Lombok Island Diving – Lombok Island is a hidden paradise for divers, offering pristine waters, diverse marine life, and untouched coral reefs. From those just learning to dive to those with extensive experience. Lombok’s marine life guarantees unforgettable moments with manta rays, turtles, and brilliantly colored fish. Unlike its crowded neighbor, Bali, Lombok provides a serene and exclusive diving experience.
Lombok Island diving is beautiful because of its wide range of experiences. You’ll find everything from gentle slopes teeming with macro life to exhilarating drift dives along dramatic walls. More often than not, you’ll discover the water is nicely heated and has remarkable clarity. Which translates to excellent visibility and a completely absorbing experience.
Best Dive Sites in Lombok
Lombok’s strategic location near the Wallace Line means its waters are a melting pot of marine biodiversity from both Asian and Australian ecosystems. This results in an astonishing array of marine life you can encounter during your Lombok Island Diving trips.
The Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air)
Focusing on specifics, the Gili Islands encompass Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Attract divers from around the globe thanks to their stunningly clear waters, vibrant reefs, and varied marine creatures. Positioning them as a top diving location near Lombok, Indonesia. Located just off Lombok’s northwest coast, these idyllic islands are accessible via fast boats from Bangsal Harbor (Lombok) or Padang Bai (Bali). With trips taking between 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on departure points. Most dive shops operate daily from 7 AM to 6 PM. Offering everything from introductory dives for beginners to advanced PADI-certified courses. With popular sites like Shark Point, Hans Reef, and the Bounty Wreck attracting divers year-round.
Diving facilities across the Gilis are well-equipped and cater to all levels of experience. Reputable dive centers such as Blue Marlin Dive (Gili Trawangan), Meno Divers (Gili Meno), and Gili Air Divers provide high-quality gear, professional instructors, and safety-focused excursions. Besides that, you’ll find that many shops feature free rides from your lodging, tanks for washing your equipment, and comfortable spots for post-dive leisure. The best time to dive is during the dry season (April–October), when visibility reaches up to 30 meters, though diving remains possible year-round with slightly reduced clarity in the wetter months.
Belongas Bay
Nestled along Lombok’s rugged southern coast, Belongas Bay is a diver’s paradise. Moreover, they feature adventurous dives and underwater explorations away from the main tourist scene. Known for its strong currents and dramatic drop-offs, this bay attracts experienced divers seeking encounters with manta rays, sharks, and vibrant coral walls. The bay’s remote location near Lembar Harbor (about 2.5 hours from Mataram) ensures pristine conditions, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters. While there’s no official “address,”. Dive operators typically depart from Tanjung Luar or Awang Bay, where boats await to guide you to sites like Cathedral Rock and Magnet Point. Most dive shops run trips from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with morning slots ideal for calmer seas.
Facilities here are rustic but functional, catering to adventurers rather than luxury seekers. Dive centers provide gear rental, guides, and packed lunches, but amenities like restaurants or Wi-Fi are scarce—bring cash and essentials. Nearby homestays (like Belongas Bajo Homestay) offer basic lodging, while advanced bookings are recommended during peak season (July–September). Due to strong currents, Belongas Bay is best suited for advanced divers, though some operators offer drift diving courses for intermediates. Safety protocols are strict, with small group sizes and briefings on local marine conditions.
The Undiscovered Gilis – Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis
Hidden near Lombok’s southwest coast are the Secret Gilis—three unspoiled, relatively unknown islands. Here, you can experience pristine coral reefs, a rich variety of marine life, and peaceful beaches away from the tourist bustle. The largest of the three. After that, Gili Nanggu stands out due to its vibrant coral gardens, where you can find plenty of clownfish, turtles, and reef sharks. Meanwhile, the very small Gili Kedis (just 100 meters wide) is a top choice for shallow snorkeling. After that, the serene island of Gili Sudak, characterized by its powdery white shores and calm ocean. Is well-suited for diving newcomers and those who prefer a quiet underwater experience. Unlike the popular Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno, these islands remain blissfully undeveloped, providing an authentic escape into nature.
