🐚 Diving in Bali: The Island of the Gods Beneath the Waves
Bali is often called the Island of the Gods — a place where rice terraces spill down emerald hillsides, temples shimmer in morning mist, and the ocean hums with life just beyond the shore. But beneath those turquoise waters lies an entirely different kind of magic.
From sun-dappled coral gardens in Amed to the haunting beauty of the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben, from drifting with manta rays off Nusa Penida to macro hunting along volcanic sands, Bali’s underwater world is as diverse and captivating as its culture above. It’s a destination where new divers find calm, shallow training sites, and seasoned explorers chase pelagics through blue-water channels — all within a few hours’ drive.
What makes Bali so special is its variety packed into one small island. You can photograph nudibranchs in the morning, glide beside a giant manta by noon, and toast the sunset on a black-sand beach that evening. Add in warm tropical water, year-round diving, friendly dive centers, and a deeply spiritual connection between people and the sea, and you have one of the most complete diving destinations on Earth.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through Bali’s top dive sites, the best times to visit, and what marine life to expect, along with practical tips for planning your dive trip responsibly. Whether you’re drawn by Bali’s reefs, wrecks, or reef-to-ridge adventure, you’re about to discover why divers keep returning — again and again — to this island beneath the gods.
Whether you base yourself in the laid-back coastal villages of Amed or Tulamben, the bustling dive hub of Sanur, or the windswept cliffs of Nusa Penida, each corner of Bali reveals a new underwater landscape. The island’s compact size means you can explore wrecks, reefs, walls, and drift dives all within a few days — and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
So, let’s dive in — from Bali’s most iconic sites to its hidden gems, here are the best places to experience the magic beneath the waves.
🌊 Top Dive Sites in Bali
🌅 Tulamben — The Legendary USAT Liberty Wreck
There’s a quiet magic about Tulamben. The mornings begin with the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against black volcanic pebbles and the gentle shuffle of divers gearing up before sunrise. This small fishing village on Bali’s northeast coast is home to one of the most iconic dive sites in the world — the USAT Liberty wreck — and for many divers, it’s the heartbeat of Bali’s underwater world.
⚓ A Wreck with a Story
The USAT Liberty was a U.S. Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 during World War II. It was towed ashore near Tulamben, where it sat for two decades before Mount Agung’s eruption in 1963 pushed it back into the sea. Today, it rests on a gentle slope between 5 and 30 meters, making it accessible to divers of all levels — from first-time wreck explorers to seasoned photographers seeking dramatic light and texture.
🪸 A Living Reef
Over time, the wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, now draped in soft corals, sea fans, sponges, and hydroids. Every inch seems alive:
Huge schools of jackfish (bigeye trevally) circle the bow in silver spirals, creating mesmerizing photo opportunities.
Bumphead parrotfish graze noisily on the hull at dawn — a must-see on early dives.
Trumpetfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish dance among coral clusters, while blue-spotted stingrays rest on sandy patches below.
Macro enthusiasts can find ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, ribbon eels, and nudibranchs tucked within coral folds.
In the soft morning light, sunbeams pierce the openings in the hull, illuminating coral-covered beams and creating one of the most photogenic underwater scenes in all of Indonesia.
📸 Photography Tips
Tulamben is a dream for underwater photographers, offering opportunities for both wide-angle drama and macro precision:
Wide-angle: Use the early morning light (6:00–8:00 AM) to capture dramatic silhouettes of divers framed by beams of sunlight filtering through the wreck. A fisheye or ultra-wide lens works best to encompass the scale of the ship and the swarming jackfish.
Macro: Afternoon dives reveal the quieter details — nudibranchs, blennies, and shrimp hidden among coral fans. A 50–100 mm macro lens paired with gentle strobe lighting brings out textures and colors in the volcanic sand.
Night Photography: Tulamben transforms after dark. The wreck comes alive with Spanish dancers, basket stars, decorator crabs, and bobtail squid. Slow shutter speeds and soft lighting produce ethereal images.
💡 Pro Tip: For the best visibility and calm conditions, dive the Liberty at sunrise. The water is glassy, the jackfish are swirling, and you’ll often have the wreck almost to yourself before day-trip boats arrive.
