8 Best Scuba Diving Spots in Bali

Hey there travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my top 8 best scuba diving spots in Bali to dive into this year. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs, Bali is a world-renowned destination for scuba diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

From beginner-friendly sites to more advanced options, Bali dive sites have something for everyone. Whether you are interested in exploring shipwrecks, encountering manta rays and sharks or simply admiring colorful fish and coral, Bali’s dive sites have it all. So, whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, get ready to discover the top 10 scuba diving spots in Bali and experience the thrill of exploring the underwater world.

Scuba Diving Spots in Bali Map

Use this map to locate the locations of the scuba diving spots listed below:

8 Best Scuba Diving Spots in Bali

Ok, so let’s check out the best dive spots Bali has to offer below:

1. The Magic of Tulamben

Tulamben is a small fishing village located on the northeast coast of Bali, Indonesia which is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts due to its diverse marine life and fascinating underwater landscapes. Here are some of the highlights of diving in Tulamben:

• USAT Liberty Wreck – The USAT Liberty Wreck is a World War II cargo ship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. The ship was towed to Tulamben to be salvaged however a volcanic eruption in 1963 pushed it off the beach and into the water. Today, the wreck sits on a sandy slope just a few meters from the shore and is one of the most famous dive sites in Bali. It is home to a wide variety of marine life including schools of fish, octopuses and sea turtles. Divers can explore the ship’s cargo holds, engine room, and bridge, as well as the coral-covered exterior.
• Coral Garden – The Coral Garden is a shallow reef located just a few minutes’ walk from the USAT Liberty Wreck. It is named for the colorful coral formations that cover the sandy bottom and is home to a diverse array of marine life including angelfish, parrotfish and clownfish. The Coral Garden is a great spot for beginner divers or those who want to take a break from the deeper dives.
• Drop Off – The Drop Off is a deep wall dive located just a short boat ride from the USAT Liberty Wreck. The wall drops off to depths of over 60 meters and is covered in colorful soft corals and sponges. Divers can spot a variety of reef fish as well as larger pelagic species like barracuda and trevally. This is a popular spot for advanced divers, as the strong currents can make it a challenging dive.

2. The Charm of Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a small island located southeast of Bali known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life and stunning coral reefs. Scuba diving in Nusa Penida is a must-do activity for any diving enthusiast visiting Bali with some of the best dive sites including.

• Crystal Bay – Crystal Bay is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida and is one of the most popular dive sites in Bali. The dive site is suitable for all levels of divers and is perfect for beginners. The main attraction of Crystal Bay is the Mola Mola, also known as the ocean sunfish, which can be seen from August to October.
• Manta Point – Manta Point is located on the south coast of Nusa Penida and is one of the best dive sites in Bali to see manta rays. The dive site is suitable for all levels of divers and is perfect for beginners, with the main attraction being the manta rays, which can be seen all year round. The dive site is also home to a variety of other marine life including reef sharks, turtles and colorful fish.
• SD Point – SD Point is located on the east coast of Nusa Penida and is one of the most challenging dive sites in Bali. It is suitable for experienced divers only due to strong currents and deep waters. The dive site is known for its stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life and the chance to see larger marine animals such as reef sharks and eagle rays.

3. The Beauty of Padang Bai

Padang Bai is a small fishing village located in the east of Bali and is one of the most popular diving destinations on the island. The area is known for its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Padang Bai offers a unique and unforgettable experience including:

• Blue Lagoon – Blue Lagoon is a popular diving spot in Padang Bai, known for its calm waters and diverse marine life. The site is suitable for all levels of divers and offers a chance to see a wide variety of fish, including clownfish, lionfish and moray eels. The water is warm and clear, making it perfect for underwater photography as well.
• Jepun – Jepun is another popular diving spot in Padang Bai known for its stunning coral gardens and abundant marine life. The site is suitable for all levels of divers and offers a chance to see a variety of fish including angelfish, butterflyfish and parrotfish. The water is warm and clear, making it perfect for snorkeling as well.

4. The Splendor of Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is a small island located in the northwest of Bali. The island is part of the West Bali National Park and is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in Bali. The waters around Menjangan Island are calm and clear, making it an ideal destination for beginner divers and snorkelers.

One of the best dive sites in Menjangan Island is the Pos II dive site known for its beautiful coral gardens and abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish species including angelfish, clownfish and parrotfish. The dive site is also home to several species of sea turtles, which are a common sight in the waters around Menjangan Island.

Another popular dive site in Menjangan Island is the Eels Garden which is also known for its stunning coral walls and abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish species including eels, barracudas and reef sharks. The dive site is also home to several species of nudibranchs, which are a favorite of macro photographers.

For those who prefer shallow dives, the Coral Garden dive site is an excellent choice. This dive site is located in a shallow lagoon and it is home to some of the most beautiful coral gardens in Bali. Divers can expect to see a variety of fish species including butterflyfish, angelfish and parrotfish.

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5. The Allure of Amed

Amed is a small fishing village located on the northeast coast of Bali. It is known for its black sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.

One of the main attractions of Amed is the USS Liberty shipwreck, which is considered one of the best wreck dives in the world. The ship was torpedoed by the Japanese during World War II and now rests on the ocean floor, providing a unique and fascinating dive experience. Divers can explore the wreck and see the coral and marine life that have made it their home.

