Located just off the Southern tip of Bali, Nusa Penida is home to a number of the best dive sites that you will find anywhere in the world. Like most of the dive sites around Bali, the diving in Nusa Penida can be quite difficult due to the currents experienced in the area and due to this most dives do end up being drift-dives. Nusa Penida is not necessarily the best place for scuba beginners however intermediate to advanced divers will be awe inspired by the crystal clear waters and the variety of sea life.
Nusa Penida Dive Sites
There are around ten dive sites to be explored around the coast of Nusa Penida, and they all vary in difficulty. The Nusa Penida dive sites that are highly recommended include:
- Manta Point – Named because of the numerous mantas that pass through the area, this is one of the few dive sites in the area that can be experienced by beginners. Aside from mantas, nurse sharks also frequent this popular Nusa Penida dive site.
- Ceningan Wall – If you fancy doing some extremely advanced diving in Nusa Penida you will be rewarded for your troubles at Ceningan Wall. Large shoals of tuna and barracuda are not uncommon and leopard sharks have also been seen in the area.
- Toyapakeh – Some of the best corals in Bali can be experienced at Toyapakeh. Again it is not an easy site for diving in Nusa Penida but the number of sharks, mantas and the awesome Mola Mola can all be found here making it usually worth the effort!
- Jangka Point – Jangka Point, sometimes referred to as Mangrove in reference to the Mango trees that line the dive site, is an ideal location for beginners who want to go diving in Nusa Penida. Lobsters are common here as are trigger fish so be sure to stick close to your instructor.
What You Need to Know about Diving in Nusa Penida
The diving in Nusa Penida is awesome! Seriously, if you choose to dive here you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. However, the currents can be strong and it is always wise to dive with a trained instructor who knows the area well and is aware of the conditions. Due to the currents, most of the diving in Nusa Penida will be drift-dives. You could always do a specialty course in drift diving whilst here.
The temperature usually hovers between 28oc and 30oc year round although the currents can make the water feel cooler. When I dived in Nusa Penida, I did feel okay in a rash vest and a pair of shorts (I’m British, I’m used to the cold) however many of those that I dived with were all decked out in full frog suits – hat, gloves, boots, everything. It all depends on how much the cold affects you as to what you choose.
Many divers who choose to dive in Nusa Penida often opt to take one of the many daily ferries over to the Gili Islands for a few days where the diving is absolutely fantastic and saidto be amongst the best in the world.
You can expect to pay around $120 for two dives in Nusa Penida which is not expensive but not cheap either. The price usually includes your equipment and tanks although make sure before you book. The perfect visibility and the variety of marine life that you will see do justify the price and I would definitely dive there again if I had the chance.
