Do you know which are the best diving destinations in Indonesia? Labuan Bajo, Raja Ampat, Bunaken… Discover them all in this post.
Indonesia, an island country with more than 17,500 islands, is home to some of the most incredible marine life known to man. There are more than 3,000 species of fish, almost 700 types of coral and vast kilometers of coastline. It is undoubtedly the mecca of diving and offers an amazing variety of different diving destinations. So, choosing the right location for your next diving vacation can be tricky. With this article, we will help you find your perfect diving destination in Indonesia.
Diving destinations in Indonesia & Diving experiences for every taste
Almost all dive areas in Indonesia are known for their outstanding marine biodiversity, since most of them are located in the coral triangle, an area which covers parts of Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and is known for an immense variety of reef-building corals. What to see in Indonesia are different types of underwater themes (caves, caverns, wrecks, coral garden reefs, muck), so we will have a look at the most famous dive locations and dive sites in Indonesia.
LEMBEH STRAIT
Located north of Sulawesi, Lembeh Strait is well known for macro diving. Conditions allow you to enjoy diving all year round; this is the beauty of the weather in Indonesia. Even in August, when water visibility gets less, the number of species seen is usually greater than during the rest of the year. With gentle currents, this destination is ideal for beginners, non-experienced divers, but also for those who want to encounter unusual: Mandarin fish, seahorses, leaf-fish, ghost-pipefish, mimic octopus etc.
AMBON BAY
Nestled in the Maluku Archipelago, Ambon Bay is fast being recognized as one of the premier muck diving locations in the world and one of the best diving destinations in Indonesia. It has an incredible array of rare creatures and most of the sites are isolated and away from the crowds. Most divers come here to enjoy many rare critters, such as the rarest underwater critter: The Psychedelic frogfish. Lesser is known about the South side of Ambon, but it features colourful walls, caves, swim throughs and exceptionally healthy reef life.
🡪 What is muck diving?
The name comes from the sediment that lies on the bottom of the ocean floor. It can be a mixture of sand, silt, natural debris (such as dead corals) or manmade debris (such as cans or bottles). This diving is especially great for lovers of macro photography and everyone who would like to find some of the weirdest critters of the ocean. Well camouflage, these tiny creatures will trigger your thirst for new discoveries. Sharp eyes and an excellent control of buoyancy are essential because the silty bottom can easily get stirred up and disturb the visibility. But be aware – it´s highly addictive!
BUNAKEN NATIONAL PARK
Located North of Sulawesi, Bunaken National Park covers an area of 75 265 hectares with five islands within it, the island of Manado Tua, Bunaken Island, Siladen Island, Mantehage Island and the branch of Naen Island. Most parts of the islands are surrounded by plateau reefs with steep, impressive drop-offs – that´s what the park is so famous for. You´ll find walls with lots of marine life, mesmerizing underwater topography and lots of fishes cruising through the water. The best islands of Indonesia showcase this.
LABUAN BAJO
Labuan Bajo is the entry point to Komodo National Park in the Eastern part of Indonesia. It offers numerous top world class diving sites and the best snorkeling in the world. As part of your diving trip you can also explore Komodo Island to visit the famous Komodo Dragon. The area is home to incredible marine life biodiversity and bio-mass as well as pristine reefs. However, currents can get extraordinarily strong, so be aware!
RAJA AMPAT
With its outstanding location amid the coral triangle, Raja Ampat is one of the ultimates diving destinations in Indonesia for all underwater lovers – divers and snorkelers alike. It is known to have the greatest marine biodiversity worldwide, with lots of its species endemic to the area.
But not only that, the abundance of the marine life found here will blow your mind! It is indeed the only place in the world where you can find such an incredible and colorful underwater richness. Dr. Gerald Allen once recorded a record-breaking species count in only one dive; 374 distinct species in 90 minutes at the famous dive site Cape Kri. Diving in Raja Ampat is suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers – so, what are you waiting for? Raja Ampat diving and snorkeling is the best!
Apart from being one of the best diving destinations in the world, Raja Ampat is a paradise that you cannot miss. By choosing our proposal, in addition to staying in one of the best diving resorts in Raja Ampat, you will be able to live and enjoy all this culture that will leave you in love with Indonesia.
If you are looking for the best diving destination… Indonesia is perfect for you
For the third year running now, reef diving in Indonesia was again crowned the best scuba destination in the world. As such, the diving industry has been growing and rightly so. There are many beautiful places to go dive and it will probably take a lifetime to visit all of them. Diving resorts in Raja Ampat are the best choice to get that all rounded diving in Raja Ampat holiday!
So why visit us for diving, you ask?
Raja Ampat Biodiversity Nature Resort (The best Eco-Resort) is built on an idyllic tropical island, surrounded with pristine reefs and unspoiled flora and fauna, bringing you closer to Mother Nature and away from the busy crowds.
We represent experiential luxury, with an exclusive natural fusion designed to disconnect with all the comforts of a luxury establishment, while enjoying the beauty of nature. Biodiversity Resort is committed to long term sustainability with all our activities being respectful of the natural and cultural resources of the Raja Ampat. Our location on Gam Island, in the Central part of Raja Ampat, gives us access to the most famous dive sites in the Dampier Strait of Raja Ampat. This means we are in the perfect position to make all your diving dreams come true, especially for those who wish to experience the best reef diving in the world.
Book your diving holiday now, so you know you will not be disappointed! Book your stay at Biodiversity Nature Resort and experience Raja Ampat with the best diving this planet earth has to offer!
