Bali, the enchanting island paradise in Indonesia, is not only renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture but also for its incredible snorkeling opportunities. Snorkeling is a popular activity among both travelers and locals in Bali, offering a gateway to explore the breathtaking underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life and captivating coral reefs. 

With its crystal-clear waters and diverse underwater marine life, Bali stands out as one of the best places in the world for snorkeling adventures. 

This article will serve as a guide to the best snorkeling spots in Bali. Not only have we researched these spots, but we will tell you everything you need to know about them the next time you’re in Bali and consider snorkeling a fun activity. Let’s begin.

What Month is Best to Snorkel in Bali?

First things first, what’s the best time to go snorkeling in Bali? Unlike other paradise destinations, Bali has the inherent benefit of being a tropical island. Indonesia as a whole is entirely tropical, meaning you’ll rarely, if ever, encounter temperatures remotely close to zero degrees. 

This should mean that every month is viable for snorkeling. While that might be true, certain months are better than others. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re thinking about snorkeling in Bali, April to October are the best months. April to October is the dry season in Bali, meaning the waters are at their calmest and provide the best terms for optimal visibility. That doesn’t mean you cannot go snorkeling during the wet season (November – March). 

Best Snorkeling Spots in Bali

So what are the best snorkeling spots in Bali? Stick around to find out.

Amed, Jameluk Bay and Coral Garden

Located on Bali’s eastern coast, Amed is a hidden gem known for its vibrant coral reefs and thriving marine life. Amed is a 14-km long strip made out of seven fishing villages. Amed is just one of these villages, but it applies to the whole strip. 

Jameluk Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the entire strip. Why? Because there’s a famous Japanese shipwreck you can explore while snorkeling. But the shipwreck isn’t the only sight to see while snorkeling in Jameluk Bay. As mentioned earlier, Amed is home to a vibrant stretch of coral reefs and amazing marine life. And it’s just a hundred meters south of Jameluk at a spot called Coral Garden. The pictures you can take here are truly breathtaking. 

The waters on the entire stip are calm, making it suitable for snorkelers of all levels. With its stunning underwater landscapes and the chance to spot colorful reef fish and even sea turtles, Jameluk Bay and Coral Garden are must-visit snorkeling spots in Amed.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, Mangrove Point and Crystal Bay

The neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offer some of the most awe-inspiring snorkeling experiences in Bali. Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida and Mangrove Point in Nusa Lembongan are particularly popular, offering a chance to encounter magnificent manta rays, colorful coral gardens, and an array of tropical fish.

These two spots are the best snorkeling spots on both islands. They’re perfect for high-tide snorkeling as the coral reefs get exposed during low tide. Sadly, this has caused some of the coral reefs to get destroyed or simply die due to exposure to sunlight. But when the tide is high, it’s prime snorkeling time. 

Both Mangrove Point and Crystal Bay offer breathtaking views and equally beautiful experiences. One thing to be careful of is that the current can get pretty strong in both spots, so it’s recommended to go snorkeling during strong currents with an expert or guide.

Menjangan Island

Located off the northwest coast of Bali, Menjangan Island is part of the West Bali National Park and is a true paradise for snorkelers. This protected marine area boasts pristine waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an incredible array of marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish. One particularly famous fish is the clownfish (from Finding Nemo). 

Menjangan Island is a tiny island surrounded by coral reefs. What’s so impressive about Menjangan Island is the wide range of snorkeling spots – so much so that we decided to make Menjangan Island a spot on itself. 

If you’re thinking about going snorkeling here, there are a few spots to pay attention to. There’s the underwater cave (southeast), Duiklocatie Divers Graveyard (southeast), Duiklocatie Temple Point (northeast), The Coral Garden (north), Duiklocatie Anchor Wreck, Anchor Wreck Menjangan, and Eel Garden Reef Wall (northwest/west). 

All of these spots are magnificent on their own and worth visiting. Each spot offers something unique, such as the Eel Garden Reef Wall, where you can see the Chain Moray, Green, and Large eels. 

