Indonesia as an archipelago country has abundant marine wealth. Therefore, no doubt Indonesia also has an amazing underwater beauty. Even the underwater beauty of Indonesia is one of the best in the world.
The Indonesian sea stretches from the eastern tip of Papua to the western tip of Sumatra. Hundreds of corals, fish and other marine biota live and breed here. You can easily enjoy this underwater beauty with snorkeling. Let’s see the best snorkeling spots in Indonesia …
1. Raja Ampat Papua
The international world often talks about how exotic Raja Ampat islands in Papua. There are 610 islands in Raja Ampat, you will be presented with many snorkeling spots. Raja Ampat has more than 600 species of coral and more than 1,500 species of fish, much more than the Australian Great Barrier Reef.
One of the favorite snorkeling spots is in Sawandarek Village. The coral is healthy, well preserved. The fish are hundreds, tame and always swimming in groups. There are also turtles that swim freely around.
How to Get There
Raja Ampat is a regency in West Papua whose capital is Waisai. To get to Raja Ampat, you must first come to Sorong. There are many flights from Jakarta to Sorong. From Sorong to Waisai there are two options, you can use the boat or propeller aircraft Susi Air. Upon arrival at Raja Ampat you can rent a boat to the snorkeling spots or just follow the tour packages offered by tour operators. You will find many things to do in Raja Ampat Islands.
2. Banda Islands
Banda Islands consists of six main islands, namely Naira Island, Volcano Island, Big Banda Island, Ai Island, Run Island and Hatta Island. Of the six islands, the most unique as a snorkeling spot is Hatta Island. The island has an amazing beach as it is just a few meters from the beach you can see deep sea trough.
In addition to the clear sea, coral on Hatta Island is also very healthy. You will be stunned to see the beauty of the coral, especially because the shape of the coral that suddenly descended steeply into the blue sea. After snorkeling you can relax on the beach while waiting for the sunset.
How to Get There
To get to the Banda Islands, you must first come to Ambon. There are many flights from Jakarta to Ambon. From Ambon to Banda Islands there are two options, you can use the boat or propeller plane Avistar. Upon arrival at Banda Islands you can rent a boat to the snorkeling spots or just follow the tour packages offered by tour operators. After exploring the underwater of Banda Islands, take time for sightseeing in Ambon. There are many things to do in Ambon.
3. Labuan Bajo
The tourist attraction in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai Regency, is not just Komodo Island. Labuan Bajo also has snorkeling spots that is considered one of the best in the world. There are 385 species of coral reefs, 70 kinds of sponges, a variety of seaweed and thousands of fish species.
The waters of Labuan Bajo are in the transition zone of Wallace Line, which means a variety of tropical flora and fauna typical of Southeast Asia-Australia blend is present in the region. The coral reefs and the fish are colorful. Do not miss seeing manta rays at Manta Point in March – April and September-November.
How to Get There
It is not difficult to get to Labuan Bajo. There are many flights from Jakarta to Labuan Bajo, or from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo. Upon arrival at Labuan Bajo you can rent a boat to the snorkeling spots or just follow the tour packages offered by tour operators. FYI, snorkeling is one of the many things to do in Labuan Bajo.
4. Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan, along with Gili Meno and Gili Air, is a snorkeling spot that you must try while visiting Lombok. Snorkeling in this island is fun because there are many beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish that you can find easily near the beach. If lucky, you can see a bunch of sea turtles swimming.
There are many snorkeling tour in Gili trawangan. The price is relatively cheap, ranging from Rp 100,000 to Rp 150,000. You will ride a glass- bottom- boat so you can see the underwater beauty during the trip.
How to Get There
The most popular way to Gili Trawangan is by boarding a fast boat from Bali. But you can also come to Lombok International Airport, and then cross to Gili Trawangan by boat. On average tourists spend 3 days in Gili Trawangan because there are lots of things to do in Gili Trawangan.
5. Wakatobi Islands
Wakatobi Islands, located in Southeast Sulawesi, is one of the underwater panoramic paradise. Wakatobi has a variety of coral reefs and colorful fish. There are even marine biota that can only be found here.
