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5 Best Snorkeling Spots in Bali to Enjoy Underwater Life

by Ivonne Puspakencana
snorkeling spots in bali

Bali is favored for its stunning beaches and the amazing waves. Yet, it is not only the surface which is amazing. Once you go deeper below the surface, you will be more amazed by the charm of the island. Surfers love to have a surfing experience in Bali beaches.

If you love surfing and you’re a beginner, then best surfing spots in Bali for beginners will offer you several options! However, it is not only for surfers, but also for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Snorkeling in Bali is a must thing to do as well. You will be able to discover the pristine reefs in crystal clear water. You will also be able to discover shipwrecks and some amazing marine creatures, such as baby sharks, giant mantas, and even the largest man-made coral reef in the world! You can spend time reading snorkeling Pandawa Beach to get the idea of snorkeling in Bali.

Can’t wait any longer? Then, here they are the 5 best snorkeling spots in Bali you will never regret exploring once in your life!

  • Wreck of the USAT Liberty, Tulamben
Snorkeling Spots in Bali
The wreck of U.S.A.T Liberty

Tulamben is probably the most famous destination among divers in Bali as it is a home to the American warship wreck, the USAT Liberty. This ship torpedoed during WWII while it was traversing the Lombok Strait. This shipwreck now sits 30 meters below the surface.

The remains of this big ship appeal to many tourists and adventurers, however, only the experienced divers have the privilege to explore it fully down to the bottom.

However, if you’re a beginner diver or snorkeler, you can just simply explore the upper part of the ship. The most amazing thing about the Liberty is the huge amount of fish life which have made the wreck as their home.

The economy of Tulamben depends on the dive industry so that the locals have arranged an agreement not to fish on or near the wreck. As a result, the fish population in this area has exploded!

  • The Coral Garden, Tulamben
Snorkeling Spots in Bali

Still in Tulamben, the Coral Garden is another highlight for snorkeler. It is a shallow reef that is almost on the surface.

No wonder, as soon as you get into the water, you will be able to see its wonders. You will see the mixture of man-made coral reefs and the organic ones.

As you come at different times during the day, you may spot some schools of damselfish, butterflyfish, clownfish, eels, octopus, squid, and many more!

Make sure to find the “underwater temple” which now brimming with colorful marine growth.

  • Manta Point, Nusa Penida
Snorkeling Spots in Bali
Be friend with manta rays in Manta Point, Nusa Penida

This snorkeling spot is located off the rugged coast of Nusa Penida. It is considered as the only place in Bali where you can see reef manta rays on a regular basis.

As you explore underwater, you will notice the gentle giants, which are known to be curious and friendly among humans, emerge from the deep. They do this to have their skin plucked of parasites, by a resident army of cleaner fish. It looks similar to the car wash!

The cleaner fish are stationed on a coral mound below the surface. When the mantas are in the mood for a clean, they will directly circle the mound repeatedly until the cleaner fishes’ work is done. As they are so close to the surface, snorkelers will be able to witness this amazing behavior closely.

However, keep in mind that you must respect the wildlife and never ever touch or chase the mantas as it will scare them off and ruin everyone’s experience.

If you wish to explore more in Nusa Penida, let these things to do in Nusa Penida, Bali give you some brilliant ideas about what to do there!

  • Pos Dua, Menjangan Island
Snorkeling Spots in Bali
Coral reef in Pos Dua, Menjangan island

Menjangan Island is considered as the most pristine diving spot in Bali. It is located off the coast of the beautiful Bali Barat National Park.

Pos Dua, is a shallow reef featuring gorgeous white sand beach. When you do a short swim, you will be amazed by the underwater canyon with a coral-encrusted wall which drops all the way down to 40 meters.

Menjangan is an uninhabited island and there’s no resorts or any place to stay on Menjangan itself. You can find the mid-range and luxury resorts on the northwestern coast of Bali, specifically near the West Bali National Park, which is one of the best 5 national parks in Bali and Nusa Tenggara.

  • Blue Lagoon, Padangbai
Snorkeling Spots in Bali
Tropical fish in Blue Lagoon, Padangbai

Padangbai is located on the mid-east coast and is another main center for diving and snorkeling in Bali. This spot is really popular due to its proximity to Nusa Penida, the world-class sites. Padangbai offers very good snorkeling experiences as well! The most famous of the Padangbai sites for snorkelers is the Blue Lagoon.

The name “lagoon” may be misleading, as it is a shallow coral reef instead of a lagoon. It only takes 5-minute boat ride from Padangbai’s main beach.

This spot is flat, calm, and packed with tropical fish. It offers plenty for both the advanced and beginner snorkelers who want to get up close with the wildlife.

Not only Bali, there are some other best snorkeling spots in Indonesia you can explore. Get ready to be mesmerized with the beauty of underwater creatures!

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