🌊 Beyond the Wreck
Tulamben isn’t just about the Liberty — the surrounding sites are equally compelling:
Drop Off (Tulamben Wall): A steep coral-covered slope with gorgonians, morays, and reef sharks.
Coral Garden: A shallow, gentle reef ideal for beginners and night dives.
Seraya Secrets: A world-class macro site just south of town, famous for hairy shrimp, mimic octopus, and flamboyant cuttlefish.
Many divers spend several days in Tulamben exploring these complementary sites — each with its own rhythm and rewards.
🏡 Why Stay Here
A temple in Ubud, Bali - Bali has more to offer than just scuba diving!
Tulamben’s relaxed pace makes it ideal for divers who love to wake up and walk straight into the sea. Most resorts are just meters from the shoreline, offering unlimited shore diving and the freedom to plan your dives around the light and tides. The village is quiet, affordable, and filled with friendly dive operators who know the sites like family.
🌸 Amed — Coral Gardens, Pyramids, and Laid-Back Charm
Just south of Tulamben lies Amed, a string of tranquil fishing villages stretching along Bali’s northeast coast. With its gentle reefs, volcanic backdrops, and colorful jukung boats bobbing offshore, Amed offers a slower, softer side of diving — one where mornings begin with sunrise over Lombok and afternoons melt into lazy post-dive coffee breaks overlooking the sea.
🪸 Diving in Amed
Amed’s sites are perfect for beginners, macro photographers, and relaxed divers who love long bottom times and calm conditions. The shallow coral gardens are teeming with damselfish, anthias, lionfish, and clownfish, while deeper slopes reveal morays, cuttlefish, and turtles gliding through hard coral formations.
The area’s most famous dive sites include:
Jemeluk Bay: A house reef just steps from shore, full of healthy corals, reef fish, and occasional reef sharks. Great for both scuba and snorkeling.
Pyramids: A series of artificial reef structures built from concrete pyramids, now home to sweetlips, leaf scorpionfish, and ribbon eels. The reef thrives with life and makes for striking compositions for underwater photographers.
Ghost Bay: A beloved macro site filled with hairy shrimp, ghost pipefish, and tiny frogfish — a playground for muck diving enthusiasts.
📸 Photography Tips
Amed is a paradise for natural light and macro shooters:
Best for macro: Use a 60–100 mm lens to capture the minute world of shrimp, seahorses, and nudibranchs in Ghost Bay and Seraya.
Best for reefscapes: Morning dives in Jemeluk or Pyramids deliver warm, angled sunlight perfect for wide-angle reef portraits.
Surface photography: The jukung fishing boats create fantastic surface silhouettes at sunrise and sunset — a favorite for split-shot compositions.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring both macro and wide-angle setups if you can — Amed’s varied terrain means you might photograph a nudibranch and a turtle in the same dive.
🌴 Atmosphere & Accommodation
Amed has the perfect “stay-a-while” feel. Small family-run dive centers line the beach, and most offer shore access straight from your bungalow. The village attracts a blend of divers, freedivers, and underwater photographers who come for the long dive times, easy entries, and volcanic sand that makes colors pop underwater.
Evenings are best spent watching the sunset turn Mount Agung purple while local fishermen launch their boats — it’s one of the most peaceful dive bases in Bali.
🌊 Nusa Penida — Mantas, Mola Mola & Adrenaline-Fueled Drifts
If Bali’s northeast coast is gentle and meditative, Nusa Penida is its wild, pulsing heart. Separated from the mainland by a narrow strait, this rugged island — along with its neighbors Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan — offers some of Indonesia’s most exhilarating diving. Here, pelagic encounters, fast drifts, and crystal-clear water are the norm.
🐋 The Diving Experience
Penida is famous for two things: manta rays and mola mola (oceanic sunfish).
Manta Point: Perhaps Bali’s most iconic dive, where graceful mantas — sometimes in groups of ten or more — swoop and circle cleaning stations at 10–15 meters. These gentle giants are completely unbothered by divers, making for unforgettable encounters.
Crystal Bay: The best spot for spotting mola mola, typically between July and October when cold upwellings bring them close to the surface. Patience, a good guide, and a bit of luck are key here.
Toyapakeh & SD Point: Classic drift dives where you’ll glide over sloping reefs alive with sponges, sea fans, turtles, and barracuda.
The currents here are part of what makes Nusa Penida’s reefs so healthy — but also what demands respect. This is a destination best enjoyed with experienced guides who understand the timing and flow of local tides.
📸 Photography Tips
Penida is pure wide-angle heaven.
Wide-Angle Magic: A fisheye or 16–35 mm lens will capture the majesty of manta rays gliding through beams of light at Manta Point. Keep your strobes positioned wide to avoid backscatter from plankton.
Mola Mola Moments: If you’re lucky enough to spot one, approach slowly and maintain a respectful distance — they’re shy but magnificent, and their sheer size makes them incredible subjects for natural-light shots.
Drift Photography: At Toyapakeh and SD Point, let the current carry you along coral slopes. Focus on motion and color, shooting slightly upward for silhouettes of divers against the blue.
💡 Pro Tip: Dive early in the morning for calmer seas and better light. Carry a reef hook for stable observation in current-heavy zones — but never attach it to live coral.
🏝️ Atmosphere & Access
Most divers reach Nusa Penida via fast boat from Sanur (30–45 minutes). Many choose to stay overnight on Penida or neighboring Nusa Lembongan, where boutique resorts and beachside dive centers cater to small groups. The island’s rugged cliffs, hidden beaches, and turquoise lagoons make it worth exploring topside as well — especially Kelingking Beach and Broken Bay.
Evenings bring a different kind of magic: bioluminescence sparkles in the shallows, and the night sky stretches endlessly overhead. Diving here feels both primal and exhilarating — a reminder that nature still rules beneath the waves.
🐙 Padang Bai — Color, Critters & Coastal Convenience
Tucked along Bali’s east coast, about an hour and a half from Denpasar Airport, Padang Bai is a charming little port town with big underwater surprises. While it’s best known as the gateway to the Gili Islands, divers know it as one of the island’s most rewarding macro and muck diving destinations, where vibrant reefs sit just a short boat ride from the beach.
🪸 Diving in Padang Bai
Padang Bai offers an incredible range of dive sites — from gentle coral slopes perfect for beginners to muck-filled baysbeloved by photographers and critter hunters.
Blue Lagoon: A shallow, sandy-bottomed bay bordered by coral bommies — a great introduction to Bali diving. Expect turtles, cuttlefish, lionfish, and scorpionfish, along with excellent light for wide-angle reef shots.
Jepun: A playground for macro enthusiasts, with resident frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish, leaf scorpionfish, and mimic octopus. The site’s artificial reef structures attract all manner of tiny, weird, and wonderful creatures.
The Jetty: Perhaps Bali’s most famous muck site, where volcanic sand meets vibrant life. The jetty pylons are covered in sponges and soft corals, providing the perfect backdrop for nudibranchs, ribbon eels, and even rhinopias if you’re lucky.
Outrigger dive boats on a surface interval
Night dives here are a must. Under torchlight, you’ll see Spanish dancers, decorator crabs, cuttlefish, and bobtail squid shimmering in the dark — proof that Padang Bai’s beauty doesn’t fade when the sun sets.
📸 Photography Tips
Padang Bai is a macro photographer’s paradise:
Macro: Bring a 60–105 mm lens, twin strobes, and a focus light. Watch for eye contact with frogfish and shrimp pairs — they make compelling close-up subjects.
Wide-angle: Blue Lagoon’s coral slopes are ideal for simple natural-light reefscapes with schooling fish.
Night photography: The black sand background makes vibrant marine life pop under your strobes; experiment with backlighting to highlight silhouettes of nudibranchs or crabs.
💡 Pro Tip: The visibility here can fluctuate with tides — schedule your dives on a rising tide for the clearest water.
🌴 Atmosphere & Access
Padang Bai’s convenience makes it a favorite first or last stop on a Bali dive trip. Many divers base here for a few days of easy reef diving, then hop on to Nusa Penida or Tulamben. The village has a relaxed local vibe — warungs serve fresh grilled fish by the harbor, and dive centers line the narrow streets with cheerful, salty charm.
