Why diving in Bali?
Vertical walls and sand slopes, shipwrecks, limestone shorelines and black, volcanic outcrops, peaceful bays and ripping currents, coral-covered ridges, with both shore and boat-diving.
Expect to see mantas, sharks and from July through October, oceanic sunfish (Mola-mola).
Diving safaris are becoming the package of choice for those who want to see more of underwater Bali:
Dive Center / Dive spot with 2 or 3 dives / Dive Center. All included. More info in here.
If you stay near Bali Blue Diving Center you're near of some good spots to dive so you can do earlier and later dives and avoid the day-tripping crowds from the tourist areas that pack out popular sites.
Expect to see mantas, sharks and from July through October, oceanic sunfish (Mola-mola).
Diving safaris are becoming the package of choice for those who want to see more of underwater Bali:
Dive Center / Dive spot with 2 or 3 dives / Dive Center. All included. More info in here.
If you stay near Bali Blue Diving Center you're near of some good spots to dive so you can do earlier and later dives and avoid the day-tripping crowds from the tourist areas that pack out popular sites.
Bali
USAT Liberty
Tulamben - USAT Liberty Wreck
Distance: 2h30m | Shore Dive | Level: Begginer and intermediate
The Liberty shipwreck is considered Bali's most popular dive site.
The American ship USAT Liberty was an armed cargo steamship that was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942. The years under the sea have transformed it to one of Indonesia's most beautiful artificial reefs. Stunning gorgonian sea fans, huge soft coral trees and big-barrel sponges all flourish here. A resident school of big-eyed jacks live on and around the ship and are unafraid of divers, so it's safe to enter the school and have them whirl around you. The ship is also a haven for emperors, batfish, sweetlips and parrotfish.
Distance: 2h30m | Shore Dive | Level: Begginer and intermediate
The Liberty shipwreck is considered Bali's most popular dive site.
The American ship USAT Liberty was an armed cargo steamship that was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942. The years under the sea have transformed it to one of Indonesia's most beautiful artificial reefs. Stunning gorgonian sea fans, huge soft coral trees and big-barrel sponges all flourish here. A resident school of big-eyed jacks live on and around the ship and are unafraid of divers, so it's safe to enter the school and have them whirl around you. The ship is also a haven for emperors, batfish, sweetlips and parrotfish.
USAT Liberty wreck map
Tulamben - Drop off
Leaf Scorpionfish
Distance: 2h | Shore Dive | Level: Intermediate
On the northeast coast, Tulamben Bay receives very plankton-rich waters and, coupled with the fact that the three main dive sites provide totally different physical environments, the bay is a stunning and diverse underwater ecosystem. The black sand in the area brings out the colours of the corals, gorgonians, fish and other marine life. At the south end of the bay, a rocky point falls off sharply underwater to create a deep drop-off where sharks, whale sharks and sunfish have been found.
Tulamben - Coral Garden
Small aircraft wreck
Distance: 2h30m | Shore Dive | Level: All levels
The dive site starts at a depth of 2 mts and slopes down to a maximum depth of 15-20mts. As the name suggests, this spot consists of a wonderful coral garden (hard and soft corals) inhabited by countless species of fish and small aquatic creatures making it an Eldorado for macro photographers. It is also a super snorkelling spot - well suited for a snorkelling trip during the surface interval between dives or for non-divers.
Besides the usual reef fish there are several kinds of moray eels, porcupine fish, ghost pipe fish, octopuses, nudibranches and sometimes white- and black tip reef sharks pass in this dive spot.
The dive site starts at a depth of 2 mts and slopes down to a maximum depth of 15-20mts. As the name suggests, this spot consists of a wonderful coral garden (hard and soft corals) inhabited by countless species of fish and small aquatic creatures making it an Eldorado for macro photographers. It is also a super snorkelling spot - well suited for a snorkelling trip during the surface interval between dives or for non-divers.
Besides the usual reef fish there are several kinds of moray eels, porcupine fish, ghost pipe fish, octopuses, nudibranches and sometimes white- and black tip reef sharks pass in this dive spot.
