Scuba Junkie Penida

Located in Banjar Nyuh, Scuba Junkie Penida serves as a dedicated hub for divers exploring the waters around Nusa Penida, Lembongan, and Ceningan. The centre is situated within a marine protected area, making it a prime location for observing significant pelagic species and thriving reef ecosystems.

Since its establishment in 2005, the resort has built a reputation for its commitment to marine conservation. As a 'Whale Shark' level supporter of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, the centre integrates environmental responsibility into its daily operations, ensuring that the local marine habitats are respected by all divers.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Resort, the centre is equipped to handle everything from introductory dives to professional instructor training. The team maintains a professional and friendly atmosphere, prioritising safety and environmental standards in all their dive operations.

The centre offers a range of training programmes, including the Instructor Development Course (IDC), making it a destination for those looking to advance their professional diving career. Their approach is designed to accommodate all levels, from those completing their first Discover Scuba Diving session to seasoned professionals.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving and progress through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to refine their skills or specialise, the centre offers the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty and various other specialty courses. Advanced training is also a core component of the centre, with courses ranging from Rescue Diver to Divemaster and the full PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC).

The centre provides full equipment hire for divers who prefer not to travel with their own kit. For those who do bring their own gear, a reduction is available for divers using their own complete equipment sets.

On-site, dive computers are available for hire, specifically Suunto Zoop models. The resort is set up to support a three-dive-per-day schedule, with all necessary amenities for a full day on the water included in their dive packages.

The area is world-renowned for its large pelagics. You can encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) year-round, particularly at cleaning stations on the rocky plateaus. During the cooler months from July to October, the waters attract bump-head sunfish, pelagic thresher shark, and wobbegong sharks.

For those interested in sharks, the region hosts a variety of species including whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), brownbanded bamboo shark, and various reef sharks. More rare sightings of tiger sharks, whale sharks, and even great white sharks have been recorded in these waters.

The reef itself is a vibrant habitat filled with life, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus). You will also find schools of Jack (Carangidae), Tuna (Thunnus), and various snapper and grouper species patrolling the corals.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with a diverse range of nudibranchs, octopus, and various crustaceans. The seabed and reef structures are home to many small invertebrates, including mantis shrimp, scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and various species of crab and sea snake (Hydrophiinae).

Diving conditions in Nusa Penida are heavily influenced by the tides and seasonal shifts. The southern sites and channels can experience significant thermoclines, with temperature changes of up to ten degrees occurring between layers.

Swell and surge are common, particularly at southern sites like Manta Point, which can affect access to the water. Some sites, such as Blue Corner and Crystal Bay, are known for potentially strong currents and sudden downcurrents, requiring advanced skills and experience.

The presence of plankton is a constant factor, especially around the manta sites; while this supports the local megafauna, it can also impact visibility.