Indonesia is regarded as by some to be a scuba diver’s Garden of Eden. If you’re trying to find some of the finest spots to dive, then a single of my many recommendations would be Sulawesi, which is house to some of the most varied and outstanding diving in the entire world. To dive in Manado within the Bunaken National Marine Park suggests being surrounded by marine biodiversity that will be the envy with the planet — with a lot more varieties of coral than anywhere else.
A short drive from right here could be the Lembeh Strait — the undisputed King of muck diving destinations. This tiny calm stretch of water is regarded by macro photographers and critter hunters to present one of the most impressive diving. Along the black sandy floor you’ll encounter far more bizarre and fascinating marine creatures than you could wish for. Add to this the Sangihe Archipelago and Bangka Island, and it is possible to see why a lot of divers return time and again to Sulawesi, an island that can fulfil all your dive dreams.
Banda Islands — the Banda Sea may perhaps be located in between the far better known destinations of Komodo and Raja Ampat, but for those in the know it deserves its own reputation as 1 on the world’s greatest dive regions. Scuba diving in Banda suggests experiencing incredible variety of both large and little. Large pelagics and huge schools abound. The reefs are healthy and thriving. Think about on top of this that numerous diverse species of whales and dolphins are often sighted, and you begin to get the picture. Diving here is varied, colourful and fascinating as it takes within the critter haven of Ambon as well as the Banda Islands.
How to Dive Indonesia
It all depends on the diving you wish to do. I recommend 2 methods: resort stays in Sulawesi and Bali will allow you the opportunity to base yourself close to a few of the finest diving within the earth.
Alternatively, liveaboard cruises in Indonesia are usually a top choice for those who would like to see a lot more than any land based remain can provide. Liveaboards can take you around the greatest of Northern Sulawesi, east from Bali to the legendary island of Komodo, Wakatobi, or into the inspiring frontier territory from the Banda Sea and Irian Jaya. Breathtaking diving, fantastic boats and inspiring topside scenery all await you here.
Diving Season
It is possible to dive in Indonesia at any time of the year. Generally speaking for such a vast country, April to December are the ideal times to go since rainy season is a lot more or less between the months of January and March. That said, several places, including Sulawesi, have outstanding conditions at this time so be certain to check the diving season details for your specific destination of choice. The Indonesia liveaboard safari season is all year round.
Reef Summary
Very good for: Small animals, underwater photography, wall dives, wreck diving, drift dives, reef life and health, and advanced divers
Not so fine for: Beginner divers
Depth: 5 — 40m
Visibility: 10 — 80m
Currents: Could be extremely strong
Surface conditions: Calm
Water temperature: 19 — 30°C
Experience level: Intermediate — advanced
Number of dive sites: 500
Access: Scuba resorts and liveaboard charters
Recommended length of stay: 2 — 4 weeks
