
The Penida Project
★ 9.3/10 (376 reviews)
3.6 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Nusa Penida · Indonesia
4.81,833 Google reviewsSpecialist Manta and Mola Mola encounters via speedboat from Nusa Penida.
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Located in Nusa Penida, Sanctum Dive operates as an IDC centre providing daily excursions to explore the surrounding waters. The centre specialises in the region's most iconic species, specifically the Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and the Mola Mola.
You will head out on daily speedboat trips to access the area's diverse dive sites. Whether you are looking for your first open water qualification or advanced technical training, the centre is geared towards both recreational and professional development.
The team consists of certified instructors across PADI, SSI, and ADIP affiliations. The centre is an IDC centre, meaning it is equipped to train professional-level divers.
Beyond standard instruction, the team includes marine biologists who act as 'Eco Heroes' to support local conservation efforts. For your comfort and safety, the guide-to-diver ratio is kept to a maximum of 4 divers per guide.
The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum of courses, ranging from Open Water Diver to advanced certifications like Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver. They also provide specialised training including Nitrox and Blackbelt Tec.
As an IDC centre, they are capable of training professional-level divers, including Divemaster and Instructor levels. Training is available through PADI, SSI, and ADIP affiliations.
The centre uses speedboats for daily excursions. These vessels provide access to the various sites around Nusa Penida, including Manta Point and Crystal Bay. On board, you will find snacks, drinks, and lunch provided for your trips.
Full equipment hire is available on-site for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. Nitrox is available for use, and the centre is fully equipped to support your diving needs.
For those looking to stay close to the action, the Sanctum Hotel is available, offering specific promotions for divers booking multiple dives.
Manta Point is a world-renowned site for observing Manta rays (Mobula alfredi). It is accessible to all experience levels, though currents can sometimes be strong.
Manta Bay is another premier location for those specifically looking to encounter Manta rays (Mobula alfredi).
Crystal Bay is a highly regarded site known for its diverse macro marine life.
Malibu offers a dramatic wall topography where you can find many small organisms tucked into the crevices.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The area is famous for large pelagics, particularly the Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and the ocean sunfish (bump-head sunfish). You may also encounter various sharks, including the Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), the Blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus limbatus), and the Reef shark (Carcharhinus).
On the reefs, you will see a variety of schooling fish and larger predators such as the Jack (Carangidae), Barracuda (Sphyraena), and King mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla). Other common inhabitants include the Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), various species of Triggerfish (Balistidae), and various Damselfish (Pomacentridae).
For macro enthusiasts, the crevices and reef structures host a wealth of small creatures. You can find many species of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), various types of Mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), and the Octopus. Other interesting finds include the Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), Frogfish (Antennariidae), and various species of Crab (Brachyura).
Currents can be strong in certain locations, particularly at Manta Point. Divers should be prepared for these conditions, especially when visiting with specialised instructors.
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