Underwater Explorations (Diving in Bali)

Diving site at Tulamben

Ringed by coral reefs and old shipwrecks Bali is a Haven below the wave as well, her currents and color long known to snorkelers and divers. For the most part, equipment can be rented easily, and yachts are available for charter to the reefs farther offshore. Travel agencies and major hotels in Denpasar, Kuta, Sanur, and  Nusa Dua have plenty of informations , as well as trips that you can join up with if you're on your own. There are several dive shops gaining good reputations that can be of service, including Bali Marine Sports in Sanur and Spice Dive at Lovina Beach in the North.

To help narrow down of the best options for your time and abilities, here's a rundown of the most recommended diving possibilities:

Sanur: The reef offshore but just 12 meters below the surface and filled with brilliant sea life. Plenty of boats are available to take you out on the water, and there are many shops and snack places to peruse when you're through.

Nusa Dua: Here you can choose offshore dives or simply walk right out from the beach, where the reef run 3 to 20 meters with a variety of coral and fish species.

Padangbai: This is a diver's favorite, with both beach and boat dives and incredibly active vista of underwater delights. The reefs here are some of the best in Bali, with small, uninhabited island scattered around the bay, perfect for afternoon picnics. Watch the currents, though, which can come unexpectedly and are often packed with quite a powerful drag.

Tulamben: Wreck divers come here to explore the U.S.S Liberty, which sank offshore in 1942. In addition to this fascinating historical relic, the reefs here are quite good, lying at about 25 meters with a sheer drop to more than 200 meters into the Lombok strait, which clearly illustrates the reasoning behind the Wallace Line theory.

Amed: Down the coast just East of Tulamben, this black sand spread is a good beach dive with many fish sightings. Spear hunting is allowed here; however-because this practice is both dangerous to fellow divers and takes away the pleasure of viewing great numbers of fish at the site-it is not recommended.

Lovina: Solely for boat dives, this serene, shallow reef is good area for begining underwater explorers or those brushing up on their skills.

Nusa Lembongan: Intricate grottoes, reefs, and outcrops tumble out from a wide, white sloping beach, but the 20 meters depth makes this site better for diver than snorkelers.

Pulau Menjangan: Its protected status along the shores of Bali Barat National Park makes the reef around this island the best diving in Bali.

Source: Adventuring in Indonesia by Holly S. Smith