ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about

DIVING

& Snorkeling. Dive into the world of silence.

Last update: 02/06/2024 15:06

overview

Bali, the enchanting island paradise of Indonesia, is famous not only for its culture and breathtaking landscapes but also for its captivating underwater world located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, one of the planet's most biologically diverse marine areas. Thanks to its strategic location, Bali offers unique diving and snorkeling experiences and boasts an astonishing diversity of coral and over 3,000 fish species. The rich biodiversity and numerous coral reefs have made Bali a popular destination for diving, freediving, and snorkeling enthusiasts. This Guide introduces Bali's diverse underwater ecosystem, including information on the unique marine animals you may encounter. It also highlights the importance of conservation and responsible practices to preserve the island's underwater natural treasures.

This Guide is divided into the following sections:

Best Time For DIving & Snorkeling

The best time to dive and snorkel in Bali depends mainly on the weather, water visibility, and marine life activity. Diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed year-round in Bali, but each season has advantages and disadvantages, which can help you decide when to take the plunge.

Dry Season (April to October)

Benefits:

Excellent visibility: In the dry season, visibility in the water in Bali is generally the best and offers the best view of the vibrant underwater world.
Calm sea: In the dry season, the sea is calmer, and rainfall is minimal, providing optimal conditions.
Mola mola (sunfish): In the dry season, especially from July to September, the chances of encountering the huge and beautiful Mola Mola increase around Nusa Penida.
Manta rays: This is also the time of year when diving with the beautiful mantas is more likely to happen, especially at Manta Point off Nusa Penida.

Disadvantages:

Busier tourist season: Popular dive sites can be crowded.
Higher prices: Due to increased demand, you may encounter higher prices for diving courses.

Rainy Season (November to March)

Benefits:

Fewer people: There are fewer tourists in the rainy season, which leads to less busy dive sites and more individual experiences.
Rare marine animals: during the rainy season, some unique marine animals, such as the Frogfish and the Ghost Pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), are often seen.
More affordable prices: accommodation and diving packages can be more affordable during this period.

Disadvantages:

Reduced visibility: The wet season brings more rainfall, affecting water clarity, especially in areas closer to the coast.
Rough sea: More rainfall can lead to rough sea and stronger currents, worsening diving conditions.
Restricted access: Some dive sites, especially those in the north and northwest, may be inaccessible or restricted due to rough sea.

It is important to note that although these are general trends, weather can change from year to year and cannot be accurately predicted. For more information, visit the Weather & Seasons Guide.

Weather & Seasons

Conditions & Equipment

Conditions for Diving

Water temperature in Bali is usually between 27° and 29°C, a 3mm wetsuit is recommended. Diving off the surrounding islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan in deeper waters can be up to 21°C. Visibility is usually between 10 and 20 meters. Most diving is usually at depths between 5 and 40 meters.

Conditions for Snorkeling

Due to the hot ocean throughout the year, there is no need for a wetsuit. We only recommend the highest SPF sunscreen, ideally a special one that is friendly to nature and corals. Since you are constantly exposed to the sun while snorkeling but don't feel its burn due to being in the water, you can very easily get sunburned. So apply sunscreen at least every hour. Visibility in the water is best in the morning, especially in the northern part of the island. The water can have a "milky" color in the afternoon with lower visibility. In the southern part of Bali, conditions are ideal at low tide when large waves do not stir up the sediment and sand on the bottom.

Equipment for Diving and Snorkeling

Diving and snorkeling equipment is usually available for rent directly at the dive sites or in the accommodation (mask, snorkel, fins) or at the dive centers (diving equipment). It is usually paid per hour or all day.

💡 Tip: We recommend always having your mask and snorkel during snorkeling. A rented mask may not always fit you perfectly, and if your mask leaks or gets too foggy, you will significantly reduce the quality of your experience. Having your snorkel is also best for hygiene reasons, where you don't know who has had a rented snorkel in their mouth before you. And let's be under no illusion that rental companies sanitize their equipment after every customer.

⚠️ Warning: Snorkeling equipment rental is unavailable outside the main snorkeling areas, such as the southern part of Bali.

Safety

Safety should always be your priority when venturing into the underwater world. Whether you are an experienced diver or going snorkeling for the first time, understanding and following safety guidelines is critical to ensuring a safe and great experience.

Safety rules

Ensure proper training and certification: Before you start diving, take appropriate training at a reputable dive center, either during your stay in Bali or before you leave your country. Get the necessary certifications, such as Open Water Diver or Advanced Open Water Diver, to gain the skills and knowledge needed to dive safely. You should always familiarize yourself with basic snorkeling techniques and safety guidelines.

💡 Tip: We recommend taking a one-day introductory freediving course before any diving or snorkeling trip. It will open your horizons, remove the initial fear of water and help you dive and surf.

