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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 - Our spots
USAT Liberty
Tulamben - Wreck
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.
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.
Leaf Scorpionfish
Tulamben - Drop off
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.
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.
Small aircraft wreck
Tulamben - Coral Garden
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.
Exploring the Wreck
Kubu
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!
Ghost pipefish
Amed
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.
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.
Scorpion Fish
Blue Lagoon
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.
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.
Giant Manta Ray
Manta Point (minimum 3 pax)
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...
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...
Mola Mola, sunfish
Blue Corner (minimum 3 pax)
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.
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.
Timor`s 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!
Knotted fan coral
K 41
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.
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.
Dugong Dugon
Secret Garden
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.
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.
Spotfin lionfish
Black Rock
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.
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.
Yellow-edged moray
Dili Rock West
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 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.
Oblique-banded sweetlips
Dili Rock East
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.
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.
Crab, unknown specie
(1st Prize Photo Contest 2012)
Tacitolo
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.
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.
Green sea turtle
Christo Rei
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.
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.
Anna`s magnificent slug
Behau Village
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.
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.
Coi magnificent slug
One Tree
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.
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.
