This sprawling archipelago of 17,000 islands is situated proper within the coronary heart of the Coral Triangle. Residence to twenty% of the world’s coral reefs, the waters surrounding Indonesia are teeming with marine life, together with over 2,000 recorded species of fish and 500 coral reef species. For probably the most half, the water is calm and gin-clear too. Planning on touring to this showstopping snorkel vacation spot? From nationwide parks to secluded bays, we’ve rounded up our favourite locations for snorkeling in Indonesia.
The place are the very best locations for snorkeling in Indonesia?
The local weather is heat and humid all 12 months spherical in Indonesia, with water temperatures averaging 28 to 30°C. That stated, most eager snorkelers are inclined to keep away from touring between November and April in the course of the wet season and head right here in the course of the dry season between Might and October. These seeking to keep away from the crowds ought to keep away from Bali in December, January, July and August.
1. Komodo Nationwide Park
The Komodo Nationwide Park is finest identified for its inhabitants of the world’s largest lizard, nevertheless it affords some excellent snorkeling spots too. It packs a staggering variety of marine life, because of the convergence of a number of currents and deep upwellings. The waters are additionally full of nutrient-rich plankton. Highlights embody mantas, sharks, and pygmy seahorses.
2. Bunaken Nationwide Park
Set off the coast of Sulawesi, Bunaken Nationwide Park is well known as one of many world’s finest locations for diving and snorkeling. Near 400 coral species assist a jaw-dropping vary of marine creatures, together with clownfish, pink skunk, boxfish, and porcupine-fish. Should you’re swimming across the drop-off, you may spot sea turtles too.
The park includes 5 small islands, along with the reefs, the place you’ll discover an array of eating places and amenities too.
3. Wakatobi Island
Positioned southeast of Sulawesi, Wakatobi Island is house to colourful coral reefs, in addition to uncommon snorkeling spots just like the Sombano Lake. Also called Akku’a Nu-lumu, this 500-meter lengthy lake averages depths of only one meter, fringed by mangroves stuffed with 1000’s of blood-red shrimp The Wakatobi Resort regularly ranks as one of many world’s finest home reefs too.
4. The Banda Islands
Previously often known as the Spice Islands, the Banda Islands have solely lately opened up as a major snorkeling spot. It boasts a number of the most dramatic underwater landscapes within the area, with sweeping coral gardens and plentiful fish. Past the drop-off, snorkelers can encounter blockbuster massive predators like hammerhead sharks and Napoleon Wrasse. Combining spectacular reefs and exhilarating marine life encounters, it’s a must-visit for adventurous divers. Its deep water basin and highly effective currents have created the proper atmosphere for migrating scalloped hammerheads. For the very best likelihood of seeing these shy and ethereal predators, schedule your journey for the second season which runs from September till November.
5. Cenderawasih Bay
Should you’re seeking to snorkel alongside whale sharks, it’s laborious to discover a higher spot than Cenderawasih Bay. Often known as the “Galapagos of the East”, there’s an entire host of devoted excursions providing up the possibility to swim with the attractive beasts. It’s additionally house to greater than 1,000 species of fish and 500 corals. As snorkeling spots go, Cenderawasih Bay is much less visited than its common counterparts like Raja Ampat, which makes it a very good possibility for these seeking to keep away from the crowds too.
6. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
Northeast of Nusa Lembongan is Mangrove of Nusa Lembongan, a sprawling underground forest teeming with tiny colourful fish. A brief distance away, Nusa Penida is house to one of many world’s finest spots for swimming with manta rays. You possibly can mix each locations on a ship tour; there are dozens of respected corporations providing entry to each factors.
7. Jemeluk Bay
Set proper within the coronary heart of Amed, this tiny bay affords one of the crucial secluded snorkeling experiences within the area. Its reef drop-off is teeming with kaleidoscopic vibrant fish, together with faculties of inexperienced chromis and shiny yellow damselfish. It’s finest fitted to assured, match swimmers although because the drop-offs are dramatic and small fishing boats additionally transfer by means of the waters.
