Though Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, it is not just popular for its sacred temples. Tourists love its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and colourful marine life. If you too dream of swimming through a coral garden with giant reef manta rays and tropical fish, then there can be no better place than Bali.
Bali is located in Southeast Asia’s Coral Triangle, which is known for its excellent diving spots. It is surrounded by reefs, shipwrecks, and beautiful coral gardens, which brings tourists all year.
Each dive reveals a rich underwater world filled with marine life and complex ecosystems. This makes it a true paradise for adventurers who want to explore the wonders beneath the waves.
With its crystal-clear beaches, coral reefs, and diverse marine species, Bali is a snorkeller’s paradise. From the iconic Manta Rays of Nusa Lembongan to the vibrant fish of Tulamben, Bali offers a wealth of snorkelling opportunities for everyone.
So, if you want to explore the underwater, learn about these important snorkelling places in Bali.
In this guide, we will take you on a journey to the best snorkelling places in Bali, where you can discover the island’s surprising underwater world and create unforgettable memories.
Best Snorkelling Places in Bali – You Must Know
Tulamben Beach
Have you ever wondered how Tulamben, a small fishing village, became one of Bali’s best snorkelling places? It is a renowned USAT Liberty shipwreck, which rests just a short swim from the shore and attracts divers and snorkellers from around the globe.
Most beaches in Tulamben are renowned for their unique volcanic sand rocky beaches, which starkly contrast to the golden sands typically found in the southern regions of the island.
This scenic destination can be reached in approximately 2.5 hours by car from Sanur and about 3 hours from popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua.
Tulamben has beautiful coral reefs that create an amazing underwater view. The calm waters and easy access make it a great place for both experienced snorkellers looking for excitement and beginners or families with children who want a safe and fun experience.
Best Spots to Snorkel in Tulamben Beach, Bali
Shipwreck
| Did you Know? USAT Liberty shipwreck, The World War II shipwreck which sank in 1942, has become a successful artificial reef over the years, hosting a collection of marine life, including vibrant schools of fish, sea turtles, and intricate corals. |
Today, the shipwreck has become an artificial reef, providing a habitat for a diverse range of marine life. The wreck is covered in various types of hard and soft coral, and it is home to thousands of fish, including schools of colourful tropical fish, eels, and even some shark species.
Additionally, the wreck hosts significant marine creatures, such as octopuses, nudibranchs, and sea turtles. Blacktip reef sharks are frequently spotted passing by, particularly in Bali, where they can only be seen along the east coast.
Coral Garden
Coral Garden is the second most popular snorkelling spot in Tulamben. It offers a unique and fascinating underwater experience. Residents created this artificial reef by placing various statues and interesting objects underwater.
The name can be slightly deceiving, but Coral Garden is rich with marine life, with colourful fish swimming among the coral formations. This creates a fun and lively atmosphere for exploring underwater.
If you are considering the best time for snorkelling at Tulamben Beach, it’s important to note that snorkelling is most enjoyable in the morning through early afternoon. During this period, visibility in the water is typically optimal, and the sea conditions tend to be calmer, making it easier to explore the vibrant marine life.
Most snorkelling trips depart from southern Bali around 7-8 AM, allowing you to arrive in Tulamben by approximately 9-10 AM. This timing allows you to spend several hours in the water, with most excursions concluding around 1-2 PM.
By planning your trip here, you’ll have a greater chance of experiencing the gorgeous underwater world, including its famous shipwreck and the diverse array of coral and fish.
Padang Bai
If you have a fascination with turtles, snorkelling in Padang Bai is one of the best places in Bali to swim with them. This beautiful coastal area has great underwater life, making it an ideal spot for marine enthusiasts.
As you glide through the crystal-clear waters, you will have the chance to see not only the graceful turtles gliding by but also a variety of other captivating creatures, such as colourful octopuses, elusive sea snakes, and the impressive white-tip reef sharks.
The popularity of Padang Bai extends beyond just turtles; you may encounter astonishing schools of pelagic fish, mesmerising camouflage fish hiding among coral formations, and other diverse marine species.
The rich biodiversity and stunning reef ecosystems truly make Padang Bai a snorkelling paradise, ensuring that every dive reveals something new and exciting to discover.
Padang Bai is a calm place with small waves or flat water. This makes it a great choice for families with children. The peaceful environment allows for a relaxing experience and offers a safe area for first-time snorkellers to discover the colourful underwater life without worrying about rough seas.