🌅 Menjangan Island — Bali’s Hidden Northwest Paradise
Far from the bustle of the south, Menjangan Island lies within the Bali Barat National Park, a protected marine sanctuary that feels like another world. Known for its crystal-clear water, dramatic wall dives, and peaceful surroundings, Menjangan is Bali at its most tranquil — a place where nature still hums softly and time slows down.
🪸 Diving in Menjangan
The reefs here are pristine, with walls dropping from 10 to over 40 meters and covered in sponges, soft corals, and sea fans the size of dinner tables. Visibility regularly reaches 30 meters or more, offering some of the clearest water in Indonesia.
Expect to encounter:
Turtles drifting lazily along the wall, pausing to graze on sponges.
Schools of fusiliers, sweetlips, and snapper swirling through the blue.
Reef sharks and trevally cruising the drop-offs.
Macro surprises, including pygmy seahorses, leaf scorpionfish, and tiny crustaceans hidden among gorgonians.
Popular sites like Anchor Wreck, Eel Garden, and POS II showcase Menjangan’s variety — from steep coral cliffs to sandy slopes dotted with garden eels that retreat like dancers when approached.
📸 Photography Tips
Menjangan rewards wide-angle shooters and wall photographers:
Wide-angle: A 10–16 mm or fisheye lens captures the sheer scale of the walls, especially when sun rays pour through the surface. Use natural light or soft strobes to preserve the water’s clarity.
Macro: Look closer on coral ledges for tiny crabs, gobies, and seahorses. Menjangan’s calm conditions are ideal for crisp, strobe-lit macro compositions.
Split-shots: The island’s calm shallows and turquoise surface make for beautiful over-under photos of the reef and coastline.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring a red filter or color-correcting lens if shooting natural light — the water clarity is so good that blue hues dominate your images at depth.
🏝️ Atmosphere & Access
Access to Menjangan is by boat from Pemuteran, a peaceful seaside village in northwest Bali about five hours from Denpasar. Dive trips are typically organized through eco-lodges and resorts, with national park permits included.
Most divers stay several days to enjoy the slow rhythm of life here — diving in the morning, relaxing by the sea in the afternoon, and falling asleep to the sound of cicadas and waves. The region’s Biorock Project (an award-winning coral restoration effort) in Pemuteran is also worth visiting — a living testament to Bali’s dedication to protecting its reefs.
🗓️ Best Time to Dive in Bali
One of the best things about Bali is that diving is possible all year long — the island’s varied coastlines and microclimates mean you can always find somewhere with calm conditions and great visibility. That said, knowing when to go can help you plan your dives around the best marine life and the smoothest seas.
🌞 Dry Season (April – November)
The dry season is considered Bali’s prime diving period. The seas are calmer, visibility improves to 20–30 meters, and the sunlight is perfect for photography. This is also when mola mola (oceanic sunfish) visit Nusa Penida’s deeper reefs, typically between July and October.
The east coast sites — Tulamben, Amed, and Padang Bai — are particularly stunning during these months, with flat seas and long dive days.
🌧️ Rainy Season (December – March)
The rains bring lush green landscapes topside, and though visibility can drop slightly, diving remains enjoyable — especially on the east and northeast coasts, which are sheltered from the monsoon winds. There are fewer tourists, the reefs are quieter, and manta rays are still abundant at Nusa Penida.
🪸 Water Temperature & Conditions
Water temperature: 27–30 °C on average; drops to 20–24 °C near Nusa Penida during upwellings.
Visibility: 10–30 m depending on location and season.
Currents: Generally gentle in Amed and Tulamben; stronger around Nusa Penida and Candidasa.
💡 Insider Tip: Plan your dives early in the morning — conditions are usually calmest before midday, and sunrise dives on the USAT Liberty wreck are pure magic.
🐠 Marine Life Highlights in Bali
Bali’s marine life diversity mirrors its culture — colorful, abundant, and full of surprises. Within a single week, you can experience both macro critter hunting and large pelagic encounters, a rare combination that few destinations can match.
