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DIVE WEST SUMBAWA (AND
MOYO)
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Rugged coastlines, healthy reefs, and lively marine life in a region still off the radar for most divers. Sumbawa is still a yet-to-be-discovered destination which means frontier exploration galore!
Sumbawa Adventure Dive is located in Kertasari, 30 minute drive from Poto Tano harbour. Our daily scuba dives take place in the Kertasari and Poto Tano waters, with special excursions down south the West coast, or to the divers' paradise - Moyo and Satonda islands.
A note on the large pelagics in the area:
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Manta rays in Kertasari during season (August-December), and intermittently across dry season and low winds
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Whale Sharks frequent Moyo and Saleh Bay waters, however we currently do not offer whale shark trips, due to the exploitative manner the sightings are organised over there. We're focusing instead on marine experiences that meet our ethical and sustainability standards.
Diving in Kertasari – What to Expect
Kertasari features a mix of calm coral slopes, deep drop-offs, and exposed sites influenced by strait currents. The area offers diving for various experience levels, ranging from shallow, protected reefs to technical drift and wall dives.
Reef Environment & Marine Life
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Pelagics & Sharks: Regular sightings include whitetip reef sharks, nurse sharks, bamboo sharks, eagle rays, and marble rays resting on sandy patches or patrolling the deeper slopes.
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Manta Rays: An active cleaning station attracts reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi). The main season runs from August through December. During calm sea conditions (September, October, and December), surface visibility allows for top-water viewing and snorkeling.
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Topography & Coral Cover: Dive sites range from shallow hard-coral plateaus (4–18 m) to steep slopes and vertical walls dropping to 40+ meters. Key features include large barrel sponges, fields of pulsing xenia, anemone gardens, and table corals.
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Fish & Macro Life: Reefs support common Indo-Pacific species including turtles, surgeonfish, barracudas, batfish, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, and various crustaceans.
Conditions & Experience Levels
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Beginner / Open Water: Sites like Champagne Reef and Sarang Garden offer shallow depths (4–18 m), mild currents, and easy navigation suitable for entry-level divers and snorkelers.
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Advanced / Drift Diving: Sites such as Bikini Bottom, Tembok Dalam, Anemone Garden, and Mantahari are exposed to moderate-to-strong currents, surge, downcurrents, and washing-machine effects, particularly when tides change. These sites require proper drift-diving experience and tidal planning.
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Seasonal Access: For 7 to 8 months of the year, outer sites experience strong current pulls toward the strait. Snorkeling at exposed sites is strictly limited to calm weather windows.
Local Reef Protection
Historical illegal dynamite fishing has affected certain sections of the local reefs. Conservation efforts are currently underway in collaboration with local authorities and the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) to eliminate destructive fishing practices, monitor local manta populations, and support natural reef recovery.
01.
Travel with integrity
We lead with values based on fairness, transparency, and sustainability. We collaborate closely with local community projects, and protect our marine environment while guiding you to authentic experiences far from performative mass tourism.
We take safety seriously without making it stressful. Solid briefings, well-maintained gear, responsible guiding, and a calm, professional approach so you can fully enjoy the experience.
02.
Your trip directly supports the local community
We employ and train locals, pay fairly, and build something long-term for the community. Female-owned, locally rooted, and built to protect what makes Sumbawa special.
03.
Connection & authenticity
We’re building an adventure base where you can land, breathe, and roam.
Think meaningful moments in the light of a beach bonfire, or debrief after a sick dive, or huddled up in a cosy gazebo listening to music and stories when the rain roars just inches away…
We're your home, weary traveller.