While there are hundreds of fun things to do in Bali, you should not miss out on the opportunity to see dolphins, manta rays, tropical fish and other aquatic animals in their natural habitat by joining one of the many snorkeling excursions on offer.
Snorkeling in Bali proves to be one of the most popular water activities thanks to the island’s warm waters, gorgeous coral reefs, a plethora of beginner-friendly spots and the diverse array of marine life.
When looking for snorkeling destinations in Bali, you’ll find that this underwater activity is only available on the island’s north and east coasts, as well as the nearby Nusa Islands. The waves on the west coast are too strong for snorkeling, and this area is more famous for its surfing opportunities.
In this article, we provide you with a comprehensive list of the best snorkeling spots in Bali. We give you practical information about each site, including where it is located and what type of marine animals you can expect to see.
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1 – Nusa Dua Beach
Conveniently located just 40 kilometers south of Denpasar, Nusa Dua Beach is the ideal snorkeling destination for those staying in Kuta, Jimbaran and Bali’s other main tourist hubs.
You don’t need to travel far to get away from the island’s hustle and bustle and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere offered by Nusa Dua Beach. This snorkeling spot is ideal for beginners thanks to the calm, gentle waters of the bay. However, the coral reefs, which are home to a variety of ocean life, attract snorkelers of all levels.
Some of the fish that frequent Nusa Dua’s reefs include damsels, yellowtail fusiliers, soldierfish and surgeonfish among many others. While the marine life may not be as diverse as in other parts of Bali, Nusa Dua offers a relaxing underwater experience for the whole family to enjoy.
2 – Shark Island, Serangan
Serangan Island, which is also commonly referred to as Shark Island, is located off the coast of Denpasar and is famously home to one of the largest populations of rescued sharks in the world! A trip to this island will undoubtedly provide valuable insight into the lives of these incredible predators.
Shark Island provides visitors with the opportunity to snorkel with baby sharks while you’re accompanied by an experienced instructor who is there to ensure your safety. Some of the shark species you’ll see include white-tip sharks, ornate sharks, gray reef sharks and tasseled sharks.
Shark Island excursions are one of the most popular snorkeling experiences on offer and there are dozens of different packages to choose from. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see these majestic creatures up close and personal while supporting local shark rehabilitation efforts.
3 – White Sand Beach
Known by locals as Pantai Pasir Putih or Bias Putih, White Sand Beach is one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches. Many people travel several hours from west Bali just to visit this protected bay which is wedged between two headlands.
White Sand Beach’s reef begins near the water’s edge and stretches out into the ocean, making it accessible by beach or boat. As there are both shallow and deep sections along the reef, this snorkeling spot is suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
While White Sand Beach is often referred to as a ‘remote’ or ‘hidden beach’, it is relatively easy to find as it is not far from Padang Bay Harbor. The vivid reef is teeming with all types of fish, including clownfish, frogfish, lionfish and many more.
4 – Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the most popular snorkeling spot in the Padang Bay area thanks to its sheltered waters and colorful coral reefs. The shallow depths and gentle currents make Blue Lagoon a great location for families and beginners.
This iconic snorkeling spot is home to tropical fish, moray eels, turtles and other interesting aquatic animals, so be sure to bring your underwater camera. It is best to visit Blue Lagoon’s reef in the morning if you want to experience the best clarity.
You’ll need to get a boat from Padang Bay Harbor to get to Blue Lagoon, which is just 5 minutes away from the harbor. When you book a Blue Lagoon snorkeling excursion through a tour operator, all travel arrangements are taken care of by an experienced guide.
5 – Tanjung Jepun
Snorkeling tours in Padang Bay usually visit both Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun in one excursion because of the locations’ close proximity to one another. Tanjung Jepun is sometimes referred to as an ‘intermediate’ snorkeling spot, but beginners will still love exploring the artificial reef.
Tanjung Jepun is also home to a small wreck, covered in coral, which makes for great underwater photographs. Some of the marine life you can expect to see includes blue-spotted stingrays, slipper lobsters, triggerfish and reef sharks among others.
