Every scuba diver of all levels can enjoy the magnificent diving in Bali. The best dive sites for beginners are around Amed, Padang Bay, and Pulau Menjangan which have very light or often no current at all.
Bali offers even more opportunities to those advanced divers, with many drift dives such as around Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Candidasa.
The current can sometimes be very strong and several dive sites around Bali should be treated with care and respect.
Credit Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39891373@N07/4163929100/
Macro Lovers and critter hunters will be delighted to dive in Secret Bay and Seraya Secret. Amed has also many fantastic spots for Muck Diving. These diving spots are like heaven for underwater macro photography!
Many Places around Bali are also VERY good for snorkelling especially on the East Coast from Padang Bay to Amed.
The visibility is usually very good and ranges from 10 to 50 meters. Best visibility is usually found around Nusa Penida and Pulau Menjangan.
previousnext
Clown fish and anemoneRead Best Of Bali Diving. Photo by Jihye Lee
Barracuda, MajesticRead Best Of Bali Diving. Photo by Jihye Lee
In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Bali.
Table of contents
How to dive Bali?
There are 3 scuba diving zones around Bali:
- South Bali (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Sanur)
- East Coast of Bali (Padang bai, Candidasa, Tulamben, Amed)
- North West Coast of Bali (Menjangan Island, Permutaran, Lovina, Gilimanuk).
The best dive sites in Bali are:
- Liberty Ship Wreck, One of the Best and Easiest Wrecks in the World!
- Manta Point, to observe the superb Manta Rays!
- Crystal Bay, to spot the rare Mola Mola!
- Secret Bay in Gilimanuk, a must dive for any Underwater Macro Photographer!
Best time to Dive in Bali
Bali is a year round diving destination with warm temperatures. During the colder months, the water is around 29°C, so you don’t have to worry too much about getting chilly!
It is recommended to wear 3mm shorty or a full length suit depending on where you plan to dive. The coldest water is around Nusa Penida and Secret Bay with temperatures as low as 24°C! The dry season in Bali runs from April to October however:
- The best diving season is from May to November.
- The best time to see Manta Rays is April and May
- The best time to see the famous Mola Mola, Oceanic sunfish is from August to October.
- The worst season to dive is during the monsoon from December to February when heavy rain makes the visibility not so good on the East and North coasts Bali dive sites. During this period, consider going diving in Komodo National Park as this is the Manta Ray season!
Fishes and Coral
The waters around Bali are very rich and colourful with an amazing diversity of fish and coral species. The marine life is teeming and the coral reefs are very healthy. The hard and soft coral is magnificent and mostly untouched with numerous sea fans and sponges.
The big stars in Bali are the world famous Mola Mola and the Manta Ray.
- The Mola Mola also called oceanic sunfish can be found all year round but the best moment to spot it is from August to October around the Island of Nusa Penida and particularly at the dive site Crystal Bay.
- Manta Rays are present all year round around Bali but THE place to admire these gentle giants is the dive site Manta Point located at Nusa Penida.
You will also have the chance to spot plenty of pelagic fishes such as Barracuda, Giant trevally, Whitetip Reef Shark and Blacktip Reef Shark. Turtles are also very common around the island.
It is also very rich in the small and strange creatures such as Ornate Ghost Pipefish, Mimic Octopus, Leaf fish, Frogfish, pygmy seahorse, Flamboyant cuttlefish, rare nudibranchs and so much more!
The best diving locations around Bali for macro and muck diving are Secret Bay in Gilimanuk, Menjangan Island and Seraya Secret close to Tulamben.
Author: Julien, creator of blog plongée sous marine
Travel Guide
Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Bali Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.
Dive destinations in Bali
Amed
Magnificent coral, no current, relaxed and easy diving, possibilities for night diving, good place for underwater macro photography, and a great snorkelling spot.
Tulamben
One of the best Wreck Dives in the World!!! And the most easy for sure, 30m from the Shore and starts at 4m deep! Fantastic Marine life and great Coral!
Candidasa
It is all about action! Big pelagic fishes, hunting action in the current, and many Sharks! Regular seeing of Hammerhead Sharks and Mola Mola!
Nusa Penida / Nusa Lembongan
One of the best spots in the world to see the rare Mola Mola and the graceful Manta Rays! Big fishes and action with lots of sharks. Very good Visibility and stunning Coral.
Pulau Menjangan
Menjangan Island is famous worldwide for Wall diving with small caverns to explore. The reef and Coral are also great. A very nice wooden wreck from the 19th century: Anker Wreck.
Padang Bai
Night Diving, Underwater Macro Photography, Resident Whitetip Reef Sharks, Huge green Turtles, and crystal clear water! Also a great Snorkelling spot!
Pemutaran, Lovina
No current, Good visibility, unusual Marine Life and one of the BEST Diving sites around Bali for Muck Diving: Puri Jati (P.J.).
User reviews
If you have been diving in this area, you can share your experience with other divers by posting your Dive Review in the comments below:
If you have any other feedback or updated information about this destination, please leave a comment. We regularly improve our Diving reviews after reviewing your feedback!
↑ Back to top