In Wakatobi there are many snorkeling rentals, complete with guides and boats that will take you to the snorkeling spots. At Wanci itself, the capital of Wakatobi Islands, there are many snorkeling spots such as around the pier, behind Wakatobi Hotel, around Patuno Resort and on Sousu Beach.
How to Get There
There are many flights from Jakarta to Kendari. Upon arrival at Kendari you continue the flight to Wakatobi Airport with a propeller plane. You can also take the Pelni ship from Makassar to Baubau, and then take a boat to Wakatobi. You will see Wakatobi is far from the hustle and bustle of the city. But you will not lack of things to do in Wakatobi Islands.
6. Bunaken
Bunaken National Park was founded in 1991 and is the First Marine Park in the World. In 2005 Bunaken became a world heritage site after being registered by Indonesia to UNESCO. Bunaken offers stunning underwater scenery. For you snorkeling lovers, Bunaken is a must-visit spot.
Bunaken has quite healthy and varied corals. The water is very clear and warm enough. The depth of the water in some spots is just 1 meter, so you should be extra careful not to scratch by the reef.
How to Get There
To go to Bunaken, first you have to go to Manado. There are many flights from Jakarta to Manado. Upon arrival at Manado, you can proceed to Bunaken by renting a boat. There are many people offering boat rentals and snorkeling gear. Make sure you ask every detail before agreeing on any transaction to avoid being fooled. Don’t forget to enjoy your holiday, explore all spots in Bunaken Island.
7. Togean Islands
The Togean Islands, which are part of the coral triangle in the Pacific, store a wealth of marine life that is amazing. The waters of Togean are very clear and transparent, allowing you to look at the colorful little fish that sneaks between the corals. The coral reefs also have a natural beauty and are well preserved.
The favorite snorkeling spots are California Beach and Taifi Beach. There is also a Jellyfish Island in the form of a lake in the middle of the sea. As the name implies, you can find the rare stingless jellyfish.
How to Get There
There are two ways to get to Togean Islands. The first way is you take a plane route Jakarta – Gorontalo, and then continue the journey by boat to Togean Islands. The second way is you take the plane route Jakarta – Palu, and then continue the journey by car to Ampana. From Ampana you take the boat to Togean Islands. Upon arrival at Togean Islands, feel the atmosphere. Explore all spots in Togean.
8. Tanjung Benoa Bali
Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches. Not only beautiful on the surface, but the beaches in Bali also have a stunning underwater world. One of them is Tanjung Benoa, a beach that has a lot of entertainment for tourists.
At Tanjung Benoa you can see a variety of coral reefs and colorful fish. The most fun is you can feed the fish so the fish gather around you. In addition to snorkeling you can also do sea walking, walking on the seabed with a special helmet so you can breathe as usual.
How to Get There
You just come through Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. From the airport you can continue the journey by car to Tanjung Benoa. You will be happy in Tanjung Benoa. Snorkeling is only one of many things to do in Tanjung Benoa.
9. Menjangan Island Bali
Menjangan Island is a small island located in the northwest of Bali Island and is part of West Bali National Park. The snorkeling point on Menjangan Island is not only in one place, but there are several places at once. One of the favorites is near the pier of Menjangan Island.
You can see a variety of coral reefs and colorful fish milling about. Snorkeling in the waters of Menjangan Island can make you lost time. But please note that the current is fairly strong and some coral reefs are quite sharp.
How to Get There
From Denpasar you go to Labuhan Lalang pier. At the Labuahan Lalang pier you can rent a boat to take you to Menjangan Island. You should take a day to explore the island, there are lots of things to do in Menjangan Island.
10. Derawan Islands
For sea lovers, you must try snorkeling in Derawan Islands. Besides having white sandy beaches and turquoise sea, Derawan Islands also have amazing underwater beauty. You can find a variety of beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish that are adorable.
Derawan Islands have several famous snorkeling points, namely Sangalaki Island, Kakaban Island, and Maratua Island. On Sangalaki Island there is Manta Point, where you can snorkel with manta rays. While on Kakaban Island there is an ancient lake inhabited by stingless jellyfish. Please note that the corals here are close enough to the surface of the water, so do not step on it.
How to Get There
First you take a plane to Balikpapan. Then the journey continues with a propeller plane to Berau. From Berau the journey continues to Tanjung Batu by car. From Tanjung Batu you take a speedboat to Derawan Islands. Derawan Islands are the right place to escape from the hectic life of big city. Snorkeling is just one of the things to do in Derawan Island.
