Diving in Nusa Penida has this raw, restless energy, like the ocean is always up to something.
One day you’re cruising along a calm north-coast drift with perfect viz, the next you’re dropping into chilly water hoping the big stuff shows up. And somehow, it usually does. Penida’s sites each have their own personality, and that’s what makes diving here so addictive.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what the best dive sites in Nusa Penida actually are, these are the ones I keep coming back to. They cover everything Penida is known for: mantas, mola mola, long drifts, busy reefs and those classic chilly thermoclines.
If it’s your first time scuba diving Nusa Penida, you might want to start with my Nusa Penida diving guide for logistics, where to stay, and how to get there.
Essential Info for Nusa Penida
Here’s a quick overview of Nusa Penida diving before we dive into each site.
| Location | Off Bali’s southeast coast, reached by fast boat from Sanur, Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan |
| What It’s Known For | Big animals (mantas and mola), strong currents, long drifts and lively reefs |
| Best For | Divers comfortable in current; Advanced is ideal but confident Open Water works on calmer sites |
| Conditions I Had | Warm 28°C (82°F) drifts on the north coast, sudden 16–20°C (61–68°F) thermoclines around Crystal Bay and Manta Point in mola season |
| What I Saw | Mantas, a surprise mola, loads of reef life, a tiny frogfish at Manta Point, rays and the usual Penida pelagics |
01 – Manta Point: The Manta Hangout
Manta Point is the one site in Penida that stays true to its name. You come for mantas and you get mantas. The limestone cliffs drop straight into the sea, the swell can be a bit dramatic on the surface, but once you’re underwater it settles into this calm, wide-open space where the rays just cruise into the cleaning station. It’s no surprise this is everyone’s favourite Nusa Penida dive site.
What I love most here is how close they get without a hint of hesitation. I spent whole dives hovering above the cleaning station barely moving, just watching them loop around me. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I even found a tiny frogfish perched on the big rock… but let’s be honest, mantas win every time.
I wrote more about what to expect at Manta Point in Nusa Penida here.
Essential Info
| Location | South coast of Nusa Penida |
| Depth | 5–18 meters |
| Skill Level | Open Water friendly, but good buoyancy and comfort in swell make it easier |
| Conditions | Calm underwater, but surface swell can get rough; visibility varies |
| Best For | Mantas, relaxed profiles, great for photos and beginner-friendly diving |
Why Dive Manta Point
This is one of the few places where you can settle into one spot and let the wildlife come to you. The site isn’t known for coral, but the mantas more than make up for it. They sweep in from every direction, sometimes in groups, sometimes solo, and they just keep circling the cleaning station. If you’re patient, you’ll also spot other things cruising around: eagle rays, the odd shark, octopus or some macro hiding on the rocks.
Best Time to Dive Manta Point
- Best time of year: You can see Mantas year-round here, they aren’t seasonal. Another reason why this site is so popular.
- Best time of day: Mornings usually feel calmer and the light hits the cleaning station nicely.
- Temperature: Generally warm at 28–29°C (82–84°F). It can drop a little in colder months but nothing extreme like Crystal Bay.
Tip: If the swell is big, boats skip it, so don’t lock your whole trip to just this site.
02 – Crystal Bay: Mola Mola Spot
Crystal Bay looks peaceful from the boat, but underwater it has its own mood. It has that classic Penida mix of beauty, currents and the sudden cold layers that hit you out of nowhere. The reef runs long and healthy, the visibility can be stunning, and it’s the best place to see mola mola (ocean sunfish) in Bali.
This is also where my first mola mola encounter happened. We dipped a bit deeper, hit that icy water, and out of nowhere this huge, strange, beautiful fish drifted past us. Totally unexpected and completely unforgettable.
