EXPERT TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE BEST SNORKELING IN INDONESIA

One of the best snorkeling in Indonesia spots can be found on Raja Ampat, a shoal and island group. Raja Ampat is known for its breathtaking landscape. Limestone rocks are covered by green vegetation, and the waters are turquoise blue. The reef surrounding Raja Ampat is very well preserved and considered as one of the world’s most pristine marine habitats.

Although a vibrant coral reef surrounds all 1800 islands of Raja Ampat, many of the snorkeling spots are remote. The reefs can prove difficult, if not impossible, to get to. The best snorkeling in Indonesia spots are located around Dampier Strait. The waters are full of Manta Rays and other aquatic life. It is a once in a lifetime experience to boat around the bays, channels, and sandbars. Manta Sandy and Manta Ridge are the best spots to find manta rays when snorkeling. Mantas forage on plankton. If you´re fortunate enough, you may even be afforded the opportunity to swim around them as they feed with their mouths open filtering water.

Another incredible adventure while snorkeling Raja Ampat is experiencing the vibrant mangrove ecosystem. Here the water is unusually clear compared to other mangrove ecosystems. The seafloor is covered by healthy corals, and one can enjoy colorful coral fish species, such as the clownfish.

Great snorkeling spots that are easy to reach are the island chain called the “jetties”. One of the most popular snorkeling sites in Indonesia, especially Raja Ampat, is called Sauwandarek Jetty. This crystal-clear nearshore snorkeling site is home to an impressive abundance of marine life. Furthermore, there is a coral restoration program, which aims to regain a healthy and species-rich ecosystem. In the past, these waters have been a feeding area and are therefore rich in marine life abundance and diversity. Apart from many coral reef fish species, the hard and soft corals provide a home for octopuses, giant clams as well as turtles.

Located east of Bali is a semi-circle shaped island which offers one of the best snorkeling in Asia. Considered as the top snorkeling spot in Lombok, Gili Nanggu is a paradise for all beginners. Gili Naggu offers blue-green waters that are safe to snorkel in no matter how often you have done it before. When snorkeling here, one can explore shallow seagrass beds filled with anchovies, sergeant majors and rabbitfish, that may come near to you once you are in the water.

For a unique snorkeling experience, we highly recommend you explore Gili Meno and see several man-made underwater statues that have become an underwater attraction. While there are several statues underwater, the main attraction in Gili Meno is the standing statues of a man and woman caressing each other. Right beside the statue, a fringing reef emerges, which is known for its sea turtles. If you are lucky, you may encounter the friendly turtles nearby. Please remember that, although locals may encourage you to interact with them, they are wild animals that should not be touched or fed.

There is a total of 31 Islands that belong to the Derawan Islands. These islands are located on the east coast of Borneo, Kalimantan. Since the islands are relatively remote, this snorkeling destination is not well known, and one can explore lush Indonesian snorkeling. Kakaban Island and Maratua Island offer a unique snorkeling experience. The islands’ salt ponds allow for a protected area with extremely calm waters. Within these salt ponds, one can encounter thousands of jellyfish, which all are harmless. One can thus snorkel amongst different species of jellyfish and admire their gracefulness. Apart from these unique ecosystems, the islands are surrounded by coral reefs harboring many different coral reef species, with crystal clear waters.

One of the best snorkeling in Indonesia can be found off the northern edge of Sulawesi, a chain of islands called Bunaken. Bunaken is a worldwide known destination for divers since the waters are extremely clear and full of all different kinds of marine species. The waters are protected under the Bunaken National Marine Park. The most accessible island is called Bunaken Island. Bunaken island does not receive many tourists, and therefore, if you are lucky, the snorkeling sites are exclusively for you and your family or friends. When on Bunaken Island, make sure to go to the east coast – Bunaken Timur. Here, you can explore a massive, vibrant reef that is full of corals that provide a habitat for many different coral species, including sunfish, turtles, or reef sharks. The coral reef is further home to many different clownfish, such as the Spinecheek Anemonefish, Clark’s Anemonefish, Pink Anemonefish, Orange Skunk Clownfish, and the Fire Clownfish.

