Snorkeling in Bali : when and where to go

Bali is a true treasure for lovers of sea adventures. Due to its geographical location and reef systems, the island has a wide variety of marine life. And snorkeling on the island of Bali is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get acquainted with the underwater splendor of these places.

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What can you see?

Snorkeling in Bali allows tourists to plunge into the world of colorful corals, densely populated by schooling fish, admire sea turtles, manta rays , giant clams, starfish, and many other species that will make your experience unique.

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Snorkeling spots

No matter your experience, Bali has plenty of places to enjoy this exciting activity. Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Amed

This developing tourist area on Bali's east coast is famous for its good reefs and abundance of marine life. Arm yourself with a mask and fins and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of coral gardens and tropical fish, graceful sea turtles and starfish scattered along the ocean floor

Between snorkeling sessions , admire the breathtaking coastal scenery and volcanic black sand beaches set against the silhouette of Mount Agung , Bali's largest volcano.

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Nusa Penida

The island is also popular for snorkeling and diving . Here you can find sea turtles, a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and many interesting sea creatures.

Organized Snorkeling Tours in Noosa Penidas may include several stops at once. Among them :

• Crystal Bay Bay , in the azure waters of which you can enjoy the mesmerizing dance of tropical fish;
• Manta Bay , where you can swim with the famous manta rays , whose wingspan can reach 4-4.5 meters;
• Gamat Bay , where you can watch the leisurely pace of life of sea turtles;
• Mangrove Point , where mangrove forests merge with vibrant coral reefs.

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Tulamben

This location is rightly considered one of the best for snorkeling and diving not only in Bali, but throughout Southeast Asia. This is the famous shipwreck of the USAT Liberty , an American warship that was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sank during World War II. This spot is mainly visited for diving, but the remains of the ship are also clearly visible to snorkelers . In addition to the magnificent wreck , Tulamben is famous for its beautiful coral gardens and numerous marine life.

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Menjangan

The small island, located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Bali, is part of the Bali National Park Barat . The easiest way to visit Menjangan is to book a tour with one of the many local operators.

The marine fauna includes one of the best preserved coral reefs in the area. Among the most popular inhabitants of local waters are clown fish and angel fish, bat fish and parrot fish, a variety of shellfish and sea turtles.

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Prices for organized tours

Snorkeling in Bali is suitable for both experienced underwater explorers and beginners. Many operators offer organized tours with instructors who can help you learn the basics of snorkeling , even if you've never tried it before. During these tours, guides share interesting facts about the local marine ecosystem and ensure the safety and comfort of the trip participants. Some excursion programs include relaxation on picturesque beaches and picnics.

In addition, some operators offer so-called combined tours, where an exciting exploration of the underwater world can be combined with equally exciting rafting on the Ayung River in Ubud , an ATV ride, visiting waterfalls or horseback riding along a picturesque beach.

Most full-day excursions include transfers, equipment rentals, a guide and lunch. Tips are always appreciated. The cost of a snorkeling tour may depend on its duration, intensity of the program, number of participants and season.

As an example, here are the approximate prices for popular snorkeling tours :

• full-day excursion to Amed , including 2 snorkeling sessions - about 75 US dollars;
• full-day excursions to the island of Nusa Penida , including snorkeling with manta rays - 70-120 US dollars (depending on the program);
• excursion to Nusa Penida island - 35 US dollars;
• excursion to Tulamben with a visit to USAT Liberty and the coral garden - 45-55 US dollars;
• combined tour including snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon and 2-hour rafting on the Ayung River - from 65 US dollars.

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When is the best time to go?

Snorkeling in Bali is possible all year round. However, if water adventures are your priority, it is better to plan your trip during the dry season, which lasts from April to September.

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