Known as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali is a phenomenal destination that combines stunning natural beauty with a rich and colourful culture. Underwater Bali delivers incredible marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Bali dive sites are diverse and range from tranquil calm bays to adrenaline-pumping drifts and rugged rock pinnacles. In this Blog, we take a look at some of Bali’s most iconic sites.
The Top 4 Best Dive Sites in Bali
Although Bali is a relatively small landmass, it is home to numerous diving areas which offer very different experiences. Bali dive sites range from muck and wreck dives to drifts and dropoffs depending on where you are located.
Tulamben
Tulamben is one of Bali’s most iconic regions for both wreck and muck divers. It’s impossible not to mention Tulamben when considering the best of Bali dive sites, in particular the WWII wreck of the USAT Liberty.
Uniquely, the USAT Liberty is just a step off Tulamben’s stony beach. The ship was actually on shore awaiting maintenance work when volcanic activity from Mount Agung dislodged the wreck and she slid from the beach back into the sea – her final resting place.
Now completely encrusted in coral, the USAT Liberty has literally been transformed into a living reef that provides habitat for innumerable critters and fish. Night diving here is an opportunity not to be missed!
Northwest Bali Dive Sites
Often overlooked by divers is the Menjangan Marine Park which is accessed from the small fishing village of Pemuteran. For divers who want a more remote and rural experience then the Bali dive sites offered in this region are a highlight. Menjangan Island offers picturesque coral walls with easy conditions for all levels. For easy diving from the beach, try exploring the famous ‘Bio-Rock’ site in Pemuteran which attracts a multitude of fish and critters.
Padang Bai
When talking about iconic Bali dive sites, Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai is one of Bali’s most picturesque reef dives. With a bright white sandy bottom, Blue Lagoon offers incredible visibility and easy conditions. Moving out of the bay, you’ll find a sloping reef that attracts hawksbill turtles and white tip reef sharks as well as critters and a plethora of different nudibranch species.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida
Located approximately 16 kilometers east of mainland Bali, the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are surrounded by incredible fringing reefs. These sloping sites, such as Sekolah Desar, Mangroves, and Toyapakeh, are frequently cited as being among the best Bali dive sites.
In addition to the fringing coral reefs, two of the most famous Bali dive sites are also found here: Manta Point and Crystal Bay. As the name suggests, Manta Point on the south coast of Nusa Penida is home to a resident population of manta rays that come here to clean, feed, and mate. Crystal Bay has made its name as one of the best Bali dive sites by virtue of its regular sightings of mola-mola (oceanic sunfish) during the season (August through to October).
Read Also : TOP 6 Exciting Water Sports in Bali
Other Attractions and Activities in Bali
Whether you are a fun-loving explorer or seeking culture and spirituality, there are plenty of opportunities on offer in Bali.
Bali offers multiple watersports activities as well as scuba diving. Try surfing the famous waves of Kuta Beach, stand-up paddle board in the calm waters of Sanur, or try wakeboarding, sea kayaking, or kite surfing. It’s all on offer around Bali!
For those who want to engage in the culture and spirituality of Bali, there are countless temples that can be visited and ceremonies that can be joined. Pura Besaki (also known as the Mother Temple), is Bali’s most iconic temple and well worth a visit. Ubud, in central Bali, is home to many of the island’s healers and spiritual advisors and it’s also a hub for many of Bali’s artisan craftsmen and artists.
Canggu on Bali’s west coast is the latest hip location to be spotted. Check out the numerous chic coffee shops and trendy beach clubs after stretching it out at one of Canggu’s famous yoga shalas.
Other popular activities on Bali include ATV riding, whitewater rafting, cooking classes, jungle trekking, jewellery making and other art classes, rice field terraces, local markets, and the highlands of Bedugal.
Experience Liveaboard Diving in Bali
With so many impressive and diverse regions on offer, exploring the most iconic Bali dive sites is best done by liveaboard or private charter. A private charter around Bali means that divers are not limited to diving in just one region and can spend as much time as preferred in each location.
For those who want to divide their time equally between diving and discovering Bali Island on land, El Aleph’s zodiac tender is always on standby to take guests ashore whenever desired.
Cruising Bali Dive Sites Aboard El Aleph
The level of luxury and exemplary service on board one of our charters around Bali simply cannot be matched by a land-based operator in this region. A private charter on board el Aleph uniquely ensures the ultimate in personalized service and unfettered attention. From the moment you step on deck, your needs will not only be met but will be exceeded by far. From ensuring your coffee (or cocktails) are prepared exactly as you want, to lavish menus developed around your preferences, the crew is on hand to make sure that you and your guests want for nothing.
It’s not only our service, 5 star cuisine, and lavish cabins that are unparalleled. Aboard el Aleph you decide your schedule, where you want to go, and when. There are no one else’s needs to take into account other than yours – this is a truly exclusive way to explore off the grid and without compromise.
If you have a taste for exploring Bali dive sites and don’t want to compromise on the finer things in life, then a private yacht charter onboard el Aleph guarantees unparalleled service, luxurious and spacious cabins, privacy, and of course – an incredible adventure from start to finish.
For reservations or enquiries, please contact us using our contact form – or email us at info@elalephcruising.com; and we will promptly reply.
Please note that we are not a yacht agency — your enquiries will be addressed directly by el Aleph’s owner. All of our charters are custom designed to suit your tastes and interests. For your comfort and privacy, we accept bookings for full boat charter only — not by the cabin.
