Bali is renowned for its beautiful landscape, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, but that’s not all, we also need to remember that Bali also has another world beneath the waves that are equally spectacular. With its crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and a variety of dive sites, Bali is considered one of the best scuba diving and the best place for diving courses destinations in the world. Whether you are a professional diver or a complete beginner, scuba diving in Bali offers something for everyone.
First, let’s talk about why you will need to choose Bali as your scuba diving and dive destination of choice, and we can tell you here why:
Variety of Dive Sites: Scuba Diving in Bali offers a wide variety of dive sites suitable for all levels of experience, from shallow, mild to almost zero current and easy dives while you are exploring the wrecks in Tulamben to the thrilling drift dives Nusa Penida that offer heaven for adrenaline hunters. From shore entry dive sites or traditional Jukung to modern speedboats, Scuba Diving in Bali always has the best place that suits every diver’s dream and taste.
Rich Marine Biodiversity: The variety of dive sites for scuba diving in Bali will certainly lead us to the rich marine life biodiversity. From a vibrant coral garden or beautiful wall diving to the natural sunken shipwreck, Bali’s underwater ecosystems are home to thousands of species, some highlights from the big stuff include harmless Reef Sharks (we usually encounter black tip or white tip here), Manta Rays, Hawksbill Turtle or Green Turtle, and Sun Fish (Mola Mola) to the small creatures like many rare species of Nudibranch, Seahorse, Box Fish and FrogFish. The island’s unique position between the Indian and Pacific Oceans means divers can experience a mix of species found nowhere else in the world.
Year-Round Diving: Thanks to Bali’s tropical climate, we can do scuba diving in Bali almost all year round. If you are wondering or coming from a place where they have monsoon, rest assured, we do not have it here. Almost everything can be spotted all year round if you do scuba diving in Bali – from Manta Rays or Turtles to Reef Shark, while our star, Sun Fish (Mola – Mola), is usually best to be found during your scuba diving in Bali in their season which is normally between July – October each year. The water temperature might be colder during Sun Fish (Mola Mola) season in Nusa Penida, which then will offer us greater chances to encounter them. Otherwise, overall scuba diving in Bali offers a generally warm water temperature experience of 26 – 29°C (79-84°F) making Bali an ideal dive destination for divers at any time.
Care and Kindness: Indonesians, and Balinese in particular, are renowned for their warmth, friendliness, and genuine care for others—and at Nico Dives Cool Bali, we proudly carry this tradition into everything we do. It’s not just a part of our culture; it’s woven into the very heart of our daily operations. When you do scuba diving with us in Bali, you’re not just experiencing world-class underwater adventures; you’re also welcomed into a family-like atmosphere filled with warmth and hospitality. From the moment our friendly driver picks you up at your accommodation, to meeting our attentive staff at the dive center ready to assist you with anything you will need to get you prepared for your diving experience, including assisting you in fitting your gear, and the highlight of the day which is diving with our experienced guides and instructors who ensure you’re well cared for throughout, we make sure every moment feels like home. And when we drop you back with a big smile, we know you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a heart full of gratitude. Sounds like the perfect day, doesn’t it? Come experience Bali’s famous kindness with Nico Dives Cool’s team, where you’re treated like family every step of the way.
Now that you know why Bali should be your next scuba diving destination, let’s explore some of the highlights of Bali’s dive destinations for the best scuba diving in Bali. Each of the Bali scuba diving destinations can have from three up to twelve or more dive sites (we believe the number is still growing as recently there are a few more new dive sites that are currently in development):
Nusa Penida: is home to some of Bali’s most incredible dive sites, about a 40-minute boat ride from Sanur – Bali. The dive sites cover Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Toya Pakeh, Mangrove, SD Point, PED, and surrounding. One of the richest dive sites famous for the wide diversity of marine life and vibrant corals, and it is one of the healthiest in the world! Manta Rays and the Sunfish (Mola Mola) are the other two of the most popular highlights from these dive sites. Are you an adrenaline junkie and hunter? Perfect! This dive site offers a very thrilling drift dive, especially in the northern area. Diving Nusa Penida is perfect for SSI Advanced Adventurer courses, especially SSI diving specialty courses like SSI diving specialty course Waves, Tides & Current or SSI diving specialty course Drift and SSI diving specialty course Deep. Squeezing in the SSI diving specialty Boat course is also a great idea while enjoying your adventure scuba diving in Bali – Nusa Penida and elevating your SSI scuba diving level at the same time.
Can the open-water diver dive here? Sure you can, our dive crew will always carefully choose the dive sites on the day depending on our guest’s certification and level of experience. Save the date and make sure to not miss this one of the best scuba diving sites while you are in Bali.
Manta Rays in Nusa Penida
Padang Bai: about an hour’s drive by car then followed by about 10 minutes using a local wooden boat (Jukung) from Sanur, Padang Bai is home to several dive sites, including the Blue Lagoon (famous for its crystal clear blue water), Bias Tugel, Secret Jetty, Pura Jepun, and Tanjung Sari (Shark Point), this site is perfect if you would like to have a relaxing and easy scuba diving experience in Bali. These dive sites offer a mix of vibrant corals, muck diving, and wall diving, with gentle currents and abundant marine life. You can easily find Turtles, octopuses, Lion Fish, and even sharks in Padang Bai dive sites. It’s also an excellent place to spot smaller creatures like seahorses and nudibranchs which is the ultimate aim for macro lovers and most underwater photographers. Do you know that we often find the rare red pygmy seahorse, or even if you are lucky the chance of encountering the wobbegong shark in Padang Bai is there, so make sure to add these dive sites to your Bali dive list.
