Bali is not only extremely diverse on land, but there is also plenty to discover when snorkeling in the water. The underwater world off Bali is just as diverse as the island itself. Those who think that you can only go on a real discovery tour when diving, but not when snorkeling, are mistaken. At the snorkeling spots around Bali, for example, you can find impressive coral reefs or shipwrecks. You need a little more luck to see turtles in the water. But even if you don’t get to see these special marine animals while snorkeling, you can still enjoy the many colorful fish species.
The best snorkeling spots in Bali
There are many great snorkeling spots to discover in Bali. Some of the most beautiful spots are listed below.
Snorkeling spots in the north of Bali: Tulamben
USAT Liberty Shipwreck
The approximately 125-meter-long USS Liberty was a US Army transport ship. Today, the wreck of the ship lies at a depth of between 30 and 9 meters. The part of the ship that lies less deep is wonderful to discover while snorkeling. It is best to snorkel here early in the morning, when the sea is still calmer and the visibility is better. The wreck is heavily overgrown with coral and now forms a kind of artificial reef. In addition to the coral, various octopus species, stingrays, parrotfish and many other sea creatures can be observed at the wreck.
Coral Garden
In addition to the popular shipwreck, the “Coral Garden” spot in Tulamben is also highly recommended. The spot is only a few hundred meters away from the USS Liberty. This means that you can easily experience both snorkeling spots in one day. The eponymous coral reef lies at a depth of only 2 to 15 meters. The spot is very easy to snorkel and therefore also suitable for beginners. In addition to the many hard and soft corals, colorful fish can be seen at Coral Garden and, with good visibility, statues that have been placed underwater.
Snorkeling in the north of Bali: Amed
Japanese Shipwreck
A relatively small shipwreck lies in the sea off the small village of Banyuning near Amed. Little is known about the wreck itself – it is usually referred to as a Japanese ship. However, this assumption is not entirely certain.
The bay where the wreck lies should be used for snorkeling in the morning if possible. This is because visibility in the water decreases during the day. The wreck lies at a depth of between 6 and 12 meters and is marked by a buoy. So from the beach you can see exactly where you have to swim.
Numerous hard and soft corals have settled on the old shipwreck. There are also lots of sea creatures here, including clownfish.
Note: Entering the water can be a bit challenging due to large stones. Also, there are sometimes many fishing boats in the bay that you have to pass.
Jemeluk Bay
Jemeluk Bay is probably the most popular snorkeling spot in Amed because it is suitable for snorkelers of all levels. The sea here is usually very calm and the spot is easily accessible. The highlight at Jemeluk Bay is the underwater temple. These are a few statues lying at a depth of 5-6 meters. They were placed there to support coral growth – so they serve as an artificial reef. In addition to the temple, snorkeling in Jemeluk Bay also reveals hard corals, angelfish, surgeonfish, damselfish and blue-spotted stingrays.
Tip: It’s best to go snorkeling in the bay at low tide, when the sea is calmest.
Lipah Beach
Another popular and very beautiful snorkeling spot in Amed is Lipah Beach. The beach itself is considered one of the most beautiful around Amed. Even under the water surface, Lipah Beach has a lot to offer, especially beautiful corals and large sea fans in bright colors.
Unlike Jemeluk Bay, Lipah Beach is better visited at high tide. At low tide, the water is so low that you can get hurt on the coral in the shallow water. And of course, the delicate coral itself should not be damaged either.
Those who follow these instructions and start their snorkeling trip at Lipah Beach at high tide will be rewarded with an impressive and colorful coral landscape.
Bunutan Point
Bunutan Point is a snorkeling spot in a sandy bay that is rarely visited by tourists. The coral reef in this bay begins in very shallow water. The spot is therefore ideal for snorkeling beginners or for snorkelers who do not like to be at great depths. At Bunutan Point, snorkelers can expect to see numerous corals with a colorful array of fish. Black-spined reef sharks can often be seen here too.
Tip: The entry point for the sport should start at the Good Karma Bungalows. Here you can follow the gently sloping reef into the sea.
