Comprised of over 17,000 islands dotted across the equator, Indonesia is a watery wonderland high on every diver's bucket list. Boasting crystal-clear seas, kaleidoscopic corals and diverse marine life, this idyllic island-nation packs a strong punch. Ready to take the plunge? Whether you're a fan of mighty or macro marine life, volcanic reefs or historic WWII wrecks, we've narrowed down the best dive sites in Indonesia. Read on for our expert roundup…
Nudi Falls, North Sulawesi
First up on our list of the best dive sites in Indonesia is Nudi Falls, located in the Lembeh Strait off the northeast coast of Sulawesi. This aptly named underwater site is (unsurprisingly) famous for its macro marine life; a fascinating ecosystem of wonderful, wacky critters thrives here, feeding on a reef wall blanketed with ascidians and sponges.
Nudi Falls is globally renowned for its incredible biodiversity, including rare and unusual species. Encounter colourful critters like the blue-ringed octopus, harlequin shrimp, mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, frogfish and pygmy seahorse. With such diversity, it's no surprise that muck diving and photography enthusiasts are also drawn to Nudi Falls' intricate, intimate beauty. Who knows what creatures await?
Wakatobi House Reef, South Sulawesi
Suited to snorkellers and divers alike, the Wakatobi House Reef is an unmissable dive site in the heart of the Coral Triangle. From flourishing macro life to flitting reef fish and diverse corals, Wakatobi has no shortage of underwater marvels to discover. The site features vibrant coral gardens, as well as a reef wall and slope that myriad marine life call home.
The best part? Wakatobi House Reef is located just steps away from the resort, so you can easily access it from the beach or jetty. Divers can take the plunge at any time of day, including night dives.
Bubble Reef at Sangeang Volcano, Sumbawa
Have you ever dreamed of diving at the foot of an active volcano? Now's your chance. Bubble Reef, located just a day trip away from Kalimaya Dive Resort in Sumbawa, takes its name from the warm bubbles that are created by the volcano's heat. It's a marvellous spot for muck diving, with dark volcanic sand and reef providing a haven for countless critters, including pygmy seahorse, nudibranch and frogfish.
USAT Liberty Wreck, Bali
Our list of the best dive sites in Indonesia had to include one of the most famous in Bali (and the world). The USAT Liberty is a coral-encrusted former US Army cargo ship that was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942 (and later submerged after the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung). Located off the coast of Tulamben, it's easily accessible from the shore, and with depths ranging from five to 30 metres, is suitable for snorkellers too.
Considered one of the best wreck dive sites in the world, divers can enjoy dramatic swim-throughs and (generally) great visibility around the 120-metre-long shipwreck. So, what can you see on a dive here? Alongside an estimated 400 species of reef fish, expect a plethora of pelagic species, including Napoleon wrasse and reef sharks, to make guest appearances.
Batu Bolong, Komodo
Up next is one for advanced divers only (sorry, beginners). Batu Bolong is a pinnacle dive site in Komodo National Park known for its strong currents, steep walls, caverns and copious colourful corals. Marvel at diverse marine life as you descend into the watery depths alongside the likes of sharks, barracudas, mantas, turtles and kaleidoscopic anthias. Hidden among the crevices between sea sponges and hard corals, you'll find an abundance of weird and wonderful critters, including pygmy seahorses and nudibranch.
Cape Kri, Raja Ampat
The last spot on our list of the best dive sites in Indonesia takes us to one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, Raja Ampat. Cape Kri is an underwater beauty that features a sloping reef wall, abundant coral gardens and incredible marine life. Thanks to intersecting currents bringing together a huge variety of aquatic life, Cape Kri even holds the world record for the number of fish species seen on a single dive - a mind-boggling 374.
Alongside a cornucopia of rainbow reef fish, divers can encounter huge schools of pelagic fish, sharks, hawksbill turtles and plenty of impressive macro marine life. Currents can be strong, but in short, Cape Kri is a diver's (and snorkeller's) dream.
