Scuba diving in Bali

Bali’s waters hide a WWII shipwreck wrapped in coral, walls of fish that shift like weather, and — if the day is kind — manta rays gliding past at Nusa Penida.

Warm water, easy blue

It suits everyone. Certified divers go deep on the Liberty wreck at Tulamben; first-timers get a discovery dive with an instructor at their shoulder the whole way down.

Most operators run half- and full-day trips with gear included; add a night dive and the reef turns into something else entirely.

Where to get wet

Tulamben on the north-east coast is the wreck classic — you can almost wade to it. Nusa Penida and Menjangan reward a boat ride with dramatic drift dives and, in season, the manta cleaning stations everyone hopes for.

Not certified? A discovery dive gets you under with an instructor; a three-day open-water course sends you home with a licence and a new obsession.

“Above the surface Bali is beautiful. Below it, it’s another country.”

Why people love it

• USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben
• Manta rays around Nusa Penida
• Warm, clear water year-round
• Courses for first-timers to advanced