10 Best Dive Sites in Bali: Discover Manta Point & More

📍 Manta Point, Nusa Penida

One of my favorite dive sites is Manta Point. Seeing manta rays up close is an unforgettable experience. These huge, gentle creatures come here to get cleaned by little fish. The water is calm and shallow, making it easy and fun for all divers. I love how peaceful it feels underwater with mantas gliding all around. Discover Manta Point.

How to get to Manta Point

The only way to access the Manta Point dive site is by boat . From mainland Bali, you can take a speedboat from Sanur, which takes about 45 minutes to reach Nusa Penida. From there, another boat trip is required to get to the dive site . If you are already on Nusa Penida, boats to Manta Point depart from harbors like Toyapakeh and the journey takes around 45 minutes .

Best time to visit Manta Point

Best time to dive: October to April, when the mantas are most active.

📍 Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida

Crystal Bay is a must for everyone who wants to see the famous mola mola or ocean sunfish. I went there a few times between July and November and managed to see these strange fish. The bay is so clear and vibrant with colorful corals and many fish. Just be careful if the current picks up, because it can get a bit strong. It’s perfect for intermediate divers and also great for snorkeling. Discover Crystal Bay.

Best time to visit Crystal Bay

For a chance to see Mola Mola, the best time to visit is from July to mid-November. For reef diving, the site is excellent all year.

Best time to dive: July to mid-November for Mola Mola, all-year for reef diving

📍 Tulamben (USAT Liberty Wreck)

Diving the Liberty Wreck in Tulamben felt like stepping back in history. The shipwreck is covered with bright corals and full of fish, turtles, and sometimes even reef sharks. It’s very easy to dive since it’s close to shore and calm. I recommend it for all levels, especially beginners wanting to try a wreck dive. Learn more about this dive site.

Best time to visit Tulamben

Best time to dive: May to October; good year-round

📍 Padang Bai

Padang Bai surprised me with its variety. Blue Lagoon is calm with sandy bottoms where you can spot tiny sea creatures. Jepun dive site gave me a thrill with reef sharks and cuttlefish swimming around. It’s peaceful and not crowded, which made my dives more relaxing.

Best time to visit Padang Bai

Best time to dive: The recommended time to visit is from April to October.

📍 Amed

I found Amed a perfect spot to relax and take beautiful underwater photos. The reefs are full of life with colorful fish, octopus, and garden eels poking around the sand. The currents are gentle, so it’s great for beginners. I also loved the calm evenings here after diving.

Best time to visit Amed

Best time to dive: The best diving conditions are typically found between April and September.

📍 Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is one of Bali’s hidden gems. It’s part of a national park, so the coral reefs and fish life are stunning. The walls are steep with big sea fans and sponges. It’s quieter here, which I liked because it felt like a natural paradise.

Best time to visit Menjangan Island

Best time to dive: April to November for clear waters

📍 Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang

For thrill seekers, Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang near Candidasa are exciting. Currents carry you over coral canyons filled with sharks and big schools of fish. I enjoyed the swim-throughs and impressive rock formations. Only go if you have some experience, especially from June to October.

Best time to visit Gili Tepekong and Gili Mimpang

Best time to dive: June to October

📍 Secret Bay

If you love tiny creatures, Secret Bay is magic. I spent hours spotting seahorses, ghost pipefish, and colorful nudibranchs here. The water is shallow and calm, perfect for slow exploring with a camera. You can dive all year but high tide makes critters easier to find.

Best time to visit Secret Bay

Best time to dive: Diving is possible all year, but critters are often easier to find around high tide.

📍 Shark Point (Gili Biaha)

Shark Point felt like an adventure. I saw white-tip reef sharks resting in caves and swimming by gently. The underwater scenery was dramatic with coral-covered walls. It’s a bit challenging, so I recommend experienced divers to visit between June and October.

Best time to visit Shark Point

Best time to dive: The ideal time for this dive is between June and October.

📍 Jemeluk Bay, Amed

Jemeluk Bay gave me calming dives with nice coral gardens and an underwater sculpture park. It’s great for beginners with calm waters and colorful reefs. I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and easy access.

Best time to visit Jemeluk Bay

Best time to dive: April to September

Summary

Bali’s dive spots each have a unique story and experience to offer. From the graceful manta rays at Manta Point to the mysterious Liberty Wreck, every dive here has made memories for me.

Planning your dives around the best seasons will help you see more marine life and enjoy safer conditions. Use Scubalo to connect with good dive centers and start exploring the underwater world of Bali on your next trip.