Diving in Bali

Explore 224 dive sites in Bali, Indonesia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Bali

The warmest water temperatures in Bali occur in December, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 29.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.1°C
  • February: 29.7°C
  • March: 30.1°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.1°C
  • September: 29.3°C
  • October: 30.1°C
  • November: 30.9°C
  • December: 30.9°C

Marine Life in Bali

Home to 528 recorded species including 359 reef fish, 73 hard corals, 42 sharks & rays, 12 other, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 11 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Bali

Bali has 2 beginner, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Bali

Based on average water temperature of 30.1°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Bali

  • Bali Barat - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Meru Betiri - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Baluran - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN PASIR PUTIH KABUPATEN SITUBONDO - Marine Recreation Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • PKK-001 Sumenep - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-003 Bangkalan - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-007 Sampang - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Buleleng - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • PKK-043 Banyuwangi - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-017 Blitar - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Gili Ketapang - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • PKK-013 Jember - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-019 Lumajang - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-114 Malang - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-059 Pamekasan - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-062 Probolinggo - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Pulau Panjang - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • PKK-026 Situbondo - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Bali - Nearest Airports

  • Juanda International Airport (SUB), Surabaya - 69 km away, approx 91 min travel time
  • Dhoho International Airport (DHX), Kediri - 164 km away, approx 194 min travel time
  • Denpasar I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Kuta, Badung - 240 km away, approx 277 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Bali for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal water conditions in Bali, the best time of year to dive is during months with the warmest water temperatures. These include Month 12 (30.94°C), Month 11 (30.89°C), and Month 4 (30.71°C). While specific marine life seasonality isn't detailed, these months offer comfortable diving temperatures for exploring Bali's diverse underwater world.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in Bali, especially the highlights like Mola Mola and manta rays?
Divers in Bali can expect to encounter extraordinary marine life, with highlights including the majestic manta rays and the elusive mola mola (ocean sunfish). Specific sites like Manta Bay and Manta Point are renowned for manta ray sightings. The region's diverse reefs also host a variety of other fascinating species.
Which dive sites in Bali are considered the best for different experience levels, from beginners to advanced divers?
Bali offers dive sites suitable for all experience levels. For beginners, the OK snorkeling site is recommended. Advanced divers can challenge themselves at sites like Deep Blue. The majority of Bali's 194 dive sites, such as Coral Garden and Secret Bay, are suitable for intermediate divers.
What are the typical water temperatures and visibility conditions like when diving in Bali's various regions?
When diving in Bali, divers can expect warm water temperatures, particularly in Month 12 (30.94°C), Month 11 (30.89°C), and Month 4 (30.71°C). While specific visibility conditions for various regions are not detailed, Bali is known for its generally clear tropical waters. These comfortable temperatures make for enjoyable diving experiences across the sub-region.
Are there strong currents in Bali's dive regions, and which areas are most affected or suitable for drift diving?
Yes, strong currents can be encountered in some of Bali's dive regions, making it suitable for exhilarating drift diving experiences. Manta Point is explicitly listed as a drift dive site, indicating areas where currents are a notable feature. Divers should always be aware of local conditions and dive with experienced guides.
Where are the most popular dive regions in Bali, and what are the common ways for travelers to get to these dive sites?
While the data doesn't explicitly list "regions" within Bali, popular diving areas highlighted include Tulamben, home to the USAT Liberty wreck, and Nusa Penida, known for its manta rays and mola mola. These areas offer extraordinary diving diversity. Information on common ways for travelers to get to these specific dive sites is not provided in the current data.
Is Bali a good dive destination for beginner divers, and what specific sites are recommended for those with less experience?
Yes, Bali is indeed a good dive destination for beginner divers, offering a range of sites suitable for those with less experience. The OK snorkeling site is specifically recommended for beginners. Many other sites, while listed as intermediate, can also be suitable for newer divers under proper guidance, allowing for progression in skill.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in Bali, and how do they impact conditions and marine life encounters?
Seasonal variations in Bali primarily impact water temperatures, with optimal warmth observed in Month 12 (30.94°C), Month 11 (30.89°C), and Month 4 (30.71°C). While these warmer months generally offer comfortable diving conditions, detailed seasonal impacts on specific marine life encounters beyond the general presence of manta rays and mola mola are not provided in the current data. For more information on optimal diving times, visit our When to Dive section.