To visit the Secret Gilis, head to Tembowong Harbor in Sekotong, about a 90-minute drive from Lombok International Airport. Public boats are rare, so booking a private speedboat tour (around 30-45 minutes) or joining a guided diving trip is the best way to explore. Most tours operate from 8 AM to 4 PM, with facilities limited to basic beach huts for shade, small warungs (local eateries) serving fresh seafood, and rustic homestays on Gili Nanggu. Bring your own snorkel gear or rent it on-site, and don’t forget cash—there are no ATMs!
Tanjung Luar
Moving on, Tanjung Luar, which is a small fishing village, lies on Lombok’s southeastern coast Is an off-the-beaten-path diving destination known for its dramatic underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity. Where the Gili Islands are bustling, Tanjung Luar delivers a diving experience that is characterized by its ruggedness and authenticity. With steep drop-offs, vibrant coral walls, and Frequent encounters with ocean-dwelling species, including reef sharks, manta rays, and the sporadic whale shark. Divers with some experience or advanced training are recommended for these sites, as they feature strong currents. But the rewards—pristine reefs, untouched visibility, and thrilling drift dives—make it a must-visit for adventurous divers.
The optimal diving season in Tanjung Luar runs from April to November, when seas are calm and visibility exceeds 20–30 meters. Most dive operators schedule trips early in the morning (departure around 6–7 AM) to maximize conditions. Key dive sites include “Shark Point”, a cleaning station for reef sharks, and “Canyon Wall”, a deep coral crevice teeming with schooling fish. Since there are no on-site dive shops, ensure your tour includes tanks, weights, and a knowledgeable guide. For safety reasons, a drift diving certification is advised because of the strong currents. After diving, visitors can explore the village’s bustling fish market. Where local fishermen bring in their daily catch—a fascinating glimpse into coastal Lombok life.
Dive Centers & Prices
A haven for scuba enthusiasts, Lombok Island features exceptional diving locations, including the Gili Islands, Sekotong, and Belongas Bay. Numerous PADI-certified dive centers operate across the island, particularly in Senggigi, Gili Trawangan, and Kuta Lombok. Providing everything from beginner courses to advanced technical diving. Prices vary depending on location and package. But a single fun dive typically costs IDR 800,000–1,500,000, while PADI Open Water courses range from IDR 4,500,000–6,000,000. Most dive centers open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with facilities including equipment rental, showers, and cozy lounges. Some top-rated operators, like Dream Divers (Gili Trawangan) and Blue Marlin Dive (Senggigi). Even offer free pick-up services from nearby hotels.
When booking a dive tour, always confirm included amenities such as meals, underwater photography, or marine park fees. Popular sites like Shark Point, Halik Reef, and the Secret Gilis attract divers with vibrant coral walls, reef sharks, and occasional manta rays. Most centers require advance reservations, especially in peak season (June–September). For safety, ensure your chosen operator follows SSI/PADI standards and provides small group dives (max 4 divers per guide). Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced diver. Lombok’s underwater world promises an unforgettable experience—just remember to bring your certification card and a sense of adventure!
From the Deep Blue to the Volcano’s Summit!
You’ve discovered the incredible underwater world with Lombok Island Diving. Now, are you looking for a different kind of natural high? Lombok isn’t just about stunning reefs and marine life; it’s also home to one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes: Mount Rinjani.
If the call of the mountains is strong after your oceanic adventures, consider conquering Mount Rinjani! And for the best experience, look no further than Hiking Mount Rinjani (hikingmountrinjani.com).Based right here in Lombok, Hiking Mount Rinjani is your expert guide to an unforgettable trekking experience. They offer a range of the most popular climbing packages, designed to suit different levels of fitness and time availability. Whether you aim for the challenging summit or prefer a trek to the breathtaking crater lake, Segara Anak, they have a package for you.