Best Scuba Diving Spots in Bali to Try In 2024

I am living in Bali and I love it . Back in 2018, when I was living in Australia I did my open water course in Ahmet and it was unforgettable. Tulamben is one of the best dive sites in Bali due to the sunken ships and the wreck dive.

However, the beach is not that beautiful and no crystal clear waters. I really like Nusa Penida, that was impressive, but beware of the powerful currents. All over the island you will find many dive operators with very good quality services.

PLAN OF THE ARTICLE :

• Diving in Bali: Why is the Island is great for diving?
• Best diving spots around the Island
• 2 famous diving schools in Bali
• Best Price for Scuba Diving in Bali
• What to see while diving in Bali
• Safety and regulations while diving in Bali
• Passing your open water course in Bali + price

Best diving in Bali

Whenever we think of an adventurous vacation, Bali comes to mind. Bali is Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination. The volcanic island is rich in culture and religious beliefs, as well as magnificent natural beauty such as rice fields, beaches, volcanic peaks, and incredible coral reefs.

Bali has world-class surfing, diving, and trekking, and it is also a terrific island for relaxing on the sandy beaches, snorkeling, taking a yoga session, or visiting gorgeous temples.

I live in Bali and wrote more than 70 articles on the Island :

Looking for more information about Bali ?

• – What to do in Bali with itinerary
• – Best studios and yoga retreats in Bali
• – Best sunset bars in Bali 
• – Best traditional food in Bali 
• – Best surf beaches in Bali
• – Best meditation in Bali

Just type the topic you are looking for in the search bar 

Diving in Bali: Why is the Island is great for diving?

When it comes to scuba diving, Bali is a must-see destination. The island’s open sea, stunning coral reefs, and rich tropical marine life provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity for discovering the underwater world. Bali is also well-known for its shipwrecks and manta rays, making it an attractive choice for expert divers seeking a new challenge. Diving in Bali is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner.

Bali diving is ideal for learning to dive with PADI courses or for trying diving for the very first time due to the welcoming underwater conditions.

During the months of June to October, advanced divers can experience deep diving with the Mola Mola, drift diving with Nusa Penida, or macro photography on the island’s north or east shore.

Bali diving also provides a distinct cultural experience. The rich culture of the island may be seen in the Balinese Hindu temples and traditional fishing communities that can be visited at surface intervals. Divers may enjoy Balinese hospitality and warmth while staying in a diving resort or homestay, creating an immersive experience.

Scuba diving in Bali

The scuba diving around Bali is incredibly diverse, offering muck diving with unique critters, interesting wrecks, beautiful coral reefs, big pelagic creatures like manta rays and reef sharks, schools of fish, and interesting, unique animals such as the mola (oceanic Sunfish) that can be seen here.

Bali is Indonesia’s most famous island and one of the most popular scuba diving sites in Southeast Asia and the world. With many dive sites spread around the volcanic territory, you may wonder where to locate the greatest Bali diving. Nusa Dua, Tulamben, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and PadangBai are the most popular diving destinations for visitors to Bali. You can arrange your dives through the various PADI and SSI dive centers in these best areas.

I live in Bali and wrote more than 70 articles on the Island :

Looking for more information about Bali ?

• – Festivals in Bali 
• – Best waterfalls in Bali 
• – Family trip to Bali 
•  – Best cities in Bali

Best diving spots around the Island

1. Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida

Between July and September, the famed dive location of Crystal Bay, lying in the Ceningan Channel bordering Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, is where you can observe mola-molas (oceanic Sunfish).

The visibility is between 30 and 40 meters at that time of year; nevertheless, the water temperature is cooler than at other dive sites in Bali, with 23°C opposed to the usual 28-30°C. A 5 mm wetsuit typically is sufficient.

Seeing a mola-mola in Bali is like finding the Holy Grail for many scuba divers who visit the Indonesian island, but you’ll need some luck. To increase your chances, go during the peak season, dive on Nusa Lembongan, and arrange enough time for diving Crystal Bay at least twice.

It is a for advanced divers due to its depth. You can visit the place between July and September for $150 per head for three dives.

2. Eels Garden, Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is part of Indonesia’s century-old Bali Barat National Park. Due to their extended preservation time, diving in Menjangan Island will enable you to see some of the most spectacular coral reefs in Bali.

Eels Garden is one of Menjangan Island’s 11 dive spots. It begins with a deep wall covered in magnificent gorgonians, then transitions to a sandy bottom populated by garden eels, as the name suggests, and eventually to a shallower, colorful, hard coral garden. The cost per individual here lies around $120 to 150 dollars.

3. Drop-off, Tulamben

Scuba divers generally return here after their early-morning dives on the Liberty shipwreck. Divers in the know, whether they are underwater photographers or technical divers, are all about this Tulamben dive spot.

On the one side, there is a wall with an incredible depth of 80 meters that is ideal for tech diving training, and on the other, there are plenty of gorgonians on which you can find pygmy and Denise seahorses.