In addition to the USS Liberty, Amed offers a variety of dive sites for all levels of experience from shallow coral gardens to deeper drop-offs. The area is also home to a diverse range of marine life including turtles, reef sharks and colorful tropical fish.

For those who prefer snorkeling, Amed’s beaches offer easy access to the coral reefs and abundant marine life as well.

Check out these: Top 10 Best Beaches in Bali

6. The Appeal of Pemuteran

Pemuteran is a small fishing village located in the northwest coast of Bali known for its tranquil atmosphere and its stunning coral reefs. The village is surrounded by a range of hills which provides a picturesque backdrop to the crystal clear waters of the Bali Sea.

Pemuteran is a popular destination for scuba divers and snorkelers alike and the coral reefs here are some of the best in Bali. The village is also home to a number of dive centers, which offer a range of courses and guided dives for all levels of experience.

One of the main attractions in Pemuteran is the Biorock project, which is a series of artificial reefs made from steel frames and electrified with low voltage currents. These structures have been designed to promote the growth of coral and marine life and they have been hugely successful. The Biorock project has made Pemuteran one of the best places in Bali to see coral reefs and marine life up close.

Another popular dive site in Pemuteran is the Bio-Wreck, which is a sunken ship that has become a haven for marine life. Divers can explore the ship’s hull and see a variety of fish including lionfish, angelfish and clownfish.

Pemuteran is also an excellent place to learn to dive. The calm waters and the abundance of marine life make it an ideal location for beginners and many of the dive centers in Pemuteran offer courses for all levels of experience, from complete beginners to advanced divers.

7. The Enchantment of Gili Tepekong

Located on the east coast of the island near Candidasa and Padangbai, Gili Tepekong is one of the most challenging and exhilarating dive sites in Bali. This small island is surrounded by deep waters and strong currents, making it a perfect spot for experienced divers looking for a thrilling adventure.

The dive site is famous for its sightings of Mola-Mola, also known as Sunfish, which are large and peculiar-looking fish that can grow up to 3 meters in length. Gili Tepekong is also home to other fascinating marine creatures, such as Bamboo Sharks, Nurse Sharks and schools of barracudas.

The currents around Gili Tepekong can be moderate to strong and sometimes even very strong, creating a challenging environment for divers. However, the rewards are worth the effort, as the visibility can reach up to 25 meters providing an excellent opportunity to admire the beautiful coral reefs and the abundant marine life.

Divers can explore several dive sites around Gili Tepekong, each with its unique features and challenges. Some of the most popular sites include Shark Point, where divers can spot different species of sharks, and The Canyon, a narrow channel filled with colorful corals and schools of fish.

8. The Fascination of Gili Selang

Gili Selang is a small island located on the eastern tip of Bali and is a popular diving spot for experienced divers due to its challenging currents and diverse marine life. For those interested, AquaMarine is a reputable diving center that offers diving excursions to Gili Selang.

The area is still under exploration, and the north of Gili Selang is full of surprises. However, divers need to be careful as this is not an easy dive site and is only recommended for advanced divers. The current can be very tricky and carry divers out into the open sea therefore, divers need to listen carefully to the dive briefing and stay close to their dive guide.

The marine life in Gili Selang is diverse and abundant and divers can expect to see a variety of fish, including schools of barracuda, trevally and snapper. The coral reefs are also stunning with a variety of hard and soft corals as well.

Understanding Scuba Diving in Bali

As above, Bali is a world-renowned scuba diving destination attracting divers of all levels from around the globe. With crystal clear waters, diverse marine life and a variety of dive sites, Bali offers a unique and unforgettable scuba diving experience.

As we check out the spots, let’s also have a quick look at some of the conditions and experiences you can expect when diving in Bali.

• Dive Conditions – Bali’s waters are warm and generally calm, with an average water temperature of 27°C (81°F) and visibility ranging from 10 to 40 meters (33 to 131 feet). The best time to dive in Bali is from April to November when the water is the clearest and the weather is dry. However, diving is possible year-round and each season offers unique diving opportunities.
• Marine Life – Bali’s waters are home to a diverse range of marine life including over 600 species of coral and more than 3,000 species of fish. Divers can expect to see a variety of colorful reef fish as well as larger marine animals such as manta rays, sharks and turtles. Bali is also known for its unique macro life, with a variety of critters such as nudibranchs, seahorses and octopuses to be found as well.
• Dive Sites – Bali offers a variety of dive sites, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular dive sites include the USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben, the manta ray cleaning station at Manta Point and the coral gardens at Menjangan Island. Divers can also explore the colorful reefs at Amed and Padang Bai, or go drift diving at Nusa Penida.
• Dive Operators – There are many dive operators in Bali, offering a range of services from beginner courses to advanced technical diving. It is important to choose a reputable dive operator with experienced instructors and well-maintained equipment. Many dive operators offer packages that include accommodation and transportation, making it easy for divers to explore Bali’s dive sites too.

Check out these: 5 Tips for Traveling with Scuba Gear

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FAQs

Conclusion

There you have it, my 8 best Bali diving spots to check out this year. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual,  let me know of your experiences here.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time.

Have fun

Paul