This snorkeling spot can be accessed via the beach or by taking a boat from Padang Bay Harbor. While Tanjung Jepun may not be as famous as Blue Lagoon, you shouldn’t miss out on the incredible underwater experience offered by Tanjung Jepun if you find yourself in the Padang Bay area.
6 – Virgin Beach
Praised for being one of the treasures of Bali’s east coast, Virgin Beach in Karangasem is a natural paradise and offers a beautiful white-sand beach framed by tall palm trees. It takes roughly 90 minutes to reach Karangasem from Kuta and the journey is well worth the reward!
Many people opt to rent snorkeling equipment and snorkel directly from the beach’s sandy shores. While you may not see as much sea life as you would if you went further out, this is a great option for those not wanting to stray too far away from the beach.
Alternatively, you can join a snorkeling tour led by an experienced snorkeling instructor. You’ll board a small boat and enjoy an offshore excursion that provides you with the opportunity to see schools of dolphins and larger, game fish.
7 – Kembali Beach Reef
Kembali Beach Reef is one of the most underrated snorkeling spots in Amed. While it may not be as famous as Jemeluk Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to see just as many marine species when you snorkel at Kembali Beach Reef…if not more!
To reach the shallow reef, you’ll need to enter the water in front of the Kembali Beach Bungalows and swim in the direction of Jemeluk Bay. The sea is typically calm and gentle, making it the perfect location for young children and beginners.
It is best to visit the reef at low tide in the morning or late afternoon for the best sea conditions and visibility. You can expect to see a wide variety of colorful reef fish as well as turtles and blue starfish.
8 – Pyramids
The Pyramids is an artificial reef that is primarily used as a diving site, but it is also a great snorkeling spot if you visit at low tide. The spot is named after the pyramid-like concrete structures covered in coral and seaweed, which attract a variety of marine life.
There are around 20 pyramids in total, sitting at depths ranging from 5 meters to 35 meters. While it is relatively easy to access this snorkeling site from the shore, you can also access it by boat if you prefer.
You don’t need to have any snorkeling experience to have a great time exploring the Amed Pyramids. Keep an eye out for blue-spotted stingrays, garden eels, lionfish, shrimp, reef sharks, leaf scorpion fish and other interesting creatures.
9 – Jemeluk Bay
Thanks to its easily accessible location and variety of marine life, Jemeluk Bay is the most popular snorkeling destination in Amed. The bay’s half-moon shape offers protection against swell, thus providing calm waters that are perfect for snorkelers of all levels.
You can enter the water from the shore and swim along the reef along the right side of the bay. If you are confident enough to swim toward the middle of the bay, you’ll discover an underwater temple surrounded by statues.
Some animals you can look forward to seeing in Jemeluk Bay include angelfish, damselfish, surgeonfish and blue-spotted rays among other species. Make sure you visit Jemeluk Bay at low tide if you want to make the most out of your excursion.
10 – Lipah Beach
Lipah Beach is a large black-sand beach that is known for its tranquil atmosphere and vibrant snorkeling opportunities. The reef surrounding Lipah Beach is home to red sea fans, barrel sponges, groups of mackerels and blue-spotted stingrays.
You can reach the reef directly from the beach and the best place to snorkel is directly in front of Vienna Beach Resort. If you are walking out at low tide, be careful not to walk on any the coral as you could cut your feet and damage the reef.
This snorkeling site is a great destination for snorkelers of all levels as the sheltered bay generally offers gentle waters, good visibility and relatively shallow depths.
11 – Bunutan Reef
Bunutan Reef is one of Amed’s largest snorkeling sites as it stretches out for over 600 meters and attracts all sorts of marine life including triggerfish, black-tip sharks, barracuda, eagle rays and honeycomb moray eels.
The reef begins quite close to the shore, so you can access the snorkeling sites from Selang Beach by wading out in front of the Good Karma Bungalows. Alternatively, you can go by boat if you want to go a little deeper.
Currents can get quite strong around Bunutan Reef so it is important to only snorkel here when the sea is calm. This may not be the best location for beginners but more experienced snorkelers and strong swimmers will appreciate everything Bunutan Reef has to offer.
