Home to over 25% of the world's fish species and more than 70% of global coral species, Indonesia is widely regarded as an epicentre of marine biodiversity. Its remarkable concentration of aquatic life and habitat diversity make this island nation in the Coral Triangle a treasure trove for divers of all interests and skill levels.
Whether your passion lies in spotting elusive macro critters, encountering majestic pelagics or experiencing the thrill of drift diving, Indonesia has it all in spades. It also boasts exceptional diving infrastructure, from world-class liveaboards to luxury dive resorts - there’s something to suit every budget and preference.
In this article, we'll introduce 9 of the best places to dive in Indonesia and explain what makes them unique, as well as highlight eco-friendly accommodations for a sustainable stay.
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Komodo National Park
Best place for a budget dive vacation in Indonesia
In the heart of the Indonesian archipelago lies Komodo National Park, a natural wonder that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. While the park is most famous for its resident Komodo dragon - the world's largest living lizard species - its true splendour extends far beyond these legendary reptiles.
Underwater, the archipelago provides a habitat for a dazzling array of marine life, from graceful manta rays that glide through the southern currents to the sleek reef sharks that patrol the northern reefs. Scuba divers who venture into Komodo's subaquatic realm are treated to incredible biodiversity, from brightly-coloured corals to abundant schools of tropical fish.
Diving in Komodo can be divided into three distinct regions - North, Central and South. The northern region is renowned for its exhilarating drift dives, where strong currents draw in a multitude of pelagic species. Though the currents require a higher level of experience, this is precisely what makes diving in Komodo so electrifying.
Central Komodo is no less captivating, boasting world-class dive sites like Batu Bolong and Manta Point, where up to 50 of these majestic creatures can be seen mating and feeding at any one time. Even the southern region, which experiences cooler water temperatures, offers exceptional critter diving, with the chance to spot unique species not found in more renowned macro destinations.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Komodo
Situated at the entrance of Komodo National Park, this highly rated resort offers easy access to all of its exceptional diving opportunities. Led by experienced instructors, the on-site PADI dive centre provides equipment rentals and guided tours suitable for divers of all levels. The traditional wooden bungalows at this eco-friendly Komodo dive resort are designed to provide a comfortable stay while prioritising the preservation of the delicate environment.
"This place is so unique and special.” - Alex (read more reviews here)
Dotted with bungalows featuring traditional alang-alang roofs and adorned with bougainvillea, Sudamala is a luxury eco-resort in Komodo. Its in-house green team, Sobat Hijau, conducts a range of programs and initiatives dedicated to environmental sustainability, ensuring you can minimise your footprint during your stay. Just a short distance from this eco-friendly Komodo Resort are vibrant coral reefs perfect for snorkelling and diving while the onsite spa offers Balinese-inspired treatments in a bamboo pavilion overlooking the sea.
"A heavenly getaway!” - Sonali (read more reviews here)
Discover more eco-friendly resorts in Komodo here.
Best places to dive in Indonesia
Alor
Best place for remote diving in Indonesia
The remote island of Alor, situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands, offers a truly exceptional diving experience for those willing to venture to this relatively untouched corner of the underwater world. Accessible by liveaboard vessels or just a handful of dive resorts, Alor's isolation has allowed it to preserve an abundance of captivating marine life.
Divers are regularly treated to the awe-inspiring sight of schools of hammerhead sharks gliding gracefully through the waters, while pods of playful pilot whales and acrobatic dolphins add to the spectacle unfolding beneath the water’s surface. While the strong currents experienced around Alor (particularly from September to November) demand a certain level of diving experience, there’s a diverse array of dive sites catering to a wide range of skill levels.
The black sandy sea floor, a result of the island's volcanic origins, provides the perfect backdrop for muck diving enthusiasts. Meanwhile, wide-angle photographers revel in the opportunity to capture the grandeur of Alor's bigger marine inhabitants, such as the schools of barracuda and trevally that congregate in the channels.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Alor
On the doorstep of Alor’s top dive sites, this eco-friendly resort seamlessly combines luxury and nature. Open-air bungalows provide natural shade from the sun's heat, eliminating the need for energy-guzzling air conditioning. Guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in nature without leaving a trace, helping to preserve the pristine beach on which the resort is located. Integral to the eco-philosophy of Alor Divers are the use of sustainable construction materials and practices, employment and training for locals, and support for community initiatives.
Best dive spots in Indonesia
Raja Ampat
Best place to dive in Indonesia for biodiversity
Raja Ampat is a breathtakingly beautiful and ecologically rich archipelago located off the northwest coast of West Papua. Comprising over 1,500 small islands, this tropical paradise is revered by marine biologists as potentially the most biodiverse underwater habitat on the planet. It’s home to around 1,500 species of tropical fish and 550 different types of coral - representing 75% of the world's known coral varieties.
