Mangrove (Sakenan) dive site

Nusa Penida

Mangrove (Sakenan) Diving

Usually a gentle coast-parallel drift, but speed can increase with tide. The guide selects the route and profile for the group, tide and surface conditions.

Depth range
5–30 m
Access
Boat
Environment
Drift, Coral slope, Coral garden, and Snorkeling
Experience level
Beginner to Intermediate, condition-dependent

About Mangrove (Sakenan)

Mangrove (Sakenan) is a drift, coral slope, coral garden dive in Nusa Lembongan, with a working depth range of approximately 5–30 m. The site is known for branching Acropora, table corals, reef fish, turtles, and reef sharks. Conditions remain variable, so the route, maximum depth and suitability are confirmed by the local guide on the day.

Site highlights

  • Drift, Coral slope, Coral garden, and Snorkeling profile
  • Usable depth range from approximately 5 to 30 m
  • Potential encounters include branching Acropora, table corals, reef fish, and turtles
  • Usually a gentle coast-parallel drift, but speed can increase with tide

Before you dive

Recommended certification

Open Water or equivalent; drift procedures and surface signalling are required when current is running

Local guide recommended

Explore with a local guide familiar with the site and its entry and exit points.

Diving conditions & best time to visit

Water temperature
24–28 °C
Visibility
15–30 m

Usually a gentle coast-parallel drift, but speed can increase with tide

Best months to dive

Year-round for reefs and manta encounters when conditions permit; roughly July–October for the strongest seasonal chance of mola mola, with colder water and thermoclines.

Diving is possible year-round when daily sea state and tides permit. Cooler thermoclines and the main mola mola observation season are generally June or July through October, while manta rays may be present year-round; wildlife encounters are never guaranteed.

Conditions may change

Typical conditions can vary on the day of your dive. Confirm current conditions with the dive team before entering the water.

Marine life & activities

  • Branching Acropora
  • Table corals
  • Reef fish
  • Turtles
  • Reef sharks
  • Trevally
  • Nudibranchs
Snorkeling Freediving

Access & safety

Entry & Exit

Boat dive north of the mangrove forest at Sakenan/Jungutbatu, Nusa Lembongan

Boat departure point
Nusa Lembongan local boat departure point
Boat travel time
10–35 min

Safety notes

Although often gentle, this is still a boat drift. Maintain group contact, stay above the reef and use an SMB for pickup.

Dive tips

  • Follow the local guide’s site- and tide-specific briefing.
  • Agree a maximum depth within certification limits; the published site range is 5–30 m.
  • Maintain neutral buoyancy and avoid contact with coral, artificial structures and the seabed.
  • Although often gentle, this is still a boat drift. Maintain group contact, stay above the reef and use an SMB for pickup.
  • Treat wildlife encounters as possible, never guaranteed, and give animals space.

Underwater photography

Wide-angle equipment suits the reef structure and larger marine life. Set exposure before entering current, keep the rig streamlined and secured, and prioritise depth, gas, buoyancy and buddy contact over the photograph.

Site map & location

Mangrove (Sakenan) dive site planning map

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