Kembali Beach Bungalows Reef
Kembali Beach Bungalows Reef is one of the snorkeling spots in Amed, yet it is not overrun by tourists. You will find a beautiful coral reef with many tropical fish here. The sea is usually very calm and without major currents, making this spot ideal for children. A highlight here are the sea turtles, which can often be seen. You can see a lot of underwater life at the level of the Kembali Beach Bungalows.
Pyramids
Not far from the Kembali Beach Bungalows Reef, there is another exciting snorkeling spot called “Pyramids”. The name is derived from the pyramid-shaped structures that were placed here to create an artificial reef.
Although this spot is primarily a popular destination for divers, the pyramids were placed in relatively shallow water (about 4-5 meters underwater), so snorkelers can also get their money’s worth here. The pyramids are best discovered at low tide. They are covered with numerous corals and have transformed into a colorful reef. This is a unique sight!
Snorkeling in the Northwest of Bali
Menjangan Island
The northwest of Bali is anything but overrun by tourists. Although the island’s only national park is located here, you will encounter relatively few travelers. Accordingly, the snorkeling spots are not too crowded either. These are perfect conditions for an exciting snorkeling trip to Menjangan Island.
The small island is only a few hundred meters from the coast of Bali and is part of the Bali Barat National Park. In the protected marine reserve, you will find a diverse ecosystem with beautiful coral colonies and sea turtles. Menjangan is certainly one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Bali.
Pemuteran Biorock
The small fishing village of Pemuteran is also a great place for snorkeling. In the bay directly in front of the village, the “Biorock” project has been implemented – one of the largest artificial reef projects in Indonesia. The metal structures, which are rich in form, lie at a depth of between three and seven meters and are therefore perfect for snorkeling. Pemuteran Bay is largely free of currents, making the Biorock project an easy spot for snorkeling beginners. On the snorkeling trip, you will be rewarded with many beautiful corals that have settled on the artificial reef.
Snorkeling in the east of Bali
Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai
In Padang Bai, the Blue Lagoon is a great place for snorkeling. There are often strong waves in the bay, which is why entering the water from the beach can be quite difficult. In the mornings, the sea is usually a bit calmer, making snorkeling easier. In the Blue Lagoon, there is a small coral reef where a wide variety of fish can be found.
White Sand Beach near Candi Casa
A little east of Candi Dasa is the “Pantai Pasir Putih”, better known as White Sand Beach. You can enter the water directly from the small, manageable beach. About 10 meters from the shore, you will reach a coral reef that invites you to observe colorful fish. With a little luck, you might also see turtles while snorkeling here.
The best time for snorkeling in Bali
Bali has a tropical climate all year round and thus consistently high temperatures. There are no seasons with very different temperatures in Bali. However, a distinction is made between the dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season lasts roughly from November to March. During these months, the sea is rougher than in the dry season. As a result, the water is often cloudy due to swirling sediments. Accordingly, visibility when snorkeling can be limited more often.
The best conditions for snorkeling in Bali are from April to October. During these months, there is very little rain, the sea is calmer and therefore offers a better view for snorkelers and divers.
Sea conditions
The water in the sea around Bali is between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius all year round. So you don’t have to worry too much about the temperature when snorkeling in Bali. However, you do need to be more aware of the currents. These can sometimes be very strong. Therefore, you should always find out about the conditions at the snorkeling spot you are planning to visit.
Ideally, you should not go snorkeling on your own, but book a guided tour. Local guides know exactly where snorkeling is easy and safe. They also often know where special and rare sea creatures can be found.
Snorkeling on the coast or snorkeling from a boat?
Some snorkeling spots can only be reached by boat, so you have to rely on a guided tour. You will often be rewarded with extremely spectacular impressions on such tours.
And yet there are also excellent snorkeling spots right off Bali’s coast. For example, you can discover turtles, corals or even shipwrecks without having to take a boat out to sea.
Conclusion: Is snorkeling in Bali worth it?
Those who go snorkeling on their Bali trip will rarely be disappointed. The diverse underwater world with its many colorful fish and corals never fails to inspire snorkelers. The chance to see a rare moonfish or a manta ray makes snorkeling in Bali a real discovery tour. These animals are often found at certain spots, making it worthwhile to use a tour operator. In many places with a tourist infrastructure, it is easy to book a snorkeling excursion.
