Central Nusa Penida dive sites

Central Nusa Penida includes the dive sites between the north coast and west coast. There are 3 well knows dive sites : Toyapakeh, Ceningan wall and Gamat bay. Less dived than the classics of Nusa Penida these 3 dive sites are really worth it. Usually we decide to dive them when we have dive packages or would like to show our divers the variety of Nusa Penida.

Toyapakeh

Toyapakeh, named after the village where the first Nusa Penida harbour is located, is a fairly busy dive site because of its versatility. It is suitable for every level depending on current conditions and is always full of good surprises.

Difficulty : Beginner to expert
Max depth : 40 + Max
Visibility : Really good to bad
Temperature : 20 to 29 (average 24°c)
Current : None to strong

Toyapakeh is a very large dive site, especially if you count the shallow part where beginners will delight in their dive. To explore the deeper portions, the site requires a good knowledge of tides and currents. Indeed the dives will be quite different depending on east versus west currents. What we prefer is the slack tide in order to be able to freely enjoy the site and spend time enjoying the fauna rich in colors. We like to “land” between 16 and 25 meters, sheltered by large coral formations in order to spend time to watching the fauna passing through the blue. Toyapakeh is like North Nusa Penida dive sites, often a drift dive. The entry point will be determined by your guide depending on the currents. An appropriate briefing will be given according to conditions ...

We love Toyapakeh for its terraced topography, but even more for its wildlife. Even if the macro is present and diverse, we like Toyapakeh for the atmosphere and the possibility of encountering a large pelagic at any time.

Ceningan wall

Ceningan wall is, as its name suggests, is a drop off on the south of Ceningan island. This site is not always doable due to strong currents and big surge but as soon as the opportunity arises our guides will not hesitate for a second ... The ideal is a weak current to be able to enjoy the "wall" and the fauna.

Difficulty : Good to expert
Max depth : 40 + Max
Visibility : Really good to bad
Temperature : 20 to 29 (average 24°c)
Current : None to strong

Ceningan wall is not for beginners, as the current and surge can be quite strong. You need good buoyancy control as in any drift dive and even more for the safety stop with surge and swell. The entry point will depend on the current. The drop off is impressive - strewn with hard and soft corals of all colors. Ceningan wall is also an opportunity to meet large pelagics, Mola-Mola are not rare but the most impressive is certainly the many schools of fish such as barracuda, fusiliers, red-toothed triggerfish, jacks, tuna and rays. If conditions allow it is also a good opportunity to focus on macro fauna with many colorful nudibranchs.

Gamat Bay

Nusa Penida's Gamat Bay is full of contrast. It's a very versatile dive site which can be demanding. The bay seems sheltered but also faces a channel with the strongest currents in the world. With exceptional flora and fauna as well as multiple approaches and types of dives, Gamat Bay is one of the most popular on the island.

Difficulty : Beginner to expert
Max depth : 30 + Max
Visibility : Really good to bad
Temperature : 20 to 29 (average 24°c)
Current : None to strong

Gamat bay is a multi-purpose dive site and can please all types of divers on the boat. Indeed the dive site is ideal for Discover Scuba Divers and relaxing dives. The bay is rich in coral formations, and offers a beautiful slope very rich in colors. Do not forget to look out to the deep blue! Mola Mola are regularly "spotted" at this location. However Gamat bay can be quite a difficult dive site depending on the conditions and current. We like to do it as a drift dive heading north or south (depending on current) and enjoy the show before taking shelter in the bay. Macro enthusiasts are not left out as the fauna is varied and will delight macro-photographers. A "must-discover" dive site during your stay in Nusa Penida.