Toyapakeh - Lombok & Gili Islands

Diving the Farne Islands is all about the seals. We're talking thousands of grey seals, and they are genuinely playful. Slip into the chilly North Sea, and within minutes you'll have curious whiskered faces circling you, tugging gently at fins, or doing barrel rolls inches from your mask. It’s a full-body sensory experience – the cold water invigorating, the seals’ soft fur brushing past, and their vocal barks echoing underwater. Beyond the seals, the rocky reefs are surprisingly colourful, carpeted in dense anemone gardens and a good scattering of nudibranchs if you slow down and look closely. Visibility can be a bit of a lottery, as it often is in the UK, but we’ve had days here with 10 meters plus, clear enough to properly appreciate the seals' agility. We'd suggest going in late summer or autumn when the pups are around and at their most inquisitive. This site is definitely one for anyone who loves interactive wildlife encounters and doesn't mind a bit of a chill; it’s not a gentle coral reef drift, but it’s immensely rewarding.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.677200, 115.483500
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 Toyapakeh

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 Toyapakeh

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 are the typical depths for diving at Toyapakeh?
At Toyapakeh, you can expect to dive to a maximum depth of 21 meters. The coral reefs begin growing in the shallows and continue as you descend, covering large rocks with amazingly colored coral.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving Toyapakeh?
When diving Toyapakeh, you will encounter a large diversity of amazingly colored coral reefs, which provide a home for a variety of reef fish. Keep an eye out for larger pelagic species such as Mola mola, barracuda, marble ray, and giant Ttavelly, among others, which frequently visit these waters. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Is Toyapakeh a difficult dive site, or is it suitable for beginners?
Toyapakeh is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. This is primarily due to the currents, which are often strong and can sometimes be unpredictable, making it less suitable for absolute beginners.
What is the best time of year to dive Toyapakeh, especially for Mola Mola sightings?
While Toyapakeh is known for sightings of large fish like Mola mola, barracuda, and marble ray, the provided data does not specify a particular best time of year for diving or for Mola mola sightings. For general information on dive seasons, you can check our when to dive guide.
What dive certifications are recommended or required for diving at Toyapakeh?
Given that Toyapakeh is an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended that divers have experience with varying current conditions. While specific certifications are not listed, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is generally advisable for sites with strong and unpredictable currents.
What are the typical current conditions at Toyapakeh, and is it usually a drift dive?
At Toyapakeh, you should be prepared for currents that are often strong and can sometimes be unpredictable. These conditions frequently make it suitable for drift diving, allowing you to cover more ground and experience the expansive coral reefs.