Liveaboard Diving in Nusa Penida
What To Expect On A Nusa Penida Liveaboard
Liveaboards to Nusa Penida offer some amazing diving and are a great choice for an Indonesia liveaboard cruise. Nusa Penida lies approximately 15 km southeast of Bali, along with 2 other islands, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Penida is the largest of the 3 islands and is still relatively unexplored by tourists, with considerably less developed infrastructure than the neighboring islands. Escape the hustle and bustle of Bali and enjoy peace and quiet on a Nusa Penida liveaboard.
Nusa Penida liveaboards are a great way to explore the area and to be at the best dive spots before the day boats make their way out from the mainland, giving a wider choice of dive sites.
Nusa Penida Underwater
Liveaboards at Nusa Penida will have the choice of over 20 dive sites, each with its distinct character and attraction, and make for an excellent dive cruise. The creation of a marine park in 2010 prohibited many destructive activities, preserving and enhancing the health of the reef and the prolific number of species it supports. 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish have been recorded around this magnificent island.
Dive Sites Of Nusa Penida
Crystal Bay is reputed to be the best site in Nusa Penida, and many dive safaris visit here. This site is relatively sheltered from currents, making it ideal for certified divers of all experience levels and a great place for your dive liveaboard to moor up. The mouth-wateringly good visibility gives this site its name, exceeding 150 feet (45 m) on a good day. This is the site for observing oceanic sunfish, known locally as Mola mola. This epically big fish, the heaviest bony fish in the world, weighing up to 1000 kg, can span over 10 feet (3 m). They can be seen any time throughout the year, although the best times are from July to October.
Manta Point is a very special site because this is where the manta rays come to be cleaned. A mutualistic relationship exists between the bluestreak cleaner wrasse and the manta rays, who eat parasites off the mantas. This site, ideal for all certified divers, also attracts sharks, including bamboo, wobbegong, and nurse sharks, and does not want to be missed as part of your Nuda Penida dive trip.
One of the best wall dives in Nusa Penida is Toyapakeh. This dive is almost always a drift dive, as strong currents run along the wall, sometimes switching direction. The current carries lots of nutrients supporting an abundance of species. Sunfish, giant trevallies, barracuda, moray and ribbon eels, and shoal fish to your heart's content can all be found here.
Top Tips For Divers
Most sites on Nusa Penida are subject to fairly strong currents that can sometimes be unpredictable and shift direction. These dive sites are generally best suited for a more experienced diver. As with any dive, it's a good idea to bring along an SMB and a finger spool to help ensure your location is marked for if you ascend somewhere slightly unexpected.
An underwater torch is also a great item to take, not just for night dives! At depth, you'll be able to bring the true magic of the reef's colors to life and thoroughly investigate every crack and crevice for those elusive species.
Getting To Nusa Penida
Ngurah Rai International Airport is located in Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. Direct flights to Bali are becoming more established as operators seek to improve access to the island.
However, there are currently no direct flights from Europe. Connecting flights are usually made in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, but depending on where you begin your journey, you may connect through Dubai, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
From Bali, one of the many ferry services can take you to the island of Nusa Penida. Most Nusa Penida liveaboards depart from Benoa or Sanur and take approximately 2 hours to reach the island. For a hassle-free voyage, Indonesian Liveaboards offer all the comforts of a luxurious hotel on the water and depart from Benoa, just across the bay from the airport.
The largest of the 3 islands the relatively unexplored Nusa Penida is best experienced from a liveaboard. With over 20 very distinctive dive sites, this protected marine park has everything from manta ray cleaning stations to 1-ton oceanic sunfish (Mola Mola) to bamboo and wobbegong sharks.
