The Underwater Wonders of Sumbawa – Indonesia’s Best Kept Diving Secret

If you’ve been looking for a diving destination that’s off the beaten track yet rich with marine treasures, Sumbawa should be on your list. Tucked between Lombok and Flores, this island offers an incredible mix of dive sites, stunning biodiversity, and volcanic underwater landscapes that make every descent unforgettable.

Getting There:

Reaching Sumbawa is easier than you might think:

• Take a local flight from Bali (Denpasar) to Bima – Lion Air operates direct connections.

• From Bima airport, it’s a scenic 2-hour drive to the dive resorts on Sumbawa’s eastern coast.

Where to Stay:

For divers, Kalimaya Dive Resort is an ideal base. Comfortable beachfront cottages, a relaxed vibe, and direct access to dive sites make it perfect for both serious divers and those looking to unwind between dives.

Watch the spectacular sunrise at Sumbawa here

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Moray eel

Why Sumbawa Diving Stands Out:

Extraordinary Biodiversity

Hard and soft coral reefs, dramatic walls, pinnacles, and black sand slopes form the backdrop to an amazing variety of marine life. From tiny nudibranchs, frogfish, ghost pipefish, leaf-fish, cuttlefish and seahorses to bigger encounters with pelagics — there’s something for every diver’s logbook.

Volcanic Magic Underwater

One of Sumbawa’s most unique features lies beneath the surface — volcanic vents and bubbling seabeds, especially around Sangeang volcano. The black sand slopes not only create an otherworldly atmosphere but also provide habitats for some of the ocean’s most fascinating critters.

Something for Every Diver

Whether you prefer calm, sheltered sites perfect for beginners or adrenaline-filled drift dives with stronger currents on the outer reefs, Sumbawa has it all. Advanced divers can chase mantas at Galley’s Rock, Gili Banta, where sightings are almost guaranteed.

Watch my "Manta Madness video here:

Ideal Conditions

Water clarity is often excellent, making every dive visually rewarding. Combine that with warm waters and uncrowded sites, and you’ve got a recipe for pure diving bliss.

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A Diver’s Perspective

With more than 150 dives logged across various destinations, I can say with confidence that Sumbawa ranks right up there among the world’s best. Its mix of biodiversity, dramatic volcanic seascapes, and variety of dive experiences makes it a destination I’d recommend wholeheartedly to fellow divers.

It's a coral treat out there.

Check out my video: Quest: The Coral KingdomQuest: The Coral Kingdom