Diving in Bali
More than just Tulamben and sunfish
Bali continues to draw more and more divers to its surprisingly unheralded waters. Previously the preserve of surfers and beach holiday types, nowadays this island sees an increasing number of tourists hauling dive bags around. Bali diving isn't simply the holiday 'extra' some people might imagine. In fact there is an incredible diversity of diving around this small island.
There are great options for beginners with some excellent and easy conditions in Tulamben, which also has plenty for those with a little more experience such as the famous USS Liberty wreck and world class muck diving. For those seeking Bali of yesteryear, Nusa Lembongan is your island with vast fields of pristine coral, sunfish, manta rays, sharks and more.
All of this combined with the friendliness of the Balinese people, glorious weather, beautiful mountainous backdrops and white sandy beaches make Bali an increasingly sought after destination by divers from across the world.
Highlights
There is something for everyone in Bali - experienced divers will enjoy the thrill of the currents around Nusa Penida, beginners will love the simplicity of the sites in Amed and Padang Bai and photographers will flock to the muck diving sites of Tulamben but for us there are two clear highlights:
USS Liberty - a wreck of international renown. Just off the stony shore of Tulamben lies the most beautifully colourful wreck you can imagine. Easy access, mild conditions and shallow water mean that everyone can enjoy the splendour of this wreck and interact with the myriad species that call it home.
Lembongan Island - Away from the crowds of mainland Bali just off Nusa Lembongan lies Blue Corner where there are common sightings of one of the most incredible and odd-looking creatures of the sea the Mola Mola, or sunfish. Spot one here and you can tick off a major diving 'must see'. Emerge slightly shaken by the changeable currents but with a smile that won't leave your face for the rest of the day.
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How to Dive Bali
Don't let anyone tell you to stay in Kuta or Sanur - unless you want to be surrounded by Aussies buying T-shirts from locals with even stronger Aussie accents than their would-be customers. Divers should steer clear of this part of Bali. Staying on the coast, either in the north-east or east of the island, will allow you to see all of Bali's charms (and few of its warts) and most of the dives you will want to do are more easily accessible from here. Nusa Lembongan Island is also a great base for divers and those who want to see Bali the way it was 30 years ago.
Tulamben Dive Terminal - a PADI 5 Star IDC Gold Palm Resort right on the beach in Tulamben with the best access to all the local sites, including the Liberty Wreck.
Lembongan Bungalows - stunning views of the bay and volcano from Nusa Lembongan. Peace, quiet and great diving.
Diving Season
The dive season is year round in Bali although conditions do vary from time to time. Sun fish, sharks and other large pelagics are best spotted between June and September which is also the time when seas might be both disturbed and enriched by the monsoon winds.
December to March is rainy season (although most days it doesn't rain) and there are fewer divers around - however visibility is sometimes a little reduced around the north and west of the island.
Reef Summary
Great for: Large animals, small animals, drift diving, visibility, advanced divers and non-diving activities
Not so great for: Underwater photography and snorkelling
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 10 - 45m
Currents: Can be very strong
Surface Conditions: Calm
Water Temperature: 19 - 26°C
Experience Level: Beginner - advanced
Number of dive sites: ~50
Access: Scuba resorts
Recommended length of stay: 1 - 2 weeks
Dive Site Descriptions
For more details on the Bali dive sites:
• Bali tourist information
View a map of:
• Bali - Indonesia
• Scuba diving vacation enquiries
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