12 – Japanese Shipwreck (small shipwreck)
This small yet exciting shipwreck can be found off the coast of the village of Banyuning in Amed. Over the years, both hard and soft corals have settled on top of the shipwreck and these corals attract batfish, clownfish and a variety of other species.
While you can reach the shipwreck from the beach, you should be very careful when entering the water as the bay is known for its strong waves. Additionally, you could end up cutting your feet on the beach’s sharp stones so it may be a good idea to wear socks or water shoes.
Once you have explored the Japanese Shipwreck, you can go on to explore the nearby staghorn coral— located on the left side of the bay— if you’re interested in seeing one of the island’s largest staghorn coral colonies.
13 – USAT Liberty Shipwreck
Listed as one of the best places to visit in Bali for divers, the USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben attracts snorkeling and diving enthusiasts from all over the world. The large wreck lies around 30 meters from the shore and is covered in colorful coral.
Tulamben is around 2.5 hours from Kuta and Denpasar, and you can access the site directly from the beach. The depths of the wreck range between 5 meters and 30 meters, making it an ideal location for snorkelers of all levels.
Thousands of fish have made the wreck their home since 1963, which was when the large ship sank. You can look forward to seeing impressive coral formations, butterflyfish, parrotfish and even coral hinds if you are lucky.
14 – Coral Garden
Filled with a diverse variety of vibrant coral, Coral Garden is a shallow reef just a few hundred meters from the USAT Liberty Shipwreck. The reef stretches along the shore of Tulamben Bay and is easily accessible from the beach.
Sunken Balinese statues, including a statue of Buddha, are scattered along the snorkeling site and make for interesting underwater pictures. In addition to dozens of different types of coral, you can also expect to see mantis shrimps, clownfish, Spanish dancers and ghost pipefish.
The shallow, clear water makes Coral Garden an excellent location for beginner snorkelers, who will be rewarded with loads of exciting sightings. Experienced snorkelers will also enjoy the diversity of species on offer at Coral Garden.
15 – Lovina
Lovina Reef is home to exciting species like triggerfish, rainbow parrotfish, scissortail sergeants, turtles and blue starfish among other creatures. The snorkeling site, which is suitable for all levels, is located roughly 300 meters from shore and is best accessed by a local boat.
While Lovina has some of the top-rated snorkeling sites in Bali, the area is actually better known for its dolphin-watching opportunities. Some boat captains provide combination tours that offer both snorkeling and dolphin watching during the same excursion.
Interested in seeing these incredible marine mammals in their natural habitat? Read our complete guide about Lovina sunrise dolphin-watching tours.
16 – Pemuteran Biorock
See nudibranchs, longfin bannerfish, barracuda and pufferfish among other species when you snorkel at this award-winning dive site. Pemuteran Biorock is unique in that the local community has helped restore the reef by using steel cages, electricity cages and other artificial structures.
Thanks to the reef’s shallow, gentle waters and close proximity to the shore, Pemuteran Biorock is an excellent site for beginners. The site can easily be reached from the beautiful beach that runs parallel to the reef.
The reef’s restoration project began in 2000 and is now the largest artificial reef in Indonesia. The project also makes use of electric mineral accretion and its own photovoltaic generator to help stimulate coral growth.
17 – Menjangan Island National Park
Located roughly 20 kilometers off the coast of Pemuteran, Menjangan Island is a small, remote island that is only accessible by boat. The island is home to several well-known snorkeling sites, most of which are suitable for beginners.
When snorkeling around Menjangan Island, you can expect to enjoy unspoiled natural beauty and a diverse variety of marine life, including turtles, angelfish, clownfish, blue starfish and many other species.
The best way to visit this island is by booking a full-day tour with one of the local tour operators. Most tours leave from Pemuteran and take you to a few of the island’s top snorkeling sites and include a lunch onboard the boat.
Now you will find below snorkeling spots located at the Nusa Islands. Those three islands, which consist of Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, are located roughly 20 kilometers off Bali’s southeast coast. The islands, which aren’t as busy as Bali, provide a plethora of exciting snorkeling opportunities.
The Nusa Islands are best explored by boat, and prove to be a popular location on our list of the best boat tours in Bali.
