The dive sites of Bali offer a tremendous variety of diving,
most of which is appropriate for beginners but some sites are for experienced divers only!
Explore a wreck or try to catch a glimpse of an Oceanic Sunfish; dive at night or
take some of the most amazing underwater photographs imaginable; go with the drift or visit
an octopus’s garden!
Scuba Review
If you haven’t dived for a while and would like to brush up your knowledge and skills in scuba diving before going back into the water again you might consider doing a Scuba Review. It will only take half a day and give you back the confidence you are looking for when going out for scuba diving.
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Pulau Menjangan
One of the most protected dive spots all around Bali is a tiny little island located in the West-Bali National Park, which is called Pulau Menjangan. The transfer to the island is provided by local fishermen and takes about 30 min. The characteristics of this dive site are steep drop-offs to depths of 60 metres and more. Since the area became a National Park years ago, no damage has been done to the reefs. You can see absolutely unspoilt coral in crystal clear water and almost any kind of reef fish.
Tulamben
One of the highlights of diving around Bali is definitely the wreck of the American cargo ship “Liberty”, which was torpedoed by the Japanese during World War II and sank in the bay of Tulamben. Over the years this artificial reef became completely encrusted with coral and is home to Bumpheads, a huge school of Travellies and a wide variety of different, colourful fish.
Since the boat is situated 20 metres offshore in shallow waters (5 – 35 metres), the dive site is easy to access and suitable for divers of any experience level, even introductory programmes.
Besides this spectacular wreck, the Tulamben/Amed area has plenty of other great dive spots to offer!
Candi Dasa
Are you interested in seeing a shark face-to-face? Then you might want to go to Mimpang (”The 3 Rocks”) in the east of Candi Dasa. It’s quite likely to find some Black or White-tipped Reef Sharks in this area.
If you like beautiful underwater landscapes, dive the canyons of Gili Tepekong, the north wall is covered with colourful soft and hard corals. If you are lucky you might also see some Giant Grouper, Mola Mola (in season) or sharks. To dive in this area you should be familiar with how to handle currents as sometimes the conditions can be quite demanding.
Padang Bai
The dive sites around this area are suitable for divers of any experience level. Outrigger boats (Jukung) of the local fishermen will take you to the different spots. If you are an U/W photographer, you will have a chance to take some extraordinary shots of Crocodile Fish, Leaf Fish, Scorpionfish, Spanish Dancer and plenty of other rare species.
The dive site called ‘Jetty’ was originally built for the purpose of loading and unloading tourists for cruise ships in Amuk Bay. Unfortunately due to the small size, which would not handle cruise ships needs it became an unusable platform to disembark from. Over time aquatic life has used this place for protection and a feeding ground making it a unique spot for divers to visit. With a maximum depth of 12 meters directly under the Jetty, and 19-20 meters at the bottom of the slope in front of the Jetty, it is suitable for divers of any certification level.
Nusa Penida/Nusa Lembongan
If you are keen to see the famous Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) you should go to Nusa Penida. A 25 min ride on a speed boat will take you to this beautiful island off Bali’s east coast. The dive spots around the island are well known for the clear and cool water and exquisite soft and hard coral. Some of them, however, are also known for their fairly strong currents. The dive site will be chosen according to your level of experience.
Manta Bay/Point
To dive with Manta Rays is one of the most exciting and extraordinary experiences one can have. The speed boat ride along the picturesque south coast of Nusa Penida is considered a treat by itself and is an awesome sight. Usually the Mantas come to a cleaning station in a particular area of shallow water to have their skin and gills cleaned by other fish. Dive guests will have the chance to get really close to the gentle giants, which is certainly one of the most memorable adventures a scuba diver can have.