Best Diving Spots in Bali

Hey, you! Yes, you! Are you a budding diver who wants to visit the best dive sites in the world? Do you want to leave the sand surface behind, put on some goggles, and go looking for critters at the bottom of the sea? If your most wanted destination is under the Balinese beaches, then buckle up for a dive trip in the Indian Ocean!

Dive operators will take you to choice places, but you must know the best ones in order to make an informed decision! In this article, you will find all the information you need!

1. Amed

Amed is a popular place for divers in Bali. This is a dive site with easy access, lots of convenience, and amazing underwater sightseeing. This is one of the best places to see sea animals in Bali; it is also very beautiful.

Amed is famous mainly as an excellent place for diving: there are a lot of small animals and corals in these waters. Many exciting things are happening under the water in Amed; this could be because of the calm water movement, the nutrients from volcanic sediments, or the artificial reefs at the Japanese Wreck and Ghost Bay that the fish enjoy.

In this area, you can often see reef sharks, barracuda, nudibranchs, parrotfish, turtles, sunfish and many other types of marine life. Though there are no wrecks sites in the area, if you are very lucky, you might get to see extremely rare pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and mimic octopuses.

The reason that Amed is great for diving is the many options to choose from. There are a lot of local places where you can go diving and many different underwater areas to explore, which makes it a great place to begin, especially if you are new to diving.

Details

💸Average price: US $70

📍Location: Jln Raya Jl. Raya Amed, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Bali 80852

💻Diving operator: Bali Diversity

✍🏽Booking: https://www.balidiversity.com/

☎️Phone number: (0822) 30141772

2. Tulamben

Tulamben is a place where you can find a secret bay with a very famous shipwreck called the USAT Liberty. The Liberty wreck cannot be excluded from any conversation about diving as it’s such a draw and one of the most popular diving destinations in Bali.

In early 1942, a superior US Army ship 120 metres in length was hit by a torpedo from a Japanese submarine. Luckily, the ship was able to make it to the shore near a little fishing village called Tulamben.

In 1963, when the volcano eruption of Mount Agung occured, the USAT Liberty ship went back into the water. This made it possibly the best shore dive spot in the world. In Tulamben Bali, you’ll find a plethora of mesmerising corals and diverse marine species to experience. It’s a favourite spot for many divers. This wreck is great for both experienced divers and beginners because it ranges in depth from 3 to 28 metres.

Tulamben Diving has amazing spots like Drop Off and Coral Garden that you definitely should not miss. This location is ideal for passionate photographers keen to take pictures underwater. This is not just because of the incredible structures of the Liberty Wreck but also because you can often find many rare tiny creatures here!

Details

💸Average price: US $75

📍Location: Tulamben, Kubu, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852

💻Diving operator: Tulamben Dive

✍🏽Booking: https://tulambendive.com/

☎️Phone number: (081) 915699681

3. Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida has excellent diving spots that are certainly among the best in Indonesia. It’s a top recommendation if you’re in Bali. Experience thrilling drift diving, witness vibrant and flourishing corals, and encounter majestic pelagic species that are a must-see.

Make sure to visit Manta Point, especially where you have a good chance of seeing mantas all year round. Crystal Bay is the best place to see the rare Mola Mola fish from July to November. It’s one of the rare places in the world where you can see these weird animals.

Nusa Penida is the largest of three islands called Nusa, which are located in the southeastern part of Bali. You have the option to choose a fast boat or ferry to come to this place and stay on the island. Alternatively, you can explore diving spots near Nusa Penida by going from the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Cennigan or by taking a day trip to one of the dive centres in Sanur.

Details

💸Average price: US $65

📍Location: Jl. Raya Toya Pakeh – Ped, Ped, Kec. Nusa Penida, Bali 80771

💻Diving operator: Penida Dive Center

✍🏽Booking: https://penidadivecenter.com/

☎️Phone number: (0858) 57861936

4. Menjangan Island

Not many scuba divers have even heard of Menjangan Island, but it is one of the best places for sea fans to go snorkeling! Because it is so far away from everything else, people might only encounter it on the way to Java. However, the waters are pristine, and the wall of coral reefs by the coast is absolutely astounding to behold in any season!

If the visibility is good, you can stay a while and go scuba diving with manta rays or muck diving! Some dive spots are more remote than others, and the depths aren’t exceedingly difficult to manage. Your time under the waves is sure to show you a side of Bali you wouldn’t otherwise have seen!

Details

💸Average price: US $60

📍Location: Jl. Banyuwedang, Pejarakan, Kec. Gerokgak, Bali 81155

💻Diving operator: Menjangan Tour Diving & Snorkelling

✍🏽Booking: http://www.menjangantours.com/

☎️Phone number: (081) 999440024

5. Padang Bai

If you’re staying in the southern part of Bali, this place is conveniently located between Sanur and Amed and can be easily reached. Besides engaging in diving activities in empty spots, you can also explore enchanting coral reefs and captivating shipwrecks. You can see different types of sea creatures, such as frogfish, morays, stonefish, nudibranchs, squid, rays, stargazers, and many others.

The Blue Lagoon is a very popular place to go diving near Padang Bai. Many kinds of divers love it, both those who have a lot of experience and those who are new to diving. The water is not very deep but has many fascinating animals like various fish and rays. At night, local divers highly recommend this site. This is great for people who want to explore the shallow coral reefs while diving from the shore.

Experienced divers can find many chances to explore deepwater areas, especially in a place called ‘The Channel’. If you opt for snorkelling, there’s no need to be concerned, as the Blue Lagoon offers a peaceful and secure environment for casual swimming. You have two options for renting snorkelling gear: either from your hotel or from a local beach shop. It is best if you bring your own.

Padang Bai is a great place for people who are new to diving (beginner divers). The water here is calm and doesn’t have strong currents. Many of the dives in this area are in protected bays where you can enter the water from the shore.

Details

💸Average price: US $65

📍Location: Jl. Silayukti No.5, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Bali 80871

💻Diving operator: Geko Dive Bali–PADI-certified

✍🏽Booking: https://gekodivebali.com/

☎️Phone number: (0821) 21801997

Expert Opinion

Living in Bali for ten years has been the most adventurous decade of my life! This island allows me to explore and learn something new, which is even the thing that scares me the most. One of the fears I’ve had for a long time is going deep under the ocean. I love swimming, but deep diving is a completely different experience! I am scared, but I do it anyway because the experience is so memorable. In doing so, I even managed to get certified by PADI two years ago. So here are my best selections of diving spots in Bali.

Amed, Padang Bai, Nusa Penida

The reason why I chose these as my best selections is because the ocean waters have plenty of beautiful corals and sea creatures. I love to dive in clear blue water and take my time to enjoy the underwater scenery. So, if we are on the same page, these three diving spots are the best options for you too!

Diving in Bali is a worthwhile holiday adventure to have on your holiday itinerary list! Enjoy Bali!