5 Best Snorkeling Beaches in Bali
Bali’s Best Sites for Snorkeling
The best places for snorkeling in Bali are readily accessible. You only need to hit the seaside, don a mask, a snorkel, and fins, and head into the water. Besides being blessed with world-class surf breaks, Bali also has several beaches that feature natural wave barriers, which means calm waters ideal for underwater visibility.
Snorkeling can become an exciting addition to your vacation. These Bali snorkeling sites let you discover incredible natural wonders. The island has tropical waters and, being part of the famous Coral Triangle, features sunken coral gardens filled with swaying anemone and rare specimens of fish and marine life. We’ve shortlisted some of Bali’s best beaches where you can snorkel with ease.
1. Nusa Dua
A stunning beach in an upmarket area
Good for: Couples, Families, Luxury
Nusa Dua is one of Bali’s most exclusive resort areas and its beaches are generally quiet and well kept. The waters along this south-eastern coastline are calm, thanks to the long-stretching Nusa Dua reef breaking the otherwise big swells that constantly surge in from the open sea.
Between the 2 focal “twin island” landmarks is a gorgeous bay with blue waters, a favorite spot for swimming and snorkeling. Further south is Geger Beach, also a great spot, where fine white sand gently slants into a vast, rich blue, natural pool.
Nusa Dua
2. Menjangan Island and Pemuteran
A tiny island surrounded by coral gardens
Good for: Adventure, Luxury, Photo
Bali’s northern beaches generally feature a tranquil seascape which is a stark contrast to the southern coast with its large waves. Menjangan Island is right at the northwestern tip of the West Bali National Park, with its coasts featuring shallow waters and great visibility.
Under the surface are thriving coral gardens and tropical marine habitats. Nearby retreats such as The Menjangan and NusaBay Menjangan by WHM alsl offer plenty of exciting activities out in nature. Located about 2 miles east of Menjangan is Pemuteran beach, with its surrounding waters home to a bio-rock coral reef project and several pearl farms. Read more
Location: Babahan, Gerokgak, Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 6 am to 9 pm
Menjangan Island and Pemuteran
3. Nusa Lembongan
Calm, shallow waters teeming with marine life
Good for: Adventure, Couples, Families, Photo
The nearest offshore escape off mainland Bali is Nusa Lembongan, only a 45-minute boat transfer southeast from Sanur Beach or Benoa Harbor. The calm waters around Lembongan and its sister island, Ceningan, are the territory of local fishermen and seaweed farmers, meaning ideal snorkeling grounds.
Almost all of Nusa Lembongan’s western beaches are suitable for snorkeling, particularly Mushroom Bay and Dream Beach. On its other coasts, low tide reveals pools that are also enticing, with fish trapped between coral gardens. Some of Nusa Lembongan’s beaches get no deeper than a meter during high tide, and visibility is great year-round.
Nusa Lembongan
4. Padangbai
A collection of premium underwater sites
Good for: Adventure, Photo
The Padangbai region lies just west of the quiet retreat of Candidasa, and offers a great collection of diving and snorkeling sites. These include Blue Lagoon, Bias Tugel, and the namesake bay of Padangbai itself. At the Blue Lagoon beach you’ll find a popular site called Jepun, featuring a white-sand bottom and an artificial coral garden.
Most of the sites are coves, and fringing reefs are the main draw for snorkelers as they are teeming with rich marine life. Currents can be strong in some areas, so extra caution must be taken at all times. The best visibility is during the calm times, over the dry season between May and September. Read more
Padangbai
5. Amed and Tulamben
Two towns, 2 shipwrecks to explore
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Amed has an immense spread of coral reefs spanning the picturesque Jemeluk Bay. The Banyuning site is home to a Japanese shipwreck that’s now a thriving habitat of tropical fish, napoleon wrasses, and reef sharks. When the local fishermen don’t take out their traditional Balinese “jukung” outriggers to harvest the ocean, they provide charter trips for diving and snorkeling trips.
Amed is also a perfect base to enjoy neighboring Tulamben, only a 20-minute drive away, where the USAT Liberty shipwreck serves as the main attraction for divers and snorkelers. Read more
Amed and Tulamben
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