Tulamben: who doesn’t know Tulamben? Famous for being one of the only few dive sites in Bali that offer shore entry dive sites and black volcanic sandy bottom beach, perfect for any divers or snorkelers that want to avoid boat diving. Don’t let a fear of boats hold you back from an unforgettable diving adventure—these dive sites are the perfect solution for you. About 2,5 hrs drive to the northeast of Bali, Tulamben is a place where you can see the famous natural sunken WW II USAT Liberty Wreck. Generally easy, with mild to zero current and naturally warm water almost year-round, making this incredible wreck dive accessible to divers of all levels. The surrounding reef is rich in marine life, including schooling jackfish, groupers, sweetlips, and occasional turtles. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the one-of-a-kind garden eel dive site where you will see hundreds of eels saying hello from the ground.
The USAT Liberty Wreck is a perfect dive site for divers who want to elevate their scuba certification by doing the Perfect Buoyancy or Wreck Specialty Course or even Deep Specialty Course. Not only that, but a Night dive on the USAT Liberty Wreck is something that you should not miss! It is amazing!
On the other hand, the Boga Wreck in Kubu which is just around the corner from Tulamben, offers another great wreck diving experience that is much more suitable for Advanced divers.
Tulamben is not only about Wrecks, other highlights that this amazing dive destination can offer are much more than this. Muck diving, Macro critters, Nudibranchs, and much more.
Candidasa: located on Bali’s peaceful east coast, about an hour’s drive from Sanur followed by twenty minutes using a local wooden boat, which is commonly known in Bali as Jukung. Candidasa is home to some of the island’s most captivating and diverse dive sites. Gili Tepekong (Shark Nursery), Gili Mimpang, Gili Biaha, and Tangked Shark Cave—are some of the most exciting and dynamic dive sites in this east Bali dive destination. These locations are a true playground for thrill-seekers and hunters for adventure scuba diving in Bali, offering everything from shark caves to vibrant coral gardens, and even the chance to encounter the elusive Sun Fish (Mola-Mola) during the season (usually between July – October). The currents here can be unpredictable, often strong and changing throughout the dive, creating a natural adrenaline rush that keeps every dive exciting. The currents, especially around the full moon, can bring down and upsurges, making the dives sometimes challenging. But don’t worry, our experienced dive guides are with you all along the way, helping you navigate the ever-shifting waters while ensuring your safety and enjoyment. From the excitement of shark caves to the incredible topography, diverse marine life, like Sharks, Marble Rays to macro critters and stunning coral reefs, Candidasa has it all. Whether you’re drawn to the rush of strong currents or fascinated by the thriving underwater scenery, these dive sites are sure to leave you in awe. Is this something that you are looking for?
Amed: Amed, a peaceful stretch of fishing villages on Bali’s east coast about two and half hours drive from Sanur, offers an incredibly relaxing scuba diving experience. Amed is perfect for divers looking for a more serene, easy-going dive environment. Unlike the waves on Bali’s west coast, the waters here are warm, with little current and generally calm all year round. One of the best parts about diving in Amed is how close the dive sites are to the shore. Most dives are done with a short boat ride in a traditional Balinese jukung or directly from the beach (shore dive). This hidden underwater paradise has a lot of interesting marine life and stunning wall diving. Get up close to colorful Clownfish, delicate Nudibranchs, and a variety of shrimp species, while keeping an eye out for the mysterious Ghost Pipefish and Leaf Scorpionfish. For those with a keen eye and macro hunter, Amed’s reefs also host tiny treasures like Pygmy Seahorses and Yellow Boxfish. A perfect shoutout place for all underwater photographers who enjoy exploring muck diving. In some dive sites like Pyramids and Japanese Wreck, vibrant corals and giant sea fans are waiting for you so make sure to bring your wide-angle lens as well as your underwater camera. You might even spot a giant Barracuda, Frogfish, Groupers, or graceful Turtles gliding by. It’s a true heaven for divers looking to experience the best scuba diving in Bali with incredible marine diversity in one dive destination.
Amed
Another key point that you need to know before diving in Bali is to choose your Dive Operator in Bali carefully.
Bali has a large number of reputable dive operators, but it’s important to choose one that prioritizes safety, environmental responsibility, and professional standards. In Nico Dives Cool Bali we really pay big attention to all these three key standards, ensuring we always deliver the best dive service to our guests. We pride ourselves as an SSI Diamond Dive Center that follows eco-friendly practices to protect the fragile marine environment. We believe respecting marine life and local ecosystems is vital to ensure the long-term sustainability of Bali’s dive sites.
Extra tips for Scuba Diving in Bali: Apply Sunscreen: Bali’s sun can be intense, especially when you’re spending time on the boat or at surface intervals between dives. Protect your skin by applying reef-safe sunscreen before you head out to avoid sunburn, while also ensuring you’re preserving the delicate marine environment around you. Don’t worry if you can’t find reef-safe sunscreen in Bali, we have some for sale at our shop.
Stay Hydrated: Diving in Bali’s tropical waters can be incredibly refreshing, but the heat and saltwater can also lead to dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your dive to stay hydrated and avoid fatigue or dizziness. Enjoy our service of freeflow water and coconut water, fresh slices of tropical fruits, and of course you cannot miss our homemade delicious cake and crackers – all served to you fresh and made with love.
Yay – now you are ready to start your Bali Dive Adventure with us – See you soon!
