
The Penida Project
★ 9.3/10 (376 reviews)
8.3 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Nusa Penida · Indonesia
5.01,938 Google reviewsExperience the drift dives of Blue Corner and the manta rays of Manta Point with an SSI team dedicated to marine conservation.
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French Kiss Divers is a boutique SSI dive centre situated in Klungkung, specifically serving the waters around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. Established in 2017, the centre has become a local fixture for those looking to explore the currents and high-biodiversity sites of the Indonesian archipelago.
The centre is positioned to make the transition from Bali easy, offering organised transfers from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are moving into technical sidemount or DPV diving, the facility provides the necessary infrastructure to support your progression.
The teaching team is a professional Franco-Indonesian mix, providing instruction in English, French, and Spanish. This multilingual approach allows for clear communication during both classroom theory and in-water skills sessions.
Safety and small group sizes are central to their operation, with a strict limit of four divers per guide. This ensures that even in the moderate currents typical of the area, you have the direct supervision required for safe diving.
Beyond the water, the team is actively involved in local marine protection. They are members of the Lembongan Cleaning association and serve as ambassadors for Project Rescue Ocean, participating in regular beach cleanings and environmental talks.
As an SSI centre, French Kiss Divers offers a comprehensive curriculum ranging from Basic Diver and Open Water Diver through to Divemaster and Instructor training. They also provide specialised training for those looking to advance their skills, including Deep Diving, Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy, and Drift Diving.
For technical divers, the centre offers a robust selection of advanced courses. This includes XR Foundations, Technical XR, Extended Range, and specialised modules in Sidemount, Gas Blending, and DPV Diving. They also provide training for Cavern Diving and the React Right specialty.
The centre operates two boats, both powered by twin 150HP engines to handle the local conditions. These vessels are equipped to take you to the most iconic sites in the region, including the early morning runs to Blue Corner.
On board, you will find snacks, water, tea, and coffee provided to keep you refreshed between dives. The boats are set up for both day trips and night dives, ensuring you can experience the area's nocturnal marine life.
The shore-based facilities are relatively new, featuring air-conditioned classrooms for theory work and an on-site swimming pool for skills practice. For those who prefer not to carry their own kit, the centre offers a full range of Aqualung equipment for hire.
Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom times, and the centre can provide 15-litre cylinders upon request. The facility is designed to be a comfortable base for your diving holiday, with all the essentials for gear maintenance and preparation.
Manta Point is a premier site located south of Nusa Penida, where you can dive at depths between 10 and 20 metres. It serves as a regular cleaning station for reef manta rays throughout the year.
Blue Corner is an iconic site for those seeking a more challenging experience. It is best visited during the early morning sessions and is known for its impressive currents and pelagic encounters.
Crystal Bay offers a variety of surprises for divers at depths between 5 and 30 metres. It is a reliable spot for spotting mola mola, as well as various crustaceans and nudibranchs.
SD Point is a reef site that requires Advanced Adventurer level or higher due to the moderate currents. It is a classic drift dive where you can follow the reef edge and look into the blue for passing mola mola.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The waters around Nusa Lembongan are famous for large pelagics. You can regularly encounter reef sharks, sea turtles, and various species of tropical fish patrolling the reefs. Manta rays are a consistent highlight, particularly at Manta Point.
For those with an eye for detail, the macro life is abundant. The reefs are home to a wide variety of nudibranchs, octopuses, scorpionfish, and various species of shrimp. You may also find moray eels tucked into the coral structures.
Fixed life is equally impressive, with a healthy presence of both hard and soft corals providing the framework for the ecosystem. The reef flats and walls are often decorated with a diverse array of marine life that thrives in the nutrient-rich currents.
Diving in this region is best experienced from May to October. During this period, the water temperatures typically range between 29°C and 32°C.
It is worth noting that the months of December, January, and February are the heaviest rainy season and are generally advised against for diving. The area is known for moderate currents, which makes drift diving a common and rewarding part of the local experience.
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