Lombok, nestled in the West Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia, offers a remarkable diving experience that blends untouched exploration with popular destinations like the renowned Gili Islands. The island's diverse underwater landscapes, from vibrant coral reefs to thrilling muck dives, provide something for every diver, whether a novice or an expert. In Senggigi, divers can explore rugged north coast muck dives and share the waters with curious sea turtles at the Gili Islands, all a short distance from Lombok’s international airport.
In the southwest, Seketong is a haven for critter enthusiasts, home to pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish. The pristine coral reefs of the 'South Gilis'—Gili Asahan, Gede, and Ringgit—invite divers to uncover their wonders. Meanwhile, the adrenaline-pumping dive sites of Belongas Bay offer the rare chance to encounter both scalloped and great hammerhead sharks. With such diverse marine life and breathtaking underwater environments, Lombok stands out as an exceptional dive destination year-round, although the visibility may slightly drop during the rainy months of December and January.
Lombok’s mostly unexplored North coast is a good place for underwater photographers to head out with their cameras. Along the rugged coastline you’ll find a number of muck dives with varied topography, ranging from slopes to flat sandy bottoms. Combine these sites with those found at Seketong in the south west and it’s a macro divers haven. During pristine coral reef dives, search soft corals for the more unusual creatures of the deep.
Also in South Lombok, Belongas Bay features dive sites with towering pinnacles and enormous boulders. Within exhilarating dives you can find yourself drifting along slopes, short walls and interesting rock formations as you overlook deep drop-offs that seem to go on for miles. At the Gili Islands of Trawangan, Air and Meno you can experience easy reef dives, perfect for those planning to undertake dive courses, or drift dive along admiring the Gili’s impressive underwater scenery.
Lombok offers year-round diving opportunities with optimal conditions during the dry season from May to September. During this period, the waters, especially in South Lombok, are cooler and clearer, with temperatures ranging from 26°C–29°C/79°F–84°F. Visibility is excellent, making it an ideal time for divers to explore the underwater scenery.
From March to June, conditions are mild, with the best water temperature and visibility. However, outside these months, surface conditions can become choppier, and the water may cool. Despite this, July and August are prime times to witness hammerhead sharks schooling, while eagle rays are most commonly spotted between August and September. Therefore, while diving is possible throughout the year, the best experiences are during the highlighted months.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