Tulamben, USS Liberty Shipwreck

Tulamben is renowned for its famous wreck dive, the USS Liberty Shipwreck. Snorkelers can explore the shallow areas around the wreck, where an abundance of marine life has made it their home. The calm and clear waters of Tulamben make it an ideal spot for underwater photography enthusiasts. It is also one of the easiest spots to go snorkeling, as it is relatively shallow (compared to other spots) and very calm.

Tulamben is located northeast of Bali, around 20-25 km from Amed. Meaning there are plenty of shipwrecks to explore in these two spots alone. Unlike other spots, Tulamben is relatively quieter and laid-back. It is the perfect spot to go snorkeling and detach yourself from outside life’s worries. 

Speaking of the USS Liberty Shipwreck, tons of marine life call the ship their home. The shipwreck is quite possibly the best and Bali’s most famous snorkeling spot! The ship itself is 130 meters in length and sits around 30m deep. But if you’re a beginner and find diving 130 meters below the surface to explore a ship a little too much for your taste, don’t worry, as the nearest point of tthe ship to the surface sits at just 3 meters.

 

Padang Bai, Jepun, Blue Lagoon, Bias Tugel

Located on Bali’s eastern coast, Padang Bai offers diverse snorkeling opportunities. Blue Lagoon and Bias Tugel are two popular snorkeling spots here, known for their crystal-clear waters and impressive coral gardens. Jepun is the furthest snorkeling spot in Padang Bai and offers the chance to witness a reef shark or a barracuda! With that said, watch for clownfish, parrotfish, and even occasional sightings of sea turtles while snorkeling in these spots. 

Sadly, there’s no underwater shipwreck to see in Padang Bai. But that shouldn’t stop you from seeing the widely diverse coral reef environments these spots have to offer. The waters are impressively calm, and you can even see the reefs from a boat. Simply jump in, and you’ll see all kinds of marine life down there! 

Bali Snorkeling Tours

Many companies around Bali offer excellent and thrilling snorkeling tours to bring you one step closer to the perfect underwater experience. The downside to that is that there are so many of these tours across the island that it’s difficult to know which one to go with. But we’ve done the research for you and will present you with a list of the best Bali snorkeling tours for the spots mentioned in this article.

Best Bali Snorkeling Tours in Amed

The two best spots to go snorkeling in Amed are Jamelyk Bay and Coral Garden. Here are the best snorkeling tours for these two spots:

Bali Green Tour 

Bali Green Tour offers snorkeling tours of Jameluk Bay, Lipah Beach, and the shipwreck of the world-famous Japanese warship and its surrounding areas. Their Jameluk Bay tour costs just $65 per person, with a minimum of two people per booking. You can book the snorkeling tour online and pay through PayPal or in cash upon arrival. Conversely, they allow you to cancel 48 hours in advance at no cost. Here are the snorkeling spots you’ll be visiting:

• Jameluk Point and the Underwater Temple
• Lipah Beach 
• Japenese Shipwreck

What’s included in the tour?

• Free hotel transfer from select areas
• Free boat transfer 
• Professional and licensed snorkeling guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Mineral water 
• Lunch
• Toilet and shower
• Transfer back to your hotel

Best Bali Snorkeling Tours in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are two neighboring islands on the eastern side of Bali. Here are the best snorkeling tours for these two islands:

MANTA Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling

MANTA Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling offers a complete tour of the best snorkeling spots on the islands. Those include Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Bay. Manta and Crystal Bay are the spots in Nusa Penida, while Mangrove Point is in Nusa Lembongan. The complete tour costs $25 per person, but they currently have a mid-season sale, putting the tour at $19 per person. You can pay through PayPal or upon arrival (minimum two days before the tour starts). 

You can cancel from 7 days to 2 days before the tour and receive 50% money back. If the cancellation happens less than two days before the tour, you will not receive your money back. Here are the snorkeling spots you’ll be visiting:

• Manta Bay
• Crystal Bay
• Mangrove Point

What’s included in the tour?

