Nusa Penida, an island located southeast of Bali, Indonesia, has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for its diverse marine ecosystems and thrilling dive sites, it offers an extraordinary underwater experience that caters to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced divers. The island, along with its neighbors Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, forms a trio of diving hotspots characterized by crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an abundance of large marine creatures, including majestic manta rays and the elusive mola mola (oceanic sunfish).

Diving in Nusa Penida is a year-round activity, though specific seasons offer optimal conditions for encountering particular marine life. The optimal period for diving is generally considered to be from July to October, which coincides with the peak season for mola mola sightings. During these months, the water temperatures can drop due to upwellings, sometimes reaching as low as 16°C, which draws these deep-dwelling sunfish to shallower cleaning stations. Manta rays, however, can be sighted throughout the year, with peak seasons occurring from April to May and October to November.