Bali, a jewel in the Indonesian archipelago, is an island paradise that captivates with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant marine life. Beyond the ornate temples, lush rice paddies, and welcoming smiles, lies an underwater realm teeming with wonders that beckon divers from every corner of the globe. Bali, the keyword here, boasts over 250 miles of coastline, not to mention the surrounding islands like Nusa Lembongan and Menjangan, creating a diverse and expansive playground for underwater exploration.
From novice divers taking their first breaths beneath the surface to seasoned professionals seeking thrilling challenges, Bali offers a spectrum of diving experiences to suit every skill level. The island’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty extends beneath the waves, resulting in thriving coral reefs, fascinating shipwrecks, and encounters with a kaleidoscope of marine creatures.
For those seeking guided shore dives, Bali Reef Divers, a PADI-approved dive shop known for its professionalism, modern gear, and experienced instructors, offers dive safaris along Bali’s eastern shore. If boat diving is your preference, Two Fish Divers specializes in sites around Nusa Lembongan and Penida, while Gecko Dive focuses on the waters surrounding Padang Bai. Both are highly-rated PADI shops with modern, spacious boats, ensuring a comfortable and safe diving experience.
This article highlights ten of the most exceptional dive sites in Bali, but it’s worth noting that this list could easily be expanded. The island is brimming with underwater treasures, and your dive operator may have recommendations for lesser-known spots that are equally rewarding. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of Bali, a keyword that stands for amazing underwater experiences.
1. USAT Liberty
The USAT Liberty is perhaps Bali’s most iconic dive site. This World War II cargo ship, torpedoed in 1942, initially made it to shore. However, the eruption of Mount Agung in the 1960s pushed the wreck back into the sea, creating an artificial reef teeming with marine life. The Liberty’s shallow depth, with the stern sitting at approximately 15 feet, makes it accessible to snorkelers and beginner divers. The absence of strong currents further enhances its appeal for those new to diving.
Measuring nearly 400 feet in length, the USAT Liberty offers a vast underwater playground to explore. Multiple wide openings allow divers to penetrate the wreck safely, revealing encrusted corals, schools of fish, and fascinating artifacts from its wartime past. The wreck is so large that it can easily be explored over several dives, each revealing new details and encounters. This dive site is a must-see for any diver visiting Bali.
2. Gili Mimpang
For more experienced divers seeking exhilarating encounters, Gili Mimpang, a cluster of three small rocky islands not far from Bali’s main ports, offers an unforgettable experience. The site is known for its strong, unpredictable currents and colder water temperatures, which attract a variety of pelagic species. Divers who brave these conditions have a high chance of spotting sharks, including threshers and white-tips, patrolling the waters.
Gili Mimpang is also one of the few locations near Bali’s mainland where divers can encounter the massive Mola Mola, or oceanic sunfish. These enigmatic creatures, with their unique disc-like bodies, are most commonly seen closer to Nusa Lembongan and Penida, but Gili Mimpang provides a rare opportunity to witness them in a different setting.
3. Boga Wreck (Kubu)
The Boga Wreck, also known as the "Kubu" wreck, is an artificial reef created by sinking a purposefully modified vessel. This dive site is not just a wreck; it’s an underwater museum filled with fascinating artifacts. Divers will discover a full-size pirate ship wheel on the deck, a vintage car nestled in the hull, and Buddha statues strategically placed in the lower decks.
Due to the wreck’s depth and the presence of semi-tight interior openings, an advanced diving certification is required to explore the Boga Wreck safely. The rewarding experience of discovering these hidden treasures makes it a worthwhile challenge for experienced divers.
4. Sekolah Dasar (SD) Point
SD Point, located near Nusa Lembongan, is a diver’s paradise characterized by exceptional visibility, abundant sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. The site is often referred to as "primary school" due to its relatively easy conditions, making it suitable for beginner divers. SD Point is a drift dive, where divers are gently carried along by the current, allowing them to effortlessly observe the underwater scenery.
Whether the current is mild or strong, divers will be treated to a spectacle of healthy, colorful corals and a diverse array of marine life, including turtles, barracuda, and sea snakes. The warm water temperatures at SD Point make it an ideal second dive after a deeper dive with thermoclines.
5. Coral Garden
The Coral Garden is a unique dive site featuring over 20 underwater sculptures that have been strategically placed to encourage coral growth and provide habitat for marine life. This artificial reef is already attracting a variety of small fish, neon nudibranchs, and other fascinating creatures like octopi and eels.
The Coral Garden is a lively and colorful site with minimal currents, making it an excellent choice for novice divers and beginner night divers. The sculptures create an intriguing underwater landscape, providing ample opportunities for photography and exploration.
6. Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island, part of the West Bali National Park, offers pristine waters and diverse marine life. It is an ideal site when diving with a group of different skill levels. The island boasts wall dives, allowing advanced divers to descend to greater depths while beginners remain higher up. The consistently excellent visibility, often reaching 100-150 feet, makes it a haven for macro photographers and GoPro enthusiasts.
Keen-eyed divers may spot pygmy seahorses and ghost pipefish amongst the corals. The calm waters and abundant marine life make Menjangan Island a relaxing and rewarding diving experience.
7. Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay, situated in the channel between Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan, is a challenging but rewarding dive site known for its exceptional visibility, which can exceed 100 feet on a good day. However, the site is also characterized by strong currents and unpredictable down currents, requiring experienced divers and competent guides.
The strong currents attract larger marine life, including sharks and mantas, making Crystal Bay an exciting location for encounters with these magnificent creatures. Divers should be prepared for thermoclines, pockets of cooler water, in the deeper areas of the site.
8. Manta Point
Manta Point, located off the coast of Nusa Penida, is a must-visit dive site for anyone hoping to encounter manta rays. The entry to the site can be challenging, with swells of up to seven feet or more, but the reward is well worth the effort. Manta Point is a manta cleaning station, where these gentle giants, with wingspans of up to 15 feet, congregate to have parasites removed by smaller fish.
The mantas are accustomed to the presence of divers and generally ignore them, allowing for close encounters. It is crucial for divers to maintain a safe distance and avoid touching the mantas, respecting their space and contributing to their well-being. Whether departing from Lembongan or Penida, the boat ride to Manta Point takes approximately 45 minutes.
9. The Jetty
The Jetty is a muck diving site, which refers to diving in sandy or silty bottoms to search for small, often camouflaged marine life. This former cruise ship port offers an ideal habitat for a variety of creatures, including cuttlefish, crabs, mantis shrimp, seahorses, and even the elusive blue-ringed octopus (which should never be touched due to its venom).
The Jetty is a popular night diving spot, as bioluminescent creatures are frequently observed in the dark waters. Muck diving requires patience and a keen eye, but the rewards of discovering these hidden gems are immense.
10. Blue Corner
Blue Corner, located off the coast of Nusa Penida, is an advanced dive site renowned for its powerful currents, cold water, and abundant marine life. This experts-only dive attracts sharks, Mola Mola, eagle rays, and schools of large parrotfish and tuna.
Visibility at Blue Corner can vary dramatically, ranging from over 100 feet to less than 40 feet, adding another layer of challenge to the dive. To maximize the chances of encountering Mola Mola, it is best to dive early in the morning, as these elusive fish are easily startled and tend to retreat into the depths when surrounded by divers.
These ten dive sites represent just a fraction of the underwater wonders that Bali has to offer. The island’s diverse marine ecosystems and commitment to conservation make it a world-class diving destination, attracting divers from all corners of the globe. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Bali has something to offer everyone. So, grab your gear, book your trip, and prepare to be amazed by the underwater beauty of Bali.