All snorkelling activities in Padang Bai are conducted using traditional spider boats, which are unique to the area and designed for stability and comfort on the water. These boat rides are typically brief, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes, allowing for easy access to some of the best snorkelling spots.
The Best 3 Snorkeling Places in Padang Bai, Bali
Blue Lagoon:
Renowned as the premier snorkelling destination in Padang Bai, Blue Lagoon has crystal-clear waters and beautiful underwater life. This picturesque bay is easily accessible.
It allows visitors to either swim directly from the sandy beach or embark on a boat tour for a more extensive exploration. Here, snorkellers can expect to encounter an array of colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and occasional sightings of larger marine species. That’s what makes it a must-visit for both beginner and experienced snorkellers.
Tanjung Jepun:
Following closely behind Blue Lagoon, Tanjung Jepun is a favourite among snorkellers due to its spectacular underwater landscapes. This spot features a dramatic drop-off wall that begins at shallow depths, making it accessible for snorkellers of all experience levels.
As you glide along the wall, be prepared to marvel at the rich biodiversity, including schools of cute fish, intricate coral formations, and even the chance to spot a sea turtle or two. The clear visibility and varied depths add to the allure, ensuring a memorable snorkelling experience.
White Sand Beach:
Often regarded as a hidden gem, White Sand Beach offers a more peaceful snorkelling experience away from the busier spots. The beach is framed by lush greenery and has soft, white sand, creating a serene atmosphere.
Snorkellers can explore gently sloping reefs right off the beach, where they’ll encounter an impressive variety of marine life, such as colourful reef fish, sea cucumbers, and delicate sea anemones. The relatively calm waters, coupled with stunning natural scenery, make White Sand Beach an ideal location for a relaxing day of snorkelling.
These three spots highlight the incredible underwater diversity and beauty that Padang Bai has to offer, catering to all levels of snorkelling enthusiasts.
Nusa Islands
Nusa Island serves as home for countless species to the deeper, mysterious waters where larger marine animals roam, diving in this region truly offers something for everyone.
The natural formations, such as caves and ridges, provide a backdrop for divers. As divers explore these sites, they can view schools of tropical fish swimming among the corals, creating a mesmerising display of colours.
Even they experience a thrill when larger species, like hammerhead sharks and whale sharks, pass through them. Beyond the thrill of encountering such magnificent wildlife, many diving sites offer opportunities for underwater photography, allowing divers to capture and share their experiences.
If you are interested in snorkelling or diving, there are specialised courses available, such as night diving or deep-sea diving, that allow adventurers to explore different aspects of the marine environment.
The Best Snorkeling Places in Bali’s Nusa Penida
Manta Point:
Mantas are magnificent creatures that are fully protected in Indonesia and Bali, offering snorkellers an incredible opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in the waters of Manta Bay, Nusa Penida.
They are magnificent creatures that are fully protected in Indonesia and Bali, offering snorkellers an incredible opportunity to encounter these gentle giants in the vibrant waters of Manta Bay, Nusa Penida.
As the largest of the ray species, manta rays are closely related to sharks and are predominantly found in the warm, inviting tropical and subtropical oceans. These graceful animals, known for their impressive wingspan and mesmerising movements, pose no threat to humans.
Snorkellers can observe the fascinating behaviours of marine creatures, such as sea turtles and manta rays, up close. This experience allows them to explore the underwater world filled with vibrant coral reefs and colourful fish.
Many adventurous tourists find it thrilling to swim next to these gentle giants in their natural habitat. They enjoy watching the creatures move and interact as they feed. This unforgettable experience helps attendees appreciate marine life and highlights the importance of protecting these delicate ecosystems.
Crystal Bay
One of the finest locations in the world to encounter the mola-mola, or oceanic sunfish, is Crystal Bay. It gets its name from the remarkably clear waters that offer incredible visibility- it’s so pristine that you can see down to great depths.
This location is renowned among divers and marine enthusiasts for being one of the premier spots to observe the mola-mola, particularly during the peak diving season, which spans from July to October.
Crystal Bay is a large island located about 20 km southeast of Bali. It has a sheltered bay connecting the deep waters between Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan.
The snorkelling area in Crystal Bay is calm and ideal for exploring. The water is clear, making it great for seeing underwater life. You can spot schools of anthias and batfish, which visit the area regularly.
The Best Snorkeling Place in Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Mangrove
Snorkelling at Mangrove Lembongan will make you feel like you are inside a giant aquarium: There are small, brightly coloured fish here and big brown fish there, along with so many types of corals!
