. We usually spend a good chunk of time around Shark Fin Cave – the light entering from the top creates an ethereal glow, illuminating the fan corals and sponges clinging to the walls. Out in the bay, the sandy patches often host foraging rays, and if you’re patient, you might spot a school of kingfish cruising by. This site is consistently shallow, maxing out at 17m, making it ideal for longer bottom times and less experienced divers looking to get comfortable. The average 15m visibility here means you can often see the boat from the seafloor, which is always a bonus. For those looking for a relaxed, sun-drenched dive with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, The Gardens truly delivers.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.405200, 116.060900
Type
cave

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 Seahorse Bay

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 Seahorse Bay

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 Seahorse Bay?
Seahorse Bay offers a typical maximum depth of 17 meters, making it accessible for various dive levels. The site features a sandy slope that extends down to 30 meters, providing a diverse environment for marine life. Divers can explore this gentle slope, which is home to numerous fascinating critters.
What kind of marine life and unique critters can divers expect to see at Seahorse Bay?
Seahorse Bay is renowned for its incredible muck diving and unique critter population. Divers can expect to encounter a thriving seahorse population, along with fascinating species like Banded pipefish, Ornate ghost pipefish, and many different kinds of frogfish. The site is also famous for its elusive Coconut-, Mimic- and V-Shape Octopus, making it a paradise for macro enthusiasts and underwater photographers.
Is Seahorse Bay suitable for beginner divers, and what certifications are recommended?
Seahorse Bay is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, making it more suitable for divers with some experience rather than absolute beginners. While the maximum depth is 17 meters, the focus on spotting unique macro life in a muck diving environment often benefits from good buoyancy control and observation skills. We recommend at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience to fully enjoy and appreciate this unique site.
What is the best time of year to dive Seahorse Bay for good visibility and calm conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Seahorse Bay for optimal visibility and calm conditions. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 14 meters at this site. For more detailed seasonal information, we recommend checking local dive operator reports or our When to Dive section for the Lombok & Gili Islands region.
Are there any notable currents or specific water conditions at Seahorse Bay that divers should be aware of?
The available information for Seahorse Bay does not specify any notable currents or particular water conditions that divers should be aware of. As with any dive site, it's always advisable to consult with local dive guides before your dive to get the most current conditions and safety briefings.
Is Seahorse Bay primarily a muck diving site, and what makes it unique for underwater photographers?
Yes, Seahorse Bay is indeed a world-class muck diving site, celebrated for its sandy slope environment. It is particularly unique for underwater photographers due to its incredible array of rare and fascinating macro critters. The site is famous for its seahorse population, various frogfish, Banded pipefish, Ornate ghost pipefish, and the elusive Coconut-, Mimic- and V-Shape Octopus, offering endless opportunities for stunning close-up shots.