Bali's 7 Best Snorkeling Places - Explore Balinese Waters
Beautiful golden sand, waves on the shore, a light breeze on your face and a calm ocean - that's what Bali is all about! If you have never seen the magical ocean world under the sea in Bali, you have not experienced the amazing magic of this place. Although Bali is a small province in Indonesia, there are some vibrant and clean beaches. The variety and colorful marine life can be seen here - beach lovers who want to try snorkeling should definitely visit Bali during the right season.
Why is Bali the best place for snorkeling?
There are plenty of coral reefs and marine life, and Bali is one of the most outstanding snorkeling destinations in the world. Here are some of the reasons why some of the best snorkeling spots in the world are in Bali:
Excellent visibility
Bali's waters are very clear, and there is no need to go deep into the ocean to see the colorful corals. At the right time of year, the sea remains calm, which makes snorkeling easy. Snorkeling enthusiasts can see up to 50 meters underwater on a bright sunny day.
Many places and destinations
There are many places in Bali where you can go snorkeling. Even if you are a beginner and have no idea about diving, the organizers can help you stay safe underwater. Experienced snorkelers will be able to swim freely underwater in Bali.
Diverse sea life
A variety of marine animals live in the sea around the coast of Bali. Here are just a few of them - the common moonfish, Mediterranean lora, bissa, hammerhead shark and many others.
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The best snorkeling spots in Bali
Bali has many fascinating places to go snorkeling. Here is a list of wonderful sites from which you can dive into the water and explore the magnificent marine life.
1. Coral Garden, Tulamben
Snorkeling means the opportunity to see the colorful coral gardens. The coral garden consists of natural and artificial reefs and is one of the best places to snorkel in Bali. The wide varieties of soft corals range in size from 3 to 12 meters. There are 150 reefs among which you will have a great time snorkeling.
In addition to corals, you can enjoy watching animals such as squid, swallow fish and barracuda. The most exciting place for snorkeling in Tulamben is the underwater temple. There are also many colorful aquatic flowers.
Location: Tulamben is located in the northwest of Bali, which is well connected by various modes of transport.
Cost: Regular tickets (1 to 4 dives) - 300,000 rupees. Five dives - 1,400,000 rupees.
Best time: April to September.
Organized by Bali Aqua and Bali Diving Academy.
2. Post Dua, Menjangan Island
Pos Dua is one of the must-see snorkeling spots in Bali, especially for experts. However, you can also take a dip in the sea with Pos Dua as a beginner. The amazing clarity of the water allows you to look beyond 40 meters into the sea, thanks to which you can see many deep-sea coral reefs. Pos Dua's underwater environment can transport you to another dimension of the mysterious sea.
Location: Pos Dua is located in the southern part of Bali near Nusa Dua
Cost (for two): Rs. 900,000
Best time: May to September
Organized by: The Bali Budaya Tours.
3. the crash site of the USAT Liberty, Tulamben
The site of the sunken USAT ship in Tulamben serves as a haven for budding scuba divers. The USAT Liberty was an American warship that encountered a torpedo attack during World War II and sank right there.
The shipwreck is now completely covered with beautiful corals as well as colorful aquatic plants. You can dive to a depth of up to 5 meters underwater, but if you want to get to the wreck, you will need to dive at least 30 meters to see this beauty.
Location: USAT Liberty is located in the northwest of Bali, which is one of the best places for snorkeling in Bali.
Cost: 360,000 rupees.
Best time: April to September (dry season).
Organized by Bali Aqua and Bali Diving Academy.
4. Shark Island, Serangan
It is an artificial island in Serangan that allows divers to swim with sharks. Bali's endangered shark species are bred here. They are black and white in color and are known as reef sharks. The sharks here will swim with you, which can give you an unforgettable experience. This island is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Bali.
Location: Shark Islands is located in the southern part of Bali.
Cost: Rs. 5,722,500.
Best time: April through September. Organizers: local organizer.
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5. Jemeluk Bay, Amed
Jemeluk Bay is rich in many aquatic animals and some beautiful coral reef species. Fish, which are abundant here, include such species as angelfish, surgeonfish and starry rays.
Jemeluk Bay provides snorkeling opportunities for all experience levels. You can explore several underwater sculptures with corals growing in them. The water is clear and you can enjoy your time snorkeling.
Location: Jemeluk Bay is located in the east of Bali.
Cost: 360,000 rupees.
Best time: May to September.
Organizers: Amed Diving Center.
6. White Sand Beach, Padang Bai
The sand always complements the blue waters perfectly when it comes to snorkeling. Padang Bai is the place where you can find amazing white sand. The beach is also known as Pantai Pasir Putih. In addition to snorkeling, you can enjoy your time on the beach. Here you can see colorful tropical fish and swim with a mask and flippers. If you are lucky, you can see sea turtles, and this is one of the main reasons why it is a favorite snorkeling spot in Bali.
Location: Padang Bai is located in the east of Bali.
Cost: 260,000 rupees.
Best time: dry season.
Organizers: Bali Aqua, Bali Budaya Tours.
7. Nusa Penida Island, Bali
Nusa Penida is one of the quietest places for scuba diving in Bali, especially for beginners. Here you can see stingrays and swim with them. The main feature is the local moonfish. This place also provides you with opportunities for a great beach vacation after snorkeling.
Location: the island of Nusa Penida is located in the south of Bali.
Cost: 360,000 rupees.
Best time: April to October.
Organizers: The Bali Diving Academy.
Precautions for scuba diving
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and so there are certain precautions you should observe while snorkeling in Bali:
Be confident in the water
You should always behave confidently while you are at sea. Avoid snorkeling unless you know how to swim. Deep sea swimming is completely different from normal swimming, so be on your guard.
Always buy snorkeling equipment of proper quality
As a precautionary measure, you should always check your snorkeling equipment when you buy it. In Bali, the organizers will provide you with rental equipment. Inspect the equipment carefully before use.
Protect your skin
Protecting your skin is one of the main precautions you should take to swim with a mask. Sunscreen can be one of the main ways to protect your skin from direct sunlight. To avoid sunburn, wear a protective sports top. The best way to protect your skin from allergies is to wear a wetsuit. Be careful if you encounter jellyfish - they can lead to rashes and burns.
Stay close to the shore
Staying close to the shore is one of the main precautions you need to take if you are snorkeling in Bali. Tropical currents can be dangerous because they can carry you out into the open sea. This is very dangerous and you can drown. If you are close to shore, you will have more opportunities to get out of the water if something unexpected happens.
Avoid snorkeling if you have breathing problems
This activity can be dangerous if you have a respiratory disease. Organizers usually allow all clients, but you must be sure of your health.
Tips
Some tips that can help you while snorkeling in Bali.
- Scuba diving on a full stomach is not recommended
- You should refrain from touching sea creatures and coral reefs while snorkeling. They are very sensitive and some of the coral can be poisonous.
- Never consume alcohol before you go swimming. Stay sober and keep a healthy water level in your body.
- It is best to avoid scuba diving in the afternoon - the best experience is during the afternoon.
Bali is one of the best places for snorkeling and is becoming an increasingly popular destination among a wide audience. The rapid development of Bali's tourism sector makes it one of the most visited scuba diving destinations in the world!
So get your snorkeling gear ready, apply sunscreen, and dive right into Bali's best snorkeling spots!