Nusa Lembongan diving at a glance
Nusa Lembongan lies between mainland Bali and Nusa Penida in Klungkung regency. It is part of the Nusa Penida marine protected area, which the Coral Triangle Center describes as roughly 20,000 hectares around the three Nusa islands, including reefs, seagrass, mangroves and seaweed farming areas.
A small base with big access
The island is small enough to move around by scooter or on foot. From its beaches, dive boats reach sites on the island's own coast as well as sites around Nusa Penida and the Nusa Ceningan channel.
What the tourism board says
Indonesia's tourism board describes snorkelling at Crystal Bay and Manta Bay on Lembongan and mentions manta rays at Manta Point.
Why dive Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan combines a compact base with access to a wide range of diving.
- Mantas nearby: Indonesia's tourism board mentions manta rays at Manta Bay and Manta Point.
- Reefs and mangroves: The Coral Triangle Center notes the protected area includes reefs, seagrass and mangroves.
- Wide choice of sites: Boats can reach sites around Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
- Conditions: Visibility commonly ranges from about 15 to 30 metres. Water can be cooler than elsewhere in Bali in the middle of the year.
- Short crossing: The island is a fast-boat ride from Sanur.
Dive sites around Nusa Lembongan
Dive sites around Lembongan, the Ceningan channel and Nusa Penida are all within reach of boats from the island.
- Manta Bay: Cleaning-station area on Lembongan's coast.
- Crystal Bay (Lembongan): Clear-water site described by Indonesia's tourism board for snorkelling and diving.
- Mangrove Point and the Ceningan channel: Reef areas with variable current; guides choose by tide.
- Nusa Penida sites: Manta Point and Crystal Bay (Penida) are reachable by boat.
Marine life
The Coral Triangle Center reports 296 coral species and 576 reef fish species in the protected area.
- Manta rays are reported at Manta Bay and Manta Point.
- Ocean sunfish are typically reported from about July to October.
- Reef fish and turtles are common on shallower reefs.
- Seagrass and mangrove habitats shelter juvenile fish.
Sightings vary with season and tide.
Nusa Lembongan through the year
Water and air temperature, visibility and rainfall for every month, with the windows we would book ourselves. Hover or tap a month for the detail.
- Water
- Air
- Visibility
- Rain
Show the monthly data as a table
| Month | Water °C | Air °C | Visibility | Rain | Diving | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26–29 °C | 25–31 °C | 10–25 m | 300 mm | Possible | Wet season; rain and variable conditions |
| Feb | 26–29 °C | 25–31 °C | 10–25 m | 280 mm | Possible | Wet season; rain and swell |
| Mar | 26–29 °C | 25–31 °C | 12–28 m | 180 mm | Good | Rain easing |
| Apr | 26–29 °C | 24–32 °C | 15–30 m | 90 mm | Peak | Drier weather returns |
| May | 25–28 °C | 24–32 °C | 15–30 m | 60 mm | Peak | Generally calm; clear water |
| Jun | 22–27 °C | 23–31 °C | 15–30 m | 40 mm | Peak | Dry; cooler water begins |
| Jul | 20–26 °C | 23–31 °C | 15–30 m | 25 mm | Peak | Cooler water; sunfish season begins |
| Aug | 20–26 °C | 23–31 °C | 15–30 m | 15 mm | Peak | Coolest water; sunfish season |
| Sep | 20–26 °C | 23–32 °C | 15–30 m | 20 mm | Peak | Cool water; sunfish possible |
| Oct | 22–27 °C | 24–32 °C | 15–30 m | 60 mm | Peak | Water warming |
| Nov | 25–28 °C | 25–32 °C | 12–25 m | 130 mm | Good | Shoulder season, first rains |
| Dec | 26–29 °C | 25–31 °C | 10–25 m | 240 mm | Possible | Wet season begins |
Getting there and around
From Bali
- Fast boats run from Sanur and nearby harbours. Crossing times are typically under an hour.
- Airport: Fly into Denpasar (DPS) and transfer to the harbour.
On the island
Scooters, bicycles and walking are the usual ways to get around. A suspension bridge links Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan.
Bali tourist levy
Foreign visitors to Bali pay a levy of IDR 150,000 per person, once per trip. See Love Bali for current rules.
Getting to Nusa Lembongan, and what to know before you go
Road to Sanur, then a fast boat, typically under an hour
Sanur (Bali)
- Best season
- Apr-Oct (drier months)
- Off season
- Dec-Mar (wetter months)
- Typical trip
- Day trips from Bali or stays of 2 to 7 nights on the island
- Experience
- about 10 logged dives
- Park / marine fee
- Bali foreign tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person, paid once per trip (Bali provincial government). Check locally for any protected-area charges
- Visa
- Rules depend on nationality and change; check the Indonesian immigration authority before you travel. Many visitors use a visa on arrival or e-VOA for stays of about 30 days.
- Nitrox
- Available at some dive centres; ask when booking
- Currency
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
- Language
- Indonesian and Balinese; English widely used in tourism
- Time zone
- UTC+8 (WITA)
- Power
- Type C/F, 230 V
- Manta ray
- Ocean sunfish (mola mola)
- Turtles
- Reef fish
| Species | Months | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Manta ray | Reported across much of the year | Manta Bay and Manta Point |
| Ocean sunfish (mola mola) | Jul-Oct | Open-water edges |
Seasons are typical, not guaranteed: sightings depend on currents, weather and luck.
Tips & recommendations
- Check the sea: Crossings can be affected by swell and wind.
- Pack for cooler water: A 5 mm suit or hooded vest can help in the middle of the year.
- Brief on current: Follow guide instructions around channels.
- Respect wildlife: Keep distance from mantas.
- Bring cash: Machines on small islands can be limited.
Operators here
Dive centers, resorts and liveaboards working in Nusa Lembongan. Unclaimed listings are prepared by DiveHQ from public information.
Dive centers
Dive center
Unclaimed
Blue Corner Dive and Conservation
Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
Blue Corner Dive and Conservation is a dive centre on Nusa Lembongan with a second base on Nusa Penida. It runs daily dive trips, links guests with Le...
Dive center
Unclaimed
Dive Concepts Bali
Amed · Indonesia
Dive Concepts Bali has run dive centres since 2009 in Amed, Pemuteran, Nusa Lembongan and Tulamben on the island of Bali. The programme covers fun div...
Dive center
Unclaimed
Legend Diving Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
Legend Diving Lembongan is a dive centre on Jalan Raya Jungutbatu on Nusa Lembongan, with sister centres on Nusa Penida and in Komodo. It runs fun div...
Dive center
Unclaimed
Lembongan Dive Center
Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
Lembongan Dive Center is a dive centre on the main beach at Jungut Batu, Nusa Lembongan, next to Scooby Doo Bar, Restaurant and Bungalows. It teaches...
Dive center
Unclaimed
Scuba Center Asia
Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
Scuba Center Asia is a dive centre by Mushroom Bay on Nusa Lembongan, with a three-metre training pool on site. Boats leave twice a day and divers can...
Dive resorts
Dive resort
Unclaimed
Big Fish Diving
Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
Big Fish Diving is a dive resort based at Secret Garden Bungalows in Jungutbatu, Nusa Lembongan. It runs daily scuba diving and snorkelling trips, inc...
Dive resort
Unclaimed
World Diving Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
World Diving Lembongan is a dive centre with its own lodging on Jalan Jungutbatu Raya, Nusa Lembongan. Rooms are available seafront, at Oasis Boutique...
