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Indonesia Diving

Intro | Highlights | Where to Dive | Vessels | Videos | Underwater Photography | Muck | Top Sites | When to Dive | Conditions | Travel | Excursions

Indonesia Diving

Occupying the center of the Coral Triangle, Indonesia hosts the world’s most extraordinary corals and reef fish biodiversity. This vast island country is widely considered to be our planet’s most dazzling and impressive scuba diving destination. Fantastically pristine reefs to muck diving, nudibranchs to manta rays, cuttlefish to pygmy seahorses, Indonesia has it all – and it’s here in such abundance and quality that divers from all over the world brave lengthy flights to lay eyes on this underwater nirvana.

With over 18,000 islands connected by six (6) seas, Indonesia is the largest archipelago on Earth. It extends some 1,200 miles from north to south and more than 3,000 miles from east to west. The country is so large that one region will be in its rainy season while another is in its dry season. For this reason, dive liveaboards in Indonesia can pursue ideal diving conditions throughout the year!

Dive liveaboards usually spend at least November through April in Raja Ampat. Then, from May through October, many feature Komodo National Park. The latter destination is quite far away, so many transitioning liveaboards offer unique “repositioning trips” that allow divers to explore other regions, such as the Banda Sea, Wakatobi, or the Alor/Maumere area. As such, these trips are often several nights longer than the standard itinerary trips.

Indonesia Diving Highlights

Comfortable water temperatures, unmatched biodiversity and healthy reefs are found throughout the Indonesian archipelago, but specific points of interest vary greatly depending on where you are in the country. Diving in Komodo is very different from diving in the Banda Sea, and diving in Raja Ampat is different from diving in Wakatobi – but no matter where you dive in Indonesia, you will surely be amazed. Read more about Indonesia’s other diving regions below.

Where to Dive in Indonesia

It would take a lifetime (or several) to dive the whole country, so the vastness of Indonesia is divided into many smaller areas. Most regions have a dry and rainy season … for optimal diving conditions, the dry season is best. Many Indonesian liveaboards divide their time between Raja Ampat and Komodo, the most famous diving regions in the country. 

Conditions in Raja Ampat stay relatively steady year-round due to the fact that the equator runs nearly directly through the region. On the other hand, Komodo has a rainy season through the winter, but an incredible diving season begins in May and runs through October … it’s also the best time of year for manta ray sightings in Komodo National Park.

Fortunately for travelers,  this means there’s a world-class place to dive year-round! Marking the beginning and end of Komodo’s diving season, many Indonesian liveaboards offer trips to other exceptional dive destinations between Raja Ampat and Komodo in the April and October timeframe each year.

Raja Ampat – The remote nature of these islands has protected marine life and maintained their status as the world’s most biodiverse and healthy reefs. Raja Ampat is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 500 species of coral and 15 species of marine mammals. This region is a scuba diver’s dreamland, where divers can hope to see manta rays, pygmy seahorses, wobbegong sharks and a rainbow of colors along the coral gardens. Sometimes, unique itineraries offer the chance to visit areas such as Halmahera, Lembeh or even Triton Bay.

Komodo – Often overlooked on divers’ bucket lists, Komodo is an exceptional dive destination. In addition to abundant corals and marine life, Manta Alley (aptly named), nudibranchs, frogfish, octopus and drift diving, it includes a protected national park with Komodo dragons and pink sand beaches. Below the surface, it is also home to pipefish, scorpion fish, batfish, trevallies, and plenty of mantas and sharks.

Wakatobi – Jacques Cousteau referred to diving in the Wakatobi National Park, the third largest in Indonesia, as “diving nirvana.” Wakatobi encompasses the four (4) main islands of Wangi Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomea and Binongko. Corals abound in prolific colors in all types of formations. Dive liveaboard trips showcase a very pristine and isolated area with exceptional diving. 

Banda Sea – The Banda Sea is in the middle of the Maluku Islands between the two top diving destinations, Papua and Java. The plankton-rich waters support reefs and sea mounts with abundant marine life. This itinerary includes visiting Manuk, known as “the island of snakes,” and the best place to dive with sea snakes. Excellent muck diving can be found around Ambon, where world-class macro life is waiting to be photographed.  

Forgotten Islands (Alor) – The Forgotten Islands are remote and isolated, stretching across one thousand miles of ocean with the Indian Ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south (water temperatures can vary depending on the current). This secluded setting gives way to crystal clear waters and pristine corals, the perfect journey for liveaboard diving. Here you will find good visibility, large animals and the fish/macro life associated with this highly biodiverse part of the world.

Bali – Famous for much more than just diving, Bali is a beautiful place with adventures above and below the waterline. Easy travel, great dive site variety, and a yearly window for mola mola sightings attract divers worldwide. Indonesian liveaboards sometimes combine Bali and Komodo diving for a unique extended trip.

All Star Aurora

  • Traditional Pinisi-style dive liveaboard
  • Charming 132-ft (40m) vessel with modern comforts in
  • Accommodates up to 18 guests in 9 cabins
  • Served by a 16 member crew
  • Spacious cabins with private bathrooms
  • Large camera room for underwater photographers
  • Up to four (4) dives per day
  • Custom-built hard bottom tenders for easy diving
  • Gourmet dining
  • Shore excursions and eco-adventures
  • Ground transfers are included to/from airport
  • Multilingual crew

 

From $3,222 all-inclusive

All Star Velocean

  • The most luxurious dive liveaboard in Indonesia
  • 171-ft. (52m) in length, 23mph (20 knot) cruising speed
  • Accommodates up to 18 guests and 24 crew members
  • Suites with large picture windows and private baths
  • Lounge with private camera booths for underwater photographers and a spectacular view
  • Up to four (4) dives per day
  • Dive deck with personal gear station and hot water showers
  • Gourmet dining
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Ground transfer between airport and local hotels and vessel on day of boarding
  • Multilingual crew

 

From $3,540 all-inclusive

The corals are healthy in Raja Ampat and the rest of Indonesia
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Jacks in Raja Ampat
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A diver with a school of jacks in Wakatobi
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Indonesia Underwater Photography

This subaquatic wonderland is among the most photogenic places in the world. Infinite photo subjects can be found while exploring dive sites in Indonesia … even the reefs themselves are of such beauty that a picture might be necessary!

Above the waterline, camera shots could include the dramatic islands jutting up from the sea, exotic wildlife and fascinating cultural sites. Of course, the primary attraction for underwater photographers in Indonesia is the abundant marine life, which you can read more about below.

Indonesia Muck Diving

Many divers are unaware of muck diving … and the name doesn’t quite do it justice. Spotting the world’s rarest and most vibrant creatures on sandy-bottom dive sites is an incredible experience. Underwater photographers are especially enamored by the simple background for close-up shots of strange critters.

Every muck-diving aficionado should have Ambon and Lembeh on his or her bucket list. The Komodo region also hosts several great muck diving sites, which add to the region’s stellar variety. Even Bali has a few muck sites. Diving via liveaboard is definitely the best way to visit a number of different muck diving sites in one trip.

Marine Life in Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Hundreds of species of coral carpet the ocean floor of this country, and thousands of species of fish inhabit its reefs. Some species are found only in certain areas. For example, the epaulette (walking) shark is endemic to Raja Ampat, the Pikachu nudibranch is most commonly spotted in Komodo, and the mandarin fish is an unlikely sight outside of the Banda Sea.

However, almost everywhere in Indonesia is absolutely overrun with beautiful and exotic marine wildlife. Reef fish, nudibranchs, large pelagics and much more are all scattered around this magnificent island nation.

Large Marine Animals in Indonesia

From graceful manta rays in Komodo to elusive mola molas in Bali, and even schooling hammerheads in the Banda Sea, divers who enjoy extravagant sightings of large animals like these will find much to admire in Indonesia.

Macro Life in Indonesia

Divers who enjoy the challenge of finding tiny critters scattered around dive sites will be shocked at Indonesia’s sheer diversity and abundance of macro creatures. Endless species of nudibranchs, tiny crabs and shrimp, and much more inhabit Indonesia’s reefs and muck dive sites. Night diving in Indonesia offers particularly exciting macro critter sightings like cuttlefish, tiny crustaceans, nudibranchs and even mating mandarin fish.

Top Dive Sites in Indonesia

  • Cape Kri
  • Manta Alley
  • Air Manis
  • Magic Mountain
  • Batu Bolong
  • Wakatobi House Reef
  • Arborek Jett

When to Dive Indonesia

Diving in Indonesia is excellent year-round, but specific regions have different diving seasons. Raja Ampat’s proximity to the equator makes it a stellar dive destination year-round, while Komodo diving is optimum between May and October. Other areas, such as the Banda Sea and Wakatobi, are excellent to visit during the transition period at the beginning and end of Komodo’s prime diving season.

Check the schedules for All Star Aurora and All Star Velocean to see where they’re exploring throughout the year.

Indonesian Diving Conditions

Warm water and excellent visibility make Indonesia a fantastic place to dive. A tender is almost always used for dives, as most of them are drifts. A surface marker buoy (SMB) is highly recommended.

Conditions vary depending on the particular region and whether it is during its prime diving season. Most dive liveaboard schedules showcase a destination’s ideal diving conditions throughout the year.

Due to the possibility of relatively deep dives and the potential for currents, it is recommended that divers visiting Indonesia have 50 dives or advanced-level certification.

How to Travel to Indonesia

Indonesia is exceptionally remote, which is why Indonesia’s reefs have remained so pristine. However, it also means travel to this area can be lengthy.

Travelers should fly into Bali or Jakarta with their preferred international airline. Then, a domestic flight to your final destination should be arranged separately.

For more specific travel instructions, visit our blog on How to Travel to Indonesia.

Indonesian Shore Excursions

Indonesia is just as impressive topside as it is below the surface. Lush mountains with exotic wildlife tower up from the water, inviting travelers to come explore.

Depending on the region, Indonesia hosts countless exciting shore excursions. From walking with the famous dragons of Komodo to swimming with non-stinging jellyfish in Raja Ampat, there is much to see in Indonesia.

Travelers diving Indonesia with All Star Liveaboards can expect one or two shore excursions to discover unique local attractions or to experience a beach BBQ one night. To see more, mention it to the crew upon boarding. Everything depends on the weather and the schedule, but they’ll do their best to make your trip perfect!

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