Bali, renowned for its lush jungles, towering volcanoes, and vibrant culture, is also a top destination for underwater explorers. Nestled in Southeast Asia’s Coral Triangle, the island offers a wealth of snorkeling spots with thriving coral reefs, abundant marine life, and crystal-clear waters. Here’s a guide to some of the best snorkeling spots in Bali, ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.
Also read: Bali Travel Guide: Complete Tips for Tourists
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is perfect for beginners and families. Known for its calm waters, this area offers easy access to snorkeling right off the beach. The sheltered reef provides a tranquil environment where you can encounter a variety of fish, including the colorful sergeant majors. With over 20 resorts nearby, it’s also an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
Also read: 12 Best Diving Spots in Bali: A Guide for Foreign Tourists
Menjangan Island
Located about three hours from Bali by boat, Menjangan Island is a hidden gem for snorkeling enthusiasts. Part of West Bali National Park, the island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Snorkelers can expect to see an array of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish, all in a serene, uncrowded environment.
Also read: 10 Best Surf Spots in Bali for Every Level of Surfer
Amed
Amed, located on Bali’s northeastern coast, is famous for its black sand beaches and clear waters. This snorkeling spot is home to a Japanese shipwreck from WWII, lying just 12 meters below the surface. Besides the wreck, snorkelers can explore nearby coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it a unique underwater adventure.
Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida
Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida offers a serene snorkeling experience, thanks to its sheltered location and year-round calm waters. The bay is known for its beautiful coral gardens and diverse marine life, including the elusive mola-mola or sunfish. It’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling, swimming, and even diving with a PADI-certified instructor.
Also read: 15 Best Beaches in Bali for Swimming
Tulamben Beach
Tulamben Beach is a must-visit for more experienced snorkelers and divers. The site is famous for the USS Liberty shipwreck, an American cargo ship from WWII that rests about 30 meters below the surface. While full exploration requires scuba diving, snorkelers can still enjoy the upper parts of the wreck and the surrounding marine life.
Candi Dasa & Blue Lagoon Beach
Located on Bali’s southeastern coast, Candi Dasa is a serene and laid-back destination with black sand beaches and beautiful resorts. Nearby, the Blue Lagoon Beach in Padang Bai offers a sheltered cove rich in coral and tropical fish, making it a fantastic spot for beginner snorkelers. The calm waters and vibrant marine life make the Blue Lagoon a must-visit snorkeling location. Additionally, Candi Dasa serves as a great base for further underwater adventures, including day trips to the Nusa Islands or the Gili Islands off Lombok.
Also read: 25 Best Beaches in Bali: Guide for Tourists
Padang Bai
Just five minutes from Blue Lagoon, Padang Bai is another fantastic spot for snorkeling with its serene waters and shallow reefs. It’s an excellent location for beginners, but those looking for more adventure can dive deeper to find rare aquatic creatures like candy crabs and blue-ring octopuses.
Nusa Penida
A short boat ride from Bali, Nusa Penida is the largest of the Nusa islands and a popular snorkeling destination. The island is known for its diverse marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful corals. Snorkelers can explore various sites, such as Banana Beach and Manta Bay, each offering unique underwater views.
Also read: Where to Stay in Bali: 14 Best Places for Tourists
Pemuteran Beach
Pemuteran Beach, located on Bali’s northwestern coast, is home to the world’s largest Biorock artificial reef project. This unique snorkeling spot features sunken bikes and relics transformed into habitats for fish and corals. The shallow waters make it an excellent choice for first-timers looking to explore Bali’s underwater world.
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is ideal for those looking to snorkel with manta rays. This island offers breathtaking underwater experiences at spots like Crystal Bay, Manta Bay, and Toyapakeh Wall Penida. The waters are filled with diverse marine life, making it a memorable destination for snorkelers.
Also read: 20 Best Food in Bali: A Guide to Exquisite Balinese Cuisine
Before embarking on your snorkeling adventure in Bali, make sure to comply with the local visa regulations.
Most tourists will need a Bali Visa on Arrival, valid for 30 days. For longer stays, you can extend the Bali visa on arrival or apply for a Bali tourist visa.
For a simpler visa application, you can rely on InvestinAsia’s Bali Visa service. Our professional team is ready to help you through the process to the end.
Contact us today for a FREE Consultation!
Make sure to check the latest travel and visa regulations before your trip to ensure a smooth diving adventure in Bali!
Also check our complete guide for Bali Entry Requirements.