4. Liberty shipwreck, Tulamben

The USAT Liberty, an American cargo ship, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine during WWII. Today, it is the world’s most accessible shipwreck, which you may find by diving in Tulamben. The explanation is that the ship was hauled onto the beach after it sank. A volcanic eruption 1960 forced it beneath the water’s surface, yet it was barely a stone’s throw from the dark pebble beach.

Open-water divers may explore the wreckage because its shallowest point is only 5 meters deep, and skilled open-water divers can see its deepest point, only 28 meters deep. The Liberty is additionally one of the top wreck diving locations, but it is also ideal for divers who enjoy meeting unusual marine life. Ghost pipefish and leaf scorpion fish can be seen all around the shipwreck.

A school of jackfish can be seen swirling above the wreck on occasion. If you are okay with getting up before sunrise, attempt an early morning dive at the Liberty wreck to glimpse the Bumphead parrotfish as they leave for the day.

5. Secret Bay, Gilimanuk

Muck diving is not for everyone, but if you like to go on scavenger hunts on black sand for the strangest marine animals, Gilimanuk, on Bali’s westernmost tip, is the place to go. One of the best places you will find for beginning divers if you want to go diving at Pemuteran. You must contact the dive centers there.

With a maximum depth of 9 meters, the site is open all year round for you to explore the waters and polish off your diving skills. The cost per dive here is around $25 per individual.

I wrote more than 70 articles about the Island of Bali :

Bali on a budget

Is it safe to travel to Bali ?

Best temples in Bali

Cheapest time to visit Bali

Best waterfalls in Bali 

AND WAY MORE !

2 famous diving schools in Bali

1. BIDP Bali

Bali International Diving Professionals (BIDP) in Sanur is a popular dive center in Bali for taking courses and earning your SSI (Scuba Schools International) certification. It’s also an expert dive instructor training facility with years of experience guiding divers from all over the world through Bali’s pristine tropical waters.

They can organize dive tours to the top diving destination of Menjangan Island as well as the modern diving waters of nusa penida. The BIDP crew also specializes in underwater video and photography; they are the island’s pioneers in commercial underwater shooting and can arrange undersea pre-wedding shots.

2. Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben

Tauch Terminal Bali is a pioneering dive resort in Tulamben, East Bali’s popular diving location. For decades, it has been presenting divers from all over the world to Bali’s underwater scene. It is also an ‘SSI Diamond Instructor Resort’ and offers diving courses ranging from basic to professional and expert rescue training.

They can arrange tours to other popular Bali dive locations, such as neighboring Amed, Menjangan Island in the north, and Nusa Penida, in addition to onsite diving at their home in Tulamben, with the USAT Liberty wreck just 750 meters off the beach.

The full-service diving resort greets you with clean accommodations, diver hangouts, a spa, and an international restaurant.

Best Price for Scuba Diving in Bali

The price of scuba diving in Bali varies based on the area and dive operator. A one-day dive tour for two persons in Bali, on the other hand, can cost between $150 and $200. It usually involves renting equipment, going on a guided dive, and getting to and from the diving location.

A single dive in Bali is generally between 200 to 350 000 IDR ( 15 to 30 USD )

For an additional fee, certain diving companies may provide packages that include numerous dives or hotels. Before deciding, it is usually a good idea to investigate various providers and compare pricing.

The event will begin with a briefing on how to use diving equipment. Following that, you will practice utilizing the equipment and a few fundamental scuba diving skills in a pool for swimming. Then, you’ll go for a moderate ocean dive. You will be accompanied by a scuba teacher who guides and instructs you through all dives.

This program does not produce a certificate. You’ll be limited to shallow water, and your guide will be by your side the entire time. The dive shop I frequently use in Bali charges Rupiah 2,000,000 (about USD 150) per head. All equipment, travel from and to your place of lodging, a meal, and instruction are included.

It is quite typical of a full-service diving shop/center. You may be able to get a better deal from a smaller diving shop, but be wary of hidden fees.

What to see while diving in Bali

The heavenly creatures

The opportunity to dive into the “big stuff!” distinguishes Bali from other Southeast Asian destinations. Manta rays can be found all year in the waters of Nusa Penida. Diving with these spectacular rays is always a thrill, and it is possible to do so as a day excursion from Sanur and Padang Bai or while staying on the islands.

The mantas are not periodic visitors, but getting to Manta Point in high waves might be problematic. The unusual Sunfish, or Mola alexandrini, is a seasonal visitor to Bali, with sightings peaking in August and September. These largest bony fish can be found on shallow reefs near the island of Nusa Penida, where little fish remove parasites from their bodies.

Sunfish are on many divers’ bucket lists, and the best time to see them coincides with the best time to dive in Bali. These unusual fish are frequently attracted to the waters near Candidasa, especially at places like Gili Mimpang and Tepekong.

The best part about exploring with Mantas and Sunfish is that you can do both on the same day. Whale sharks are a common sight in Bali waters, with reports of sightings occurring on average once a month.

The Macro and The Reefs

There would only be talk of diving in Bali if mentioning the truly world-class critter diving. Bali is home to practically every species on a serious macro lover’s list due to its location in the middle of the Coral Triangle.

