Best Scuba Diving in Bali

Among 17,000 other islands in Indonesia, there is a reason why Bali stands out. It is riddled with stunning beaches, each offering an experience of its own; white soft sand, lush mountains, limestone cliffs, and spectacular dive sites. It is a place that is rich in its culture and known for all the natural beauty it possesses.

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If Bali is on your list as a vacation destination, you should also put it on your list for your next dive! The island offers a multitude of exquisite dives all around, with amazing corals and marine life to experience. Below, we have listed our 5 favorite spots to dive and everything else you need to know about scuba diving in Bali.

Why Dive In Bali?

The “Island of the Gods” is known for how blessed it is with natural wonders; from beautiful beaches to colorful coral reefs. All four corners of the island offer divers their choice of unique experiences in terms of dives and marine life. You will see colors you didn’t think could be so bright and strange fish you have never heard of swim by you. Bali is a favorite amongst divers for a reason!

The island offers world-class diving locations, whether you want to enter from the shore, long-board or even take a boat; each site is majestic in its own way. There are multiple wrecks that lay under the water, just waiting to be discovered – just like the strange, but very cool aquatic life!

Is It Good For Beginners To Dive In Bali?

Bali has multiple dive sites that have options for divers just starting out all the way to advanced divers. The diving locations are plentiful and there is a lot to discover for divers of all experiences. Most sites on the island offer dives for all levels of expertise.

Is It Easy To Get There?

There are two international airports that are present in the South Kuta district, close to Denpasar, which is known as the capital of Bali. Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, has frequent flights from major airlines all over the world. If you are flying into Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia), you can take a 23-hour long bus ride to Bali, but we recommend just taking a local flight to the island – Can you go to Dive after Flying? – Flying and Scuba Diving

Are There Good Dive Sites for Families?

Bali is a destination a lot of people go with their families, which is why the island offers multiple locations where you can dive as a family. There are many places you can visit, but Amed is highly recommended for families who want to scuba dive and snorkel together.

What Aquatic Life Can You Find?

The sea around Bali is known not just above the ground for its beautiful beaches, but also below for its magnificent coral reefs. The corals are healthy, vibrant and spread out, forming breathtaking views before the water. The thriving flora attracts a variety of multicolored reef fish; the quickly moving fish above the colored coral make for an awe-inspiring scene.

Some of these fish include the mandarin fish; this tiny creature looks like it has been given bright turquoise and vibrant orange tribal paintings all over its body. They aren’t very common, but if you get to see one, you’ll be in love! Speaking of fish that look like paintings, you can also spot the clown triggerfish. Whitest of white spots against a velvety black body and bright yellow accents make this fish one you have to see!

If you are after some of the must-see marine animals for divers anywhere, Bali is also home to giant Manta Rays that you can find in the waters around Nusa Penida. Diving here, you might get a chance to see the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Though it is rare to spot one anywhere else, their population is thriving in Bali. Bali is also home to the white tip reef shark. This is one of the smaller sharks of the bunch, stretching only 1.6m in adulthood, but still an extremely magnificent creature to see under the water.

If you are looking to experience some unique marine life, Bali is no stranger to the weird creatures of the sea. You can witness the “jewels of the sea”, nudibranch moving around on reefs and sea floors. They are multicolored little sea slugs that are a lovely sight to see.

One thing to definitely see is the distinctive mola mola, also known as the sunfish. Divers put seeing this fish on their bucket list because of its strange shape. This fish is huge and laterally flattened; if you’re going to get a photo, get it from the side!

Finally, if you can catch them before they catch you, you might see a mimic octopus. These creatures don’t just camouflage, they contort their bodies to look like other fish! You might think you’re looking at one thing, but you might be looking at another.

Best Scuba Diving Destinations in Bali

POS II, Menjangan

Menjangan Island is a small piece of land that is part of the West Bali National Park. It is known for its easily accessible wall dives and good visibility. Though it is not a place to view big fish, you can see attractive small creatures like the pygmy seahorse and vast, vivid coral gardens. POS II or Position 2 is one of the best wall dives Bali has to offer that is 40m deep.