🦋 Macro Heaven
Along Bali’s volcanic sands, macro photographers will find endless treasures:
Frogfish, ornate ghost pipefish, and flamboyant cuttlefish in Padang Bai and Seraya.
Nudibranchs in every color imaginable in Amed and Tulamben.
Pygmy seahorses clinging to sea fans at multiple east-coast sites.
🐢 Reef Residents & Coral Gardens
Bali’s reefs are thriving ecosystems alive with:
Turtles, lionfish, and anemonefish in every lagoon.
Moray eels peeking from coral crevices.
Schools of fusiliers, snapper, and sweetlips weaving through sunlight beams.
The shallow coral gardens around Amed and Menjangan are particularly spectacular for snorkelers and beginner divers.
🦈 Big Encounters
For those who crave excitement, Bali delivers:
Manta rays at Nusa Penida all year round.
Mola mola sightings between July and October.
Reef sharks, barracuda, trevally, and tuna patrolling deeper reefs and wrecks.
Every dive feels different — and that’s Bali’s real secret. The mix of volcanic sand, coral slopes, and pelagic channelscreates a constant sense of discovery.
💡 Insider Tip: Bring both macro and wide-angle lenses if you’re into underwater photography — Bali rewards versatility like few other dive destinations in the world.
⚓ Diving Logistics in Bali
Whether you’re flying in for a weeklong dive holiday or adding a few days underwater to a larger Indonesia itinerary, Bali makes it easy to plan your perfect dive adventure. The island’s dive infrastructure is world-class — with reliable boats, skilled local guides, and plenty of cozy seaside resorts where tanks clink and sunsets glow.
✈️ Getting There
Most divers arrive via Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar – DPS). From there, you can reach major dive hubs by car:
Sanur / Padang Bai: ~1–2 hours east of the airport.
Amed / Tulamben: ~2.5–3 hours along scenic coastal roads.
Pemuteran / Menjangan: ~4–5 hours northwest through rice terraces and jungle valleys.
For Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, high-speed boats depart daily from Sanur or Padang Bai — a 30–45-minute crossing.
🏝️ Where to Base Yourself
Each region offers a distinct diving personality:
Amed & Tulamben: Laid-back and affordable; perfect for wreck and macro lovers.
Sanur & Padang Bai: Convenient for short trips and training courses.
Nusa Penida: Adventure base for mantas and mola mola encounters.
Pemuteran & Menjangan: Peaceful, nature-rich retreats ideal for couples or eco-divers.
🤿 Skill Levels & Training
Bali caters to everyone — from brand-new divers to tech enthusiasts:
Beginner divers can complete PADI Open Water courses in calm bays like Amed or Padang Bai.
Advanced divers will love Nusa Penida’s drifts and deeper wreck penetrations.
Underwater photographers find endless variety in Bali’s blend of macro and wide-angle scenes.
🧰 Practical Details
Dive Season: Year-round; dry season (April–November) offers top conditions.
Water Temperature: 27–30 °C (cooler upwellings near Penida).
Visibility: 10–30 m depending on site and season.
Dive Gear: Most resorts include full-set rental; Nitrox widely available.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cash is handy for tips and local warungs.
💡 Insider Tip: Many divers combine Bali with liveaboard trips to Komodo or the Banda Sea — easy to connect via domestic flights from Denpasar to Labuan Bajo or Ambon.
🌿 Conservation & Responsible Diving in Bali
Bali’s underwater beauty depends on balance — and divers play an important part in protecting it. As tourism grows, so do the challenges of reef degradation, plastic pollution, and warming seas, but the island also shines as a beacon of community-led conservation.
🪸 Reef Restoration Efforts
Local NGOs and dive centers are leading innovative programs to heal damaged reefs. The Biorock Project in Pemuteran uses low-voltage electrical currents to accelerate coral growth, creating thriving new habitats for fish and invertebrates. Many dive shops welcome visitors to tour or even help maintain these structures.
🐢 Sustainable Dive Practices
To keep Bali’s reefs healthy:
Maintain perfect buoyancy control — avoid touching corals or marine life.
Choose reef-safe sunscreen and eco-friendly toiletries.
Never feed fish or chase animals for photos.
