Underwater tourism is currently very popular. Sea lovers look to dive deeper into the ocean to enjoy unique leisure time. The activity allows them to “greet” rare marine species, such as the ocean sunfish (Mola mola), thresher sharks, and Mobula rays. The colder layers of deep water attract these species, where they live and breed.
The deeper swimmers go, the likelier they will find more unique coral reefs. In such zones, they will discover drop-offs, walls, and underwater canyons. They may form vertical walls, which look very dramatic and beautiful. Looking at this view will surely add authentic vacation experiences compared to diving in shallow waters.
Exploring deep water doesn’t just offer a memorable holiday trip but also invites everyone to join conservation and education efforts. This article will also share information about conservation and education campaigns. Also, find the meaning and the various pleasure activities you can do while visiting your favourite beach. Don’t skip any paragraph to get the full information!
How do you describe deep water?
Deep water is open and mysterious, with strong currents and unknown depths. It is too deep for you to stand in. Attempting to stand may cause you to be swept away by strong currents. Another characteristic of this natural phenomenon is blue water and drop-offs, such as underwater cliffs and slopes.
They are commonly found around reefs, islands, and continental shelves. Moreover, deep water has a significant vertical distance between the surface and the bottom. There are various depth measurements for determining whether a certain water body is deep enough. Check the list below:
- Swimming: deeper than 2–3 metres
- Recreational diving: >18 m
- Oceans / scientific: >200 m (start of the “deep sea”)
Four levels of the ocean
Generally, there are four levels of the ocean, according to depth, light, temperature, and pressure. Here, depth is the most important one because it determines the other elements. In short, the deeper you plunge into the water, the less light, colder temperatures, and higher pressure you will experience. These factors cause various impacts.
For example, in deep water, many fish rely less on vision and more on senses such as vibration and bioluminescence for hunting. Deep-sea creatures tend to move slowly, as well. Their flexible bodies and special enzymes allow them to survive crushing pressure. See the details of the levels in the points!
- Epipelagic or Sunlight Zone: This area ranges between 0 and 200 metres in depth with plenty of sunlight. It is the habitat for most marine life, such as fish and plankton.
- Mesopelagic or Twilight Zone: Its depth ranges between 200 and 1,000 metres, and the light fades gradually.
- Bathypelagic or Midnight Zone: The depth range for this zone is between 1,000 and 4,000 meters. In the zone, there is no sunlight, and the temperature is very cold.
- Abyssopelagic or Abyss Zone: This is the deepest area, which can go as deep as 6,000 meters. Another characteristic is that the pressure is very high while the vision is completely dark.
Characteristics of deep water in Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the archipelagic countries in the world. In total, it has around 17,380 islands, with over 15 large seas and 47 straits. Among the large seas are Java, Banda, and Arafura. Meanwhile, examples of the straits encompass Malaka, Sunda, Lombok, and Makassar. As mentioned above, Indonesia’s deep waters have unique characteristics
Such special traits are due to the fact that Indonesia sits at the centre of the Coral Triangle and between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This geographical location leads to a very rich marine biodiversity. Besides the country, the triangle covers nations such as the Philippines, Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands. Let’s read the details of the characteristics below:
Steep drop-offs
There are plenty of steep drop-offs in Indonesia, which are common because of tectonic activity in the country. These drop-offs are also common because Indonesia has many volcanic islands. Famous spots for exploring steep drop-offs are in Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, Bunaken, and the Alor and Flores seas. In Alor, for example, you can explore vertical drop-offs containing rich biodiversity.
Rich marine ecosystems
Diving into deep water in Indonesia is a great opportunity to observe unique species that mostly only live in such an area. Instances of the species include Manta rays and pelagic sharks. Their existence is possible due to the fact that the waters have warm and nutrient-rich currents. This way, the currents bring plankton and nutrients to feed the animals.
Majestic ocean views
A lot of divers love visiting Raja Ampat because its deep water offers crystal-clear and blue waters. This view alone is attractive enough even for explorers who do not wish to snorkel. If they want to dive deeper, their holiday experience will be more special as they will discover drop-offs. They will arrive at mysterious marine ecosystems that will impress them even more.
Seasonal phenomena and rare sightings
Not unique, but marine species in Indonesia’s deep water alsooffer seasonal phenomena and rare sightings. These facts make tourists create certain travel schedules so they can meet rare animals in specific periods. See the examples:
- Mola mola, or ocean sunfish, in Komodo National Park during cold currents, between June and October.
