Sekotong: Elves Reef Dive Site – Lombok
Site Overview
Elves Reef is a gem of biodiversity in the Sekotong peninsula, offering one of the most diverse and rewarding macro diving experiences in the Lombok region. The site features a gentle coral slope that descends from 4 meters to approximately 25 meters, covered in an extraordinary variety of hard and soft corals that create a vibrant underwater garden. The reef gets its name from the colony of garden eels at 15 to 20 meters, where hundreds of these slender creatures extend their heads from the sandy substrate, swaying in the current like tiny elves. Pygmy seahorses cling to the gorgonian sea fans, requiring a keen eye and experienced guide to locate. The coral bommies are home to an impressive diversity of nudibranchs, with over 20 species recorded on the site, including the stunning Chromodoris lochi. Hawksbill turtles cruise over the reef, mantis shrimp guard their burrows in the rubble, and hawksbill turtles are frequently encountered. The site's moderate currents and accessible depth profile make it suitable for intermediate divers, while the extraordinary biodiversity rewards even the most experienced macro photographers. Elves Reef is typically combined with the Japanese Wreck for a two-tank day trip that showcases both the vibrant reef life and the historical wreck diving that Sekotong is known for.
Dive Briefing
"The dive begins with a descent from the boat onto the shallow coral garden at approximately 4 to 6 meters. Your guide leads you along the slope, pointing out nudibranchs, flatworms, and other small critters on the coral bommies. At 10 to 15 meters, the bommies become larger and more widely spaced, with soft corals and sea fans covering the limestone surfaces. The garden eel colony at 15 to 20 meters is a highlight, where you can observe these fascinating creatures from a respectful distance without disturbing them. The deeper sections at 20 to 25 meters feature soft coral-covered walls and sand channels where mantis shrimp and stingrays reside. The return leg follows the shallower reef at 8 to 12 meters, where the coral coverage is densest and the light is best for appreciating the vibrant colors. The safety stop at 5 meters is spent among the thriving shallow corals."
Signature Marine Life
Garden eel
Heteroconger hassi
Best: January, February, March
Pygmy seahorse
Hippocampus bargibanti
Nudibranch
Chromodoris lochi
Hawksbill turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
Mantis shrimp
Odontodactylus scyllarus
Safety & Hazards
- Fire coral on the shallower bommies near the reef crest
- Sea urchins in the sand channels between coral heads
- Moderate current can push divers away from the reef face
- Stingray barbs partially buried in the sand near the garden eel colony
- Occasional fishing line debris around the bommies
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Elves Reef is ideal for intermediate divers who appreciate biodiversity and macro life. The site rewards patient divers who take their time to explore the small details of the reef, from the garden eel colony to the pygmy seahorses on the sea fans. Macro photographers will find exceptional subjects throughout the dive. It is a fantastic location for those who want a high-quality reef experience without the crowds of more famous sites. The combination of healthy coral and rare macro life makes it a very satisfying dive for nature lovers. Those who enjoy observing the complex interactions of a healthy reef ecosystem will find Elves Reef to be one of the best spots in South Lombok. It's a place where the magic of the ocean's smallest residents truly comes to life.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Sekotong Dive Center
- Lombok Dive Adventures
- Secret Islands Diving
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Sekotong Beach Resort
Sekotong • 3km away
Cocopure Beach Resort
Sekotong • 5km away