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Scuba diving in Bali offers an exhilarating underwater adventure where vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes blend with colourful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. Dive sites like Tulamben and Nusa Penida showcase dynamic underwater ecosystems and provide a glimpse into the island’s maritime heritage. With its pleasant water temperatures, typically calm conditions, and exceptional visibility, Bali is an ideal destination for divers of all experience levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Bali promises a wealth of breathtaking underwater experiences in this Indonesian paradise.
Factors That Affect Scuba Diving In Bali
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When planning for scuba diving in Bali, several important factors can influence your experience, such as:
- Health Conditions
- Finning Techniques
- Water Conditions
- Aquatic Life
- Safety Precautions
Different Level Courses Of Scuba Diving In Bali
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There are numerous levels of scuba diving in Bali for all divers, whether at primary or advanced expertise levels. These are as follows:
Introductory: This is simply for an introductory experience regarding scuba diving under the very close supervision of a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) instructor. You can learn to go down to 12 metres deep with a time approach of 30-40 minutes.
Open Water Diver: This is the first level of certification for recreational scuba diving: some classroom sessions, confined water training, and 4 open water dives. At the end of the course, you can dive up to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet) of the depth of scuba diving in Bali.
Advanced Open Water Diver: Upon completing this course, one can try different diving styles, such as deep diving, underwater navigation, night diving, and many more. This course includes 5 adventure dives up to a maximum depth of 30 metres (100 feet).
Rescue Diver: The course teaches you how to prevent and manage problems for yourself and others. Dive rescue techniques — emergency management, first aid.
Divemaster: This professional-level rating aims to train you as a dive leader so that you can supervise dive activities and assist instructors. Extensive training is provided in dive theory, skills, and the environment for 4-6 weeks.
Places To Visit Around Scuba Diving In Bali
1. Nusa Penida
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Nusa Penida is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, large pelagic species, and thrilling drift dives. Divers visiting this island can encounter magnificent manta rays at Manta Point and the elusive mola-mola (oceanic sunfish) at Crystal Bay. The strong currents in many dive sites around Nusa Penida make it a destination best suited for advanced divers. Beyond its underwater wonders, the island also offers picturesque coastal views and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Bali’s mainland. It is one of Bali’s most sought-after scuba destinations, making it a must-visit spot for thrill-seeking divers.
Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: ₹13,000 for three dives
2. Tulamben (USAT Liberty Wreck)
Photo: Kris-Mikael Krister / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tulamben is home to the USAT Liberty Shipwreck, one of Bali’s most iconic dive sites. Sunk during World War II, the wreck now serves as a vibrant artificial reef, covered in colourful coral and teeming with marine life. The wreck is easily accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners. Schools of fish, sea turtles, and even occasional reef sharks can be spotted around the wreck. In addition to the shipwreck, Tulamben also offers beautiful coral gardens and black-sand beaches, making it a fascinating site for both diving and exploration.
Timings: During daytime
Entry Fee: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500
3. Menjangan Island
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Menjangan Island is located within West Bali National Park and is famed for its excellent visibility and stunning wall dives. The island is surrounded by rich coral reefs and is home to diverse marine life, including pygmy seahorses, sea turtles, and reef sharks. Menjangan Island is perfect for divers looking to explore dramatic underwater cliffs and experience some of Bali’s most pristine waters. The island is relatively untouched, offering a peaceful retreat from the more crowded dive sites. Divers here can also enjoy beautiful landscapes both underwater and on land, with the island’s lush greenery complementing its vibrant reefs.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10,000 – ₹12,700
4. Nusa Lembongan
Photo: AkbarWilliams / Wikimedia Commons
Nusa Lembongan is located in the southeast of Bali, part of the Nusa Islands, and is ideal for divers of all levels. Beginners can learn to dive at several dive schools, while more advanced divers can explore vibrant coral gardens and marine life, such as moray eels, seahorses, and even manta rays. The waters around Nusa Lembongan are known for their clear visibility and calm conditions, making it a perfect spot for relaxed diving. The island also offers a peaceful atmosphere, with beautiful beaches and scenic spots, making it a great place to unwind after diving.
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹7,000 – ₹9,000
5. Seraya Secrets
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Seraya Secrets is a hidden gem for muck diving enthusiasts. The site is located near Tulamben and is known for its black volcanic sand, which creates a unique diving experience. Muck diving at Seraya Secrets allows divers to spot rare and unusual marine species such as nudibranchs, seahorses, and pipefish. The site is popular among underwater photographers due to the fascinating critters that thrive in this environment. It’s an ideal location for those who enjoy exploring the more obscure and delicate side of marine life.
Timings: All day
Entry Fee: ₹2,000 – ₹2,800
Where To Stay & Eat
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Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. In Nusa Penida, you can choose between affordable stays like Dragonfly or the more luxurious Semambu Hills Hotel. For Tulamben, options include Liberty Dive Resort for mid-range stays or Bali Reef Divers for budget-friendly lodging.
Additionally, most dive spots in Bali are near areas with excellent local and international food options. For example, Nusa Penida has many beachfront cafes serving fresh seafood and traditional Indonesian cuisine. Tulamben also has a number of warungs (local eateries) offering Balinese dishes for visitors to try.
Other Things To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
A scuba diving trip in Bali can vary depending on the duration and the sites you wish to visit. For example, a full-day dive package at Nusa Penida typically costs Rp1,470,000 to Rp 2,390,000 (₹8,000 – ₹13,000), while three-dive packages at Tulamben range between Rp520,000 to Rp920,000 (₹3,000 – ₹5,000). Additionally, many dive shops offer rental gear, accommodation, and transport packages, which can reduce overall costs.
Tips For Travellers
- Book in advance during peak season to secure your spot at popular dive sites.
- Bring your own wetsuit if you plan on diving in cooler waters, especially at sites like Nusa Penida.
- Avoid diving alone and always follow instructions from your dive master, especially in areas with strong currents.
- Respect marine life by not touching coral or disturbing sea creatures.
- Carry cash for dive permits and entry fees, especially in remote areas.
- The price of scuba diving in Bali can range anywhere from Rp1,100,000 (₹5500 – ₹6000) and above, so plan your budget accordingly.
Scuba diving in Bali offers a unique experience with its diverse marine life, historical shipwrecks, and stunning underwater landscapes. Whether you’re an advanced diver seeking thrilling drift dives or a beginner exploring vibrant coral reefs, Bali has something for everyone. Ready to dive into the clear waters of Bali and explore its underwater wonders? Book your Bali scuba diving adventure with TripXL today and enjoy a well-curated, hassle-free experience in one of the world’s top diving destinations.
Cover Photo: Huy Phan / Unsplash
