Crystal Bay is a renowned dive site for being one of the only places in the world to observe the giant Sun fish (Mola mola). These massive pelagic fish, measuring about 3 metres in height, swim up from the deep to be cleaned by banner fishes (species of butterfly fish). Our chances of seeing this amazing fish are greatest between June and October.
Crystal Bay is named for its crystal-clear waters and therefore typically delivers an incredible visibility. Protected from large waves, and accompanied by a beautiful white sand beach dotted with coconut trees, this turquoise colored bay is a slice of paradise. In the middle of the bay is a tiny island with a staircase carved into the rock leading up to a sacred temple. The dives are made around this island, beginning on a sandy slope that guides you down to the edge of a coral plateau, between 6-10 metres deep, before it drops off into a wall that plummets down to 50 metres. You can also find little plateaus, which ends abruptly and drops off again, this time into the depths of the channel that separate Penida Island from Ceningan Island. In front of you is the blue of the ocean and it’s here that you have the opportunity to cross paths with the mighty (and harmless) Mola Mola.
This dive site is exposed to very strong and unpredictable currents that can carry divers into the blue and far from the dive site, or to unmanageable depths (down current). To safely dive there, divers must follow some basic rules while diving with responsible dive centers.
DIVING INFORMATION :
- Type of dive: Wall, photography, marine biology, diver training, PADI course, technical diving, deep
- Depth: 10-14 metres
- Certification level required: Experienced certified diver
- Visibility: 20-40 metres
- Current: Moderate to very strong, unpredictable, down current
- Access: Speedboat
- Temperature: 18 - 28⁰ C
- Flora and fauna: Mola Mola, sharks, ribbon tail ray, banner fish, banded sea snake, moray eel, nudibranch
- Best time of year: All year (and between June and October for best chance of Mola Mola)
Picture taken at Crystal Bay. Uploaded by Ron Scholte on Mar 29, 2024
Picture taken at Crystal Bay. Uploaded by Ron Scholte on Mar 29, 2024
Picture taken at Crystal Bay. Uploaded by Ron Scholte on Mar 29, 2024
