Bali's
dive sites offer great diversity : vertical walls and sand slopes, shipwrecks,
limestone shorelines and black, volcanic outcrops, peaceful bays and ripping
currents, coral-covered ridges, with both shore- and boat-diving. Expect to see
mantas, whale sharks and, from July through October, oceanic sunfish.
Diving
safaris are becoming the package of choice for those who want to see more of
underwater Bali. These are basically hotel/diving and transport packages.
Because you're staying near the dive sites, you can do earlier and later dives
and avoid the day-tripping crowds from the tourist areas that pack out popular
sites. It also allows you to do more dives each day. Snorkelling is available
at Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai and Pemuteran/Menjangan, so non-diving partners
and children can often join day trips and safaris. Here are Bali's 10 best:
1. USAT
Liberty
The
Liberty shipwreck is considered Bali's most popular dive site. The American
ship USAT Liberty was an armed cargo steamship that was torpedoed by the
Japanese in 1942. The years under the sea have transformed it to one of
Indonesia's most beautiful artificial reefs. Stunning gorgonian sea fans, huge
soft coral trees and big-barrel sponges all flourish here. A resident school of
big-eyed jacks live on and around the ship and are unafraid of divers, so it's
safe to enter the school and have them whirl around you. The ship is also a
haven for emperors, batfish, sweetlips and parrotfish.
2.
Tulamben drop-off
On the
northeast coast, Tulamben Bay receives very plankton-rich waters and, coupled
with the fact that the three main dive sites provide totally different physical
environments, the bay is a stunning and diverse underwater ecosystem. The black
sand in the area brings out the colours of the corals, gorgonians, fish and
other marine life. At the south end of the bay, a rocky point falls off sharply
underwater to create a deep drop-off where sharks, whale sharks and sunfish
have been found.
3. Amed
Amed
lies to the south, along the eastern coastline. It was traditionally dependent
on salt-panning and fishing, and despite the arrival of tourists it's retained
that feeling. There are three main dive sites here; head south to the shipwreck
at Lipah fishing village, or a bit further south to the drift dive at Gili
Selang, Bali's easternmost point.
4.
Lipah shipwreck
This
village is tiny and so is the wreck, which can be found at the inner bay
drop-off at the north end of Lipah Bay. Divers can take a boat down the coast,
or just drive along the winding coast and walk in. It's full of copper
sweepers, a batfish school, hard coral growth and waving sea fans, and can be
both dived or snorkelled. Go with a good guide, as the currents can come up
fast and strong.
5. Gili
Tepekong
This
big volcanic hump rises out of the water not far from the Candi Dasa shore on
the south-east coast. Underwater, the area is covered with Medusa-like heads
that vary in size from huge boulders to small sea gardens. They are adorned
with blood-red sea fans, tunicates and sponges. In some spots, the competition
for space amid the corals is incredible. Other sites include Gili Mimpang and
Gili Biaha. Currents are common in this area, but that means pelagic life like
big tuna, jacks, sharks and even mola mola come in here.
6. Blue
Lagoon
The
shallow reefs of Blue Lagoon, near Padang Bai, are used for introductory dives,
night dives and long photo excursions. Staghorn coral patch reefs start in only
3m of water. The reef then opens out onto an area with huge coral bommies, soft
leather corals and flowing anemones. The area here can be good for macro buffs;
there are rumours of a lacey scorpionfish being seen here as well.
7.
Napoleon Reef
Named
for a large Napoleon wrasse seen here, Napoleon Reef is in the north near
Pemuteran. It can be dived deep or shallow, day or night. On the northeast end
is the Ikan Warung fish house, bustling with various schools. Golden sea fans
and large clumps of cotton-candy coral grow beside other gorgonians along the
slope.
8.
Menjangen Island
The
drop-offs at Menjangan Island can be a real treat. This is the site of a now
abandoned guard post that has a broad channel leading to the beach. Expect to
be greeted by batfish. The dive offers spectacular corals and many deep crevices
and fissures, as well as small caves. Sleeping groupers and wary big-eyed jacks
are found in the dark recesses.
9.
Crystal Bay
Crystal
Bay, on Nusa Penida, is protected and relatively shallow, offering enjoyable
conditions for divers of all levels. The bay has two entrances and a large rock
sits in the centre. Be careful when diving this central rock, or along the
outside edge of the bay, as the current can be strong, sweeping divers out
along the outside wall into very tricky diving conditions. When near the
drop-off, look for larger creatures, such as molas, eagle rays, dogtooth tuna,
sharks and an occasional bumphead wrasse. Schooling surgeonfish are abundant in
some spots.
10.
Manta Point
Lucky
divers may have a close encounter with the manta rays that are known to
traverse this dive site. One of the mantas is pure white, a truly unearthly
creature. Manta Point is located along the high and rugged cliffs of Nusa
Penida, so it's not always easy to get there due to the big swells that
sometimes hit, but it's worth it to experience these gentle, graceful
creatures.
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