Snorkeling in Bali: Your Ultimate Guide

Blue Lagoon is located in Karangasem, very close to Padang Bai harbor. It can be visited from the mainland or via small boats called 'jukung', which makes it ideal for snorkelers and families.

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t gets its name from the turquoise water that washes over the white sands. The coral reefs are so rich and colorful, and the underwater life is so diverse that you can even see turtles and moray eels swimming by. The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon is in the morning, as the waves are calmer, and you can more fully enjoy both the surface and underwater.

Unlike other beaches in Bali, Tulamben does not have sand for its surface. Instead, jet-black medium rocks cover the entire surface of the beach. To be honest, it's a bit of an effort to walk on this beach while keeping your balance, but when you get close to the water you can just throw your body in and let the waves help you to the deeper areas (a useful trick).

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Tulamben has been known for years to be a popular spot for snorkeling, mainly due to the sunken cargo ship: the USAT Liberty. However, due to its depth, it's only possible to really explore the whole shipwreck by scuba diving. But don't worry, you can still see the top of the ship while snorkeling.

Tulamben's shipwreck is famous, but I don't think you should miss the coral gardens either. Located close to the shipwreck, this spot is more interesting to me because the corals are denser and healthier, and you can easily spot clownfish hiding in the anemones that sway vibrantly.

Menjangan, located within the West Bali National Park, is known for both its land and underwater beauty. Menjangan translates to 'deer' in Indonesian, so the name certainly gives you an idea of what the island is like. Yep, large numbers of deer live freely on the island's plains, attracting many people to come and spend a few days for some peace and tranquility.

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As it is a protected national park, the underwater life here is very well preserved. Snorkeling here doesn't require much effort, by any means. By simply being on the surface, you can already see the underwater treasures on offer, along with the large, colorful corals with various types of fish swimming around.

This is probably one of the favorite spots to snorkel for many tourists, and me too, to be honest. It just feels different to swim with a bunch of huge manta rays beside you.

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Aside from the mantas, this spot also guarantees stunning underwater beauty, with a water area of around 20,057 hectares. Nusa Penida's underwater habitat is home to approximately 296 different types of coral reefs and 276 different species of fish.

Now, just so you're aware, although it's still part of Bali, Nusa Penida is not a place you can reach with your rented scooter. The island is about 30 minutes away from Bali, which you have to cross by fast boat from Sanur.

About a 1.5-hour drive from Denpasar by scooter, Amed snorkeling spot is the one you shouldn't miss. The black sands give it an exotic feel, contrasting with the clear blue sea water and the lush green of the coconut trees.

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With a diverse and healthy underwater environment, Amed is home to thousands of colorful fish, and the centerpiece of this snorkeling destination is the skeleton of a Japanese patrol boat that was sunk in World War II. If you're lucky, you might even bump into turtles, stingrays, and reef sharks!

However, with its strong winds and frequent high waves, Amed is probably not a perfect place for snorkeling if you're a beginner.

The ideal time to go snorkeling in Bali is the dry season, which runs from April to October. On the other hand, the rainy season, from November to March, often brings heavy rainfall and turbulent waters. Let's have a look at the table below for more details:

Now that you've bagged the best places to do it, I'll give you a few snorkeling tips that will come in handy, especially for beginners.

• First things first, don't plan it during the rainy season. The sea will be rougher, and the wind will blow harder, which will lead to poor visibility and murky water.

• Secondly, to enjoy the optimal snorkeling experience, I would suggest you do it in the morning, from 9 AM to noon. During this timeframe, the water is usually calmer, and the sunlight enhances the clarity of the seafloor, making the colorful marine life and coral reefs more prominent. Also, by arriving early, you can avoid the crowds that gather later in the day.

• Last but not least, stay hydrated! Snorkeling can be a strenuous activity for beginners. You'll be moving around a lot and need a lot of energy to keep your balance, too, so staying hydrated is very important. Make sure to consume enough water before and after your snorkeling experience; this will greatly affect your overall condition later on.

Does Bali have good snorkeling?

Of course! Bali is known to have some of the best snorkeling locations in the world. With crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life, I can assure you that Bali will give you an absolutely incredible snorkeling journey.

Where is the best place to snorkel in Bali for beginners?

For beginners, snorkeling spots like Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai and Menjangan Island in West Bali are highly recommended. The waters here are relatively calm, with good visibility and depths suitable for beginners. Additionally, Amed is a good choice because of friendly currents and plenty of near-shore snorkeling areas. It's just a matter of which one you prefer!

Can you snorkel with turtles in Bali?

Oh, absolutely, hon! You can definitely snorkel with sea turtles here. One of the best places to meet sea turtles is in Nusa Penida, especially in the Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay areas. You will usually see turtles swimming among the coral reefs, so keep your eyes sharp!

Is snorkeling hard for beginners?

No, snorkeling is a relatively easy activity and suitable for all experience levels. The important thing is to be comfortable in the water and use the equipment correctly. Bali snorkeling operators usually provide brief instructions before you get into the water so you can be more confident.

What do you wear to snorkeling in Bali?

The essentials for snorkeling in Bali include a swimsuit or light wetsuit to protect your skin from the sun and coral scratches. Don't forget to wear a mask, snorkel, and fins that fit properly. Oh, and one more thing: eco-friendly sunscreen is also important to protect your skin while preserving the coral reef — win-win!