Bali is an Indonesian island known for its breathtaking beaches, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant culture. However, it is also a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and diverse underwater topography, Bali is considered a scuba diver’s paradise. In this blog post, we will explore some of Bali’s best dive sites and what makes them so special.
Tulamben
Tulamben is a small fishing village located on the northeast coast of Bali. It is home to one of the most famous dive sites in Bali, the USS Liberty Shipwreck. This US Army transport ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and was intentionally beached in Tulamben. Over the years, the ship has become a coral reef, home to a vast array of marine life. The wreck is accessible from shore and is suitable for all levels of divers, making it a popular spot for beginners.
In addition to the USS Liberty, Tulamben is also known for its beautiful coral gardens, macro life, and occasional sightings of whale sharks and mola mola (ocean sunfish). The dive sites in Tulamben are relatively shallow, with depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters, making it an excellent location for underwater photography.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a small island located southeast of Bali. It is known for its crystal clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Nusa Penida is a popular spot for experienced divers, as some of the dive sites have strong currents and deep drop-offs.
One of the most famous dive sites in Nusa Penida is Manta Point, where divers can swim with giant manta rays. Crystal Bay is another popular dive site, known for its stunning coral gardens and occasional sightings of mola mola. Other dive sites in Nusa Penida include Toyapakeh, Gamat Bay, and SD Point, all of which offer beautiful reefs, schools of fish, and occasional sightings of sharks and turtles.
Menjangan Island
Menjangan Island is located off the northwest coast of Bali, within the boundaries of the Bali Barat National Park. It is known for its pristine coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and diverse marine life. Menjangan Island is a popular spot for both snorkeling and diving.
One of the most popular dive sites in Menjangan Island is the Eel Garden, where divers can see dozens of garden eels swaying in the current. Another popular dive site is the Coral Garden, which is home to a variety of hard and soft corals, schools of fish, and occasional sightings of sharks and turtles.
Amed
Amed is a small fishing village located on the northeast coast of Bali, near Tulamben. It is known for its black sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Amed offers a variety of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
One of the most popular Amed dive sites is the Japanese Wreck, which is home to a variety of fish and colorful corals. Another popular dive site is the Pyramids, where divers can see an artificial reef made up of concrete pyramids.
Padang Bai
Padang Bai is a small town located on the east coast of Bali. It is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and diverse marine life. Padang Bai offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers.
The Padang Bai dive site is well known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and healthy coral reefs. The site offers a range of diving experiences for all levels of divers, from beginners to experienced divers. The underwater terrain consists of sloping walls, sandy bottoms, and deep channels, making it a unique experience for divers.
Gili Tepekong
Gili Tepekong is a small island located off the east coast of Bali, and the dive site here is suitable for experienced divers. The site is known for its strong currents, but it also offers some of the most stunning underwater topography in Bali. You can expect to see large schools of fish, reef sharks, and even occasional sightings of hammerhead sharks.
In conclusion, Bali is a scuba diver’s paradise, and there are plenty of incredible dive sites to explore. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Bali offers something for everyone. From the famous shipwreck in Tulamben to the challenging dive sites around Nusa Penida, Bali is sure to leave you mesmerized with its stunning underwater world. So, grab your scuba gear and get ready for an unforgettable diving experience in Bali!