Why You Should Learn to Dive in the Gilis
It’s no exaggeration to say that scuba diving opens up whole new worlds - after all, learning to ...
Scuba diving in
Lombok and SumbawaDive well-known reefs and enjoy the laid-back nightlife in the Gilis, or take a walk on the wild side exploring some of Indonesia's most exciting and least visited dive destinations
Diving Highlights
Tucked away between more famous destinations like Bali and Komodo, Lombok and Sumbawa are often overlooked by divers or viewed as nothing more than a stopover on a liveaboard itinerary. This couldn't be further from the truth! This region features towering volcanoes, dense tropical rainforests, black sand beaches, and a thriving marine ecosystem. Plus, with far fewer visitors than other nearby diving areas, you'll likely have the very best sites all to yourself.
Destinations in Lombok and Sumbawa
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Top Lombok and Sumbawa experiences
Year round
Learn to dive in the Gili Islands
Easy conditions, plenty of dive centres, and lively nightlife - the Gili's are Indonesia's best place to get certified. Experienced divers will love the islands too, with tec training and plummeting walls waiting to be explored.
July to September
Adrenaline-fueled dives in Belongas Bay
Brave the currents and challenging conditions of Belongas Bay in search of pelagics including elusive hammerheads, mobula and eagle rays.
May to October
Explore the rarely-dived reefs of Moyo and Satonda
The reefs, island landscapes and jungles of Moyo and Satonda lie far off the tourist trail and offer a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
May to October
Snorkel with whale sharks in Saleh Bay
Snorkel or dive alongside a newly discovered population of whale sharks in Saleh Bay as they trail behind traditional fishing boats in search of a free meal.
April to November
Explore the volcanic slopes of Sangeang and Banta Islands
Dive bubbling volcanic slopes home to weird and wonderful critters, or head deeper in search of big fish country - Sumbawa's best diving all in a day.
May to November
Off-the-beaten-track dive experiences in East Sumbawa
The gateway to Komodo and home to unexplored reefs and just one resort, you're likely to have the diving all to yourself.
Lombok and Sumbawa dive seasons
For the best conditions possible in this region, avoid visiting during the rainy season, especially the months of December and January when the monsoon is at its peak. Big fish fanatics should try and time their trip during the coldest months, between July and October, for a better chance of encountering supersized wildlife like manta rays, sharks, and mola mola.
Lombok Diving Season
Lombok diving is good all year round, but the rainy season can bring occasional heavy tropical downpours, rough surface conditions, and poor visibility. Play it safe, and plan your visit between May and October when the weather is at its best!
Sumbawa Diving Season
Just like Lombok, Sumbawa's diving is best between May and October. But, liveaboards around Bali and Komodo visit all year round. Because the focus in Sumbawa is usually on muck and macro, you'll find yourself far less affected by low visibility here than in neighbouring regions, even if you dive during the rainy season.
