Diving in Pulau Weh, Indonesia, remains my top underwater experience together with the dive in Apo Reef in the Philippines. Pulau Weh Island lays at a ferry ride from Banda Aceh at the tip of Sumatra and is a paradise for divers. Featuring more than 20 different dive sites and prices that will make your wallet happy.
Be ready to spot fan corals, reef sharks, turtles, rays, red lionfishes, dolphins, mantas, stone fishes, and much more. You will also encounter currents while diving, so look for professional orientation for your dive. This is the ideal destination to learn how to dive in a variety of currents or to experience liveaboard diving.
I dove with the staff of two diving centers, which I recommend. Always remember to check your equipment in advance 😉
For tips about the other ways to enjoy your stay in the beautiful Pulau Weh, apart from diving, check my other article: Things to do in Pulau Weh.
DIVING IN PULAU WEH’S GAPANG BEACH: MONSTER DIVERS DIVE CENTER
To reach the Monster Divers, head to Gapang Beach. The shop was founded by 3 men from Barcelona and an Indonesian woman. The crew is friendly and welcoming. You want to dive here if you are looking for an easy-going community that will make you feel at home and share wifi and even tea or coffee in the morning. They will also help you find a budget accommodation, if there’s one available. Monster Divers provide diving certifications up to the divemaster. This is the dive center for you if you’re looking for a sense of community.
DIVING IN PULAU WEH’S LONG BEACH: STEFFEN SEA SPORTS DIVE CENTER
This diving center on the quiet, romantic sands of Long Beach is run by a Malaysian diver with extensive knowledge of the island and the sea. You want to dive with Steffen if you are looking for relaxation above all. Right in front of the center is one of the most popular diving sites of the island, “Batee Tokong”, where strong, circular currents attract white and blacktip sharks, barracuda, and rays. Steffen has accommodations too, and a restaurant. If you’re diving with Steffen, you want to consider to stay at the next door’s Italian café Bixio and resort.
DIVING IN PULAU WEH’S IBOIH BEACH: RUBIAH TIRTA DIVERS
The dive center is located on the most crowded beach of Pulau Weh. This is in the middle of a shopping street with lots of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. Head here if you are very lazy and want to stay close to everything, and feel social. And right in front of you, you’ll see the spectacular Rubiah Island.
Are you still considering whether diving in Pulau Weh is a match to your bucket list? Have a look at the amazing photos that Abu Scoth took in Pulau Weh‘s astounding underwater world with his GoPro Hero.
Giant morey
Snapper
Sea pineapple
Porcelain crab
Clownfish
Catfishes
Oh wow!
How do you shoot your underwater images?
You can do it with a Gopro or similar camera!
I have spent some time diving in Bali but havent made it as far as Pulau Weh but your photos are inticing and I will have to add it to my list. Beautiful x