3 Best Dive Sites in Bali That You’ll Love to Visit
Bali is one of Indonesia’s premier tourist destinations, with beaches like Kuta and Seminyak. There are some great diving spots in the dive resort in Komodo, there are not many world-class dive sites to explore off Bali’s coast; this is because the islands in the east of Lombok provide much better conditions for scuba divers.
There are other reasons why you should visit these east coast islands, even if you’re not looking to take your PADI OW course (Open Water diver).
Check out three dive sites in Bali you wouldn’t want to miss:
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is located on Gili Lawa Laut, an island just off Gili Trawangan. The site was named after its deep blue waters, which are home to hundreds of varieties of fish. Many tourists will visit the Gili islands for water sports and partying. Still, you can find both in abundance here, making it a perfect place to spend the day exploring different activities.
Gili Lawa Laut is also an exciting destination; it’s separated into two islands by a narrow strait where turtles often pass through. The smaller island is mainly uninhabited, giving you more opportunity to enjoy this serene dive site.
The seabed in Blue Lagoon features large rocks covered in corals and sponges, providing homes for many species of tropical fish. Snapper, fusilier, trevally and barracuda are just some of the fish you’re likely to see here. You can hire an underwater camera at most diving centres for around $10 (US$8), so remember to take lots of photos of your underwater adventure.
Gili Trawangan
If you’d like more than one dive site on your Bali holiday, consider visiting Gili Trawangan. This island is divided into three smaller islands with its charm and character. While snorkelling, you might be able to spot some turtles; they nest on this island between April and October every year. The best diving time is during July, August or September due to better visibility in the sea. However, if you visit outside these months, bring a wet suit as the water is much colder.
Gili Trawangan is a popular destination for those who enjoy partying, but this should not discourage divers from visiting. There are three dive shops on the island, where you can find PADI or SSI Open Water certification courses and daily diving trips. Alternatively, you could hire a local guide to take you to one of the many dive sites around Gili Trawangan, including Shark Point and Turtle Point.
Mangrove Swamps
The third location to visit in Bali is West Bali National Park. This area features stunning mangrove forests, which provide food and shelter for many fish species. If you’re looking for something more than scuba diving during your next holiday, make sure you visit this park and take a tour along the Mangrove Rivers.
You can hire a boat on the beach to take you out into the bay; here, the water is calm and shallow enough for kayaking or canoeing. These tours will teach you about Bali’s incredible biodiversity as well as its culture, providing an insight into life on Lombok Island.
Dive Guides in Bali
The guides who provide these services are knowledgeable about the marine life in the area; they’re even able to point out some of Bali’s more unusual creatures, such as dolphins, dugongs and manta rays. Some of these species live around Menjangan Island, which is also found within West Bali National Park and makes another great day trip from Kuta.
While you’re in Bali, why not experience what it’s like to be a real diver with your very own PADI certification. Our SSI Open Water course provides comprehensive training, beginning with the basics of scuba equipment before moving on to dive theory and practice. To find out more, visit our website.
Or you can go for a PADI Discover Scuba Diving course; if you’d prefer an introduction to scuba diving without committing to the whole qualification. It is a great way to learn new skills and make friends with other divers while having fun.
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