Bali, the "Island of the Gods", is not only stunning above the surface, but also harbors a magical secret underwater. Here you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of coral reefs, sunken shipwrecks and exotic marine life. Whether you are an experienced diver, a passionate snorkeler or a brave free diver, Bali has something for everyone. With numerous diving schools offering experienced guides and equipment, you can safely explore this unique underwater world. In this blog post you can find my Top 5 Underwater Spots on Bali and the Gilis which belong to Lombok.
1. Gilis - Snorkeling trips, turtles and underwater statues: magic beneath the surface
The Gili Islands offer an enchanting underwater world that inspires snorkelers and divers alike. Snorkeling trips around the Gilis allow you to swim in turquoise waters and experience the abundant marine life. A particular highlight are the majestic sea turtles that call these waters their home. Swim alongside them and watch them glide in their natural habitat - an unforgettable experience.
But the magic doesn't end here. The underwater statues off Gili Meno offer a unique experience. These works of art are not only mesmerizing to look at, but also serve as artificial reefs that have created a thriving marine environment. Swim between the sculptures and watch as coral and sea creatures colonize them.
With a snorkeling trip you have all the snorkeling hot spots on the Gilis in one tour with an unbeatable price.
2. Tulamben - Explore the sunken USAT Liberty wreck and vibrant coral reef: An underwater journey through time
Tulamben is a seaside village on Bali's northeast coast and a paradise for divers and snorkelers. One of the main attractions in Tulamben is the sunken USAT Liberty wreck, located just a few meters from the beach. Once a WWII cargo ship, this wreck offers not only a fascinating underwater journey through time, but also a thriving ecosystem of coral and sea life. The dive to the USAT Liberty wreck is an unforgettable experience for experienced divers. The wreck lies at a depth of around 5 to 30 meters and is therefore suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. As you dive into the depths of the ocean, you'll witness the marriage of history and nature as the wreck is covered in colorful soft corals and sponges. Discover the fascinating interplay of marine life and sunken heritage. As well as the wreck, Tulamben boasts a vibrant coral reef stretching along the coast. The clear waters and rich marine life make this reef a perfect spot for snorkelers and divers. Explore the different corners of the reef where you can find colorful species of fish, seahorses, nudibranchs and much more. The biodiversity and the intact nature of the reef are impressive and immerse you in a world that you will never forget.
I highly recommend to book Aquamarine Beach Villas. It might be a bit out of Amed, but with the scooter it is no problem at all. In addition you can snorkel from the accommondation directly to the USAT Liberty wreck.
3. Nusa Penida - Manta Rays and Diving: Impressive Encounters
A highlight on Nusa Penida is undoubtedly the encounter with the majestic manta rays. These gentle giants of the sea are an awe-inspiring sight. Snorkeling or diving gives you the opportunity to be close to them and admire their majestic beauty up close. The size and grace of these creatures as they glide through the deep blue water leave an unforgettable memory. Nusa Penida is also known for its impressive coral reefs, which are home to a rich variety of marine life. During the dive you can immerse yourself in the colorful underwater paradise and discover an amazing variety of species. From tiny nudibranchs to large schools of fish, there is always something new to discover here.
Another highlight on Nusa Penida are the seasonal sightings of the fascinating mola mola, or sunfish. These giant fish are known for their unusual shape and slow, majestic swimming. Although they usually reside at greater depths, divers have the opportunity to see these remarkable creatures in the shallower waters of Nusa Penida.
However, before diving into the underwater world of Nusa Penida, it is important to prepare well. Currents can be strong and diving here often requires experience and knowledge. It is advisable to use the services of experienced diving schools to ensure you have the best diving experiences.
4. Menjangan Island - A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning coral reefs
More than just a dive site, Menjangan Island is an underwater paradise that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This small island off the northwest coast of Bali is known for its stunning coral reefs and rich marine diversity. A diving and snorkeling adventure awaits you here that will take you to another world. Menjangan Island's underwater world is one of pristine beauty. The colorful coral reefs provide habitat for an impressive array of marine life, from tiny seahorses to majestic manta rays. Menjangan's Wall Diving Site is particularly well known, where you can dive along a wall covered in colorful soft and hard corals. The clear, turquoise waters surrounding Menjangan Island allow for excellent visibility, allowing divers and snorkelers to experience the beauty of the underwater world in all its glory. During the dive you can encounter eagle rays, napoleon fish, turtles and an abundance of colorful fish species. Menjangan Island's protected status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site reflects efforts to preserve this natural beauty.
The only inhabitants of the island are deers, which mostly stay in the interior of the island. They head to the beach, especially at the end of the dry season. Since there is no fresh water source on the dry island, they hope to get some water from tourists. I haven't visited this highlight yet, but it's high on the bucket list for my next trip to Bali.
5. Lovina - Dolphin Tours: Unique Encounters
Dolphin tours in Lovina start in the early morning hours when the dolphins are most active. Once you reach the sea you will be overwhelmed by the magic of this moment. The boats glide over the calm waters and suddenly you can hear the characteristic calls of the dolphins. Then they emerge - pods of dolphins gracefully leaping out of the water and gliding through the waves. It is a sight that touches hearts and will leave you speechless. The dolphin tours in Lovina offer not only a unique encounter with the animals, but also the opportunity to experience the spectacular sunrise over the sea.
However, it is important to emphasize the responsibility that comes with viewing wildlife.
These tours in particular are very controversial in Bali, as there are usually up to 20 boats here at sunrise. According to tour operators in Lovina, care is taken not to disturb the dolphins or interfere with their natural behavior. Everyone has to decide for themselves.
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