Dive Site: Santal

About Santal

Santal, often called Sental Point, is a reef dive located on the northern coast of Nusa Penida, an island situated southeast of Bali. This site is renowned for its healthy and beautiful coral reef that slopes gently downwards, covered in a rich variety of hard and soft corals. It's an integral part of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area, which aims to balance tourism and conservation across its 200 km² expanse. The dive profile at Santal typically involves a drift along this vibrant reef, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for various diver levels. While the site generally features limited current, allowing ample time to explore, the conditions can vary, influencing both visibility and the nature of the drift. Between July and September, when the surrounding waters cool, Santal becomes a notable spot for encounters with the elusive mola mola, also known as the ocean sunfish, which ascend from deeper waters. Beyond these seasonal visitors, the reef is home to a consistent array of marine life including turtles, banded sea snakes, and various reef fish. Visibility here is generally good, enhancing the appreciation of the diverse ecosystem. Diving at Santal is typically a boat dive, with entry from the surface before allowing the gentle current to carry you along the reef. The experience is characterized by its relaxed pace and the opportunity to observe a thriving underwater environment without overly challenging conditions, making it a popular choice for many visiting divers.

Dive site facts: Santal

Depth

Up to 30 m

Current

Limited drift

Visibility

15–25 m

Water temperature

25–29 °C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef drift

Region / port

Nusa Penida, Bali

Coordinates

8.3065° S, 115.6476° E

Conditions & Currents

Santal is primarily known as a drift dive, though the currents are typically described as limited, allowing divers to relax and observe the reef at a comfortable pace. While conditions are generally calm, the presence and strength of the current can fluctuate, necessitating boat entry and exit. Divers should be prepared for potential changes in current intensity. Visibility at Santal is generally good, ranging from 15 to 25 meters, though it can be affected by tidal movements and recent rainfall. Water temperatures during cooler months, especially from July to September, can drop, increasing the likelihood of mola mola sightings. This site is suitable for all levels of divers due to its generally mild drift, but current awareness is always beneficial.

Marine life & sighting chances

Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish)

July-September · occasional

Green Moray

occasional

Crab

common

Scorpionfish

occasional

Lionfish

occasional

Whitetip reef shark

occasional

Blacktip reef shark

occasional

Banded Sea Snake

occasional

Pufferfish

occasional

Turtle

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Santal begins with a boat entry, typically a negative entry depending on current, directly onto the reef slope. The dive usually proceeds as a relaxed drift along the healthy reef, allowing divers to be carried by the limited current. You will descend to explore depths often around 20 meters, observing the abundant hard and soft corals that cover the slope. During the cooler months, particular attention is given to the blue water in search of mola mola. The dive naturally progresses with the reef, making it ideal for continuous observation of marine life such as moray eels, crabs, and occasional reef sharks. Your guide will manage the drift to ensure a safe and enjoyable trajectory. The ascent and safety stop will be conducted in shallower waters, often in the 5-meter range, near the end of the drift, before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Santal offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, especially given its healthy reef and potential for pelagic encounters. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the expansive coral formations and the blue water, particularly if mola mola are present. Pay attention to ambient light for natural-looking images. For macro enthusiasts, a macro lens will highlight the smaller reef inhabitants like crabs and nudibranchs nestled within the corals. Good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid touching the delicate reef. Using strobes can enhance colors and bring out details in both wide and macro compositions. If shooting mola mola, anticipate their rapid movement and use a fast shutter speed.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Pura Ped

  Northern Nusa Penida dive site known for mola mola sightings.

• SD Point

  Northern Nusa Penida dive site also known for mola mola.

• Buyuk

  Northern Nusa Penida site offering chances for mola mola.

• Mangrove Point

  A drift dive in Nusa Lembongan, often visited on trips from Sanur.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Santal typically involves day trips from Bali, with Sanur serving as a primary departure port. Speedboats depart around 8:00 AM, reaching Nusa Penida dive sites in approximately 35-45 minutes. Most day trips include 2-3 dives, lunch, and hot beverages on the boat. Trips are usually arranged by dive centers based in Sanur or directly from Nusa Lembongan. Divers usually combine Santal with other northern Nusa Penida sites like Pura Ped or SD Point, or with sites around Nusa Lembongan. There are no specific permits required for diving, as it is generally included in the dive package fees. Staying in Sanur or Nusa Lembongan provides convenient access to Santal and other surrounding dive areas.

Safety & environment

For diving at Santal and other Nusa Penida sites, adequate dive insurance covering potential recompression chamber treatments and emergency evacuation is essential. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, Bali. Evacuation from Nusa Penida would involve boat transfer back to mainland Bali, followed by land transport to the medical facility, which can take several hours depending on sea conditions and traffic. While Santal generally has limited currents, conditions can change, so always follow your guide's instructions. Keep a safe distance from all marine life, especially banded sea snakes and any larger pelagic species. Due to potential cooler water temperatures during mola mola season, wearing appropriate thermal protection like a 5mm wetsuit is advisable to prevent discomfort.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Santal FAQ

Liveaboards diving Santal

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$372/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$191/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$419/day