Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida and its neighbours, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, sit in the deep Badung Strait off southeast Bali, where cold, nutrient-rich upwellings draw big animals close to the reef. Manta Point and Manta Bay host reef manta rays all year, and from roughly July to October Crystal Bay is one of the best places in the world to see oceanic sunfish, the mola mola. The same currents that bring the mantas and molas can be strong and unpredictable, and water temperatures can fall into the low 20s or below, so many sites are best for Advanced divers with experienced local guides. Sheltered sites such as SD Point and Toyapakeh still offer easier drift dives. Operators are based on Penida itself, on Lembongan, and on mainland Bali, from where day boats cross each morning.