Saleh Bay Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard Diving in Saleh Bay

Diving Around Saleh Bay

Saleh Bay, located on the island of Sumbawa in Indonesia, is a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts. Saleh Bay is becoming a popular destination for liveaboard diving, and it is known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater topography. The bay offers a mix of calm, sheltered waters and more challenging dive sites, catering to divers of all experience levels. With its remote location, Saleh Bay remains relatively untouched, providing an authentic diving experience away from crowded tourist spots. Divers can expect to see an array of colorful coral reefs, underwater caves, and various fish species, making it an ideal destination for underwater photographers and marine biologists.

When is the Best Time to Dive in Saleh Bay?

The best time to dive in Saleh Bay is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. During this period, divers can enjoy calm seas, excellent visibility, and favorable weather conditions. The water temperature ranges from 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F), making it comfortable for extended dives. While diving is possible year-round, the wet season, from December to March, can bring rougher seas and reduced visibility due to rain. However, this period also offers a chance to see certain species that migrate or are more active during the rainy season. Ultimately, the choice of when to dive depends on the diver's priorities: optimal conditions or unique marine life sightings.

What Type of Diving Can Be Done at Saleh Bay?

Saleh Bay offers a variety of diving experiences, including reef diving, wall diving, and muck diving. One of the most popular types of diving in this area is reef diving, where divers can explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. Famous reef dive sites include the Coral Garden and Tanjung Menangis, which are known for their stunning coral formations and abundant fish species. For those interested in wall diving, Saleh Bay's underwater cliffs offer thrilling dives with the chance to see larger pelagic species. Muck diving enthusiasts will find the bay's sandy bottoms and seagrass beds rich with macro life, including nudibranchs, pipefish, and other small creatures. This diversity ensures that divers of all preferences and skill levels can find something exciting in Saleh Bay.

What Marine Life Can Be Seen at Saleh Bay?

Saleh Bay is renowned for its diverse marine life, making it a hotspot for divers looking to encounter a wide range of species. One of the most iconic sightings in the bay is the whale shark, often seen around the bay's plankton-rich waters. Divers can also spot manta rays gliding gracefully through the water, especially near cleaning stations like Gili Banta. Shark enthusiasts will enjoy sightings of reef sharks and occasionally hammerheads. The bay's coral reefs are home to many colorful fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and schools of barracuda. Macro life is abundant, with photographers often finding rare nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish. The rich biodiversity of Saleh Bay ensures that every dive is a unique adventure, with something new to discover each time.

Top Dive Sites in Saleh Bay

Saleh Bay boasts several top-tier dive sites that are a must-visit for any diving enthusiast. Here are five of the most renowned:

1. Coral Garden - Known for its breathtaking coral formations and vibrant marine life, this site is perfect for exploring Saleh Bay's rich biodiversity.
2. Tanjung Menangis - A stunning reef dive site with excellent visibility, offering encounters with various fish species and beautiful coral landscapes.
3. Gili Banta - Located near a manta ray cleaning station, this site provides an exceptional opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close.
4. Manta Point -  Aptly named for its regular sightings of manta rays, this site is a favorite among divers looking to experience these gentle giants.
5. Whale Shark Point - As the name suggests, this site is famous for whale shark sightings, providing a thrilling experience for divers lucky to encounter these massive creatures.

Each site offers something unique, ensuring that divers have a memorable experience exploring the underwater wonders of Saleh Bay. Book your liveaboard adventure online today.