Diving Indonesia — Best Dive Sites & Liveaboards 2026

Indonesia has more marine biodiversity than anywhere on earth. From Raja Ampat's manta rays to Komodo's ripping currents and Bali's USAT Liberty wreck — the complete guide to diving Indonesia.

Best Dive Sites in Indonesia

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Raja Ampat

West Papua

Most biodiverse marine waters on the planet

Best time: Oct–Apr
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Top sites: Misool, Wayag, Cape Kri
Best for: Biodiversity, mantas, pygmy seahorses
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Komodo

Nusa Tenggara Timur

Manta rays, sharks, strong drift dives

Best time: Apr–Nov
Level: Intermediate–Advanced
Top sites: Batu Bolong, Crystal Rock, Manta Point
Best for: Manta rays, schooling fish, drift diving
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Bali

Bali

USAT Liberty wreck, mola mola season

Best time: Jul–Sep (mola), year-round (wreck)
Level: Beginner–Advanced
Top sites: Tulamben, Nusa Penida, Amed
Best for: Wreck diving, mola mola, macro
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Nusa Penida

Bali

Manta rays at Manta Point, cold upwellings

Best time: Apr–Oct
Level: Intermediate
Top sites: Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Toyapakeh
Best for: Manta rays, mola mola, strong current dives
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Lombok & Gili Islands

Nusa Tenggara Barat

Easy reef diving, sea turtles guaranteed

Best time: May–Sep
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
Top sites: Turtle Point, Shark Point, Gili Trawangan
Best for: Sea turtles, beginners, shallow reefs
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Flores

Nusa Tenggara Timur

Remote reefs, thresher sharks at Maumere

Best time: Apr–Nov
Level: Intermediate
Top sites: Riung, Maumere, Kelimutu area reefs
Best for: Untouched reefs, macro life, less crowds

Liveaboards

Raja Ampat and Komodo are best explored by liveaboard — the remote sites are inaccessible from shore. A typical 7-day Raja Ampat liveaboard costs $2,000–$4,500 per person all-inclusive. Komodo liveaboards run $600–$2,000 for 3–7 days.

Book 3–6 months ahead for peak season (Oct–Apr for Raja Ampat, Apr–Nov for Komodo). The most reliable operators are found through Klook or direct with operators like Dewi Nusantara and Kararu.

When to Dive Indonesia

Indonesia straddles the equator, so conditions vary significantly by region. The dry season (May–September) brings calmer seas to Bali, Lombok, and Komodo. Raja Ampat's peak season is October–April, when strong winds stay north and visibility is best.

Mola mola (ocean sunfish) appear at Nusa Penida and Bali between July and September during cold upwellings. Manta rays are year-round at Raja Ampat and Komodo's Manta Point.