Support dive centers with Green Fins or PADI AWARE partnerships.
🧹 Beach & Reef Cleanups
Many operators run weekly cleanups — join one! These community dives not only remove debris but also connect travelers with locals working to protect Bali’s coasts.
🤝 Giving Back
Support small, family-run dive operations and locally owned warungs. Buy reusable water bottles, skip single-use plastics, and consider donating to reef-protection groups like Trash Hero Bali or Reef Check Indonesia.
💡 Insider Tip: Pack a small mesh bag on every dive — even collecting one piece of debris per dive adds up over time.
🌅 Conclusion — The Island Beneath the Gods
Bali is more than just a destination; it’s a rhythm — one that flows from temple bells and rice terraces down to coral gardens and sunken ships. Beneath its waves lies a microcosm of everything that makes diving magical: the play of light through wreckage, the hush of drift currents, and the vibrant heartbeat of marine life that never stops.
From Tulamben’s legendary Liberty wreck to the manta glides of Nusa Penida, the colorful reefs of Amed and Padang Bai, and the peaceful walls of Menjangan, every corner of the island tells a story. For beginners, it’s a welcoming classroom. For veterans, a lifelong muse.
Above water, Bali enchants with its culture and grace; below, it reveals its soul. Whether you’re chasing macro moments, photographing mantas in motion, or simply floating in the hush of a coral garden, you’ll find that diving here isn’t just about what you see — it’s about how you feel.
And that feeling — of connection, curiosity, and calm — is what keeps divers returning to this island beneath the gods.
👉 Plan your next dive adventure and explore more Southeast Asian dive destinations at southeastasiadiving.com
❓ FAQ — Diving in Bali
1. Is Bali good for beginner divers?
Yes! Bali is one of Asia’s best destinations for learning to dive. Sites like Amed, Padang Bai, and Menjangan Island offer calm conditions, shallow depths, and excellent visibility. Many resorts have beachfront access, perfect for first-time divers.
2. What are the best dive sites for experienced divers?
Advanced divers will love Nusa Penida for its strong drifts, mola mola encounters, and manta rays, as well as Tulamben’s deeper sections and the Drop Off. Bali’s variety means you can fine-tune your dives to your comfort level.
3. When is the best time to dive in Bali?
You can dive year-round, but the dry season (April–November) offers the calmest seas and best visibility. For mola mola sightings, visit between July and October; for mantas, any month is good — they’re here year-round.
4. What kind of marine life can I expect?
Everything from tiny macro critters to large pelagics! Expect turtles, reef sharks, nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, cuttlefish, pygmy seahorses, manta rays, and even mola mola. Bali’s biodiversity is among the richest in the Coral Triangle.
5. Do I need a wetsuit for diving in Bali?
Water temperatures are typically 27–30 °C, but around Nusa Penida, upwellings can drop to 20 °C during mola season. A 3–5 mm wetsuit keeps you comfortable year-round.
6. How long should I plan for a Bali dive trip?
At least 5–7 days allows you to experience multiple regions. Many divers spend 2–3 days each in Tulamben/Amed and Padang Bai or Penida, then unwind with a few days in Pemuteran for Menjangan.
7. Can I do day trips to Nusa Penida from Bali?
Yes — daily speedboats depart from Sanur and Padang Bai. However, staying overnight on Nusa Penida or Lembongan allows more dives and flexibility with changing tides and conditions.
8. Is Bali diving environmentally friendly?
Most dive operators follow eco-conscious practices and support reef restoration or marine education projects. Always choose certified Green Fins or PADI AWARE centers, use reef-safe sunscreen, and avoid single-use plastics.
9. What’s special about diving Bali compared to other Southeast Asian destinations?
Bali combines world-class biodiversity, accessibility, and cultural depth in one compact island. It’s one of the few places where you can wreck dive, drift dive, and muck dive all in the same week — then end the day watching sunset over temple silhouettes.
10. Can I combine Bali with other Indonesia dive destinations?
Absolutely! Many divers extend their trip to explore Komodo, Raja Ampat, or the Gili Islands — all easily reachable from Bali via domestic flights or short ferries. It’s the perfect base for an extended Indonesian dive journey.