A Complete Guide to Diving Bali
- December 31, 2023
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Thinking about scuba diving in Bali?
This is our complete dive travel guide. Read on to find out everything you need to know about scuba diving in Bali.
Or jump directly to booking your stay.
Bali, Indonesia, is a magnet for divers from all over the planet.
From the majestic USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben, attracting schools of fish and occasional manta rays, to the pelagic giants of Nusa Penida, including manta rays, mola molas, and hammerhead sharks, there’s something for everyone in Bali’s underwater world.
Bali’s warm, clear waters, with visibility reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters), make it an ideal destination for divers of all experience levels. The warm temperatures allow for comfortable diving year-round, without the need for bulky drysuits or excessive thermal protection.
Its rich culture and diverse culinary scene provide a perfect complement to the underwater adventures. From traditional Balinese temples and picturesque rice paddies to a tantalizing array of Indonesian cuisine, Bali offers an unforgettable experience beyond beach and ocean.
Here’s our Complete Guide to Diving in Bali.
What is the best time of year to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali for scuba diving is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and warm, with minimal rainfall. The seas are also calm and clear, providing excellent visibility for diving.
During the wet season (November – March), rainfall can be heavy, especially in the north and west of Bali. The seas can be choppy, and visibility may be reduced. However, fewer divers visit during this time, so accommodations and diving packages may be less expensive. The wet season is best for spotting reef sharks, nudibranchs, and other macro marine life.
The Top 3 Dive Sites of Bali
From vibrant coral reefs brimming with life to sunken wrecks and pristine marine sanctuaries, Bali’s dive sites offer an unparalleled undersea experience. Whether you’re a seasoned diver seeking heart-pumping encounters or a beginner eager to explore the depths, Bali has something for everyone.
Tulamben: The Wreck Diving Capital of Bali
Tulamben, nestled on Bali’s eastern coast, is famous for its namesake, the USAT Liberty shipwreck. This majestic vessel, sunk by a Japanese torpedo in 1942, has become a vibrant artificial reef, attracting a kaleidoscope of marine life. Divers can marvel at the encrusted wreck, home to angelfish, barracuda, and even occasional manta rays.
Other dive sites in Tulamben include the Drop-Off, a towering wall plunging into the abyss, and Seraya Secrets, a haven for macro diving teeming with tiny creatures like pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs.
Where to stay in Tulamben
Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben (3-star hotel, $60 per night) – Relaxed accommodations with ocean views, plus a dive center, a spa, dining & a beachfront bar. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Tulamben Wreck Divers Resort (3-star hotel, $15 per night) – Relaxed hotel near the sea offering 2 outdoor pools, plus scuba tours & breakfast. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Ocean View Tulamben Dive & Resort (3-star hotel, $60 per night) – Simple cottages in a relaxed resort with an infinity pool, casual dining & diving facilities.
Nusa Penida: A Marine Life Maelstrom
Nusa Penida, a small island off Bali’s southeast coast, is a paradise for divers seeking encounters with pelagic giants. Manta rays, known for their graceful movements, glide through the waters, while mola molas, the enigmatic ocean sunfish, grace the depths during their annual migrations.
Crystal Bay, a renowned drift dive, offers an exhilarating ride through currents teeming with fish and turtles.
Manta Point, another iconic dive site, presents the opportunity to encounter these gentle giants up close.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
Adiwana Warnakali Resort – Nusa Penida ($110 per night) – Airy bungalows & villas in an upscale beachfront resort with an outdoor pool & a restaurant. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Blue Lagoon Avia Villas – Ceningan ($95 per night) – Airy bungalows & villas in an upscale beachfront resort with an outdoor pool & a restaurant. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Māua Nusa Penida ($215 per night) – Refined rooms & villas in a haute spa resort offering hot springs, a bar & a floating restaurant. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Menjangan Island: A Coral Reef Gem
Menjangan Island, a protected marine reserve off Bali’s northwest coast, boasts pristine coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life. Divers can marvel at vibrant hard coral formations, swim alongside turtles, and encounter playful reef sharks.
The Wall, a vertical drop-off, is a haven for pelagic species, while the Coral Gardens offer a mesmerizing spectacle of colorful corals and the creatures that inhabit them.
Where to stay on Menjangan Island
The Menjangan by LifestyleRetreats ($120 per night) – Beachfront & jungle accommodations in a secluded, rustic-chic resort with dining, a spa & a pool. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Sumberkima Hill Retreat ($26 per night) – Refined rooms & posh villas with infinity pools in an elegant resort offering sea & mountain views. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Mimpi Resort Menjangan ($60 per night) – Refined rooms & villas in a haute spa resort offering hot springs, a bar & a floating restaurant. Book with Expedia or Booking.com
Liveaboards in Bali
Liveaboards offer an unparalleled scuba diving experience. Imagine waking up to pristine dive sites untouched by tourism, maximizing your dives with prepped gear and nitrox options.
Ditch the daily boat commutes and consider a liveaboard trip. Forget packing and unpacking – dive multiple times a day, fueled by delicious meals. Relax in comfortable cabins, unwind on sundecks, and forge friendships with fellow divers.
Liveaboards aren’t just convenience, they’re expertise. Skilled captains and divemasters guide you through diverse underwater landscapes, maximizing your chances of encountering unique marine life. Enjoy night dives, starlit skies, and unforgettable wildlife encounters like dolphins leaping alongside the boat. Reconnect with yourself and nature in a paradise far away from your digitally connected life.
Other dive packages
We’ve carefully selected a few complate scuba diving packages for you.
5 Day Harmony Diving, Meditation, and Yoga Holiday in Buleleng, Bali
8 Day Diving PADI Certification and Traveling, Yoga, and Meditation Retreat in Lovina, Bali
