Bali Liveaboard Diving

Bali needs very little introduction to most people. Although there are still a few who believe it to be a country, it is, of course, an island in southern Indonesia. The people of Bali are mainly Hindu, whereas the rest of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim. However, this has very little influence on what has made Bali the top tourist destination in Indonesia, and one of the most popular in the world.

Bali is extremely popular for tourists who want to come and enjoy a variety of activities and environments. There is a wide selection of resorts at all budget levels, and things to do for people from all walks of life, with sea/beach-based activities being by far the most popular. Scuba diving in Bali is big business, with dive centres all around the island and world-class dive sites in the surrounding seas. There are easy dive spots for learning to dive and less-experienced scuba divers, as well as challenging dive sites for experts. Currents and depths can be as extreme as any recreational scuba diver is prepared to attempt.

Anemonefish in Bali - Credit: Emmy AhlenWhile Denpasar International Airport and Kuta are located in the southeastern tip of Bali, there is so much more to this island than most visitors ever see, or even know about. There are quiet and remote resorts and beaches, as well as all kinds of activities to be done, including trekking up volcanoes and riding horses. Dive centres are by no means only located in the most popular tourist spots, and the dive sites are numerous and widespread. In most cases, a short trip by road is required to transfer to the dive boat, but in some cases, it’s possible to enjoy a reef dive off a beach right in front of your resort. The dive sites are home to countless species of fish, corals, and invertebrates, plus common sightings of reptiles. Sea turtles and sea snakes can show up at any time.

Most of the popular dive sites of Bali are on the eastern side of the island. This is partly due to logistics because most tourists stay around the southeast and eastern areas. There is a wreck at Tulamben, on the northern coast of the eastern tip. And there are some other diving areas on the western side of Bali. But because of the congregation of tourists, infrastructure and the airport, but especially because the best liveaboard diving in Bali is at the islands off of the southeast coast.

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are islands 15-20 kilometres from the southeast of Bali, and these islands are home to some of the best dive sites in the world. Here you can dive with Giant Oceanic Manta Rays and Sunfish, which are the heaviest bony fish in the world. There are several dive sites around these islands, and most are only suitable for more experienced divers because currents can be strong.

Amed is further up the east coast of Bali, the beach faces northeast, and behind it is the famous Mt. Agung, a live volcano. People who travel to Bali for scuba diving make their way to Amed because it's away from some of the less-desirable tourists that can be found around Kuta. There are lots of great dive sites around Amed, including the Liberty wreck, just half an hour further up the coast at Tulamben.

What marine life can you see at Bali?

There's lots to see in the warm waters around Bali. Plenty of resident species inhabit the reefs and wrecks near Bali's coastlines. Plus large pelagic and migratory species follow the currents at certain times of year. The area is surrounded by deep, nutrient-rich seas and oceans, enabling life to flourish and big fish to pass through.

Whale Shark

(Rhincodon typus)

Reef Manta Ray

(Mobula alfredi)

Giant Moray Eel

(Gymnothorax javanicus)

Hammerhead Shark

(Sphyrnidae)

Barracuda

(Sphyraena)

Giant Trevally

(Caranx ignobilis)

Clown Anemonefish

(Amphiprion ocellaris)

Moorish Idol

(Zanclus cornutus)

Ribbon Eel

(Rhinomuraena quaesita)

Titan Triggerfish

(Balistoides viridescens)

Green Turtle

(Chelonia mydas)

Ornate Ghost Pipefish

(Solenostomus paradoxus)

You can also see

Leaf Scorpionfish

Green Humphead Parrotfish

Giant Sweetlips

Pygmy Seahorse

Humphead / Napoleon Wrasse

Pharaoh Cuttlefish

Mandarinfish

Warty Frogfish

Blue-Ringed Octopus

Angelfish

Butterflyfish

Parrotfish

Unicornfish

Lynx Nudibranch

Day Octopus

Red Lionfish

Thresher Shark