Kubu
Boga Wreck
Exploring the Wreck
Distance: 2h40m | Shore Dive | Level: Intermediate
The dive starts in a shallow area of 3 to 8 m in a wonderful coral garden. This Bali dive site is very excellent to be explored, expecially with its beautiful reef formation. Tempting fishes life including regular sightings of barracuda, turtles can be seen frequently. Sharks and Bumphead Parrotfish are other temptations to be discovered in this diving location.
And now with a new Wreck to explore, this spot it`s growing inside of the divers community!
The dive starts in a shallow area of 3 to 8 m in a wonderful coral garden. This Bali dive site is very excellent to be explored, expecially with its beautiful reef formation. Tempting fishes life including regular sightings of barracuda, turtles can be seen frequently. Sharks and Bumphead Parrotfish are other temptations to be discovered in this diving location.
And now with a new Wreck to explore, this spot it`s growing inside of the divers community!
Amed
Ghost pipefish
Jemeluk
Distance: 1h30 | Shore and Boat Dive | Level: Intermediate
Amed lies to the south, along the eastern coastline. It was traditionally dependent on salt-panning and fishing, and despite the arrival of tourists it's retained that feeling. There are three main dive sites here: head south to the shipwreck at Lipah fishing village, or a bit further south to the drift dive at Gili Selang, Bali's easternmost point.
Drop off
The Drop-Off at the eastern tip of Jemeluk Bay is, as the name suggests, a steep slope that drops down into the depths. The slope itself is an interesting dive as there is often a chance to see a cruising pelagic out in the blue, but without doubt the best part of the Drop-Off is the shallow area near the point where the huge gorgonian fans and deep red barrel sponges are simply stunning.
The presence of so many big gorgonian fans is always a sign of strong current flows, which can make this a challenging area of the Drop-Off to dive without damaging the beautiful things you have come to see!
Distance: 1h30 | Shore and Boat Dive | Level: Intermediate
Amed lies to the south, along the eastern coastline. It was traditionally dependent on salt-panning and fishing, and despite the arrival of tourists it's retained that feeling. There are three main dive sites here: head south to the shipwreck at Lipah fishing village, or a bit further south to the drift dive at Gili Selang, Bali's easternmost point.
Drop off
The Drop-Off at the eastern tip of Jemeluk Bay is, as the name suggests, a steep slope that drops down into the depths. The slope itself is an interesting dive as there is often a chance to see a cruising pelagic out in the blue, but without doubt the best part of the Drop-Off is the shallow area near the point where the huge gorgonian fans and deep red barrel sponges are simply stunning.
The presence of so many big gorgonian fans is always a sign of strong current flows, which can make this a challenging area of the Drop-Off to dive without damaging the beautiful things you have come to see!
Pandang Bay
Scorpion Fish
Blue Lagoon
Distance: 1h | BoatDive | Level: All levels
The shallow reefs of Blue Lagoon, near Padang Bai, are used for introductory dives, night dives and long photo excursions. Staghorn coral patch reefs start in only 3m of water. The reef then opens out onto an area with huge coral bommies, soft leather corals and flowing anemones.
The area here can be good for macro buffs, there are rumours of a lacey scorpionfish being seen here as well.
Distance: 1h | BoatDive | Level: All levels
The shallow reefs of Blue Lagoon, near Padang Bai, are used for introductory dives, night dives and long photo excursions. Staghorn coral patch reefs start in only 3m of water. The reef then opens out onto an area with huge coral bommies, soft leather corals and flowing anemones.
The area here can be good for macro buffs, there are rumours of a lacey scorpionfish being seen here as well.
GILI BIAHA
Honeycomb moray
(Distance: 3h | Boat Dive | Level: Intermediate and Advanced)
*This is an Advanced Dive Site and divers should have a minimum of 10 logged dives beyond Open Water and/or an Advanced Diver Certification
This island of rock, with a rounded cap of grass and it is the most remote of the Amuk Bay sites. It is a beautiful steep drop-off reef, nicely fissured and terraced in places, rings most of the island, going to a slope in the north. The inside of the island’s curve is always protected from the current, but heavy swell can make things worse up near the reefs wall face, particularly for your boat captain who picks the divers up. End of the rugged and terraced reef wall will lead into blowhole where a number of Reef Sharks can always be found under the overhang of the blowhole wall, inside also lives abundance of lobsters in between the cracked wall. To dive into blowhole should you carry a quality light, inside it is really dark.
