Dive Site: Toya Pakeh Drop-Off

About Toya Pakeh Drop-Off

Toya Pakeh Drop-Off, located on the northwest coast of Nusa Penida in Bali, offers a dramatic wall dive experience with rich marine life. This deep wall is characterized by significant overhangs and small caverns, beautifully adorned with vibrant soft corals and cup corals. The site is part of an extensive coral plateau featuring terraces and bommies blanketed in lush soft corals, giant gorgonians, and thriving hard coral gardens. While less frequented than nearby Crystal Bay, it promises an equally impressive and more private diving adventure. Divers can anticipate encounters with a variety of pelagic species, including cruising tuna, giant trevally, and occasional manta rays in the blue waters beyond the wall. The healthy reef ecosystems also support schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, and jacks. Macro enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to spot nudibranchs, frogfish, shrimps, and crabs hidden within the reef's crevices. During the Mola Mola season, typically from August to October, lucky divers may even glimpse the elusive ocean sunfish. Visibility here is generally excellent, ranging from 15 to 25 meters, sometimes extending to 30 meters on the north coast during the dry season. Currents can range from moderate to strong, making it an ideal drift dive, particularly when heading towards Gamat Bay or SD Point. Despite the currents, the bay's topography provides sheltered areas, allowing for extended bottom times and relaxed exploration. The site's dynamic nature ensures that repeat visits always offer new discoveries and perspectives.

Dive site facts: Toya Pakeh Drop-Off

Depth

10–40+ m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 45–60 min

Current

None to strong (drift dive)

Visibility

10–40 m

Water temperature

20–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Beginner to Expert (current dependent)

Dive type

Drift, wall, coral reef

Region / port

Nusa Penida

Coordinates

-8.678, 115.465

Conditions & Currents

Toya Pakeh is renowned for its variable currents, which can range from mild to strong, making it primarily a drift dive site. The strength and direction of these currents are heavily influenced by the Lombok Strait, requiring experienced guides to determine optimal entry points and dive plans. While the bay itself can offer some sheltered areas, particularly in shallower sections, exploring deeper parts demands good current knowledge and buoyancy control. Thermoclines are common, especially during Mola Mola season when colder, nutrient-rich water upwells, bringing surface temperatures from 27-29°C down to 20-25°C at depth, or even lower. Visibility can also fluctuate from excellent (up to 40m in the dry season) to moderately reduced (around 10m during the rainy season) due to runoff or plankton blooms associated with upwellings. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions and listen

Marine life & sighting chances

Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish)

July-October · occasional

Giant Trevally

occasional

Marble Ray

occasional

Moray Eel

common

Octopus

common

Barracuda

common

Reef Shark

occasional

Turtle

common

Nudibranch

common

Flounder

common

Sweetlips

common

Pufferfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Toya Pakeh typically begins with a boat entry, often as a drift dive given the prevailing currents. Your guide will assess the currents to determine the ideal drop-off point. The dive usually starts at depths between 16 and 25 meters, where you can explore the sheltered coral formations and observe resident marine life. The terraced reef slopes downwards, allowing for a gradual depth progression. As you drift, keep an eye out for pelagic species in the blue, while also appreciating the rich macro life within the corals. The dive often concludes by heading towards shallower parts of the bay for the safety stop, taking advantage of calmer conditions there.

Underwater photography

Toya Pakeh offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, depending on your focus. For capturing the expansive coral terraces and potential Mola Mola or other large pelagics, a wide-angle lens is essential. Be prepared for varying visibility and potential thermoclines, which can affect light quality; strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and fish. For macro subjects like nudibranchs, flounder, and smaller reef inhabitants, a dedicated macro lens will be beneficial. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial, especially when currents are present, to avoid disturbing the delicate coral ecosystems and to secure stable shots. Patience is key, particularly when waiting for shy subjects or when hoping for a Mola Mola encounter in the blue.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Crystal Bay

  Known for Mola Mola sightings and challenging currents.

• Gamat Bay

  Versatile site with rich coral and potential Mola Mola.

• SD Point

  A popular drift dive with abundant reef fish.

• Mangrove Point

  Drift dive with vibrant reef and diverse fish schools.

• Blue Lagoon Padang Bai

  Accessible from Sanur, known for macro life and gentle currents.

Getting there & logistics

Most dive trips to Toya Pakeh depart from Sanur on Bali's mainland or directly from Nusa Lembongan. From Sanur, expect an early morning pickup (around 06:45) followed by a 40-minute speedboat ride across the Badung Strait. Typically, itineraries include two dives in the Nusa Penida/Lembongan area, with lunch often served on the boat or in Toyapakeh village, returning to Sanur by late afternoon. If staying on Nusa Lembongan, dive operators offer an 08:00-08:30 brief, with shorter boat rides to nearby sites. The main international airport for access is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar. While there are no specific park fees for diving Toya Pakeh, some local levies or harbor fees may apply when departing from Nusa Penida or Lembongan.

Safety & environment

Diving at Toya Pakeh requires careful attention to safety protocols due to the presence of strong and unpredictable currents. Divers should be experienced in drift diving and possess strong buoyancy control. Always dive with a reputable operator and an experienced local guide who is familiar with the daily current patterns. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, Bali. In case of a diving emergency, evacuation to Bali by speedboat is the standard procedure, which underscores the importance of adequate dive insurance covering medical treatment and emergency transport. Always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it, as currents can sometimes sweep divers away from the main group. Listen to all briefings, maintain proper depth and bottom times, and ensure your equipment is in excellent working order.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Toya Pakeh Drop-Off FAQ

Liveaboards diving Toya Pakeh Drop-Off

These liveaboards may visit Toya Pakeh Drop-Off on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$272/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$350/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$476/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$190/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$473/day