Bali, Indonesia, known as the ‘Island of the Gods’ is a tropical paradise that lies within the Coral Triangle. It is one of the most sought-after diving destinations in the world. In this article, we’ll explore a selection of the best places to scuba dive in Bali.
Adventure seekers flock to Bali for its diverse marine life and underwater environments. It boasts warm waters, unique biodiversity, stunning macro life and world-class wreck diving, making it an ideal destination for divers of all levels and interests. Plus, the island’s well-developed tourist infrastructure and friendly locals make Bali a must-visit on every diver’s bucket list.
Top experiences in Bali include:
- Exploring the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben.
- Diving or snorkeling with manta rays at their cleaning stations off Nusa Penida.
- Encountering the ocean sunfish (mola mola).
Keep reading to discover the top places to dive in Bali.
Nusa Penida
Recommended for: Divers of all levels
When it comes to diving in Bali, Nusa Penida is often the first choice thanks to its crystal-clear waters, mola mola (ocean sunfish), reef sharks and manta rays. With more than 25 dive sites, including sheltered bays for newer divers and more challenging sites with stronger currents in the north for advanced divers, Nusa Penida is a destination for divers of all levels.
For a relatively small island, the waters surrounding Nusa Penida boast impressive variety underwater. Divers can find thrilling drift dives, dramatic drop-offs, colourful coral reefs and a plethora of marine life. It also forms part of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area that includes the neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
Popular dive sites include:
- Manta Point
- Toyapakeh
- SD Point (Sekolah Dasar)
- Blue Corner (wall dive)
- Gamat Bay
- Mangrove Point
- Ceningan Wall
The best time to dive in Nusa Penida is from April to October, when the visibility can be more than 30 meters (98 feet). Mola mola (sunfish) sightings usually peak between July and October as the water cools. It’s also a good idea to wear a thicker wetsuit to stay comfortable in these often chilly waters.
Gili Islands
Recommended for: Divers of all levels
The Gili Islands are made up of three main islands: Gili Trawangan (commonly known as Gili T), Gili Meno and Gili Air. Located east of Bali, they are reached by a short boat ride, typically taking around two hours depending on conditions. The waters around the Gilis are especially well known for their large populations of green and hawksbill turtles. Another major draw is Shark Point, a dive site where whitetip and blacktip reef sharks are frequently encountered.
Other sightings in the area include huge schools of parrotfish, trevally, fusiliers, moray eels, clownfish and lionfish. If you’re into underwater macro photography, critters such as frogfish, leaffish, nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses will make your trip to the Gili Islands worthwhile. Night divers will love the vibrant corals, octopus and crabs.
Top dive sites in Gilis include:
- Turtle Heaven
- Shark Point
- Deep Turbo
- Mirko’s Reef
- Hans Reef
- Simon’s Reef
- Bounty Wreck
Calm, balmy waters make the Gilis a popular destination for completing scuba diving courses. The best time to scuba dive in the Gilis is from May to June and October to November.
Menjangan Island
Recommended for: Advanced Divers
Menjangan Island is located within West Bali National Park, in the north of Bali. While suitable for divers of all levels thanks to its exceptionally clear waters, excellent visibility, vibrant coral reefs and stunning wall dives, the area is particularly popular with more advanced divers due to its deeper dive sites. Overall, Menjangan Island is an off-the-beaten-path, less crowded destination, ideal for those seeking a peaceful diving experience in Bali.
Menjangan offers several excellent dive sites, including:
- The Eel Garden
- Pos II (a deep wall)
- Coral Garden
- Bat Cave
Divers can expect to see shoals of jackfish, batfish, angelfish, sea turtles and occasionally whitetip and blacktip reef sharks. The ideal season to dive in Menjangan is between April and November, with water clarity peaking between October and November, when it can be more than 50 meters (164 feet).
Tulamben
Recommended for: Divers of all levels
One of the best places to dive in Bali is Tulamben. This northern region offers memorable views of Mount Agung and access to the USAT Liberty shipwreck, widely regarded as one of the world’s best wreck dives. The deepest section of the wreck sits at around 30 meters (98 feet) and begins at approximately 5 meters (16 feet), making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. Divers can easily access the wreck from the nearby volcanic black-sand beach.
Other diving highlights in Tulamben include:
- Macro wonders such as colourful nudibranchs, harlequin shrimp, ribbon eels, garden eels and pygmy seahorses.
- The marine life found within the USAT Liberty wreck, now a thriving habitat covered in corals and home to abundant fish and moray eels.
- Schools of jackfish, bannerfish, sweetlips, snapper, angelfish, surgeonfish and distinctive bumphead parrotfish.
- Occasional blacktip and whitetip reef shark sightings as they patrol the reefs, while barracuda, lionfish and groupers are common sightings.
Another worthwhile destination just a few miles away is Amed. The surrounding region, which stretches from Melasti to Banyuning, boasts numerous dive sites. Divers can encounter green and hawksbill turtles at sites such as Pyramids (in front of Warung Bobo) and Lipah Beach. For those interested in exploring an underwater temple, Jemeluk Bay in Amed is also a popular choice.
The best season to dive in Tulamben is from April to October, when the waters are calmer, rainfall is lower and visibility can reach up to 30 meters (98 feet).
Candidasa & Padangbai
Recommended for: Beginners
Known for clear waters and low currents, diving in Candidasa and Padangbai is ideal for beginners looking to complete their PADI Open Water course or enjoy relaxed snorkelling. Padangbai is particularly well known for sightings of turtles, frogfish, octopus, porcupinefish, mantis shrimp, nudibranchs, blue-spotted rays, catsharks, reef sharks and occasional wobbegong sharks.
Here you will find vibrant coral reefs and several muck diving sites, such as:
- The Jetty (Pilar)
- Blue Lagoon
- The Ferry Channel.
Experienced divers can also explore the nearby islands of Mimpang, Tepekong and Biaha. Whitetip reef sharks are frequently spotted and mola mola appear seasonally, thanks to the islands’ proximity to Nusa Penida and the Badung Strait.
Book Your Scuba Diving Adventure in Bali
Ready to make your dreams of diving in Indonesia a reality? For more information, check out scuba diving travel guide for Bali, or click below to explore the best liveaboards, dive resorts and dive centers across the island.
