Around our islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida we not only have world class dive sites but also world class coral reefs and marine life. We are also extremely fortunate to have an experienced team of PADI Divemasters and PADI Instructors who are not only passionate educators but who are also expert spotters and marine enthusiasts with exemplary knowledge of the marine life found at our dive sites.
In this article we take a look at some of the ‘common’ and more unusual or ‘special’ species found around our islands and which dive sites offer the best opportunities for sightings of specific species. Read on to find out more….
Ribbon Eels at Mangroves
Mangroves is a beautiful sloping reef drift dive – and one of our favourites! This site is teeming with fish and the corals are bursting with colour – just like the ribbon eels. Did you know that a ribbon eel is black and genderless as a juvenile before transitioning to bright blue and yellow and becoming male? Later in life they transition again to yellow and become female!
Bamboo Sharks at Toyapakeh
Toyapakeh literally defines the terms ‘the Living Reef’ and this site is action packed from start to finish. Bamboo shalrks are often spotted here – either cruising across the reef of resting underneath some of the huge, oversized table corals or beneath some of the impressive coral bommies.
Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) at Pura Ped
Everyone loves an encounter with a turtle! When diving Nusa Penida we frequently see both green sea turtles as well as hawksbill turtles. Our best site for seeing a green sea turtle is Pura Ped. At Pura Ped the green sea turtle is often seen resting on the reef – or chowing down on it! Pura Ped also offers incredible coral growth and a host of other marine life species.
Schooling Damsels at SD (Sekolah Desar)
At the end of this dive there are ‘fields’ of branching corals (Acropora), over which you will find schools of hundreds of pastel blue damselfish that rise up out of the corals with the currents, before diving back down into the corals at the sight of oncoming drift divers making drifting safety stops!
Peacock Mantis Shrimps & Fire Coral at Sampalan
Fire Coral = Look, but don’t touch if you don’t want to get burned!!
Just as fire coral is beautiful to look at but can pack a punch, the same goes for the plucky Peacock mantis shrimp that can ‘smash’ with the same force as a 9mm caliber bullet leaving a pistol. These colourful critters can often be spotted scurrying around the base of the fire corals – double trouble!!
Seasonal Mola & Marine Life at Crystal Bay
From late June towards the back end of November, mola mola can be spotted in Crystal Bay where they attend for rewarming and cleaning in the shallows. Once the mola has settled on the reef it will enter an almost trance-like state while the schooling bannerfish and other cleaner fish go to work on removing (feeding on) parasites from the mola's skin.
Huge Marble & Eagle Rays at Blue Corner
Marble rays are a huge species of sting ray which take their name from their marbled (grey / black) coloration. Blue Corner is a thrilling dive site where larger species are often spotted. Marble rays are often found at Blue Corner nestled down on the rocky reef and we also often get “fly-bys” from individual eagle rays – or by several rays at once which is an undoubtedly impressive sight!
Year Round Manta Rays at Manta Point
The resident reef manta rays here can measure up to 5meters/15 feet across and they can be seen feeding in the plankton-rich waters, cleaning at the cleaning stations, and even forming mating trains that resemble underwater ballets during the breeding seasons. These rays are truly the gentle giants of our ocean realm.
Where is Bali's Manta Point?
The world-famous Manta Point of Bali is found on Nusa Penida's south coast.
After leaving the World Diving Lembongan dive center we head out of Lembongan Bay and head South. We cross the channels that divide the islands until we are running alongside Nusa Penida's south coast of impressive staggering cliffs.
We follow the coastline until we reach a collection of rocky islets and this is where the site is located - On the south coast (almost the southeasternmost tip) directly in front of the cliffs.
Are you Ready to Dive with Us in Nusa Lembongan?
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida have something to offer everyone. If you’d like to take a PADI course while you are here we have a purpose built onsite dive training pool (above) and you’ll be blown away by the reefs and marine life. Imagine drifting over stunning reefs and surrounded by fish – it’s all possible!
To make a reservation or for more information please feel free to contact us on info@world-diving.com or use the button below...
We are looking forward to introducing you to underwater Nusa Lembongan soon!
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