Sental - Lombok & Gili Islands

The Pump House at Goat Island is a bit of a local secret, and for good reason. It’s not about huge pelagics or colourful corals, but rather an intimate look at temperate water marine life. We love it for its consistent conditions – no worrying about big swells here – making it perfect for newer divers or those getting back into the swing of things. The real charm is found on the rocky pad, sitting around 8-10m. This is where we often find playful perch, inquisitive and unafraid, sometimes following us from rock to rock. Keep an eye out for the resident eels, too; some of those long-finned beauties have been around for decades. While visibility averages 4m, we've had days where it stretched to a clear 6m, allowing us to spot the subtle colours of olive and white-striped anemones clinging to the rocks. It’s a fantastic site for honing buoyancy and really taking your time to observe the smaller critters that make their home here, a real focus on macro life rather than grand vistas.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.676000, 115.532300

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 Sental

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 Sental

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 Sental dive site?
The maximum diving depth at Sental is 21 meters. While the typical average depth isn't specified, divers can explore this beautiful reef within this limit. It's an excellent site for divers looking to experience the vibrant underwater world of Lombok & Gili Islands.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at Sental?
Divers at Sental can expect to be amazed by an extended pristine coral reef, which is absolutely beautiful. This vibrant reef hosts a wide variety of tropical reef fishes. Additionally, lucky divers may even encounter pelagic fish swimming through this rich ecosystem.
Is Sental suitable for beginner divers, or is it considered an advanced dive site?
Sental is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While not typically recommended for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it rewarding. It's best to dive with the current, requiring good coordination with your dive leader and boat captain.
What is the best time of year to dive at Sental, especially for Mola Mola sightings?
The provided information does not specify the best time of year to dive at Sental, nor does it mention Mola Mola sightings. For general information on diving seasons in Indonesia, you might consult our When to Dive section. Always check local conditions with a dive operator before planning your trip.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Sental?
The specific diving certifications required for Sental are not detailed in the provided information. However, given its intermediate difficulty, divers should typically hold at least an Open Water Diver certification, with some experience in current diving. It's always best to confirm certification requirements directly with your chosen dive operator in Lombok & Gili Islands.
What are the typical current conditions at Sental, and is it usually a drift dive?
Sental is best dived with the current, strongly suggesting it is often a drift dive. Due to these conditions, excellent coordination between divers, the dive leader, and the speed boat captain is essential for dive time, pick up point, and exit. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the beautiful reef.