Best Dive Locations in Bali And Diving Tips
Bali is a big island and there are so many diving choices. Here are some recommendations of Dive Locations in Bali.
Tulamben (SE of Bali)
The best diving in Bali is in Tulamben, it’s highly recommended for its easy diving, varied sites and photo opportunity, and it’s also a great place for beginners.
In Tulamben Serya scuba resort costs approx $80/night. Dives cost $25. It’s one of the top hotels in that area and very good choice for the muck diving. One of best hotels in Tulamben is the Tauch terminal. It is great but a bit more expensive though.
Menjagan Island (NW of Bali), Padang Bai
Lovina is the base to dive Menjagan Island. Padangbai has plenty of beginner dives too and is a nice place to stay. You don’t need reservations in Padang Bai, just show up in the afternoon, there are plenty of dive shops/places to stay. I’d stick with these and maybe Lovina for beginning diving. If you stay in Kuta or Seminyak, Padangbai is a fair haul away but you could dive from Sanur, which is closer.
Nusa Penida (SSW of Bali)
Careful about Nusa Penida though, because the water temp is much colder (around 20°C) than the tropical waters and there are currents.
If you are not on a budget I would suggest you to go for the scuba safari, which is a tour around the island to various dive sites and most dive companies can arrange this.
Diving Season in Bali
Rainy season in Bali generally runs from November to April. The run-off from the rivers in rainy season at Tulamben can effect the visibility, as can the number of divers on any given day. Vis is fine first thing in the morning, getting gradually worse as the afternoon wears on.
August is the season for Mola Molas and they tend to be seen more at the southern spots; the Manta Rays spot is south, so the Candidasa/Padang Bai combination was good.
December may not be the season for Mola Molas but perhaps you can still see the Manta Rays at manta point.
Accommodation
As I mentioned earlier, Bali is a biggish island so you could end up spending a lot of time on the road from the hotel to the dive spots if you are not careful where you stay. So I would suggest you to stay near the dive locations. Best to contact a couple of dive operators, tell them what you want, and let them prepare an itinerary that you can work with.
Scuba Diving Arrangement
It’s better to book your diving and hotel through the same operator. The arrangement can be made via email. Tell them what you want and they will get you a package price. You could even specify that you are a little inexperienced in diving and would appreciate a good guide, suitable for your level.