Buddy system: Always dive or snorkel with a buddy. Maintain visual contact and watch each other throughout the dive or snorkel. This will help ensure you can help each other in an emergency. NEVER dive or snorkel alone.

Pre-Dive Safety Checks: Before each dive, perform a safety check, commonly known as a "Buddy Check" or "Pre-Dive Buddy System." Check that your equipment works properly, including your air supply, BCD, and mask. Make sure your mask and snorkel are in good condition.

Dive plan: Discuss the dive plan with your buddy before entering the water and stick to it during the dive. Plan your maximum depth, bottom dive time, and safety stops. Respect the limits of your training and experience.

Air supply and immersion time: Keep track of air consumption and immersion time. Never exceed limits without decompressing or diving beyond your training and experience. Ascend with a minimum air supply of 50 bar/500 psi for divers.

Underwater Danger

Strong currents: Strong currents can occur in Bali's waters, especially around canals and dive sites. Check local conditions and tides before diving. Stay calm, conserve energy, and signal your dive buddy and guide if you find yourself in a strong current. Use a reef hook or stick to the outline of the reef to minimize effort and avoid drifting.

Encounters with marine animals: Most marine animals in Bali are harmless, but some can pose a threat if mishandled or provoked. Watch for potential hazards such as the poisonous lionfish or the territorial triggerfish. Keep your distance from marine animals and avoid touching or harassing them. Seek medical attention immediately in the event of a sting or bite.

Barotrauma and decompression sickness: Dive within your limits and maintain a safe ascent rate to minimize the risk of barotrauma and decompression sickness. Climb slowly and maintain a controlled rate of ascent. Allow for safety stops if necessary, and never skip decompression duties.

Equipment failures: Regularly maintain and service your diving equipment to ensure it functions properly. Always check your equipment for damage or malfunction before entering the water. If equipment malfunctions during a dive, signal your dive buddy and ascend safely if necessary while sharing air.

Physical fitness and health: Ensure you are in good physical condition and do not suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases that could affect your ability to dive or snorkel safely. Avoid alcohol before diving as it can impair judgment and increase the risk of decompression sickness.

For more information about safety in Bali, visit the Safety Guide.

Safety

Marine Life

Bali's underwater empire is a treasure trove of biodiversity and captivates divers with its vibrant coral reefs and fascinating marine life. The waters surrounding the island offer a glimpse into a world teeming with life, from tiny corals to dainty manta rays.

Coral Reefs and Their Biodiversity

Bali's coral reefs are among the most diverse and beautiful in the world. They boast a variety of hard and soft corals that form complex ecosystems. These reefs provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for many marine species. Bali's coral reefs include vibrant branch corals, brain corals, table corals, and delicate branching corals that form carpets of colors and shapes.

The reefs are home to many marine organisms, including sea sponges, sea fans, and sea anemones. These provide a habitat for many fish and invertebrates, supporting a complex food chain and a thriving ecosystem.

Common Species of Fish and Animals

Bali's waters are teeming with many species of fish, each adding its unique charm to the underwater scenery. With a snorkel and while diving, you can encounter schools of tropical fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and damselfish. The clownfish, famously known as Nemo, are often found in the anemones, while regal lionfish drifts by.

Other notable fish species that grace the Bali reefs include triggerfish, surgeonfish, groupers, and wrasses. Watch for the elusive and strange-looking frogfish and the brightly colored mandarinfish you may encounter.

Manta Rays, Turtles, Sunfish, and More

Bali offers a unique opportunity to observe magnificent sea creatures that will leave a lasting impression on everyone. With their graceful movements and an impressive wingspan, Manta rays are a highlight for many divers. The waters around nearby islands Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are particularly famous for encounters with these gentle giants. Watching them glide effortlessly through the water is a breathtaking experience.

Other iconic marine species found in Bali are the sea turtles. While diving or snorkeling around the island, it is common to see green turtles and hawksbill turtles. These ancient creatures move gracefully along the reefs and occasionally surface to breathe, providing memorable encounters.

In Bali, you can encounter stingrays, turtles, and reef sharks, including blacktip and whitetip sharks, which add an exciting touch of adventure to underwater exploration. Other notable encounters include octopuses, moray eels, nudibranchs, and schools of barracuda and trevally.

Another exceptional marine animal that occasionally surrounds the waters of Bali is the majestic sunfish, also known as Mola Mola. With their peculiar appearance and imposing size, these unique creatures inspire awe in divers lucky to encounter them.

