Dive Site: Mangrove Point

About Mangrove Point

Mangrove Point is a captivating dive site situated on the north coast of Nusa Lembongan, directly opposite a lush mangrove forest. This unique positioning contributes vital nutrients, fostering one of the healthiest and most vibrant coral reefs in the Nusa Penida region. The topography features a long, gently sloping coral plateau that descends from around 6 meters to depths of 30-40 meters, characterized by an explosion of hard corals, fire corals, gorgonian gardens, and sandy patches. The healthy reef structure creates a bustling underwater metropolis, showcasing dense biodiversity from large pelagics to intricate macro life. Diving here usually involves a gentle drift from west to east, offering a serene experience as you glide effortlessly over the reef. This steady current, combined with excellent visibility often exceeding 20 meters, makes Mangrove Point an ideal location for divers of all levels, from those taking their first breaths underwater to seasoned explorers. The site's rich ecosystem ensures a dynamic and extraordinary underwater show, with an abundance of marine life always in motion. Divers can easily spend an hour exploring the extensive coral formations, though a stronger current can shorten the drift, carrying you across the entire site in about twenty minutes. Marine encounters are consistently rewarding. Expect to find green turtles resting in coral crevices, eagle rays gracefully soaring by, and various schools of trevally. While common sightings include lionfish and dolphins, the site is also known for seasonal appearances of the elusive Mola Mola and even whale sharks. The diverse coral landscape is also home to a myriad of smaller creatures, offering photographic opportunities for nudibranchs, peacock mantis shrimp, and various colorful reef fish. The eastern end of the site is marked by submarine cables, serving as a natural boundary to avoid stronger currents towards the nearby Blue Corner.

Dive site facts: Mangrove Point

Depth

6–35 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate, typically west to east

Visibility

20–25 m (up to 40 m in dry season)

Water temperature

25–28°C (can drop to 24°C in dry season)

Entry

Boat / tender

Level

All levels (Open Water to Advanced)

Dive type

Drift, coral garden, photography

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Nusa Lembongan

Coordinates

-8.689, 115.455

Conditions & Currents

The site is renowned for its gentle, steady current, usually flowing from west to east, which facilitates an effortless drift dive. While generally mild, currents can vary from none to moderate, occasionally becoming strong enough to shorten a classic hour-long drift to about twenty minutes. Entry is typically by boat.

Marine life & sighting chances

Green turtle

common

Hawksbill turtle

common

Eagle ray

common

Oceanic sunfish

July–October · occasional

Fusilier

common

Surgeonfish

common

Angelfish

common

Parrotfish

common

Sweetlips

common

Moray eel

common

Stingray

occasional

Reef shark

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Giant trevally

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Mangrove Point typically begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent onto a shallow coral plateau ranging from 6 to 12 meters. The dive is primarily a drift, with the current gently guiding you over a sloping reef that gradually deepens to 30-35 meters. You'll glide past hard corals, gorgonian gardens, and sandy patches where stingrays often hide. The main route follows the reef contour, allowing divers to observe marine life both on the plateau and in the blue. The turn point is usually signaled by the guide or dictated by air consumption and current strength. Ascend before reaching the submarine cables at the eastern end of the site, as stronger currents toward Blue Corner can develop there. Your safety stop will be conducted in the shallower sections of the reef, enjoying the prolific reef fish and corals.

Underwater photography

Mangrove Point offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle, the extensive, healthy coral gardens and schooling fish make for captivating reef-scapes; a rectilinear wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the grandeur of the coral plateau. When shooting pelagics like eagle rays or Mola Mola, ensure your strobe power is set for distant subjects and be patient for clear water. Macro enthusiasts will find a rich array of nudibranchs, mantis shrimps, and cleaner shrimps among the corals, best captured with a dedicated macro lens and snooted strobes for creative lighting. Buoyancy control is paramount during the drift to avoid disturbing the pristine corals and to maintain stable shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Gamat Bay

  A sheltered cove with clear water and coral bommies, ideal for macro and occasional pelagic sightings.

• Toyapakeh Wall

  Features strong currents along a vibrant wall, showcasing prolific marine life and corals.

• Crystal Bay

  Known for large coral bommies and a high chance of Mola Mola sightings during the season.

• Sental

  The gentlest drift dive on the north coast, with sponges, soft corals, and abundant anthias.

• Pura Ped

  Offers serene slopes and sandy patches, transitioning to a reef slope with occasional thresher shark and Mola Mola sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Mangrove Point is typically from Nusa Lembongan, with boats departing from Toyapakeh, a journey of approximately 10-15 minutes. Divers traveling from mainland Bali can reach Nusa Lembongan via a 45-minute fast boat ride from Sanur or Padang Bai. Day trips from Bali often combine dives at Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida sites. No specific permits beyond standard dive operator fees are generally required. Most dive operators on Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida will include this site in their itinerary, often as part of a two- or three-dive day package.

Safety & environment

Diving at Mangrove Point is generally safe due to its predictable currents, but divers should always be mindful of local conditions and follow their dive guide. The nearest recompression chamber is in Denpasar, Bali, necessitating a boat transfer followed by land transport, which can take several hours. Comprehensive dive insurance covering evacuation and medical treatment is highly recommended. Pay close attention to your depth and air consumption during drift dives. Do not venture beyond the submarine cables at the eastern end of the site, as currents can become significantly stronger and potentially sweep divers towards the more challenging Blue Corner.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Mangrove Point FAQ

Liveaboards diving Mangrove Point

These liveaboards may visit Mangrove Point on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$350/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$479/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$191/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$473/day