With its technicolour reefs and teeming schools of fish, Raja Ampat is a true diver's paradise. From gentle giants such as sharks, mantas and dugongs to diminutive creatures like the pygmy seahorse, this magnificent archipelago has it all. Aside from its coral reefs, which remain largely untouched, Raja Ampat boasts underwater caverns and tunnels to explore. It’s no wonder the archipelago is widely regarded as not only one of the top diving destinations in Indonesia, but the entire world.
Raja Ampat lies within the Bird's Head Seascape, a massive marine protected area encompassing not only the “Four Kings” archipelago but also the surrounding regions of Kaimana, Triton Bay and Cenderawasih Bay. One of the most famous sites, Cape Kri, has been documented to host an astonishing 374 fish species in a single dive, a world record that speaks to the site's incredible richness. Elsewhere, Batanta's muck diving sites offer a window into the strange and wonderful world of macro critters, while Cenderawasih Bay and Triton Bay are renowned for their awe-inspiring encounters with whale sharks.
In addition to a great choice of liveaboards and eco-friendly dive resorts in Raja Ampat, the archipelago is also home to an abundance of homestays offering budget-friendly accommodation.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat Eco Lodge has been carefully designed to have minimal impact on the environment, while also making a positive difference in the local community through its conservation initiatives. Its roomy bungalows are built with indigenous materials such as ironwood and palm leaves, and offer stunning views across the water. Tucked away in a section of untouched rainforest is a permaculture garden that supplies a significant portion of the lodge's food. This helps cut down on carbon emissions from food transportation and guarantees that everything is organically grown.
"A little paradise.” - Hannah (read more reviews here)
With its breathtaking views and friendly staff, this eco-friendly Raja Ampat homestay ticks all the right boxes. Nyande’s rustic beach bungalows feature modern amenities like flushing toilets and hot showers while guests rave about the delicious meals served here. Aside from its proximity to top diving sites, the commitment to eco-consciousness is evident with solar power, no single-use plastics and a sustainable waste management system in place.
"Nyande exceeds every aspect of hospitality.” - Maria (read more reviews here)
Best places to dive in Indonesia
Banda Sea
Best place for liveaboard diving in Indonesia
The Banda Sea is quickly becoming one of the premier liveaboard diving destinations in Indonesia, attracting scuba enthusiasts from around the world with its incredible array of marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. During the peak seasons of September to October and April to May, several Indonesian liveaboard operators make the journey to this remote corner of the archipelago, drawn by the promise of world-class diving.
The Banda Sea is particularly renowned for its exceptional wall dives and abundant macro life, but the real showstoppers are the resident populations of sea snakes at sites like Manuk and Gunung Api islands. These unique serpents, found nowhere else in Southeast Asia, have become a major draw for divers seeking a truly special encounter. Additionally, the Banda is also one of the rare spots in Indonesia where divers have a realistic chance of spotting large schools of hammerhead sharks. Big schools of fish, occasional reef sharks and rays, plus some of the most dramatic topography in Indonesia only add to the experience.
Due to its remote location, the only way to access the Banda Sea's underwater wonders is by liveaboard. Many include stops in Ambon Bay, which has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for muck diving enthusiasts and underwater photographers. This long, protected bay is home to an array of rare and unique marine creatures, including the otherworldly wonderpus and flamboyant cuttlefish.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Ambon Bay
Built to have minimal impact on its surrounding environment, Spice Island Divers is a boutique dive resort that caters to the needs of passionate divers. It is located in the prime spot in Ambon, providing easy access to the famous "Twilight Zone" dive site and other popular critter hotspots, as well as being just a short distance from the airport. In addition to its top-notch facilities, the resort also boasts a dedicated team that goes the extra mile to ensure guests have an amazing experience, both underwater and on land.
Wakatobi
Best place for a luxury dive vacation in Indonesia
Wakatobi is a truly remarkable dive destination in the Tukangbesi archipelago, just off the southern coast of Sulawesi. Reaching this underwater paradise requires a bit of effort but the journey is well worth it, as Wakatobi offers some of the most pristine and vibrant coral reefs found anywhere on the planet.
While the area has faced some environmental challenges in the past from practices like dynamite fishing, growing conservation efforts have helped to restore the health and vitality of these remarkable reefs. Now protected within Wakatobi National Park, the area’s 40 or so dive sites are best explored from the luxurious Wakatobi Dive Resort, which boasts a house reef filled with colourful corals, sponges and an incredible diversity of marine life.