Essential Info
| Location | West side of Nusa Penida |
| Depth | 5–35 meters (mola sightings usually 25–30m or deeper) |
| Skill Level | Better for Advanced; currents and thermoclines can be tricky |
| Conditions | Clear viz, occasional surge, can have down currents, cold water in season |
| Best For | Molas, wide-angle photography, deeper profiles |
Why Dive Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is famous for molas, but even without one it’s a gorgeous site. The reef is full of life, and when the conditions line up the visibility is insanely clear. You get everything from reef fish cruising the slope to passing pelagics and the occasional dolphin on the surface. The dive itself keeps you alert — currents can shift, temperatures can drop in a heartbeat, and the deeper areas feel like a portal where anything could show up.
Best Time to Dive Crystal Bay
- Best time of year: Molas usually show up from July to October when the water gets cold.
- Best time of day: Morning is usually the safest bet for calmer conditions.
- Temperature: Expect a sharp drop during mola season. I’ve had dives here that go from okay temperature to ice-cold in seconds. Off-season stays around 28°C (82°F).
Tip: It can get crowded in mola season, so go early if you want a calmer dive.
03 – SD Point: Easy Drift, healthy Reef
SD Point is one of the easiest drift diving sites in Nusa Penida. And it’s the kind of dive that reminds you why drift dives are so addictive. You roll in, the current picks a direction and off you go. No effort, no stress, just a long ride over a reef that honestly doesn’t get enough credit. The coral here runs for what feels like forever and it’s in great shape. You’ll see big healthy hard coral blocks, soft corals tucked between them, and more fish traffic than you expect for such a relaxed dive.
Essential Info
| Location | North coast of Nusa Penida |
| Depth | 3–25 meters |
| Skill Level | Open Water friendly; just be comfortable drifting |
| Conditions | Warm ~28°C, good visibility, steady current |
| Best For | Easy drifting, coral lovers, relaxed diving |
Why Dive SD Point
SD is perfect when you want a dive that feels effortless but still delivers. The coral starts shallow, so the moment you drop into the water the good stuff already surrounds you. You get schools of fish like batfish, trevallies, sweetlips, plus the occasional turtle cruising by.
What I like most is how calm the whole dive feels. The current moves you along but never in that “hold onto your regulator” way. You just settle into the flow, watch the reef roll by and enjoy whatever pops up.
Best Time to Dive SD Point
- Best time of year: SD Point is good all year. It’s one of the most reliable sites on the island.
- Best time of day: Anytime works, but mornings tend to have calmer water.
- Temperature: Warm at around 28°C (82°F) almost always, no nasty thermocline surprises here.
Tip: This is my go-to when conditions are messy elsewhere because it’s so reliable.
04 – Mangrove: Drift over Busy Reef
Mangrove is a dive site at the neighbouring island Nusa Lembongan, but it’s absolutely worth the hop over.
The entry point sits right in front of the mangrove forest on Lembongan’s northeast tip, and from there you usually drift along a wide, shallow plateau before easing onto the slope. Once you hit that slope, the reef just keeps going. You’ll cruise past big healthy coral, giant sponges shaped by the current, and fish everywhere you look.
But Mangrove is also one of those spots that doesn’t hide its conditions. When the current runs, it can be a lot. But when it’s calm, it’s absolutely gorgeous.
Essential Info
| Location | North of Nusa Lembongan, near the mangrove forest |
| Depth | 5–40 meters |
| Skill Level | Beginner to expert, depending on current |
| Conditions | Drift dive; current from low to strong; visibility from great to mild |
| Best For | Long drifts, coral lovers, dense reef life, spotting turtles and barracudas |
Why Dive Mangrove
If you love busy, lively reefs, Mangrove delivers. The top of the reef is wide and shallow, so the dive always starts with good light and easy coral spotting before you drop onto the slope. The coral formations are rich and varied with big sponges, soft coral patches, staghorn fields, coral bommies and sandy little valleys in between.
Fish traffic here is constant. You get everything from little reef fish darting around to bigger schools passing through the blue. Three species of turtles cruise this area too, and when the current is behaving, you can slow down and look for tiny stuff like nudis, crabs, and the occasional ribbon eel popping out of a hole.
But the truth is, Mangrove can be a workout when the current kicks in. It’s not the place to push your luck on a bad day. When it’s good though, it’s a long dive, full of movement, and honestly one of the best places around Penida if you love a good drift.
