Best dive sites in Indonesia
Asia · Southeast Asia · 12 dive sites reviewed · best Oct–Apr
Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, spanning the Coral Triangle at the heart of global marine biodiversity. Its reefs range from the remote, biodiverse Raja Ampat in the far east to the dramatic wall dives of Bunaken and the famous muck diving of the Lembeh Strait. Dive culture is varied and mature, with liveaboards, resort diving, and some of the planet's richest coral and critter life.
Diving in Indonesia: the essentials
We've ranked 12 dive sites in Indonesia, averaging 3.9/5 across the set. Our top pick, Bunaken Marine Park, scores 4.5/5 — Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m, 4 standout species — a strong choice for experienced divers..
Conditions are strongest in Oct–Apr.
A realistic travel budget in Indonesia works out to about $64/day per person — see the cost breakdown below for the full picture.
Local food
Nasi goreng, satay, rendang and gado-gado — a spicy, fragrant island cuisine you'll find at humble warung eateries and nicer restaurants alike.
Local culture
Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country, so outside Bali pork is uncommon and alcohol is limited. Greetings are warm and a little haggling is expected at markets; dress modestly when visiting mosques.
Typical travel cost
Average daily cost per person
A one-week trip costs about $448 per person, based on real traveler spending.
Source: BudgetYourTrip — real traveler expenses, not a fixed rate.
Bunaken Marine Park
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m, 4 standout species — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Dive sites in this country
12 ranked
Bunaken Marine Park
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m, 4 standout species — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Nusa Lembongan
Drift diving with 4 standout species — ideal for newcomers.
Gili Islands
Reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Raja Ampat
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 25 m, 4 standout species, liveaboard access — a great fit for most divers.
Komodo National Park
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 25 m, 4 standout species, liveaboard access, challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.
USAT Liberty Wreck
Wreck diving with 4 standout species — ideal for newcomers.
Wakatobi Marine Park
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 30 m — a great fit for most divers.
Lembeh Strait
Macro and muck diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.
Nusa Penida
Wall-and-reef diving with challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Derawan & Sangalaki
Drift diving with a well-rounded site — a great fit for most divers.
Ambon Bay
Macro and muck diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.
Alor Island
Drift diving with 4 standout species, liveaboard access, challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.