*This is an Advanced Dive Site and divers should have a minimum of 10 logged dives beyond Open Water and/or an Advanced Diver Certification
This island of rock, with a rounded cap of grass and it is the most remote of the Amuk Bay sites. It is a beautiful steep drop-off reef, nicely fissured and terraced in places, rings most of the island, going to a slope in the north. The inside of the island’s curve is always protected from the current, but heavy swell can make things worse up near the reefs wall face, particularly for your boat captain who picks the divers up. End of the rugged and terraced reef wall will lead into blowhole where a number of Reef Sharks can always be found under the overhang of the blowhole wall, inside also lives abundance of lobsters in between the cracked wall. To dive into blowhole should you carry a quality light, inside it is really dark.
GILI TEPEKONG
Striped sweetlips
(Distance: 2h30 | Boat Dive | Level: Intermediate and Advanced)
*This is an Advanced Dive Site and divers should have a minimum of 10 logged dives beyond Open Water and/or an Advanced Diver Certification
Tepekong is the next rock formation after Mimpang offering great diving in the Amuk Bay area. There are different areas that make up this site from the steep walls to the Canyon and all are prone to currents and unpredictable conditions. For experienced divers this site offers a lot in the way moray eels, rays and other pelagics in addition to its spectacular scenery. The east side of Tepekong is a steep wall starting at around 14 mts and plummeting to approximately 40 mts . The site starts with a reef slope which can either be followed around to the left or you can head to the wall on the right. Both areas provide a great opportunity to spot schools of sweetlips of many varieties, butterflyfish, scorpionfish, parrotfish and angelfish. In addition you may catch a glimpse of a turtle, barracuda or tuna.
*This is an Advanced Dive Site and divers should have a minimum of 10 logged dives beyond Open Water and/or an Advanced Diver Certification
Tepekong is the next rock formation after Mimpang offering great diving in the Amuk Bay area. There are different areas that make up this site from the steep walls to the Canyon and all are prone to currents and unpredictable conditions. For experienced divers this site offers a lot in the way moray eels, rays and other pelagics in addition to its spectacular scenery. The east side of Tepekong is a steep wall starting at around 14 mts and plummeting to approximately 40 mts . The site starts with a reef slope which can either be followed around to the left or you can head to the wall on the right. Both areas provide a great opportunity to spot schools of sweetlips of many varieties, butterflyfish, scorpionfish, parrotfish and angelfish. In addition you may catch a glimpse of a turtle, barracuda or tuna.
GILI MIMPANG
(Distance: 2h30 | Boat Dive | Level: Intermediate and Advanced)
*This is an Advanced Dive Site and divers should have a minimum of 10 logged dives beyond Open Water and/or an Advanced Diver Certification
This dive site is a group of 4 rocks near Tepekong. The rock on the south has damaged because in 1961 to 1962 the Indonesian army did military trials that broke its structure. You will see the hard and soft corals. This site is full of small reef fish, white tip sharks which are being cleaned regularly, and possibly humpback parrotfish, wrasses, and turtles. This site is interesting to explore.
*This is an Advanced Dive Site and divers should have a minimum of 10 logged dives beyond Open Water and/or an Advanced Diver Certification
This dive site is a group of 4 rocks near Tepekong. The rock on the south has damaged because in 1961 to 1962 the Indonesian army did military trials that broke its structure. You will see the hard and soft corals. This site is full of small reef fish, white tip sharks which are being cleaned regularly, and possibly humpback parrotfish, wrasses, and turtles. This site is interesting to explore.
MANTA POINT
Giant Manta Ray
(minimum 3 pax)
(Distance: 3h | Boat Dive | Level: Intermediate and Advanced)
Most of the times it`s easy to see the giant bodies of the Manta Rays already from the surface. Huge rock makes this dive landscape that slopes down gently until deeper depths. These giant formations are home to an army of cleaner fishes, without doubt this is the reason why the Manta Rays come here and cruise around the rocks enjoying the treatment they receive.
Even snorkelers get a good view of the Manta Rays since most of the action here happens in fairly shallow water. And those who don't dare to go in the water can witness the spectacle from the boat...
