/ The Ten

10 Best Dive Sites in Bali

by Nadzyra

Explore the magical world below the surface and descend to Bali’s world famous, spectacular dive sites!

Bali’s warm tropical waters with their spectacular visibility that allows exploration of the abundant varieties of fish, corals and marine life are certainly what a scuba diver can be dreaming of. The greatest features of scuba diving in Bali are the rich and varied sites - deep drop-offs and steep banks and coral ridges, one of the most famous wrecks in the world, volcanic outcrops and sea grass beds. With the colorful and diverse marine life, there's enough in the island to keep you coming back for more.

  1. USAT Liberty

    The WWII Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben is Bali’s top dive treasure and one of the world's easiest wreck dives. Enjoyment is guaranteed whether you are a beginner or a veteran diver. Reaching the site from the rocky beach can be a little challenging, however the stunning variety of underwater life will instantly make you forget about that. Every part of the 120-meter long wreck offers something special with beautiful corals and hundreds of different fish species including, if you are lucky, pigmy seahorses!

  2. Toyapakeh

    Toyapakeh has a well-deserved reputation of being the most spectacular dive site of Nusa Penida, not only because of its good visibility and pleasant drift-dive current, but also due to its diverse topography. Colorful coral reefs, impressive coral formations and giant gorgonian sea fans can be found here. It is a popular playground for clouds of reef fish, large pelagic fish and, occasionally, mola mola.

  3. Manta Point

    Manta Point is the prime location for manta rays. Sightings of these graceful giants are very common all year round as they come here to graze on the abundant plankton. They appear to enjoy the company of divers and often swoop in close to investigate. Definitely an experience not to be missed! It is important to select the right time to go though as the swell can be strong.

  4. Eel Garden

    Puri Jati (also referred to as PJ) is a classic example of why never to judge a book by its cover. Don’t let the dark volcanic sand and seaweed put you off as this muck dive site offers you the opportunity to see small and rare animals like frogfish, dragonets, seahorses, nudibranchs, devil scorpion fish, mimic octopuses and many other unusual creatures. PJ is a fairly difficult site to find but an absolute must-see for macro lovers.

  5. Puri Jati

    Lovina beach is well known as an excellent site for sunset watching, snorkeling, and diving. Nightlife activities are also abound, as well as chartered boats to go out into the sea. If you like what Kuta offers but do not like the crowds, Lovina Beach is for you. Dolphin watching is Lovina’s main attraction, and thus visitors go there in June, July or August, when the weather is good and the waters are blue and clear.

  6. Crystal Bay

    Crystal Bay mesmerizes divers from all over the world with its clear waters and incredible flora and fauna. It is the best place to see mola mola that come here to take advantage of the cleaner fish and treat themselves to a Balinese ‘spa’ treatment. No diver should miss this incredible spectacle! The right time to admire them is between August and October.

  7. The Drop Off

    The Drop Off is simply multi-level dive heaven! Starting off with a steep wall, and then a gentler coral-covered slope, you will be amazed by the unbelievable landscape sculpted with many overhanging rocks. Giant gorgonian sea fans and great macro such as porcelain crabs and frogfish can be found hidden away in the crevices. Angelfish fans can eat their hearts out here and divers should also keep an eye out in the blue for large pelagic passing by.

  8. Seraya Secrets

    Seraya Secrets is not an award-winning dive site at first glance, however, after a bit of exploring, it soon becomes apparent why this muck dive site is so popular. Photographers in particular could spend all day here capturing the amazing macro marine life. And if you are a fan of rare creatures you will find this site unforgettable. Harlequin shrimp, frogfish, sea mimic octopus and seahorses are only a few among Seraya’s many hidden treasures.

  9. Tepekong

    The mystical dive spot Tepekong will definitely satisfy adrenaline junkies. Hosting “The Canyon”, a dramatic undersea gorge, the site offers an exciting ride through its rocky seascapes. Shark lovers are attracted to this site as it has a high potential to see many white tips. Mola mola can also be found during season. As currents are unpredictable and can be very strong, this site is recommended for experienced divers only.

  10. Padang Bay

    Padang Bay hosts two Balinese dive jewels: Blue Lagoon and Jepun. These sites are home to some fantastic marine life. You’ll find a great variety of fish here including stingrays, reef sharks, turtles to leafy scorpion fish and frogfish. Jepun in particular, is a popular site with cuttlefish and at certain times of the year divers can be fortunate enough to see them mating and laying eggs. The water can get chilly, so bring a wetsuit.

Photos are provided by and courtesy of Blue Season Bali and Phil Tait.

This article is published in THE MAG 25 - MAY 2010.
0 comments

Leave your message:

Related Articles: