Jackfish Point Dive Site – Nusa Penida
Site Overview
Jackfish Point is an exciting and dynamic dive site on the northwest coast of Nusa Lembongan, named for the impressive schools of giant trevally (jackfish) that congregate above the reef slope. The site features a coral-covered slope that descends from 5 meters to approximately 22 meters, with scattered bommies rising from the white sand to create dramatic underwater seamounts. The nutrient-rich channel currents bring a constant supply of plankton to the reef, sustaining large schools of pelagic fish that swirl above the bommies in mesmerizing formations. Giant trevally are the star attraction, with schools of 20 to 50 individuals patrolling the reef slope in search of prey, occasionally breaking formation to attack smaller fish with explosive speed. Bluefin trevally add flashes of electric blue to the schooling formations, while barracuda and eagle rays provide additional pelagic excitement. The reef itself is healthy and diverse, with dense hard coral coverage on the bommies and soft corals pulsing in the current on the deeper slope sections. Hawksbill turtles are frequently encountered grazing on the reef, and whitetip reef sharks patrol the deeper sand channels. Jackfish Point offers a more relaxed alternative to the extreme current sites on the southern coast while still delivering exciting pelagic encounters and healthy coral scenery. The site is easily accessible from the Nusa Lembongan dive operators and is commonly combined with the nearby Mangrove Point for a diverse two-tank day trip.
Dive Briefing
"The dive begins with a descent from the boat onto the shallowest bommies at approximately 5 to 8 meters. Your guide leads you along the slope, gradually working deeper as you explore the coral bommies and the open water above them. The first section features dense staghorn and plate corals with schools of anthias and chromis. As you descend to 12 to 18 meters, the bommies become larger and the pelagic action intensifies, with giant trevally schools forming above the deeper bommies. Keep your eyes on the blue water beyond the reef for eagle rays and additional schooling species. The deepest section at 20 to 22 meters features sand channels with whitetip reef sharks and garden eels. The return leg works back along the shallower reef for the safety stop, where the trevally schools often follow divers toward the surface. The safety stop itself is often quite active, with smaller reef fish swirling around the upper sections of the bommies as you finish your dive."
Signature Marine Life
Giant trevally
Caranx ignobilis
Best: April, May, June
Bluefin trevally
Caranx melampygus
Best: June, July, August
Barracuda
Sphyraena barracuda
Eagle ray
Aetobatus narinari
Best: July, August, September
Hawksbill turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate currents around the exposed point
- Fire coral on the shallower reef sections
- Boat traffic in the channel
- Sea urchins in the sand patches between bommies
- Depth changes between bommies require monitoring
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Jackfish Point is ideal for intermediate divers who want exciting pelagic encounters in moderate conditions. The site is accessible to Advanced Open Water divers and offers reliable schooling fish action without the extreme currents of the southern coast sites. Wide-angle photographers will find the trevally schools and bommie landscapes to be excellent subjects. It is an excellent middle-ground site for those who want to see significant fish biomass but aren't quite ready for the high-intensity drift dives found elsewhere in Nusa Penida. The combination of healthy coral and high-energy fish life makes it a very satisfying dive for nature lovers. Those who enjoy observing predatory behavior will find the hunting displays of the trevally particularly fascinating.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Bali Diving Academy Lembongan
- World Diving Lembongan
- Two Fish Divers Lembongan
- Big Fish Divers
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Batu Karang Lembongan Resort
Nusa Lembongan • 2km away
Lembongan Cliff Villas
Nusa Lembongan • 3km away