(Distance: 3h | Boat Dive | Level: Intermediate and Advanced)
Most of the times it`s easy to see the giant bodies of the Manta Rays already from the surface. Huge rock makes this dive landscape that slopes down gently until deeper depths. These giant formations are home to an army of cleaner fishes, without doubt this is the reason why the Manta Rays come here and cruise around the rocks enjoying the treatment they receive.
Even snorkelers get a good view of the Manta Rays since most of the action here happens in fairly shallow water. And those who don't dare to go in the water can witness the spectacle from the boat...
BLUE CORNER
Mola Mola, sunfish
(minimum 3 pax)
(Distance: 2h | Boat Dive | Level: Advanced)
In this dive spot the marine life is not as rich as in others sites and the currents are strong so you should stay near the group during the intire dive. But despite all this the main event in here is the rare giant ocean sunfish Mola Mola. Sunfishes normally live up to 300 meter deep. But around Nusa Penida they come close to the surface between August and October each year. The sunfish actually belongs to the same family as the puffer fish, it is the largest bony fish and can reach up to 3m length and weights probably about a ton. Marine biologists think that the sunfish can get over 100 years old.
(Distance: 2h | Boat Dive | Level: Advanced)
In this dive spot the marine life is not as rich as in others sites and the currents are strong so you should stay near the group during the intire dive. But despite all this the main event in here is the rare giant ocean sunfish Mola Mola. Sunfishes normally live up to 300 meter deep. But around Nusa Penida they come close to the surface between August and October each year. The sunfish actually belongs to the same family as the puffer fish, it is the largest bony fish and can reach up to 3m length and weights probably about a ton. Marine biologists think that the sunfish can get over 100 years old.
CRYSTAL BAY
Soft coral area
(Distance: 1h | Boat Dive | Level: Advanced)
Crystal Bay is a very good dive site in Bali but reserved to experienced divers as the current can be quite strong and downward. It is THE place to look for the famous Mola Mola in Nusa Penida (oceanic sunfish) during the season (August to October). The coral is also very beautiful around 15 to 20 m but to have a chance to find the mola mola you will have to go down deeper around 30 m. The rock in the middle of the bay has very steep drop offs to the south and west and an amazing shelf in the north that is carpeted with wrinkled soft corals in the shallows. A healthy reef, an interesting cave, huge table coral and hundreds of fish of all shapes and sizes.
Crystal Bay is a very good dive site in Bali but reserved to experienced divers as the current can be quite strong and downward. It is THE place to look for the famous Mola Mola in Nusa Penida (oceanic sunfish) during the season (August to October). The coral is also very beautiful around 15 to 20 m but to have a chance to find the mola mola you will have to go down deeper around 30 m. The rock in the middle of the bay has very steep drop offs to the south and west and an amazing shelf in the north that is carpeted with wrinkled soft corals in the shallows. A healthy reef, an interesting cave, huge table coral and hundreds of fish of all shapes and sizes.
TIMOR LESTE best spots
Thorny seahorse
Bob's Rock
So named because of a rock on the side of the road that has the word ‘Bob' written on it. This site is a macro photographer's heaven and it is the spot to find rare and elusive species. There is a large gorgonian fan at 20 metres that is home to the pygmy seahorse ( Hippocampus bargibanti ) and swimming to the west you will encounter a large patch of garden eels. Other interesting critter finds at this site include the rare white mushroom coral pipefish, ornate and robust ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp, leaf scorpionfish and numerous species of nudibranchs and commensal shrimps. This is also the site where we found seven different species of anemonefish – that's pretty good for a single divesite!
So named because of a rock on the side of the road that has the word ‘Bob' written on it. This site is a macro photographer's heaven and it is the spot to find rare and elusive species. There is a large gorgonian fan at 20 metres that is home to the pygmy seahorse ( Hippocampus bargibanti ) and swimming to the west you will encounter a large patch of garden eels. Other interesting critter finds at this site include the rare white mushroom coral pipefish, ornate and robust ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp, leaf scorpionfish and numerous species of nudibranchs and commensal shrimps. This is also the site where we found seven different species of anemonefish – that's pretty good for a single divesite!