All the species that photographers adore are here, from harlequin shrimp to frogfish, rhinoplasty to strange nudibranchs, wonderpus to blue ring octopus. Although Tulamben is a popular tourist destination around the world, there are several animal hotspots in Bali.

Bali also has amazing and diversified tropical coral reefs. There are various sites on the island with spectacular corals, with over 400 types of coral found in the region. Some of the top coral spots for visitors who appreciate coral reefs and snorkelers are as follows.

The Wrecks

USAT Liberty, the Kubu wreck, and the Japanese wreck are among the most famous sites among the divers. Overall, Bali diving has something to offer divers of all skill levels. Underwater shutterbugs, tech divers, youngsters, and marine life enthusiasts will discover many wonderful sights in Bali’s waters.

It is critical to have an experienced guide with a keen eye for specifics such as the correct tide and time of day to dive a specific site. The Underwater Tribe is grateful to have skilled guides on our staff who know when to dive into the greatest places.

Safety and regulations while diving in Bali

Scuba diving may appear scary or even frightening to people who are unfamiliar with it. However, training and preparation can make you good enough to be a confident and safe diver. Obtaining your Open Water license is the first step in becoming one.

Many qualified divers would agree that diving was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. Seasoned divers appreciate the fascination, mystery, and danger of the vast and deep ocean after completing tens or even hundreds of dives. They understand how crucial it is to be well-prepared before starting your diving adventure.

1. Obtain Certification

Sure, you can do the 1-day PADI Discover Scuba Diving course to test the waters, but trust us when we say you’ll fall in love and want to dive more and more! Now is the time to earn the entire PADI Open Water certification. It’s worth it.

2. Select a reputable dive center

Make sure the diving center is trustworthy and has experienced staff before booking your dive program or dive vacation. We recommend going with a dive school close to the sites you want to visit.

3. Get in shape

Strength and stamina are required in any sport. And like all the others, scuba diving is a sport, too. It can be extremely difficult to support yourself while carrying heavy equipment on your back without proper strength, even if you are a good swimmer.

4. Learn to breathe underwater

Underwater breathing is a skill that one needs to learn and must use. Exhale completely after taking calm, deep breaths. Underwater, you should never, ever hold your breath.

5. Remain calm

It’s normal to be apprehensive when diving, especially if you’re a newbie. To help you relax, remember to be cool and take deep breaths. Another advantage of remaining calm is that the oxygen tank will last longer!

6. Clear your ears.

The force on your ears will rise as you fall. Clear your ears by squeezing your nose and gently blowing.

7. Remove your mask

It is one of the initial skills you will learn during an Open Water training from your instructor. During a dive, water may seep into your mask, or your mask lens may become cloudy. These are two very regular scenarios that can drastically ruin your diving. Learn and practice clearing your mask by blowing through your nose.

8. Be mindful of your surroundings.

Keep a watch out for aquatic life and avoid touching or upsetting it. We are their visitors when we are underwater, so let us be respectful of our hosts.

9. Do not hold your breath.

Scuba diving can be harmful if you hold your breath. Ensure that you are continuously breathing throughout your dive.

10. Keep hydrated

Dehydration can be an issue while diving, so drink plenty of water before and after diving. When diving, don’t push yourself too hard. Know your boundaries and stick to them.

Passing your open water course in Bali + price

Want to know more about Bali ?

What to do in Bali ?

Best beach clubs in Bali 

Best traditional food Bali 

Best beaches Bali

Best diving Bali

Price for open water is generally between 180 USD and 250 USD

The PADI Open Water Course certification is the basic level course of scuba diving; the certificate is recognized worldwide, and you will be certified to dive to a depth of 18 meters by the completion of the course.

The training covers all of the fundamentals of scuba diving, both theoretically and practically. In theory class, you will learn the essential facts, ideas, and concepts of scuba diving, increasing your awareness of the ocean. You will also learn various strategies and approaches for improving your driving abilities.

Aside from the confined water and open water training dives you’ll do with our PADI Instructor, the online learning section will help you to finish the course. You must do an online Quick Review to pass this portion and proceed to the practical part.

The review includes questions from the presentations’ safety-related information. After completing the theory, pool exercises, and four ocean dives, you will be qualified as an entry-level diver. You can rent diving equipment and dive virtually anywhere worldwide with an instructor or partner.

You have one year from registering to finish the PADI Open Water online course. Even though you will only have one year to complete the course, your access to the PADI guidebook will always be active. As a result, you can reload your memory and search for specific facts at any time. If you purchase an Online course independently, the course charge will be reduced by 1,000,000 IDR.

In conclusion

Let’s summarize the highlighted places mentioned in the article above to explore in your diving adventures. The highlights are the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben, Marble Rays at Blue Corner Nusa Penida, Bobbit Worms at Secret Bay, and Mola Mola. Make sure your health is secured with insurance, as scuba diving can lead to some risks, especially for the newbies.

I wrote more than 70 articles about the Island of Bali :

Bali on a budget

Is it safe to travel to Bali ?

Best temples in Bali

Cheapest time to visit Bali

Best waterfalls in Bali 

AND WAY MORE !