For underwater photographers, Wakatobi is a dream dive destination, with an abundance of unique macro critters like nudibranchs, seahorses and frogfish. And while large pelagic species may not be as abundant here as in other regions, the sheer beauty and biodiversity of Wakatobi's underwater realm more than makes up for it.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Wakatobi
This environmentally conscious dive resort in Southeast Sulawesi is a haven for scuba enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts alike. It offers convenient access to some of the finest diving and snorkelling sites in Indonesia, including a five-kilometre-long house reef just off the shore. With the assistance of the local community, Wakatobi Dive Resort played a key role in creating one of the largest privately funded marine reserves on the planet - a true testament to their commitment to marine conservation.
Best dive destinations in Indonesia
Lembeh Strait
Best place for muck diving in Indonesia
Located in North Sulawesi, Lembeh Strait is rightly known as the "world's capital for muck diving" due to its unparalleled macro biodiversity. This narrow stretch of water between the islands of Lembeh and Sulawesi is an underwater wonderland, home to an astounding array of small marine creatures. From the bizarre and whimsical, like the yawning hairy frogfish with its bulging eyes and fleshy appendages, to the alien-like flamboyant cuttlefish with its iridescent displays, the diversity on offer in Lembeh is simply staggering.
Juvenile fish species like barramundi and pinnate batfish share the reef with predatory snake blennies, while delicate harlequin shrimp and fascinating mandarin fish put on dazzling shows. Giant stinging anemones the size of dinner plates provide a dramatic backdrop, and it's not uncommon to spot camouflaged rhinopias and other cryptic creatures that are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye.
The sheer number of unique macro subjects that divers can cross off their checklist in Lembeh is mind-boggling. But Lembeh offers more than just incredible biodiversity - the diving infrastructure is excellent, with photographer-friendly resorts and highly skilled local guides who can lead you to the rarest, tiniest critters imaginable.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Lembeh
Constructed in a traditional Minahasa style, the villas at this boutique Lembeh dive resort seamlessly blend modern comforts with the timeless aesthetics of the region. Each has been thoughtfully positioned to provide guests with unobstructed vistas across Lembeh Strait and the majestic mountain range that frames Bitung. By eliminating single-use plastics and partnering with local schools to implement sustainability initiatives, the resort is ensuring that the benefits of its operations are shared with the people who call this beautiful corner of the world home.
"Fantastic dive resort in Lembeh Strait.” - Miguel (read more reviews here)
Situated in the middle of Lembeh Strait, this eco-friendly dive resort provides direct access to some of the region's most iconic underwater sites. Cocotinos’ on-site dive centre is staffed by experienced, knowledgeable guides who can lead explorers to an array of mesmerising macro subjects and unusual critters. For those with a passion for underwater photography, the resort's dedicated camera facilities are among the region’s best.
"Perfect location to dive the Lembe Strait.” - Patrick (read more reviews here)
Best places to dive in Indonesia
Bunaken
Best place for wall dives in Indonesia
Easily combinable with a trip to Lembeh Strait is a dive vacation in Bunaken National Park, host to some of the most breathtaking wall dives in Indonesia. Bangka Island, in particular, boasts an abundance of pristine, untouched reefs adorned with a kaleidoscope of soft corals in every imaginable hue. Along Bangka’s towering underwater cliffs, divers can encounter larger pelagic species like reef sharks, tuna and barracuda - often seen swirling in tornado-like formations.
Plunging down hundreds of feet, the coral-encrusted walls of Bunaken teem with a dizzying variety of marine life, from playful reef sharks and schools of silvery baitfish to graceful sea snakes and the occasional eagle ray. And if you're truly lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident pods of dolphins and pilot whales that frequent these waters. Meanwhile, the tiny yet captivating pygmy seahorse and a dazzling array of shrimp species hide amidst the reef's nooks and crannies.
With so many world-class dive sites concentrated in such close proximity, it's no wonder the Manado region has become a true mecca for discerning underwater explorers from around the globe.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Bunaken
Nestled in the heart of Bunaken Marine Park, this luxurious eco-resort sprawls across seven hectares of tropical bliss. With only 12 cottages offering stunning ocean views, you can truly connect with the beauty of nature. The resort's cutting-edge water purification system not only ensures clean water but also reduces plastic waste. Aside from its sustainability credentials, Bunaken Oasis offers gourmet meals and rejuvenating spa treatments.
“Heaven on earth!” - Luka (read more reviews here)
Situated on the beautiful Siladen shores, Kuda Laut provides stunning views of Bunaken and the North Sulawesi coastline. The resort has a cosy feel with just eight cottages and four superior rooms, all designed with a tropical touch. The dive centre is well-equipped with a large drying room and individual lockers for your gear, plus there’s an air-conditioned camera room for photography enthusiasts. Rather than constructing a pier, Kuda Laut launches boats directly from the beach, helping to protect the reef and island ecosystem.
