Bali is one of the few places on Earth where you can dive a Second World War shipwreck from the beach in the morning and swim with manta rays in the afternoon. Here are the sites worth your time, mapped and explained, from the calm north coast to the wild currents of Nusa Penida.
The north and west: calm water, easy diving
- Menjangan IslandA protected island inside West Bali National Park. Coral-covered walls, calm water and usually very good visibility. One of the gentlest wall dives in Indonesia.
- PemuteranA quiet bay known for its Biorock project, where corals grow on steel frames charged with a low electric current. Good shore diving and snorkelling.
- Puri Jati (PJ)Black volcanic sand and almost no coral, yet one of Bali's favourite dives for photographers. This is muck diving: frogfish, octopus, seahorses and nudibranchs hiding in the sand.
The east coast: wrecks and walls
- Tulamben and the USAT LibertyBali's most famous dive. The Liberty, an American cargo ship, was torpedoed in 1942 and beached here. Mount Agung's 1963 eruption pushed her into the sea, where she now lies just off a black pebble beach. You walk in from the shore. The shallowest parts are snorkelling depth, so every level of diver can enjoy it.
- AmedA string of quiet fishing villages with easy reefs straight off the beach, including a small shallow wreck. A good base for a relaxed week of diving.
- Gili SelangBali's easternmost point, where the Lombok Strait pushes past. Beautiful coral, but the currents can be strong and unpredictable. For experienced divers with a local guide.
- Gili TepekongA small rock off Candidasa with cold upwellings, strong currents and big fish. Also for experienced divers.
- Blue Lagoon, Padang BaiA sheltered bay right next to the ferry harbour. Shallow, calm and full of life. Ideal for training dives and snorkelling.
Nusa Penida and Lembongan: the big animals
Across the Badung Strait from Sanur, Nusa Penida sits on the main channel of the Indonesian Throughflow. The water is colder and richer here, and the currents are stronger. In return, you get Bali's best chance to see manta rays and, in season, the giant oceanic sunfish known as mola mola.
- Blue Corner, LembonganFast drift diving along the western tip of Lembongan. Strong, changeable currents. Advanced divers only.
- Mangrove PointA gentler drift along Lembongan's north coast. Good for building drift-diving confidence.
- SD PointA classic drift along Penida's north coast, over healthy hard coral slopes.
- PEDFurther east on the same coast. Long, easy drifts with turtles and plenty of reef fish.
- ToyapakehA coral garden in the channel between Penida and Ceningan. Rich, colourful and often current-swept.
- Crystal BayThe famous mola mola site, usually between July and October. The current here can run down the slope, and the water can drop below 20°C. Dive it with a guide who knows the conditions.
- Manta PointA cleaning station on the south coast where reef manta rays come to be cleaned by small fish. Expect surge and a bumpy boat ride.
When to dive Bali
The dry season, roughly April to November, brings the best visibility and calmest seas. That doesn't mean the rest of the year is off: Tulamben, Amed and the north coast can be dived all year. Mola mola season at Nusa Penida usually runs from July to October, when cold water rises from the deep.
Practical tips
- Base yourself near the diving. The drive from the south to Tulamben or Menjangan takes several hours. Stay in Amed, Tulamben or Pemuteran for the north and east, and on Lembongan or Penida for the mantas.
- Respect the currents. Nusa Penida, Gili Selang and Tepekong are not first-dive sites. Log some easy drift dives first.
- Pay the fees. Nusa Penida's marine area and West Bali National Park both charge entry fees that fund protection.
- Don't fly too soon. Leave at least 18 to 24 hours between your last dive and your flight home.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best diving in Bali for beginners?
Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai's Blue Lagoon and Menjangan. They're calm, shallow in places, and mostly reached from the beach or by a short boat ride.
Where can I see manta rays in Bali?
At Manta Point and nearby sites on the south coast of Nusa Penida, where reef mantas visit cleaning stations throughout the year.
Can I snorkel the USAT Liberty?
Yes. Parts of the wreck lie in shallow water close to the beach, so snorkellers can see it too, especially in the early morning when the water is calm.
Sources
- Reef data: Allen Coral Atlas, CC BY 4.0
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL
