Bali is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and it’s easily one of the top spots to go snorkeling in the world.
We have been to Bali before, and as adventurers, we were on the hunt for the very best Bali snorkeling sites. From beaches to bays and even lagoons, we have vetted this list and researched thoroughly to ensure only the best of the best were included.
Throughout this post, you’ll learn all about the top spots for Bali dives to save you time researching for your next trip. And if Bali isn’t on your travel list yet, it sure will be after this post.
Diving & Snorkeling Sites
1. Tulamben

Getting there: From Ngurah Rai International Airport, drive about 4 hours to reach Tulamben.
First up on this list for the best scuba diving in Bali is Tulamben. There are quite a few different places here to go scuba diving or snorkeling, so you honestly have your pick of the lot, which is what makes it so great.
Located in northeastern Bali and located by a volcano, the views here above the water are incredible. The greatest spot for snorkeling here is at USAT Liberty Shipwreck. It’s surrounded by amazing marine life, which is why it’s one of the best spots to go diving.
Another great spot to consider exploring is Coral Garden. No matter which you choose, you’ll surely enjoy it.
2. Amed Beach

Getting there: The easiest way to get to Amed Beach is by car or motorbike from the international airport.
Next is the best place for scuba diving in Bali and easily one of the best Bali snorkeling sites, Amed Beach. It’s located in Bali, famous for its black sand beaches, so this is one of the most beautiful spots in Bali.
Amed Beach, in particular, is a great spot to go in Bali if you want to snorkel or scuba dive in a spot that’s not as busy. A lot of Bali can get terribly busy during the year, but Amed Beach is usually pretty calm no matter the time of year.
3. Lipah Bay (or Lipah Beach)

Getting there: Similar to Amed Beach, get to Lipah Bay by car or motorbike from the international airport.
Located in Amed, Lipah Bay or Lipah Beach is one of the best Bali snorkeling sites. Similar to Amed Beach, this is an extremely peaceful place to go snorkeling or scuba diving, making it great for first-timers or people who want to stay away from crowds.
The best thing to look out for at Lipah Bay is the coral. It’s unlike anywhere else around Bali, but just make sure that you look out for it when in shallower water. It could hurt if you touch it!
4. Crystal Bay

Getting there: To get to Crystal Bay, you have to get to Nusa Penida on a boat trip. Then, head to the western part of Nusa Penida.
Though it’s perfect for the best scuba diving in Bali, Crystal Bay is also known for just being one of the best beach areas in Nusa Penida. So, it’s clearly an area that is extremely beautiful.
There’s no fee to enter the beach so don’t worry. You can pay for snorkeling equipment though if you need it. Diving is incredible at Crystal Beach, and everyone says that the huge sunfish here are breathtaking.
5. Gili Islands

Getting there: Unlike other places on this list, the best way to get to the Gili Islands is to take a combination of a boat and a ferry. You can do this by booking through different travel agents in the area.
As one of the best Bali snorkeling sites, you’re not going to want to miss out on the Gili Islands. There are tons of great locations all around the island for epic snorkeling and scuba diving.
One of the top spots for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Gili Islands is called Trawangan Slope near Villa Almarik. Other top spots to look out for include anywhere marked as “Turtle Point,” which happens to be a lot of spots.
Don’t miss: The Ultimate Beginners Guide for Snorkeling
6. Blue Lagoon

Getting there: It’s pretty easy to get to the Blue Lagoon from almost anywhere in Bali by boat.
Blue Lagoon is known for having the best scuba diving in Bali. Most people will opt to go snorkeling or scuba diving here by booking a tour, unlike a lot of the other places on this list, so keep that in mind.
The underwater life here is incredibly beautiful. You can find tons of fish, coral, and more, and it’s all breathtaking sea life that you wouldn’t see without going underwater.
7. Menjangan National Park

Getting there: Because this park is located on a completely different island, so you’ll want to take a boat from northern Bali to get there.
Price: RP200
Menjangan National Park is absolutely unparalleled, making it one of the best Bali snorkeling sites. It’s most well known for its beautiful coral reefs surrounded by tons of fish like clownfish.
Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or scuba diver or you’ve done it before, you don’t want to overlook this location. Keep in mind that you can’t even spend the night on this island, so this will have to be a full-day trip.
8. Biorock Reefs in Pemuteran

Getting there: Get here by car and plan on driving for a few hours from the airport because it’s located in the northwestern part of the island.
For the best scuba diving in Bali, head to the Biorock Reefs in Pemuteran. With interesting reefs that you can see up close, this is one spot on the list that you won’t want to miss due to its breathtaking nature.
When you snorkel or scuba dive here, be sure to contribute to their donations if you can. All money goes right back into restoring the reefs, which is a very good cause.
9. Manta Point

Getting there: Head to Nusa Point and hop on a boat or ferry for about 45 minutes to get there.
Everyone loves visiting Manta Point, and for good reason. Not only is it gorgeous with its turquoise blue waters, but you can also go snorkeling along with manta rays and other sea life while here.
As you may have guessed, it’s called Manta Point because of the manta rays, which is why it’s one of the best Bali snorkeling sites. Out of all the snorkeling spots in Bali, this is where you are most likely to find a manta ray!
10. Mangrove Point

Getting there: The best way to get to Mangrove Point is to take a boat or book a tour.
This list of best scuba diving in Bali would not be complete without Mangrove Point. It’s truly one of the most well-known spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in Bali, so it may be busier than some of the other spots on this list.
The views under the water are truly panoramic and you can expect to witness beautiful coral and fish. The water here is also normally pretty warm, which makes it even more comfortable underwater.
11. Serangan’s Shark Island

Getting there: To get here, make your way to Kuta. From there it’s just a 15-minute drive.
Last but not least is Shark Island, one of the best Bali snorkeling spots if you are truly adventurous and want to get your adrenaline pumping. That’s right; as the name says, you can actually go snorkeling with sharks here.
If you’re too scared to get in the water with sharks here, you should still consider visiting. The water is pretty shallow, so you’ll be able to see them even from the beach if you’d like.
What to Expect of Snorkeling in Bali
While snorkeling in Bali, there are a few things to expect. Learn more in the points below.
- The best time to go snorkeling in Bali is between April to September. Any other time of the year it rains too much for snorkeling.
- Make sure to vet the company that you choose to go snorkeling with if you choose to go with a company.
- Follow snorkeling techniques and be sure to use equipment that is comfortable.
- If you’re new to snorkeling, consider getting a guide. It makes the experience even better.
- Expect to see some cool underwater life and the best views of your life.
Best Trips to Dive and Snorkel
Below, check out some of the best snorkeling in Bali tours.
Quad Bike Ride with Snorkeling at Blue Lagoon Beach
From Bali: Snorkeling Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan
From Bali: West Nusa Penida & Snorkeling Small-Group Tour
Thank you so much for checking out this post on the 11 best Bali snorkeling and scuba diving sites! Hopefully, it has helped you with your research so that when you finally take your trip, you know exactly what activities are worth doing. Have you been to Bali before, or do you have a question? Please leave a comment below!
For more information about Bali, please visit our Bali Travel Page. Or check our travel tips for more general travel information!