Bali is loved for its stunning beaches and never-ending waves, yet the farther you descend below the surface, the deeper you’ll come to learn the charm of the island. Here’s our list of the best diving and snorkelling sites in Bali.
The waters of Tulamben Beach are home to the USAT Liberty, which sank after being torpedoed during World War II. Now the shipwreck sits 30m (98ft) below the surface. And while the remains of the big ship appeal to many tourists and adventurers, only experienced divers have the privilege to explore it fully down to the bottom. Not to worry though, as beginner divers and snorkellers can easily explore the upper part of the ship – where marine life thrives, bringing colour to the rather stern wreckage scene.
Almost as though it’s forgotten the terrible war, a Japanese patrol boat from WWII sits serenely at the bottom of Lipah Bay. The destruction of the boat has brought new forms of life – the wreckage sustaining magnificent corals and marine creatures. The dive site is easy to access from the black-sand Amed Beach, with the wreckage just 12m (40ft) below the surface.
Not your mainstream dive site, Pos Dua is a spot on Menjangan – a small island just three hours from mainland Bali. The marine beauty here beams up to the surface, visible by just dipping your face slightly into the clear water. From there, decide how far down you want to go. The area features a magnificent abyss stretching as deep as 40m (131ft), creating a majestic wall covered in corals – which only gets more incredible the deeper you dive.
At Crystal Bay, hundreds of tropical fish swim around stunning corals, presenting divers and snorkellers with a breathtaking sight. It sits between the Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida islands and is often protected from strong currents – making it an easily attained gem. Occasionally, turtles, sea snakes or manta rays make an appearance – a great bonus for your day under the surface.
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These three tiny islands hold big challenges and attractions for daring divers. The nearby sea is home to many sharks, as well as large blackjacks and the bony ocean sunfish (Mola mola). Gili Tepekong is the best place to spot them, while sharks are often seen near Gili Mimpang. Meanwhile, Gili Biaha has an often-crowded shark cave. The three islands are close together, so you can tackle the trio in one visit.
Even if you are a newbie diver or snorkeller, you don’t have to miss out on the rich marine life of Bali. The Blue Lagoon – technically a shallow coral reef – is a perfect site for beginners, as it has calm, shallow waters and stunning corals. Even so, the dive point – a mere five minutes from Padang Bai – also has something for adventure seekers. The spot is perfect for night dives when rare marine species roam, including the Spanish dancer and leopard shark.
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