“Easily a highlight of our trip!” - Tina (read more reviews here)
Best dive spots in Indonesia
Derawan
Best place to dive with whale sharks in Indonesia
This cluster of small islands off the coast of East Kalimantan (Borneo) is an underwater wonderland, home to some of the most unique marine ecosystems on the planet. Chief among its natural wonders is the famous jellyfish lake, one of only three such bodies of water known to exist worldwide. Snorkelling or diving in this surreal lake, where thousands of stingless jellyfish gracefully drift and pulse, is a truly unforgettable experience.
But Derawan's riches extend far beyond this singular attraction. The region is also renowned as one of the premier destinations in the world for encountering whale sharks. Visitors can swim alongside and observe these filter-feeding behemoths as they congregate in the shallows to feed, an awe-inspiring sight that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Beyond its whale shark encounters, Derawan's underwater realms are teeming with other exceptional marine life - schools of barracuda, eagle rays and reef sharks, as well as abundant populations of sea turtles and manta rays. The diving opportunities here are world-class, though the infrastructure to support these activities is still developing compared to more established dive hotspots. Nevertheless, a growing number of reputable liveaboard operators and resorts are making Derawan increasingly accessible, allowing adventurous divers to discover this untamed corner of the Coral Triangle.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Derawan Islands
Situated on the southern tip of the Maratua Atoll, this eco-friendly dive resort enjoys a blissful setting on the island of Bakungan. Adventurous divers will delight in the fantastic house reef, which can be accessed directly from the resort's private jetty, while two untouched atolls further south - Mataha and Bilang Bilang - beckon with their untouched beauty. Each of the bungalows blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment, utilising local materials typical of the region. Guests can enjoy the convenience of solar-powered hot water, highlighting the resort's commitment to sustainability and respect for the delicate island ecosystem.
"Nunukan really IS paradise on earth!” - Cheryl (read more reviews here)
Best places to dive in Indonesia
Bali
Best place to dive with Mola Mola in Indonesia
The "Island of the Gods" is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, and for good reason. Not only is it a captivating cultural hub with Hindu temples, lush rice paddies and vibrant local traditions, but it also boasts some wonderful dive sites, making it an irresistible draw for underwater enthusiasts from around the world.
The island's eastern and northern coastlines, as well as the nearby island of Nusa Penida, are home to a diverse array of dive sites that offer everything from fascinating wrecks to colourful coral gardens. The USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben is a renowned site that can be easily accessed from the shore, with bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasses and sea turtles regularly spotted. Off the northwest coast of Bali is magnificent Menjangan Island, home to healthy coral reefs and spectacular walls, while on the east coast is Amed, renowned for its critter diving.
Diving in Bali is also notable for pelagic encounters, with the chance to spot massive schools of fish and even the elusive Mola Mola, or ocean sunfish. Nusa Penida is a reliable spot for sightings of these bizarre-looking creatures, which can be spotted with increasing frequency between July and October.
Beyond the water, Bali's topside delights are no less captivating, with stunning beaches, world-class surf spots and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's rich cultural heritage. With a wealth of dive operators and resorts catering to all budgets, Bali is not only an easy and accessible diving destination but also an ideal launching point for exploring some of Indonesia’s best dive destinations.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Bali
Situated on serene Ceningan Island, this eco-friendly Balinese dive resort is built using local techniques and natural materials to blend in with the surrounding mangrove forest. In addition to daily dives around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, it offers a range of certification courses for all levels. Guests can be confident that Ceningan Divers is a certified Green Fins member, dedicated to preserving the marine environment through sustainable methods.
"The diving was outstanding with tremendous diversity and quantity of fish.” - Kip (read more reviews here)
Combining traditional Balinese craftsmanship and the more eclectic "Bali modern" style, this eco-friendly boutique resort perches atop a hill overlooking the island’s east coast. Each free-standing villa boasts breathtaking views, either towards the neighbouring island of Lombok or the towering mountains in the distance. For those seeking underwater adventure, the resort's fully licensed dive centre, Adventure Divers Bali, offers unparalleled opportunities to discover Amed’s marine marvels.
“Stunning views, spacious rooms, friendly staff.” - Tamar (read more reviews here)
Tucked away within the lush expanse of West Bali National Park, this unique eco-retreat features several Joglo-style villas that seamlessly blend traditional Indonesian architecture with all the modern amenities you could desire. In addition to daily dives, this luxury resort near Menjangan Island offers guided treks and kayaking excursions through the breathtaking surroundings, not to mention gourmet dining at the end of the day.
"Perhaps the best hotel I've stayed at in Bali.” - George (read more reviews here)
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