Best Time to Dive Mangrove
- Best time of year: Great all year, but the currents get trickier during colder months.
- Best time of day: Slack tide or early morning is usually the most enjoyable drift. This isn’t a site you dive when the water looks angry.
- Temperature: Usually around 25 °C (77°F), but it can swing between 20–28°C (68–82°F) depending on the season.
Tip: If the current is ripping, it’s not worth fighting it, just do a gentler drift.
05 – Toyapakeh: Best Allrounder
Toyapakeh is easily one of the best dive sites in Nusa Penida if you love colorful reefs and easy drifts. The water here is usually clear, the reef is bright and healthy, and the whole area has this nice balance of “easy drift” and “okay, pay attention for a second” depending on the tide. It’s partially protected from the channel, so the current isn’t as wild as some other Penida spots, and that makes it one of the most fun sites to just relax and enjoy the view.
The coral starts shallow and looks great. You’ll see soft corals, big blocks of hard coral, loads of anthias floating above everything. As you drift, you pass bommies that are full of life. Sweetlips, batfish, the occasional moray or scorpionfish tucked in. Deeper down, you sometimes get bigger stuff cruising by from the blue. It’s just a solid all-rounder.
Essential Info
| Location | Northwest corner of Nusa Penida |
| Depth | 6–30+ meters |
| Skill Level | Open Water friendly but easier for confident drifters |
| Conditions | Usually clear water; current can shift with depth; generally manageable |
| Best For | Colorful coral, easy drifts, fishy dives, wide-angle |
Why Dive Toyapakeh
Toyapakeh has a bit of everything without being overwhelming. The reef looks clean and alive, and the fish life is steady from start to finish. It’s one of those sites where you can slow down and look for smaller things like ribbon eels, crabs, or nudis. But you can also just drift along and watch the bigger stuff show up when it wants to. The bommies are great for spotting sweetlips and batfish, and every now and then you get a giant trevally or a school of jackfish sweeping in from the deeper part of the slope.
Best Time to Dive Toyapakeh
- Best time of year: Good all year. Visibility tends to stay consistent regardless of season.
- Best time of day: Mornings are usually calmer. Slack tide gives you the easiest drift if you’re not in the mood for current games.
- Temperature: Mostly warm around 27–29°C (80–84°F). It can dip slightly, but nothing dramatic compared to Crystal Bay.
Tip: Great most days, but currents can change direction with depth, so stay aware.
06 – Blue Corner: A Treat for Experienced Divers
Blue Corner is the Lembongan dive site. Every divemaster seems to love it, and plenty of divers are a little scared of it — for good reason.
This place can be incredible, but it demands respect. The currents here don’t always give warnings. They can go from gentle to ripping in seconds, so you only dive Blue Corner when the conditions are right and you stick close to your guide.
When the timing lines up, though, it’s one of the most exciting dives in the region. The topography is deceptive, the current keeps you on your toes and the big stuff actually shows up. It’s a proper adrenaline dive, you need to plan and stay in control.
Essential Info
| Location | Northwest coast of Nusa Lembongan |
| Depth | 10–40+ meters |
| Skill Level | Expert; strong current awareness required |
| Conditions | Anything from mild to very strong; unpredictable shifts; visibility good to mild |
| Temperature | 19–28°C (66–82°F), average around 24°C (75°F) |
| Best For | Experienced divers who want big fish, fast drifts and proper excitement |
Why Dive Blue Corner
Blue Corner isn’t about pretty coral (though there is some). It’s about the energy of the site. Most dives start with a negative entry to get everyone down together. From there you usually drift along the slope at around 20–22 meters, keeping an eye on the crevasses and, honestly, keeping an eye on the blue — because that’s where the big things glide in.
This is one of the best places to see Mola Mola during the August to October season. But that’s not all. Marbled rays show up often and sharks are a regular thing here too. With a bit of luck you’ll see whitetips, blacktips, bamboo, and wobbegong sharks cruising in the current with you.
The current takes you round to the point, “The Corner”, where there is a deep vertical wall, with a convenient overhang at around 25m that provides useful shelter.