- Seasonal manta rays from April to November
- Migration corridors for sharks and pelagic fish in Komodo National Park from April to November
Unique underwater landscapes
Deep water in Indonesia is full of unique underwater landscapes, such as deep canyons and coral-covered walls. They are common in the nation because of its geological and tectonic activity. Some notable locations include:
- Steep drop-offs and underwater cliffs: Komodo, Alor, Flores islands
- Deep oceanic trenches: Banda and Timor Trench
- Underwater pinnacles and seamounts: Komodo, Alor, Banda Sea
Tourism activities in deep water
Marine tourism is growingly popular in Indonesia. Between 2019 and 2025, marine tourism accounted for a significant share of foreign tourist arrivals in Indonesia. Labuan Bajo, Banyuwangi, and Wakatobi were among the key destinations that saw strong growth during the period. They become the pioneers for a sustainable tourism campaign, which invites tourists to protect the Earth.
To reiterate, Indonesia is a haven for deep water fishing. There are diverse activities you can try, from casual to extreme. That means you have some options to adjust your travelling budget and time to take a vacation. So, what are the activities? The list might help you a bit!
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is one of the extreme sports in deep water using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). This allows you to dive deeper and stay underwater longer. Try this sport in some locations, such as Bunaken National Park (North Sulawesi), Wakatobi (Southwest Sulawesi), and Raja Ampat (West Papua). These spots have a great reputation as the best scuba diving spots among global divers.
Submarine tours
Do you want to enjoy rich ocean ecosystems in deep water but have no swimming experience? Don’t worry! Taking a submarine tour is a great option! You can join such a tour in Nusa Lembongan and Benoa, Bali. The submarine will dive beneath the surface. It consists of large viewing windows that allow you to observe marine life, coral reefs, or even shipwrecks.
Fishing
Fishing in deep water will surely bring exceptional experiences as compared to doing the activity in shallow water. For example, if you fish in Lombok and Bali offshore waters, you may have a chance to get tuna, marlin, or sailfish. They are commonly found in waters deeper than 200 metres.
Watching whales and dolphins
Not all waters are natural habitats for whales and dolphins. Therefore, if you visit Lombok and Bali, don’t miss the chance to watch whales and dolphins. Dolphins sometimes jump and swim in deep channels between the islands. For whales, plan your trip to Bunaken and Lembeh Strait. You can see whales in deeper offshore waters in the area.
Unique diving
Experienced divers can try “muck diving” in the Lembeh Strait of North Sulawesi. The activity is an anti-mainstream one in deep water. The explorers will dive in sandy, muddy, or “mucky” seafloor rather than clear coral reefs. There, they will meet unusual creatures, such as nudibranchs (colourful sea slugs) and frogfish. Komodo National Park is also a great option, as it offers pelagic species, like sharks and rays. In some areas, divers may descend to depths of up to 40 metres to encounter these species.
Sea kayaking
This activity is a good option for group adventures. Some of the best spots for this one include Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat. However, you need to be alert if strong currents occur. Protect yourself by wearing safety gear, such as whistles and radios. Don’t forget to kayak with experienced guides when the sea conditions are calm.
Tips for safety
You need to consider some advice to guarantee your safety while in deep water. Even if you are inside a submarine, you need to have good knowledge about this adventure. Professional divers also need to remind themselves over and over again about the safety tips. The ocean is so unpredictable. Other factors, such as visibility and fatigue, are very crucial, too.
Bear in mind that underwater tourism isn’t just about taking cool pictures or videos. Neither is it about achieving certain personal diving records. What’s most important of all is safety and security. Behind the calm seas, you can’t ever guess what will happen next. Check the advice below!
- Check your body condition before swimming in deep water, and don’t force yourself if you are sick.
- Take special training before taking deep or technical dives.
- Make sure you carry all safety gear, such as regulators, tanks, wetsuits, masks, a whistle, and a dive knife, before diving.
- Avoid diving alone.
- Ascend slowly, at a maximum rate of 18 metres per minute
- Some creatures in deep water are poisonous, so avoid touching any marine species.
- Don’t drink alcohol or do heavy exercise before deep dives, otherwise you might lose a lot of energy.
- Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.
- Take enough rest between dives.
- Learn beforehand about emergency plans and rescue procedures.
Let’s explore the deep water in Komodo National Park safely with Diving First!
Ready to experience once-in-a-lifetime marine tourism? As said above, the Komodo National Park is the ideal option for answering your curiosities on what deep water looks like. Hiring top guides, such as us, Diving First, is recommended. Our team consists of top divers and tourism professionals who know how to guide you along the way. We have handled various clients, from local to global, so their expertise is well proven.
We provide various dive classes, even for kids and beginners, so you will have proper skills before jumping in. If you are already experienced, you can name your days of vacation and budget, so we will customise our service. We are sea lovers at heart and carry the mission to spread an eco-tourism campaign. So, what are you waiting for? Join us to explore the pristine beauty of the park!