Aside from being known for white pepper fields, Bangka Island is a tourist attraction in Indonesia. Tourists can go snorkeling over pristine reefs with little boat traffic on the surface. If you are looking for pinnacles and rocky ledges, Batu Mandi is highly recommended. Here, the crystal clear water allows you to see cuttlefish and squids. Highly recommended for newbies is Bangka House Reef. Everyone enjoys Bangka’s shallow sandy reef filled with tropical fish such as damselfish, butterflyfish, trumpetfish, sweetlips, and spotted eagle rays. A highlight for this snorkeling destination is that all snorkeling sites are ideal for snorkeling at nighttime.

Wakatobi is a marine national park consisting of four major islands. It is considered Indonesia’s third-largest marine sanctuary. Wakatobi Island (formally known as Wangi-Wangi) is a seagrass territory of Wakatobi where your snorkeling adventures involve swimming along grass-covered sand that leads to a reef. Kaledupa Island offers the chance to see large fish such as barracudas and jacks. Sadly, however, the reef is only sparsely covered by corals.

RAINFALL

The months with the highest rainfall are December and January. They average 11.29inches (286.7mm) and 13.09inches (332.6mm) of rainfall, respectively. Months with the lowest rainfall include July and August with an average of 3.77inces (95.7mm) and 3.42inches (86.9mm), respectively.

TEMPERATURE

The highest water temperature in Indonesian waters is in December, with 85.82°F (29.9°C). Lowest water temperature can be found in August with 82.5°F (27.5°C).

BEST SNORKELING MONTHS

July and August are the months with the least precipitation, and therefore, visibility will be better. Furthermore, the water in August is colder and may, therefore, attract more open ocean species and thus a higher diversity of marine animals.

FIRST TIME ZONE: Western Indonesian Time (UTC +7)

SECOND TIME ZONE: Central Indonesian Time (UTC +8)

THIRD TIME ZONE: Eastern Indonesian Time (UTC +9)

CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) $1= IDR13.686

CALLING CODE: +62

ELECTRIC VOLT: 220V

PLUG TYPE: C

MAIN AIRPORT: Jakarta International Airport (CGK)

1. Where to see manta rays in Indonesia while snorkeling?

Manta Rays are quite common in Indonesia. One may encounter them in most of the snorkeling spots. However, there are several snorkeling sites in Indonesia where you are guaranteed to see Manta Rays, including Manta Point on Nusa Penida Bali, Komodo, as well as Manta Sandy and Manta Ridge in Raja Ampat.

2. Can you wade out and snorkel off the Gili islands?

The Gili islands offer snorkeling from the shore. Therefore, it is possible to wade out and snorkel. Typically, one gets ready at the beach and then wades into the water until the water is high enough to start snorkeling. You will first pass seagrass beds before reaching the coral reef ecosystem.

3. Where can I hire snorkel gear in the Gili Islands?

There are several dive shops in Gili Islands that rent out snorkeling gear. These dive shops are often located in Gili Trawangan. However, do not expect to use high-end snorkeling equipment or gear that fits well. Generally, in Indonesia, it is recommended to bring your own snorkeling gear. It will save you time, and you will be more comfortable in the water.

4. Where can I buy snorkel gear in the Gili Islands?

If you want to purchase a set of snorkeling gear on Gili Islands, we highly recommend you go to Gili Trawangan as several dive shops sell scuba and snorkeling equipment. Please be sure to compare the prices of the gear between different dive shops.

5. What is the best Raja Ampat snorkel cruise?

When booking any snorkel cruise, whether stay aboard or day tours, please make sure they are Padi certified. Through this certification comes a certain level of security, knowledge, and experience that is important when being on the open ocean. After all, their knowledge may lead you to the best snorkeling spots while keeping you safe from unwanted currents. However, there is no standard price for a liveaboard snorkel cruise in Raja Ampat, and the price offered depends on the length of the cruise and the services included within the trip. With this, we highly advise you choose the one that’s best suited for you. Please find Padi certified cruises here.

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