K 41
Knotted fan coral
This site is uniquely named because it is exactly 41 kilometres east of Dili! As you enter the water a reef wall starts on your right hand side that you follow out until it starts to slope away into the depths. There is an excellent bommie at the end of the wall that is covered in crinoids and gorgonians with schools of sweetlips and fusiliers covering the reef top. Alternatively, a diver can swim to the left (west) of this site and it's an entirely different dive, as it's a much siltier habitat containing large sea whips and colourful coral bushes. This spot is an excellent location to find egg cowries on the gorgonians and large Nembrotha nudibranchs feeding on ascidians.
SECRET GARDEN
Dugong Dugon
This dive site is a bit hidden at 34.8km East of Dili. It is located behind a grove of palm trees. One must drive slowly once the grove of trees is see form the road because the dirt track leading through the trees to the beach is not well marked. Entry This site has a relatively long, shallow entry. It takes some distance to get to deeper water but well worth it. There is an excellent mix of coral mounds and an impressive drop off into the deep for snorkelers. Divers will find the area equally enchanting, and may catch the view of the gudong that lives in the area.
Black Rock
Spotfin lionfish
It is a beautiful dive and probably the best wall dive on the mainland but it can be challenging due to the strong and frequent currents. Within the horseshoe shrimp, flutes, lobster, lion fish, pipe fish, hermit crabs, nudibranchs, eels and the small “flash light” fish in darker recesses can be regularly seen, or a spotted ray in one of the other recesses. Occasionally reef sharks, barracuda, lobster, turtles, cuttlefish and bump head parrot fish can also be observed. On the western side look out for turtles, lobster, Wide Mouth Blue Ribbon Eel and other big fish.
Dili Rock West
Yellow-edged moray
Dili Rock West is the lesser known side of Dili Rock, it is nonetheless a reasonable dive with plenty to look at and some interesting coral formations with the associated sea life. It can be combined with a west to east circumnavigation of the Rock with the prevailing currents, exiting on the eastern side of the Rock. As points of interest we can find eels, nudibranchs, flutes, trumpets and clams. An interesting hard coral formation near the exit point hides many small fish.
Dili Rock East
Oblique-banded sweetlips
Dili Rock East is a popular dive site with both private divers and the dive shops due to its proximity to Dili, easy entry, sandy bottom for classes and some good coral and some great sea life. The coral is less vivid than other sites, often covered with a light layer of silt. Accordingly, visibility can be hit and miss. Here we can see “Piccadilly Circus”, a large bombie near the start of the coral, with abundant fish life. Lots of lions, the occasional turtle, octopus, morays, clams, crabs, shrimp, clowns, aggressive trigger fish, parrots, cuttle fish, leaf scorpion, gropers and lots of others. There is a nice coral garden between two and five metres on the southern end of the slope before heading in an easterly direction back to the exit point.
Tacitolo
Crab, unknown specie
(1st Prize Photo Contest 2012)
This is a very close to Dili. The dive site can be difficult to find without a guide or previous dives there and it is quite small, but it is a well-known enthusiasts dive site with some interesting macro life. It is especially good at night when many burrowing crabs, crustaceans and cephalopods come out of the sand to look for food. Outside the dive site there is little else to see. It is not uncommon to see rhinopias, sea horses, frog fish and harlequin ghost pipe fish. At night, small octopus and well camouflaged pink soft coral crabs often highlight the dive.
Christo Rei
Green sea turtle
Close to Dili, this is a reasonable day dive and an excellent night dive. Stunning coral colours at night. Resident turtle, spotted rays, moray eel, scorpion fish, lobsters, shrimp, puffers, angelfish, butterflyfish, clowns, lions, nudibranchs and many others. Nice garden at the end of the dive.
Behau Village
Anna`s magnificent slug
Great spot for picnic and good for snorkelers too, this dive site is well worth repeat visits, although currents and visibility can be variable.Occasional turtles, flying gurnard,feather duster worms, puffers, clowns and crabs, butterfly-fish, bat-fish, lions, clams, scorpion fish and a "garden" eels at about 7 m at the end of the dive, near the entry point sit well back and stay still to watch these interesting eels as they feed.
One Tree
Coi magnificent slug
Good site with west and east profiles. Under water apostle (from NE corner of sandy patch, drop down to 27m), garden eels on the sandy patch, small bombies on sandy bottom are very pretty, nudibranchs and millions of other fish.