18 – Mangrove Point (Nusa Lembongan)
Located off the northern coast of Nusa Lembongan, near Jungutbatu Village, Mangrove Point is a beginner-friendly snorkeling spot known for its light currents, tropical fish and colorful coral reefs.
Mangrove Point is a 10-minute boat ride from Jungutbatu Beach. The site is best known for its drift snorkeling which allows you to see the entirety of the reef by just drifting along in the light current.
While whale sharks and manta rays have been spotted at this site, you are more likely to see nurse sharks, clownfish, turtles, angelfish and giant puffers. Mangrove Point’s rich biodiversity is what makes it one of the Nusa Islands’ most popular dive spots.
Read more: Nusa Lembongan Day Trip from Bali – All you Need to Know
19 – Buddha Point Underwater Temple Statue (Nusa Ceningan)
Buddha Point, located near the north end of Nusa Ceningan, is a popular snorkeling spot famous for its underwater Buddhist temple statues. The statues are only around 5 meters deep and are covered in coral, making for a unique snorkeling experience.
While Buddha Point can easily be reached from any on the Nusa Islands, you’ll need to take a boat to get there. This spot may not have as much marine life as some of the others, but you can still expect to see a variety of coral and tropical fish.
Keep in mind that even though this spot is relatively shallow, the currents at Buddha Point can be quite strong and the site is best-suited for more experienced snorkelers and strong swimmers.
20 – Ceningan Wall (Nusa Ceningan)
Amidst the dozens of snorkeling sites on offer in Nusa Ceningan, the Ceningan Wall stands out as one of the most popular thanks to its impressive variety of fauna and flora.
When snorkeling at the Ceningan Wall, remember to keep your eyes peeled as the wall is home to many smaller species, such as pigmy seahorses, Zanzibar shrimps and nudibranchs, all of which can be easily missed.
In addition to the abovementioned smaller creatures, you may see white-spotted eagle rays, tuna and batfish. The strong currents, which help with the development of the reef’s biodiversity, can also pose a challenge to beginner snorkelers and weak swimmers.
The site, which is located in front of Crystal Bay, is not accessible at all times and it is essential that you visit the Ceningan Wall with a trusted tour operator.
21 – Toyapakeh Wall Point (Nusa Penida)
Located near the north mouth of the Ceningan Channel, Toyapakeh Wall Point offers an unforgettable underwater experience. The site, which is only accessible by boat, is known for its stunning coral structures and plentiful marine life.
Some of the creatures you can look forward to seeing at Toyapakeh Wall Point include sea snakes, barracuda, turtles, scorpionfish, angelfish, batfish and the much-loved mola mola fish among others.
Currents in the channel can be strong and unpredictable, making this spot unsuitable for first-time snorkelers and weak swimmers. However, the spot is ideal for drift snorkeling, meaning that the boat captain will drop you off in one spot and pick you up in another.
Read more: Nusa Penida Day Trip – All you Need to Know
22 – Gamat Bay (Nusa Penida)
Gamat Bay is a quiet and secluded snorkeling spot that is accessible by boat or beach, although if you choose to access the snorkeling site from the beach you should be prepared for the 20-minute hike from the parking lot.
You can expect to see healthy corals and hundreds of reef fish as well as the odd turtle. While manta rays have been spotted in the bay from time to time, you’ll definitely be considered lucky if you see one.
The warm, crystal-clear water is free from currents, making this the ideal spot for beginner snorkelers to explore. Beginners and experienced snorkelers alike can easily spend hours enjoying Gamat Bay’s underwater wonderland.
23 – Crystal Bay (Nusa Penida)
Known for its beautiful coral reefs and convenient shore access, Crystal Bay is a relaxed snorkeling spot that is perfect for first-time snorkelers and families with children. That being said, it is always best to visit Crystal Bay in the morning when the sea is at its calmest.
The left corner of the bay offers the best snorkeling opportunities and you’ll get the chance to see all sorts of ocean creatures, including reef fish and blue starfish. The shallow depths of the reef allow you to see the marine life up close with ease.
Unlike many of Nusa Penida’s other beaches, it is very easy to get to Crystal Bay thanks to the well-developed roads. The beach also has all the amenities you need for a comfortable beach day, including restaurants, toilets and changing rooms.
24 – Manta Bay (Nusa Penida)
While manta rays can be spotted at various snorkeling spots around Nusa Penida, these majestic creatures tend to gather in the shallow waters of Manta Bay where they feed on the plankton-rich water that is pushed over the shallow reef.
Manta Bay is made up of an area of linked bays in front of Angel’s Billabong and can be reached by taking a 15-minute boat ride from Toyapakeh. In addition to manta rays, Manta Bay is also frequented by white-spotted eagle rays, turtles and reef sharks.
While beginners are welcomed on Manta Bay snorkeling trips, you should keep in mind that the conditions can get quite rough as the area is known for its choppy water and strong currents, which can definitely pose a bit of a challenge.
25 – Manta Point (Nusa Penida)
Not to be confused with Manta Bay, Manta Point is one of the most popular dive sites in Indonesia. As Manta Point is a popular ‘cleaning station’—where manta rays are cleaned by small reef fish —you have an excellent chance of seeing the large creatures swimming around the coral.
The site is located on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida and it takes around 45 minutes to reach Manta Point from Toyapakeh by boat. Manta Point is also home to marble rays, sting rays, bamboo sharks and many other interesting creatures.
It should be noted that Manta Point is an especially challenging snorkeling spot, making it unsuitable for beginners. The point is exposed to the open ocean and is known for its rough conditions and cold water.
BONUS – Gili Islands
Many people visiting Bali also visit the Gili Islands, which are home to dozens of amazing snorkeling spots—including the Gili Meno statues and Halik Reef—where you have the opportunity to see turtles, seahorses, octopus, pipefish and more.
Thanks to the islands’ tranquil atmosphere and rich diversity of marine life, the Gili Islands have become a top destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts from around the world.
You can get to the Gili Islands from Bali by taking either a fast boat or a public ferry, which can take as little as 1.5 hours if you choose the fastest option available. It is well worth spending a few days exploring the Gili Islands if you have the time.
Bali snorkeling spots map
What’s the best time for snorkeling in Bali?
While you can book snorkeling tours in Bali throughout the year, the dry season offers much better conditions for snorkeling. The dry season takes place between April and October each year and offers clear, calm waters with almost zero chance of rain.
Keep in mind that peak season takes place in the months of June, July, and August. While you’ll experience optimal snorkeling conditions during this time, you may also have to deal with higher prices, sold-out tours and crowded snorkeling spots.
Our recommendation is to book a snorkeling tour during the ‘shoulder’ months of April, May, September, or October. The conditions are still great for snorkeling but tours won’t be as busy as those during the high season.
The wet season, which takes place between November and March, is known for daily rain showers, poor visibility, and rough sea conditions that can be unsuitable for snorkeling in Bali.
How to book a snorkeling tour in Bali?
Bali is filled with dive centers and tour operators that offer a wide variety of different snorkeling tours and packages. While you can book tours on-site, we strongly advise that you book snorkeling excursions online ahead of time.
This way, you can secure your spot in advance and ensure that you don’t miss out on your preferred snorkeling experience. Dive centers can be fully booked during high season and you don’t want to miss out on the underwater adventures on offer.
TourScanner’s innovative search engine allows you to read reviews from other travelers and compare prices when looking for the ideal snorkeling tour. You can also book a combo tour if you are interested in experiencing several activities within the same day.
Snorkeling in Bali tips
- Wear secure swimwear if you are visiting a snorkeling spot in Bali with strong currents.
- Bring a waterproof camera along with you to capture your underwater adventure.
- Remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. You may want to wear a rash vest if you want to avoid getting burnt.
- Don’t stand on any coral reefs as you could damage the coral and cut your feet.
- Listen to your snorkeling instructor and ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
- If you are new to snorkeling, it is best that you book a snorkeling tour at a ‘beginner-friendly’ spot.
- Do not try to touch or feed any of the marine animals you see.
- Don’t throw any rubbish into the sea.
- Book your snorkeling excursion in Bali ahead of time to avoid disappointment.