The sunfish is the heaviest known bony fish in the world with a peculiar flattened body and large dorsal and anal fins. They can reach incredible sizes, with some individuals growing up to 3 meters long and weighing over 1,000 kilograms. In the warmer months, these gentle giants can be found in the waters off Bali, particularly around the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

Sunfish aka Mola Mola, heaviest bony fish

Swimming next to a sunfish is a truly surreal experience. Their massive size and slow, graceful movements are awe-inspiring. You can witness sunfish gliding through the water, often accompanied by smaller fish species seeking shelter nearby. Spotting a sunfish is considered the highlight of any diving trip to Bali and leaves a lasting impression on those lucky enough to witness its splendor.

In addition, there are other remarkable marine animals in Bali's waters. While diving, you may encounter the elusive and well-camouflaged ghost pipefish, which resemble floating twigs or slender seahorses. Adding a fascinating touch to the underwater world is the brightly colored cuttlefish, which can change patterns and skin hues.

Bali's marine encounters go beyond these examples, and surprises await you around every coral corner. Exploring Bali's reefs and dive sites offers an ever-changing marine life landscape that provides endless exploration and discovery opportunities.

Ecosystem Protection

Bali's marine ecosystem is a fragile and precious treasure that deserves our respect and protection. While diving and snorkeling, we should be environmentally conscious and contribute to protecting this underwater paradise. This section will highlight the importance of protecting Bali's marine ecosystem, responsible diving and snorkeling practices, and ways to support local conservation initiatives.

The Importance of Marine Ecosystem Protection

Bali's marine ecosystem is not only a source of beauty and wonder but also plays a vital role in maintaining the overall ecological balance of the planet. Corals and other marine organisms produce 50 % of the earth's oxygen, protect coastlines from erosion, provide livelihoods for local communities through tourism, and contribute to the global economy. Coral reefs, in particular, serve as nurseries and habitats for countless marine species.

However, Bali's marine ecosystem faces many threats, including pollution, overfishing, climate change, and destructive fishing practices. The degradation of coral reefs and the decline in fish populations seriously affect the entire ecosystem. By protecting and conserving Bali's marine environment, we will ensure the preservation of its natural beauty and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on it.

Responsible Diving & Snorkeling

Respect the underwater world and do not touch marine animals, including corals, which you should not break or step on, even in your fins. Keep a safe distance and observe marine animals without interfering with their natural behavior.

Master buoyancy control skills to avoid accidentally damaging fragile corals or dislodging sediments. Control your movements well, especially near the reef.

Feeding marine animals can disrupt their natural feeding patterns, alter their behavior, and even lead to their dependence on humans. Avoid participating in any feeding activities.

Reduce your ecological footprint by avoiding single-use plastics such as water bottles and straws. Choose reusable alternatives and support facilities that promote sustainable practices.

Dispose of all litter, including trash or fishing lines, in designated bins on land. You can also participate in beach clean-ups and encourage others to do the same.

Support for Local Initiatives

Always choose dive and snorkel operators that favor sustainable practices such as responsible diving principles, low-impact anchoring systems, and reef protection efforts. It is advisable to support organizations that actively contribute to protecting the marine environment.

Learn about the marine ecosystem, its threats, and the importance of conservation. Share your knowledge and experience with others to promote environmental awareness and inspire responsible action.

Contribute to ongoing research and conservation efforts by participating in citizen science initiatives. These programs collect valuable data on marine life, water quality, and coral health to help scientists in their conservation efforts.

You can also donate to local conservation organizations that protect Bali's marine environment. These organizations work tirelessly to preserve the ecosystem, conduct research and educate local communities.

As visitors to Bali's underwater paradise, we can contribute significantly to its conservation. By embracing environmental awareness, diving and snorkeling responsibly, and supporting local conservation initiatives, we can preserve the marine ecosystem for future generations. Let's be ambassadors of change, foster a deep appreciation for Bali's maritime world, and inspire others to join our collective efforts to protect this extraordinary underwater paradise.

BEst Diving Spots

Bali is a diver's paradise and offers many sites for diving enthusiasts of all experience levels. From vibrant coral reefs to intriguing shipwrecks, Bali's underwater world holds breathtaking treasures waiting to be explored. This section introduces you to Bali's best dive sites, each offering unique and unforgettable diving experiences.

Wreck of the USS Liberty, Tulamben

The wreck of the USS Liberty in Tulamben is one of the most famous dive sites in Bali. World War II shipwreck resting just a few meters off the coast attracts divers worldwide. The wreck is adorned with colorful corals and teeming with marine life, including schools of fish, barracudas, bumphead parrotfish, and even the occasional reef shark. Due to its shallow depth and excellent visibility, the wreck of the USS Liberty is accessible to divers of all levels, making it very popular.

Nusa Penida

The island of Nusa Penida, located southeast of Bali, offers exciting diving experiences. This area is famous for encounters with beautiful mantas, especially around the cleaning stations at the so-called Manta Point. Diving in Crystal Bay allows spotting the sunfish mentioned above at the right time of year. Nusa Penida's coral reefs are also home to many marine species, including colorful reef fish, turtles, and the occasional reef shark. Nusa Penida's strong currents and deep cliffs present an exciting adventure for the more experienced diver.

Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island, also called Deer Island, is located northwest of Bali and is a paradise for underwater exploration. This marine park, with crystal clear waters and pristine coral reefs, is ideal for snorkeling and diving. The island offers a variety of dive sites, each with its charm. The walls of Menjangan feature magnificent coral formations, while the Eel Garden is home to a remarkable concentration of garden eels. You can also encounter turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of colorful tropical fish. Menjangan Island is suitable for divers of all levels due to its calm waters and gentle currents.

Jemeluk Bay, Amed

The coastal village of Amed, located in the east of Bali, is a hidden gem for diving enthusiasts. Amed's black sand beaches are the gateway to many dive sites, including Jemeluk Bay. The coral gardens boast rich underwater life with colorful reef fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional seahorses. Amed is also known for its unique macro life, making it a paradise for underwater photographers, animal lovers, and fans of so-called "muck diving." The calm conditions and shallow depth make Amed suitable for less experienced divers.

Blue Lagoon, Padang Bai

Padang Bai, located on the east coast of Bali, offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers. A popular site is Blue Lagoon, which is known for its calm and clear waters full of marine life. This site is ideal for beginners and offers the opportunity to see a variety of tropical fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and moray eels. The nearby Bias Tugel and Jetty dive sites offer more challenging conditions and the chance to encounter larger marine species, such as reef sharks and turtles.

Secret Bay, Gilimanuk

For those looking for unique encounters with unique small animals and muck diving enthusiasts, Secret Bay in Gilimanuk is a great dive site. This bay is known for its rich biodiversity and rare marine species; a paradise for underwater macro-photography. Here you can go on exciting dives to the very bottom and discover a variety of fascinating animals hiding in the black volcanic sand, from rare frogfish and seahorses to colorful nudibranchs and octopuses. Secret Bay offers the opportunity to observe the mesmerizing beauty of marine macro life.

Although Secret Bay is a stunning dive site, tides, and currents must be considered when visiting. Due to its location on the northwest coast of Bali, the bay is prone to strong currents that can affect diving conditions. We recommend diving during low tide or seeking advice from experienced local dive operators who know the area.

Due to its popularity among underwater photographers and macro enthusiasts, Secret Bay may see higher visitor numbers, especially during peak seasons. We recommend visiting on weekdays or opting for early morning dives for a more intimate and undisturbed experience.

More great places to dive in Bali can be found on the map below.

Can't you see the map? Google can be stubborn. Try this link.

BEst Snorkeling Spots

You can practically use the diving areas for snorkeling; however, below, you can find a map of areas suitable for snorkeling, including those not listed as suitable for diving. We have divided the sites into the following areas:

Northwest Bali

The Northwest Bali area generally offers the best snorkeling experiences on the island. There are two main spots: the island of Menjangan and its surroundings and the village of Pemuteran. The water at these sites is calm almost all day, and visibility is excellent, so you will get a "crystal water" feeling most mornings. In addition, in Pemuteran village, you can observe practically right next to the beach a "farm" for new corals within the Biorock coral reef restoration project, which grow here on steel nets where a mild electric current is brought to stimulate their growth.

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan Islands

The area of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan islands is another great place for snorkeling. Nusa Penida is famous for its clear waters, coral formations, and the chance to encounter the admirable sunfish mentioned above at the right time of year. The mangroves of Nusa Lembongan offer a fantastic snorkeling experience with the opportunity to observe small reef sharks and other fascinating marine animals.

The best solution is to hire a private boat in the harbor and let a local guide take you to the main sites. Plus, you usually get snorkeling equipment if you don't have your own, including life jackets, included in the price (about IDR 600,000 (USD 40) for 2 hours/boat).

Northeast Bali

The area of northeast Bali is famous for two shipwrecks. The USS Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben is larger and at a greater depth (10 meters or more), making it more suitable for freediving, as you can't see much of the wreck from the surface when snorkeling. And the other Japanese shipwreck in the village of Amed is mainly for snorkeling and can be found right next to the beach, where you can rent equipment, including fins. Within Amed, Jemeluk Bay is also good for snorkeling, offering a vibrant and variable underwater world and calm waters without waves.

South Bali

The area of South Bali is the least known as a snorkeling spot. You'll hardly see anyone snorkeling here because the large waves discourage most visitors from exploring the water world. If you want to snorkel in this part of the island and see, for example, lionfish or seahorses, you will have to wait for low tide when the big waves recede, and you will have a unique opportunity to snorkel. For example, Pandawa Beach is a fantastic place with a coral farm. Here you can often see seahorses, sea snakes, moray eels, and other inhabitants of the aquatic world.