In the deeper waters, there is often a significant current that can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to remain in the shallower areas where the water is calmer and safer. Your captain will always be vigilant, keeping a watchful eye on you to ensure your safety throughout the journey.
Mangrove ecosystems are important for maintaining biodiversity and protecting coastlines. These coastal forests provide homes for many species and serve as natural barriers against storms and erosion. This makes them essential for marine environments.
Pemuteran Beach
Snorkelling at Pemuteran is an amazing experience because of its special man-made coral nursery, which helps protect and restore marine life. This area has a rich history and has faced serious damage from harmful fishing practices and the effects of El Niño in the past.
The coral nursery structures are made from welded steel bars that are about 1 centimetre thick. They are shaped in different ways to resemble natural reef environments. These designs give corals a stable place to grow.
Corals grown through mineral accretion are bright in colour and grow quickly. They create a habitat for many tropical fish. This project improves the underwater landscape and helps restore the marine ecosystem in Pemuteran.
The Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are made up of three beautiful destinations: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Located off the northwest coast of Lombok and the East coast of Bali in Indonesia, these islands are known for their many turtles and colourful coral reefs. They are an excellent spot for snorkelling.
Best Snorkeling Places in Gili Meno, Bali
The Nest
Bali’s one of the best snorkelling places is The Nest Underwater Statues, where you will feel like you are swimming through art. It consists of artificial statues strategically submerged to encourage coral growth.
Snorkelling through these statues, surrounded by the crystalline waters and swarming with colourful Damselfish and myriad small reef fish, feels like swimming through an underwater art gallery.
To truly enjoy the magical experience, it’s best to visit early in the day to avoid the bustling crowds and capture stunning vacation photos.
Turtle Paradise
If you go to the northeast of the island, you’ll find a great spot for snorkelling with turtles. This area has plenty of sea plants that the turtles love to eat. Snorkelling with these amazing creatures is an unforgettable experience.
Here, you get a chance to connect with the ocean’s gentle giants. Early morning outings are recommended to enhance your chances of encountering these enchanting turtles while also enjoying the diverse marine life and stunning coral formations this location has to offer.
The Wreck
If you’re visiting Gili Meno, make sure to check out The Wreck during your snorkelling trip. It is located on the southwest side of the island, just beyond the drop-off point.
This eerie shipwreck is about 10 meters underwater but is still visible from the surface. The sight of the wreck, surrounded by various marine life, makes your underwater adventure even more exciting.
The Coral Garden’s
To the North of the pier on the East side of Gili Meno, the Coral Gardens lies. Snorkelling through this underwater maze with healthy red, green, and yellow corals is an absolute delight.
Many consider the Coral Gardens among the finest reefs in Bali, offering a stunning array of marine life. However, a word of caution: be mindful of passing boats near the pier as you immerse yourself in this underwater paradise.
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is located off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia. It is one of Bali’s best snorkelling places.
The island has clear waters that provide ideal visibility for observing the vibrant marine life and lovely coral reefs that inhabit the area. Its rich underwater ecosystem attracts snorkellers from around the world.
Best Snorkelling Places in Gili Trawangan, Bali
Turtle Reef
Turtle Reef is one of the most popular snorkelling spots in Gili Trawangan, and it’s named after the many sea turtles that you can encounter here. The reef is located on the western side of the island and is relatively shallow, making it perfect for snorkellers of all levels.
It’s a great place to swim alongside these graceful sea turtles as they glide through the water. The turtles are often found munching on the seagrass or hanging out near the coral.
Also, you’ll spot a variety of colourful fish species, such as parrotfish, clownfish, and angelfish. The coral gardens here are beautiful and rich in marine life, so you’ll have plenty to explore underwater.
Hanse Reef
Hanse Reef is located on the northeastern side of Gili Trawangan, and it’s a little less crowded than Turtle Reef. If you want to escape the bigger crowds while still experiencing fantastic snorkelling, it is a great choice.
Hanse Reef has an abundance of marine life, including lots of fish, both big and small. You may spot everything from schools of damselfish to larger fish like Barracuda or Napoleon wrasse.
Hanse Reef, like other areas around Gili Trawangan, has a vibrant and healthy coral reef. It has shallow parts that are great for casual snorkellers and deeper areas for more experienced divers. This spot is also beautiful for underwater photography.
Amed
Amed is the most beautiful snorkelling place in Bali. The spot that made snorkelling popular here is the USS Liberty Shipwreck in Amed. The shipwreck itself gives you a truly unique underwater adventure.
