Location
Actually three sister islands - Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan. Dry limestone islands about 20 km off the South East coast of Bali , reached by speed boat in a 50 minute journey from Nusa Dua. Nusa Penida offers the best diving to be found in Bali. Most of dive sites around Nusa Penida and its two small sister island, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, will be drift dives and the current can reach more than 4 knots. Upwellings from the deep water south of Bali keeps the visiblity in these areas good but it can also form thermoclines with temperatures dropping down to 20C. Pelagics are the main attraction here and you have a good chance of seeing jacks, mackerel, tuna, turtles and mantas. Shark are also common and big mantas are frequently sighted. Perhaps the most unusual pelagic visitor to Nusa Penida is the unique mola mola or ocean sunfish sighted from August to September. this diving at nusa Penida is suitable for more experienced divers.
High lights
The healthiest corals in Bali , and home to a huge variety of reef fishes. Great for drift diving, and the best place to see Mola Mola & Manta in season and It is a dramatic above-water scenery.
Conditions
Usual temperature around 28°C, but the strong currents and sharp thermo clines can occasionally bring it down to the low 20°. Good visibility. Surface currents & surface swell.
Toya pakeh
The best coral in Bali and clear water. Towering bommies, and a rich slope.
Puffer fish and Giant Trevally. Anything & everything has at sometime been seen here; Mola mola, Shark, Manta and other Rays, and lots of big ocean fishes. The currents sometimes are fierce & unpredictable, and sometimes still and gentle.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida,close to Nusa Lembongan,is protected and relatively shallow,offering enjoyable conditions for divers of all levels. The bay has two entrances with large rock sat at it's centre. Be careful when diving this central rock or long the outside edge of the bay as the current can be strong and can sweep divers out along the outside wall into very tricky conditions. An experienced guides is helful to avoid disorientation. Near the drop off,look out for larger creatures like eagle rays,dogtooth tuna,sharks and the occasional humphead wrasse. Molas have been seen here and schooling surgeon fish are abundant in some spots.
Gamat Bay & Toya Pakeh Wall
Inside Gamat Bay is truly beautiful; below the crystal clear waters lays colorful carpet of both hard & soft corals, home to a variety of Nudibranchs and other macro delights as well as some big Groupers. Leaving the gentle waters of the bay let the current takes you as you drift along the wall of the channel between Nusa Penida & Nusa Ceningan. The currents can be very swift. Keep good group contact, stick close to the wall. Keep one eye to the channel for Sharks and big fish.
Mangrove ( Janka point )
Lined with Mangrove trees, this is a good long site for drifting in the current. The nearly flat profile - in contrast to the step slopes at most of the other sites around Nusa Penida - gives you a wide-angle viewpoint. Lobsters are among the most commonly seen marine life here, and various Trigger fishes and Surgeons.
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