One of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bali is the most popular holiday destination in Indonesia. Many visitors prefer to stay in one of the coastal resorts, away from the huge volcanoes and rice terraces.
The waters of Bali are surprisingly little known. Until now they were patrimony of surfers and tourism of beach, but lately they are seeing more and more divers. Diving in Bali is not just an extra to a holiday as some people think.
In fact, the main feature of scuba diving in Bali is the incredible variety in dives. Deep pits and steep walls, coral reefs and outcrops, one of the world’s most famous wrecks, volcanic mountains and huge meadows of marine vegetation. With its marine and colorful diversity there is enough for you to be willing to return.
East of the island is the Lombok Strait, it is the first marine grave just east of the Asian continental shelf. Through this channel flows the greater tide of the earth. Here the Pacific Ocean creates powerful currents and true roller coasters that characterize some of the dives in Bali. This also means that many of the big and strange fishermen visit this water, such as the incredible Luna or Mola Mola fish. The strong currents also clean the waters giving great visibility.
All this combined with the friendliness of the Balinese, excellent climate and white sand beaches make Bali an increasingly sought after destination by divers from all over the world.
Highlights
If you want to remember all the fish you see diving in Bali, you’ll need a small library of marine guides. From fish leaf cockatoos and pygmy seahorses at Secret Bay and Menjangan at the northwest end of the island, to Napoleons and reef sharks in the north and east in Tulamben and Candi Dasa, and Moon Fish and giant jureles in The islands of Nusa Penida and Lembongan, the seabed of Bali are truly fascinating.
There is always something for everyone’s tastes; Let yourself be surprised since you never know what you can see in the ever changing waters of this marine jewel. Experienced divers will be amused by the exciting currents of Nusa Penida, beginners will love the simplicity of the Amed and Padang Bai dives and photographers will flock to the muck diving areas of Secret Bay. But there are two dives you can not miss: USS Liberty – an internationally renowned wreck. Just outside the stone floor of Tulamben lies the most beautiful and colorful you can imagine. Easy access, mild conditions and shallow meaning that anyone can enjoy the splendor this wreck and the multitude of species that have made it his home.
Lembongan Island – Apart from the crowds of Bali Island in Nusa Lembongan is situated Blue Corner where you can see one of the most incredible strange creatures of the sea, the Mola Mola or Luna fish. You will rise to the surface dizzy by the currents so changing but with the satisfaction of seeing one of the fish most desired by any diver.
Diving in Bali
A resort stay in the northeast or east of the island will allow you to enjoy the charms that the island offers you and most dives with easy access. The island of Nusa Lembongan is a great base for divers who want to know what Bali was like 30 years ago.
If you want to do all the best dives that Bali offers you then hire an 8 night Safari, which will take you to the 4 points of the island and all the essential dive points. The transport by land will take you from one destination to another, from Tulamben to the east to Permuteran to the west and by sea to the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
When to dive in Bali
You can dive in Bali throughout the year although the conditions vary according to the seasons. The Moonfish, sharks and other large pelagics look better in the months of June to September than when the sea can be moved due to the monsoon winds. From December to March is the rainy season (although many days do not rain) there are fewer divers, however visibility can be seen somewhat reduced to the north and west of the island.
Summary of the Bali area
- Highlights: Small and large animals, reef life, dive with current, wrecks and other activities.
- Depth: 5 – 40m
- Visibility: 10 – 45m
- Currents: They can be very strong
- Conditions: on the surface Calm
- Water temperature: 19 – 26 ° C
- Diving levels: Initiated, intermediate and advanced
- Diving Points: More than 50
- Access: Resort
- Recommended stay: 1-2 weeks
Diving areas
Amed, Candi Dasa-Amuk Bay, Biaha, Liberty Wreck, Menjangan, Padang Bay, Permuteran, Secret Bay, Gili Selang, Tulamben
The 10 best dive sites in Bali
South of Bali
The huge Mola Mola fish in Crystal Bay
If you are in Bali from the months of August to October you try to go to Crystal Bay to have the opportunity to see the giant Mola Mola. From 2 to 3 meters in wingspan, this fish seems prehistoric. Following the cold currents, Mola Mola feeds on microscopic algae. The best opportunity to see them, you have to dive to at least a depth of 30 meters.
Diving with giant mantas in Manta Point
Swimming with manta rays is a pleasure that we would like to play every day. At Manta Point that is possible …. This large pelagic cleaning station attracts manta rays all year round. In addition, diving is very easy and the depth does not exceed 25 meters. However, the temperature of the water can be cooler than in other Bali dive sites down to 21 °.
Diving in Blue Corner
This site is very famous for its current. It is a drift dive where divers are transported by the current, traveling farther and with less effort, creating the sensation of flying. The current can be very strong and only recommended for experienced divers who really have a good experience in drifting dives. During this immersion you will follow a reef at an average depth of 20 meters during which you can see sharks, large rays and also if you are lucky the famous Mola Mola.
Eastern part of Bali
USAT Liberty, the best wreck of Bali
The USAT Liberty wreck in Bali is arguably one of the best wrecks in the world. It is located in the city of Tulamben. Entry into the water can be dangerous for some people due to slippery stones and the waves breaking there. The USAT Liberty is truly an extraordinary experience, a mix of adventure and excitement before a ship that has failed to be colonized by the very fun underwater life of the environment. The proliferation of life is incredible goes from the very big with the fish Napoleon to the very small like the pygmy seahorses.
Gili Selang North, the wonderful garden of corrals
This dive is very technical, but really worth it. The corals are fabulous with a multitude of colors. However, the current can be very powerful which makes this dive, an exclusive place for experienced divers.
Gili Tepekong, the Grand Canyon
This dive is not an easy dive site. This reserved for experienced divers blames the currents that can be very strong, especially the offspring that deserves good attention and above all of being stuck to the bottom. The dive site is beautiful, with a great canyon like a Roman amphitheater and lots of fish. It is possible to see with a bit of luck sharks, turtles and napoleon fish. During the period from August to October, you can also see Mola Mola.
Seraya secret the most famous macro site of Bali
You are a photographer and you like the macro …. this site is for you. In a black sand bottom, a rich but tiny marine life is waiting. You can see the frogfish, seahorses and even rarely the mime octopus. Open your eyes !!!
Secret Bay, another amazing macro site
Napoleon Reef, the natural aquarium
This beautiful reef could be a model that all aquarium fans strive to recreate. With a length of half a football field, this reef is a breeding ground where many species of fish reproduce. The variety of corals is impressive and shows why Bali is considered one of the best dive destinations in the world. To admire the magnificence of the place, it is better to snorkel in the deeper areas of the site because unfortunately the upper part of the reef has suffered from bleaching fault to El Niño. Napoleon Reef has become a great place to witness the regeneration of corals.
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