Aug 7, 20223 min read

The best snorkelling spots in Bali

Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, is a paradise for divers and snorkelers alike! With miles of coastlines and plenty of reefs, there are plenty of spots to discover underwater. Here is a shortlist of our favorite snorkelling spots in Bali.

Amed

The little town of Amed on the North coast of the island is popular with snorkellers, divers and free divers! One of the advantages of most of the sites here is that you can simply walk from shore into the waters to go snorkelling.

Amed stretches along the coast for a few miles and there are plenty of spots that you can access along the shore. Some of the highlights include sites such as Pyramids, Lipah Bay, Jemeluk Bay and Japanese Shipwreck. Pyramids and other sites include statues that host a lot of fish life. Japanese Shipwreck site has a little wreck that is shallow enough for snorkelers to see.

On most days conditions are calm and easy, which makes it a great destination for families as well. You will easily find snorkelling gear to rent in various places.

Tulamben

Only a short drive from Amed, Tulamben is famous for the USS Liberty Shipwreck dive site. This huge cargo ship was sank during World War II and ended up on Bali shores. In 1963, a volcanic eruption pushed it in the water where it has been ever since. The top of the wreck is only a few meters deep, so it can easily be seen by snorkelers too.

While the wreck is the most popular site, Tulamben offers other snorkelling sites such as Coral Gardens and Tulamben Wall. Most of the sites can be reached simply by swimming from shore. The calm conditions are ideal to spot turtles, plenty of fishes and also smaller creatures such as seahorses and nudibranchs.

Nusa Penida Island

Only a 45 minute boat ride from mainland Bali, Nusa Penida is the bigger of a trio of islands also including Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Famous for its spectacular viewpoints and dramatic cliffs, Nusa Penida is also popular for snorkelling. One of the most famous snorkelling and dive site in the area is Manta Point, where a local population of manta rays can be seen all year long. With a bit of luck, you can snorkel with these gentle giant rays! The rest of the sites offer vibrant corals, turtles and plenty of tropical fish!

Be aware that the area frequently has currents, it is much safer to snorkel with a boat tour rather than trying to go from shore. Some of the sites are also not accessible from shore.

Nusa Penida Bali — Coastline of Nusa Penida

Pemuteran

On the far tip of Nort West Bali, the little town of Pemuteran is also a popular snorkelling and diving spot. It is located next to Menjangan National Park which also offers great snorkelling.

In Pemuteran, some of of the spots are easily accessed from shore. Temple Garden and Wall have great marine life. Another interesting site is Bio Rocks, which is a collection of underwater structures designed to restore the reef in that specific area. It is the biggest Bio Rock project in the world with over 115 structures. Some of the sites like Secret Bay also have great macro life with smaller animals.

From Pemuteran, you can also easily organize a boat trip to Menjangan Island in the National Park. You will enjoy snorkelling there on top of walls, but also some shallower sites with great marine life.

Padang Bai/Candidasa

On the East coast of Bali island, Padang Bai and Candidasa are little beach towns close to each other. Both offer good snorkelling spots and some spots to relax and enjoy the Bali sun. Some of the popular spots include Blue Lagoon, Gili Tepekong and Virgin Beach. They all offer clear waters most days, with the chance to spot turtles, and plenty of tropical fish species. The spots are reached usually by boat after a short ride. From both towns you will find plenty of snorkelling boats that will be happy to take you.

With all these options, there are plenty of great snorkelling choices in Bali! And when you are not in the water, there is also plenty to see and do on land.