We provide daily dive trips and dive courses around the island of Nusa Penida, Indonesia
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If you’re wondering whether diving in Nusa Penida during the low season is worth it, the answer is a unquestionable yes! While many divers flock to this tropical paradise during peak season, the low season in Nusa Penida is from November – April and diving during these months has its own unique advantages.
Diving during this time is often overlooked, which is understandable as many places around the world have a clearly defined “best diving season”, however here in Nusa Penida, the diving is incredible all year round!
The main difference we experience throughout the year though is the water temperatures, so as low season falls within the months where water temperatures are warmer, we don’t have as many cold water species encounters such as mola and wobbegong sharks, but we still have manta rays, bamboo sharks, turtles, tuna, great barracuda and all the common tropical reef fish you would expect at any other tropical diving destination. We have explored this topic in our other blog post here.
In this post, we’ll dive into 4 reasons why the low season in Nusa Penida is still an amazing time to dive and is the perfect time to book your next dive trip.
One of the biggest perks of diving during the low season in Nusa Penida is the warmer waters. The water temperatures during this time of year are comparable to what you’d expect in other tropical dive destinations, ranging from 27°C to 30°C, and who doesn’t love diving in lovely warm tropical temperatures?!
In comparison to the colder months, when water temperatures can drop as low as 18°C, the warmer waters in the low season provide a more comfortable dive for everyone (including us!) and are great for those who prefer to dive without a wetsuit or just in a rash guard.
The marine life is just as abundant during low season in Nusa Penida as it is in peak season, including iconic species like Penida’s resident manta rays. The warmer waters make it easier to enjoy longer dives, allowing you to spend more time exploring the vibrant coral gardens and allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s incredible marine life.
Another big perk of diving during the low season in Nusa Penida is the quieter dive sites. With fewer divers around, you’ll have the chance to enjoy more personal, intimate encounters with the incredible marine life here. After all, there’s nothing quite like the frustration of being on a crowded dive site only to have a fin in your face or have someone photobomb that perfect photo or video you were about to take!
During the peak season, certain dive sites can get pretty crowded, especially the popular sites like Crystal Bay and Manta Point. But in the low season, you’ll have more space to explore and most of the time can even dive without worrying about running into another group.
With less boat traffic and fewer divers in the water, you’re also more likely to experience uninterrupted moments with the resident manta rays at their cleaning stations. While these majestic creatures are just as active in the low season as in peak season, the reduced number of divers increases your chances of having a more private and calm experience with them, as it’s less likely to have that one overexcited diver from another company unintentionally chase it away for everyone else.
When most people think of an island getaway, you probably imagine a peaceful, secluded paradise surrounded by the ocean, a place to escape the hustle and bustle of busy, built-up locations. However, during the high season, Nusa Penida can sometimes feel just as hectic as Bali mainland itself. Certain roads can become clogged with traffic and popular restaurants can get fully booked and simply don’t have space if you just walk in.
During the low season, however, everything feels a lot more relaxed, letting you experience Nusa Penida the way it’s meant to be… Calm, beautiful, and authentically laid-back. Beaches and beach clubs are far less crowded, with more sunbeds and beanbags available, making it so much easier to kick back and soak in those island vibes. Alternatively, why not rent a scooter through BikeAGo and explore the hidden gems of Nusa Penida taking advantage of the quieter roads.
If you stay with us, our dive and stay packages even include a half-day island tour to some of the most breathtaking spots Nusa Penida has to offer: Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach. Kelingking Beach is one of the most iconic viewpoints in all of Bali, but visiting during the high season often means huge crowds and waiting ages just to see the view or snap a photo. In the low season, it’s a completely different story. You can take your time to fully enjoy the view and capture that perfect photo without feeling rushed or crowded.
While much of the world is bundled up in jackets and bracing against the winter chill, the low season in Nusa Penida brings sunshine, warm waters and relaxing beach life. It’s the perfect time to swap snow for sand, puffy jackets for rashies, and the winter blues for the turquoise ocean.
For many, the idea of spending Christmas morning surrounded by palm trees and the sound of the ocean is the ultimate escape, a tropical twist on a time usually spent indoors. As the first light of Christmas morning glows over the ocean and the island slowly comes to life, you pull on your swimwear and gather your gear, ready for a day beneath the waves. Instead of frosty windows and the rustle of wrapping paper, your day begins with a dive adventure, perhaps gliding alongside Penida’s manta rays as they dance through the water.
After your dives, you might unwind with a dip in the pool, catch a beachside sunset, or simply soak up the warm tropical air while everyone back home is turning up the heating or thawing their toes by the fire. In the evening, celebrating Christmas during the low season in Nusa Penida means trading the traditional roast dinner for something a little more tropical… Most restaurants here will have a special festive menu on offer to be enjoyed under warm island skies and twinkling lights.
Whilst low season in Nusa Penida is known as the rainy season, it’s often misunderstood. A lot of divers hesitate to visit during these months because of what they’ve heard or read about visiting us during these months, but the reality is far from what most people imagine. Here are some of the most common myths we hear…
MYTH: “It rains all day, every day”
REALITY: While there’s definitely more rain during low season in Nusa Penida, it rarely lasts all day. Most of the time, the heavy rain comes overnight or early in the morning, and the skies usually clear up as the day goes on.
MYTH: “Diving conditions are poor”
REALITY: The diving conditions around Nusa Penida don’t suddenly change because it’s the rainy season. Currents here are determined by the tides, and swell and wind conditions vary day by day, just as they do throughout the rest of the year.
MYTH: “Visibility is bad”
REALITY: This one surprises a lot of divers! Visibility at the manta sites is often at its best during the low season in Nusa Penida, with clear blue water that can stretch for 20+ metres. The only areas that can sometimes be affected are the North and East sites, where heavy rain can cause a decrease in visibility due to surface runoff from the island, but this usually clears up within a couple of days thanks to the circulating currents around Penida
MYTH: “There’s not as much marine life to see”
REALITY: While we don’t have as many encounters with cold-water species like mola or wobbegong sharks during the low season in Nusa Penida, manta rays, turtles, bamboo sharks and vibrant reef fish can all be seen year-round. Honestly, we prefer being underwater than on the surface if it’s raining as everything’s calm, colourful and full of life down there!
MYTH: “There’s nothing to do if it rains”
REALITY: Rainy days here are usually made up of passing downpours rather than all-day storms, and they’re the perfect excuse to slow down a little. Enjoy a coffee overlooking the ocean, get a massage, go for a swim in the pool, finish off the next chapter in your book, or simply relax and watch the rain pass by from the comfort of your balcony.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether diving during low season in Nusa Penida is worth it, the answer’s a definite yes! You’ll get to enjoy warm water, quieter dive sites, and a more relaxed island atmosphere, all while still experiencing incredible diving conditions and plenty of marine life. The rainy season here doesn’t mean gloomy days or poor diving, it’s just a different time of year to visit the island that’s every bit as special.
Plus, currently for any bookings up until the 31st March 2026, we have a special low season flash promo running to give you 15% off when booking with us at Scuba Junkie Penida! Read full details on our special offers page here!