Once you reach the actual corner, you’ll see a deep vertical wall with an overhang at around 25m. This is a nice place to hide from the current for a moment, catch your breath, and take in what’s happening around you before you shallow up to do your safety stop and finish your dive.
Blue Corner can be the best dive of your trip, or the one your guide calls off because the water is doing something weird. Either way, it’s a site you won’t forget.
Best Time to Dive Blue Corner
- Time of Year: Great year-round, but August to November is peak season for Mola Mola.
- Time of Day: Slack tide is everything. Mid-tide is when this place gets wild.
- Temperature: Can swing from warm 27–28°C (80–82°F) to sudden drops around 19–22°C (66–72°F). Expect thermoclines.
Tip: Only dive it on the right tide and with a guide who knows the route cold.
Best Beginner Dive Sites in Nusa Penida
Not every dive in Nusa Penida has to come with wild currents or chilly thermoclines. If you’re newer to diving I’d recommend starting with these beginner-friendly dive sites in Nusa Penida. These are the spots dive shops usually choose for calm conditions and relaxed profiles.
PED & Sental: Easy Drifts
PED and Sental sit along the same reef system as SD Point and share that same “lean back and relax” drift diving feel. When the current is gentle, these are great for beginners or anyone who wants a smooth, uncomplicated dive over healthy coral. The slopes are long, the visibility is usually good and there’s always plenty of fish life drifting by with you.
Dive shops often rotate between SD, PED and Sental depending on the tide. If SD is busy or the conditions shift, you’ll probably end up here.
Gamat Bay: Sheltered bay
Gamat Bay is a calmer option tucked between Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh. It’s a sheltered little pocket with bright sand, chunky coral bommies and smaller critters if you slow down long enough to look. Visibility is usually solid and the conditions tend to be milder than the deeper or more exposed sites nearby.
It’s a nice warm-up spot, a great second dive or simply the best choice when you want something easy without giving up a pretty reef.
Dive Site Map
Here’s a simple look at where the main dive sites sit around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan. The sites spread out pretty evenly around the islands, but most trips stick to either the north coast drifts or the south coast for Manta Point.
How to use this map: Click the top left to see all locations. Select a location for more info. Open a larger map in a new tab at the top right. Save it to your Google Maps using the star. Enjoy exploring!
Conditions and Best Time to Dive Nusa Penida
There is no one best time to dive Nusa Penida. You can dive any month, but the experience changes:
Cold Season (June–October)
This is when the water drops fast and the famous thermoclines hit you out of nowhere. In cold season, temperatures can dip into the low 20s°C (68–72°F), especially deeper. The ocean feels more energetic, the currents can be punchier and the overall diving has a bit more “edge.” This is also the season when the molas rise up from the deep.
Warm Season (November–May)
In warm season, the water settles into a comfortable 27–29°C (80–84°F) and the dives feel smoother. The drifts on the north coast are relaxed and predictable, and the visibility tends to be clearer overall. It’s the easy-going season where you can just enjoy long, mellow dives.
Best Time for Marine Life
This is the best time to dive if you’re choosing dates mainly for marine life:
- Mola mola: The best time to see Molas in Nusa Penida is from August to October, when the water temperature drops.
- Manta rays: You can see Mantas year around at Nusa Penida but if you want a chill dive with mantas, mornings are usually better with calmer conditions and less surface swell.
FAQ: Best Dive Sites in Nusa Penida
Get More Nusa Penida Tips to Help You Plan
- Start with my complete guide to diving in Nusa Penida, it covers conditions, currents, and everything you should know before going.
- For a closer look at the underwater highlights, my breakdown of the best dive sites in Nusa Penida walks you through each spot and what to expect.
- Not diving every day? I’ve also put together a guide to snorkeling in Nusa Penida, with the safest sites, when to go, and how to avoid the crowds.
- And for a dry day, check out my best things to do in Nusa Penida covering beaches, viewpoints, and the easy spots worth checking out.
- And if you’re planning a longer dive trip around the island, don’t miss my full breakdown of the best places to dive in Bali.