More Best Snorkeling Spots in Indonesia
11. Nglambor Beach
Nglambor Beach is a rising tourist attraction in Yogyakarta. The beach, located in Gunungkidul Regency, has a stunning underwater beauty. The clear sea water, unspoiled marine ecosystems, the virgin coral reefs and the colorful little fish become the main attraction.
Although located in the south of Java Island, the waves on Nglambor Beach are relatively calm. There are large rocks that protect the Nglambor Beach from the waves typical of the southern sea. Also you can easily find snorkeling gear rentals here.
How to Get There
Nglambor Beach is located in Purwodadi Village, Tepus, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta. The journey from Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto Airport takes about 2 hours. After visiting Nglambor Beach, go for a stroll in Gunung Kidul. You will see many things to do in Gunung Kidul.
12. Karimunjawa Islands
Karimunjawa Islands are north of Java Island, not far from Jepara. Karimunjawa Islands are not only famous for its white sandy beaches, but also its stunning underwater beauty. You can see the sea is turquoise, the corals are healthy and the fish are colorful.
There are several snorkeling spots in Karimunjawa Islands, namely Menjangan Island, Central Island, Big Pine Island, and Small Island. Every spot has its own trademark, you will never get tired of snorkeling here. You can also call the fish to gather with a loaf of bread.
How to Get There
From Jakarta or Surabaya you have to take a bus to Jepara, Central Java. From Jepara you take a boat to Karimunjawa Islands. There are many tour operators who offer tour packages to Karimunjawa Islands. Don’t you know having fun is the only activity in Karimunjawa Islands ? You have lots of things to do in Karimunjawa Islands.
13. Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands is the closest snorkeling spot from Jakarta. For those of you who do not have much time to go to Bali or Raja Ampat, the Thousand Islands can be solace. The underwater beauty of the Thousand Islands can also amaze you.
Some of the favorite snorkeling spots in Thousand Island are Pramuka Island, Semak Daun Island and Rainbow Island. In Pramuka Island there are affordable snorkeling gear rentals. To rent a boat you can joint with a friend. Don’t worry, all prices can be bargained.
How to Get There
There are some options to go to the Thousand Islands. You can catch a boat from the port of Muara Angke Jakarta, the port of Sunda Kelapa Jakarta, or Ancol Beach Jakarta. A day or two is enough for a vacation in the Thousand Islands. Yet there are many things to do in Thousand Islands.
14. Weh Island
Weh Island is a snorkeling spot at the tip of Sumatra Island, directly adjacent to the Indian Ocean. The underwater beauty of Weh Island is aligned with the charms of Raja Ampat. You can enjoy the beauty of coral reefs, colorful fish, and natural traces separating Weh Island from Sumatra Island.
In addition, if you are lucky you can meet a variety of marine wildlife, including sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. Despite its tremendous potential, Weh Island is still rarely visited by tourists. This is probably due to the lack of news that exposes the beauty of Weh Island.
How to Get There
First you need to go to Banda Aceh. There are several flight from Jakarta to Banda Aceh. Then you drive by car to Ulee Lhe port. From Ulee Lhe port you can take a ferry or speed boat to Weh Island. A day may not be enough to explore all spots in Weh Island.
15. Mount Krakatau
Mount Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait, is a volcano whose eruption once rocked the world. In addition to its destructive power, Mount Krakatau also has a beauty under water. Snorkeling becomes a mandatory activity when traveling to Mount Krakatau.
The favorite snorkeling spots are Sebuku Island, Lagoon Chilli and around Anak Krakatau. Unspoiled coral reefs and diverse fish are the main attraction. Stay cautious while snorkeling because the currents in the Sunda Strait are quite strong.
How to Get There
There are two ways to Mount Krakatau, it can be from the port of Merak Banten or the port of Bakauheni Lampung. You can also follow the tour package or open trip to Mount Krakatau. After visiting Mount Krakatau, you better take time to explore Banten.There are many things to do in Banten.
Ok guys, now you know the best snorkeling spots in Indonesia. No doubt Indonesia has the best Places To Visit in Indonesia with its beautiful nature and culture. Let’s visit Indonesia..!