Broadly speaking, Bali offers us the opportunity to experience a type of diving that is peaceful, without large crowds of divers, and utterly charming, with enormous biodiversity beneath its waters.
The best dive sites
You can't miss these three diving spots or styles in Bali:
- The coral beds of the Menjangan Island marine reserve
Menjangan has numerous dive sites ranging from vertical walls to sandy bottom dives. Importantly, its underwater terrain caters to all divers' needs, with depths varying between 15 and 30 metres.
- Tulamben
This location in NE Bali is famous among divers as the resting place of the Liberty wreck. The Liberty was an American merchant ship sunk by a Japanese submarine during World War II. Today it lies just metres from Tulamben's shore, on black volcanic sand. Diving here is a must, as the wreck teems with underwater life - from Napoleon fish, rays, barracuda, trevallies and occasional turtles to enormous gorgonians and vividly coloured sponges. Average depth is around 20 metres with very easy shore access.
- Gili Islands cruise
The Gili Islands north of neighbouring Lombok are a premier diving location in Indonesia. The channel between Bali and Lombok creates optimal currents that attract large pelagic species to the Gilis. It's common to spot sharks, barracuda and sea turtles hunting for food near the coral reefs during dives here.
From Bali, dive cruises spend two or three days exploring the Gilis. If you have enough time, this makes an excellent option.
Key information
- Best time to visit: Avoid the rainy season (late November to March), though sudden downpours can occur year-round at these latitudes. Rains may reduce visibility and create swells due to monsoons.
- Climate: Hot and humid tropical climate. Pleasant sea breezes near the coast. Pack light-coloured, breathable cotton clothing to avoid excessive sweating.
- How to get there: The best option (for comfort and service) is Singapore Airlines, departing Madrid with a European stopover to Singapore, then onward to Denpasar (Bali's capital). Garuda (Indonesian Airlines) also flies Madrid-Bali via Jakarta.
- Water temperature/visibility: Typically 28-29°C with about 15 metres visibility.
- Recommended wetsuit: A lycra suit is sufficient or a 3-5mm shorty.
- Recommended diving level: Advanced Open Water. Average depths range 15-25 metres.
- Daily dives: One morning and one afternoon dive. Night dives can sometimes be arranged, except at Menjangan.
- Wrecks: The Liberty, one of Indonesia's best wrecks with memorable history.
- Caves: Not common in Bali diving. The closest are cavities/crevices in coral reef walls.
Most common species
Trevallies, white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, Napoleon wrasse, barracuda, reef fish like clownfish, pufferfish, triggerfish, moray eels, plus enormous fan gorgonians and barrel sponges alongside a vast variety of macro life: polychaete worms, echinoderms, nudibranchs and crustaceans.
