Bali is not just about beaches, nightlife, Balinese massages and great food – the island is also a hub of excitement and adventure filled with adrenaline-pumping activities and heart-pumping thrills, with one of the most popular being diving & snorkeling.
The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, and when in season, you’ll get to see unique undersea critters like the giant mola-molas, manta rays, colorful tropical fish, sharks, turtles and more. For years, experienced divers and snorkelers have been coming to Bali to explore the island’s vibrant underwater world.
If South Bali is famous for parties, beach clubs and shopping, then the east and west of the island are famous for their striking natural beauty, both above and underwater. Remember that the island is huge, so to really enjoy what it has to offer beneath the surface, you would have to head out to Amed or Candidasa in the east or west to Menjangan, home of the West Bali National Park.
You can also enjoy a day trip to the sister islands – head to Nusa Lembongan for a thrilling day of laid-back island experience while snorkeling and swimming in the cool clear waters of the bay.
Let’s take a look at the most popular snorkeling spots in Bali for your next underwater adventure!
Amed, East Bali
Amed is a small, laid-back fishing village located in the east of Bali. It has been a popular diving and snorkeling destination for decades, with fantastic underwater spots to explore and excellent visibility.
One of the most popular snorkeling spots in Amed is Jemeluk Bay. Here, snorkelers will come across clownfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish. The coral reefs here are also stunning, with colorful soft and hard corals creating a beautiful underwater landscape.
Another popular snorkeling spot is Lipah Bay, where you can see sea turtles and even blacktip reef sharks if you’re lucky. The water is shallow, making it an excellent spot for beginners and children to snorkel.
Experienced snorkelers can head to the USAT Liberty shipwreck, located off the coast of Tulamben, just a short drive from Amed. The shipwreck is home to a variety of marine life, including barracuda, giant trevally, and even pygmy seahorses.
Blue Lagoon and Padangbai along the east coast of Bali are also popular snorkeling spots, offering a chance to see reef sharks and various species of nudibranch.
Menjangan Island, West Bali
Menjangan Island is located off the coast of West Bali and is considered one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Bali. The island is part of the West Bali National Park which means that its crystal-clear waters and its inhabitants are protected.
Snorkeling spots here include Coral Garden, where snorkelers can see an array of colorful corals and anemones, as well as a variety of tropical fish, including damselfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. The water is shallow and calm, making it an ideal spot for beginners.
Another great snorkeling spot is the Eel Garden – just like its name, it’s filled with eels as well as barracuda, groupers, and snappers. For experienced snorkelers, the Temple Wall is a must. It drops down to a depth of 60 meters and is covered with vibrant corals and sponges. You can see a variety of marine life here, including reef sharks, turtles, and octopuses.
Nusa Lembongan
Bali’s sister islands, Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida are incredibly popular with tourists, sun-seekers and explorers. They are also a favorite with divers and snorkelers, thanks to the crystal clear waters that surround the islands which are teeming with life.
Nusa Lembongan is where you can swim and snorkel with manta rays. These gentle giants love humans and you can swim alongside them and witness their graceful movements. You can find manta rays here in Lembongan all year around, but the best time would be between May to September when water temperatures are warmer and visibility is better.
Another great spot to snorkel in Nusa Lembongan is Mangrove Point. Here, you can snorkel through the mangrove trees and see a variety of tropical fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. You may even spot some juvenile blacktip reef sharks swimming around.
For an easy and relaxing snorkeling experience, head to Crystal Bay. As the name suggests, the water here is crystal clear, providing excellent visibility to see the diverse marine life. You can see a range of fish, including triggerfish, pufferfish, and unicornfish. The highlight of snorkeling in Crystal Bay is the chance to see the rare mola mola (ocean sunfish) from July to October.
Ready to enjoy an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Bali? Make Seminyak your base and stay at The Colony Hotel where you can be sure of a luxurious stay experience while having easy access to all of the locations above and more.
Located in the most thriving area of Seminyak, just 100 meters away from Seminyak Beach and just steps away from all of the hottest restaurants, shopping, cafes and nightlife, The Colony Hotel is a beautiful boutique, adults-only hotel that is truly unlike any other.
Explore the culture, beach, shops and amazing restaurants, all within a short bike ride from the hotel. Book your stay with The Colony Hotel starting from IDR 1,500,000 per night*. Create memories against the backdrop of Bali’s enchanting skyline.