Liveaboard Diving in Moyo Island
What to expect on a Moyo Island liveaboard
Liveaboard diving on Moyo Island is a rare opportunity to spend time in one of Indonesia's few untouched paradises. Moyo is a very intriguing place, especially considering where it is situated. In the middle of the Lesser Sunda Islands, just over an hour from bustling Bali, this island is a tranquil, natural paradise. Less than one thousand people live on Moyo Island, and much of the savanna and forest is uninhabited. Its remote location means that access to this unspoiled area is limited, and choosing an Indonesian Liveaboard is one of the best ways to see it.
The island is so rich with rare and endangered wildlife that there has been a declared National Park and Marine Park since the 1980s. If your liveaboard cruise itinerary allows, a trip on land will allow visitors access to hiking, birdwatching, and even swimming in one of the beautiful fountains in the forest. There are ample opportunities to snorkel in the sea, and diving on the reefs is stunning. The facilities and resorts on land are a little sparse, but the diving liveaboards in the area are floating resorts, comfortable, and have everything you might need on board.
Moyo Island Underwater
The marine park area has the same untouched feel as the island itself, and the visibility rivals any dive area in Indonesia with up to 30 meters or more. The coast is home to several reefs that drop off from the shore. There is a little damage from dynamite fishing in some areas, but only in very small patches; the rest is bursting with healthy corals and fish. The reefs can go fairly deep, up to 40 meters, and you might chance upon black-tipped reef sharks and tuna.
Those passionate about macro will also find some perfect subjects here, with all critters living in the colorful corals. The star attraction, though, is the yellow, blue-ringed octopus, which can be spotted on the corals in some island areas. This tiny, intricately colored creature is around the size of a human finger when fully grown. The patterns on its body are so beautiful they look as though they might have been painted on. Hands off, though; it is incredibly venomous!
Top Tips for Divers
- Liveaboard diving in Moyo is fairly isolated, which makes it beautifully peaceful but slightly lacking in facilities, so bring anything you need with you, plus spares.
- A computer with an alarm could be useful here; the reefs are fairly steep and drop off into more than 40 meters of water.
What Types of Diving Can Be Done in Moyo?
Moyo Island offers a variety of diving experiences suitable for divers of all levels. There is something for everyone, from thrilling drift dives to vibrant coral gardens. One of the highlights is the renowned Angel Reef, known for its spectacular coral formations and the chance to spot schools of colorful tropical fish. Another popular dive site is Satonda Island, famous for its volcanic underwater landscapes and impressive macro life, including pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.
What Marine Life Can Be Seen in Moyo?
Moyo Island boasts an incredible diversity of marine life, making it a paradise for underwater photographers and nature enthusiasts. Here, you can encounter majestic whale sharks gliding through the depths, graceful manta rays dancing in the currents, and various sharks patrolling the reefs. The vibrant coral reefs are also home to abundant macro life, including unique critters like frogfish, ghost pipefish, and vibrant nudibranchs.
When is the Best Time to Dive in Moyo?
The best time to dive in Moyo, Indonesia, is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to October. During these months, the weather is generally sunny, and the calm sea conditions provide excellent visibility for divers. It's advisable to plan your dive trip during this period to make the most of your underwater exploration.
Getting to Moyo Island
Despite its position in a very busy area of Indonesia, Moyo Island is fairly out of the way. This makes getting there a challenge. You can take the pricy seaplane from Lombok, which has an international airport, or a speedboat, which is around 100 US dollars per person. Most people who want to dive in Moyo take a diving liveaboard boat with an itinerary that visits here instead. This way, you can enjoy your floating dive hotel and have no trouble getting to this isolated place.
Depending on your style and budget, there are a range of dive cruises. The luxury motor vessels offer comfort and the best facilities. There are also some smart but simple budget-style vessels if you are on a tight budget. However, the most popular Indonesian Liveaboard dive boats in this area are the traditional Indonesian sailing boats. These huge sailboats offer a peaceful, unique experience and excellent diving facilities.