USS Liberty Shipwreck
| Did You Know? The USS Liberty was an American cargo ship that was torpedoed by the Japanese during World War II in 1942. It was later beached in Amed, and over the decades, it has become a thriving marine habitat. The shipwreck lies just a short distance from the shore, making it easily accessible for snorkellers. |
The wreck is fascinating to explore. While the coral and marine life are the main draws, you can still see parts of the ship’s structure, including the hull, deck, and propeller, all covered in colourful coral and marine organisms.
The wreck is surrounded by beautiful coral gardens. This area has become an artificial reef, with corals growing on the wreck and the seabed around it. The coral is abundant and colourful, creating a stunning scene for snorkellers.
Here, you’ll find various marine life, including schools of tropical fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and clownfish. It’s also common to see larger fish like barracudas, snappers, and even reef sharks.
For macro enthusiasts, the wreck is home to smaller creatures like nudibranchs and octopuses. Overall, Hanse Reef offers an outstanding balance of tranquil snorkelling with many underwater wonders. You’ll love it if you’re after a bit of peace and quiet while enjoying marine life!
Conclusion
Bali is an incredible snorkelling destination that offers unforgettable experiences for snorkelers and adventure-seekers. From the majestic Manta Rays of Nusa Lembongan to the colourful fish of Amed, each location provides a unique glimpse into the island’s vibrant marine ecosystem.
Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a tyro, Bali’s diverse range of snorkelling sites serves all levels of experience. With its warm waters, excellent visibility, and an incredible array of marine life, Bali is a snorkelers dream destination.
So why wait? Grab your snorkelling gear, and get ready to explore the underwater wonders of Bali. With its astonishing landscapes, rich culture, and incredible snorkelling opportunities, Bali is the ultimate holiday getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Places to Snorkel in Bali
What are the best snorkelling spots in Bali?
Bali is home to several amazing snorkelling spots. Some of the best include Nusa Penida, Menjangan Island, Padang Bai, Amed, and Blue Lagoon. These locations offer vibrant marine life, crystal-clear waters, and unique underwater landscapes.
Is it safe to snorkel in Bali?
Yes, snorkelling in Bali is generally safe. However, it’s important to follow safety guidelines, wear proper gear, and swim with a guide if you’re not experienced. Some areas may have strong currents, so always check local conditions before entering the water.
Can beginners go snorkelling in Bali?
Absolutely! Bali is an excellent destination for beginner snorkellers. Areas like Blue Lagoon and Amed offer calm, shallow waters that are perfect for those just starting out. Many local operators also provide guided snorkelling tours for beginners.
How much does snorkelling cost in Bali?
Snorkeling prices in Bali can range from around $15 to $50 USD for a basic snorkelling tour. Prices may vary depending on the location, equipment rental, and whether you’re opting for a group or private tour. Some resorts also offer package deals.
What are the best beaches in Bali for snorkelling?
The best beaches for snorkelling in Bali include Padang Bai, Amed, and Tulamben. These beaches have clear waters and abundant marine life. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are also great options for exploring underwater beauty.
Where is the best place to snorkel in Bali?
Some of the best places to snorkel in Bali include Menjangan Island, Amed, Padang Bai, and Nusa Penida. These spots offer the clearest waters and the most diverse marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and even sea turtles.
Is snorkelling in Bali suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, non-swimmers can still enjoy snorkelling in Bali! Many tour operators provide life jackets and guides to ensure your safety and comfort. You can also opt for shallow-water snorkelling, where you can simply float and enjoy the underwater world without the need to swim.
Where to go snorkelling in Bali?
Bali has several great snorkelling destinations, including Nusa Penida, Amed, Padang Bai, and Blue Lagoon. Each spot has its own unique charm, with different marine life and underwater features to discover.
What is the best place in Bali for snorkelling?
Nusa Penida and Menjangan Island are often considered the best places for snorkelling in Bali, offering crystal-clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, and beautiful coral reefs.
What are the best snorkelling places in Bali for beginners?
For beginners, the best snorkelling spots in Bali are Blue Lagoon, Amed, and Padang Bai. These areas offer calm and shallow waters, perfect for those new to snorkelling.
What are the best snorkelling beaches in Bali?
Some of the best snorkelling beaches in Bali include Amed Beach, Blue Lagoon, and Padang Bai. These locations provide easy access to vibrant coral reefs and a wide variety of fish.