• Hotel transfer from the Jungutbatu area only
• Snorkeling of all three spots (Manta Bay – Crystal Bay – Mangrove Point)
• Professional and licensed tour guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Fresh drinks
• Lunch
• Boat ride to Nusa Lembongan 
• Transfer back to your hotel in the Jungutbatu area only

Best Bali Snorkeling Tours on Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is part of West Bali National Park and a must-visit snorkeling destination. Here are the best snorkeling tours for Menhangan Island:

WanderNESA 

WanderNESA’s Menjangan Island snorkeling tour will allow you to see all the island’s underwater wonders. The tour company offers four Menhangan Island snorkeling packages (see the image above). Payment can be made through PayPal, bank transfer, and cash upon arrival. Free cancellation is an option if you cancel five days in advance. Here are the snorkeling spots you’ll be visiting:

• Menjangan Island 

What’s included in the tour?

• Free hotel transfer (see tour options to determine eligibility)
• Trip to South-Northern Bali 
• English-speaking tour guide and licensed diver
• Lovina or Dolphin Tour boat ride
• Snorkeling equipment
• Trip to West Bali National Park
• Lunch
• Drinks
• Return transfer to hotel

Best Bali Snorkeling Tours in Tulamben

By far, the best snorkeling spot in Tulamben is the USS Liberty Shipwreck. Here are the best snorkeling tours of Tulamben:

Bali Green Tour

Bali Green Tour offers a private snorkeling trip to Tulamben Beach and a full exploration of the USS Liberty Shipwreck. The price for the tour is $55, and it requires a minimum of two participants to make a booking. You can pay via PayPal or upon arrival in cash. You can cancel at no cost 48 hours in advance. Here are the snorkeling spots you’ll be visiting:

• USS Liberty Shipwreck
• Tulamben Coral Garden

What’s included in the tour?

• Private hotel transfer
• English-speaking professional and licensed tour guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Mineral water
• Lunch
• Return transfer to hotel

Best Bali Snorkeling Tours in Padang Bai

Padang Bang is a rich snorkeling destination with many must-visit spots, including Jepun, Blue Lagoon, and Bias Tugel, to name a few. Here are the best snorkeling tours in Padang Bai:

H4: Viator Snorkeling Tours

Viator offers snorkeling tours of Padang Bai, specifically Blue Laggon. Blue Lagoon is a beginner-friendly snorkeling spot with lush marine life and coral reefs. Their Blue Lagoon snorkeling tours begin at $60, and you can pay through their website. Free cancellation is only possible if you cancel 24 hours in advance. Here are the snorkeling spots you’ll be visiting:

• Blue Lagoon
• Another Padang Bai snorkeling spot

What’s included in the tour?

• Free hotel pickup from Seminyak
• English-speaking and professional licensed tour guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Ice cream, coffee, or tea in their office
• Lunch
• Mineral water
• Insurance
• Two snorkeling sessions
• Return transfer to Seminyak

Conclusion

Snorkeling in Bali is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You must do it if you ever find yourself in this paradise destination. Our Bali snorkeling guide informs you of the best locations and spots to go snorkeling and experience the wonders of the island’s marine life in all its glory. 

The guide also recommends a tour for each destination. We’ve selected these tours through careful consideration and comparison of the various Balinese snorkeling companies. 

FAQs

Q: Does Bali have good snorkeling?

A: Bali is a popular destination for snorkeling enthusiasts. The island is home to a diverse marine life and coral reefs that put many other snorkeling destinations to shame. 

Q: What month is best to snorkel in Bali?

A: The best months to snorkel in Bali are from April to October. 

Q: What are the best Snorkeling spots in Bali?

A: The best snorkeling spots in Bali are:

• Amed (Jamelyk Bay and Coral Garden)
• Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida (Mnagrove Point and Crystal Bay)
• Menjangan Island
• Tulamben (USS Liberty Shipwreck and Tulamben Coral Garden)
• Padang Bai (Blue Lagoon, Jepun, Bias Tugel)