Discover Bali’s premier snorkelling spots like Amed and Tulamben, with its historic wrecks and lively marine life. Charter a luxury vessel for an unforgettable exploration.
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ToggleWhy Bali Snorkelling Is Exceptional
Bali, with its rich marine biodiversity, offers a unique snorkelling experience. Amed and Tulamben are home to historic wrecks such as the USS Liberty, providing a habitat for lively coral gardens and a variety of marine life. Nusa Penida, with its enchanting manta rays at Manta Point, is another must-visit destination, particularly during the dry season from April to October.
Top Snorkelling Sites
Amed & Tulamben
Amed and Tulamben are arguably the crown jewels of Bali snorkelling. The USS Liberty Wreck and the lesser-known Japanese Wreck attract snorkellers and divers alike. Here, you can set out on a 3-hour private tour covering four sites, including Wrecks, Turtle Point, Lipa Bay, and Jemele Temple.
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is synonymous with Manta Point, where manta rays glide gracefully around snorkellers. The reefs here are in good shape, with Gamat Bay and Crystal Bay offering clear waters and healthy coral ecosystems. Toyapakeh Wall is particularly excellent for spotting turtles.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu offers serene snorkelling conditions. Padang Padang and Sanur Lagoon are known for their clear waters and minimal currents, providing an accessible and safe environment for snorkelling enthusiasts.
Best Season & Marine Conditions
The dry season from April to October is ideal for snorkelling in Bali, offering clear visibility and calm seas. While manta rays can be seen year-round at Manta Point, their sightings are more frequent and enjoyable during this period.
Starting point & Logistics
To reach Bali, most travellers fly into Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) in Denpasar. From there, a sea transfer to the snorkelling sites is straightforward, with many charters departing from Benoa Harbour / Sanur / Serangan. Note the Bali tourist levy of approximately IDR 150,000 per foreign visitor.
- Fly to: Ngurah Rai (DPS), Denpasar, Bali
- Sea Transfer: To Waisai or Benoa Harbour / Sanur / Serangan
- Bali Tourist Levy: ~IDR 150,000 / ~USD 10 per visitor
Vessel Options for Chartering
For a truly luxurious snorkelling adventure, chartering a private vessel is highly recommended. Options include:
Luxury Day Yacht
The Luxury Day Yacht ranges from 15 to 25 meters and accommodates up to 20 guests, offering day-use cabins for comfort during your snorkelling excursions.
Catamaran
A Catamaran, with its spacious design, is perfect for both day and overnight trips, accommodating 30 guests in style.
Phinisi
The traditional Phinisi offers a unique sailing experience with 5 to 7 cabins, suitable for 10 to 14 guests, providing an intimate setting for exploring Bali’s waters.
Planning Your Snorkelling Charter
| Site | Key Marine Life | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Amed & Tulamben | USS Liberty Wreck, Japanese Wreck, Turtles | Best overall spot in Bali; 3-hour private tour covers 4 sites with 2 hours of snorkelling at wrecks |
| Nusa Penida | Manta Rays, Turtles, Coral Reefs | Manta Point: Protected area with reefs in good shape |
The best way to ensure you experience the richness of Bali’s marine life is through a private charter. This allows for a tailored itinerary, ensuring you visit the most exquisite snorkelling spots under the guidance of experienced dive guides.
2027 Note
As we approach 2027, the commitment to sustainable tourism in Bali continues to grow, ensuring that these natural wonders remain pristine for future generations. Initiatives are in place to balance tourism with environmental preservation, making now an opportune time to visit.
Unique Wildlife Encounters in Bali
Bali, situated off the northwest tip of Bird’s Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea in Indonesia, is renowned for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. When chartering a private crewed dive boat across Bali to this region, guests can expect awe-inspiring encounters with some of the ocean’s most iconic species.
Among the highlights are the striking manta rays, which glide gracefully through the currents. These gentle giants are most commonly seen during the dry season from April to October. Another remarkable encounter is with the Nusa Penida whale sharks, known for their friendly nature and massive size. The best time to witness these magnificent creatures is also during the dry season, particularly from April to October.
- Manta Rays: April – October
- Whale Sharks: April – October
Cultural Experiences Enhancing Your Voyage
Bali is not only a natural paradise but also a cultural haven, offering diverse experiences that enhance any snorkelling charter. While your primary focus might be the underwater wonders, the cultural richness of the islands provides a captivating backdrop to your journey.
On the way to Bali, consider stops at local villages where traditional art forms such as Balinese dance and music are performed. Learn about the unique customs and spiritual practices that define the local way of life. Additionally, the opportunity to visit local markets and artisanal workshops can offer an enriching perspective on the cultural fabric of the region.
- Traditional Performances
- Local Markets
- Artisanal Workshops
Choosing the Right Vessel for Your Adventure
When planning a private snorkelling charter across Bali to Bali, selecting the appropriate vessel is crucial to tailoring your experience. The choice largely depends on your group size, desired level of luxury, and the nature of your itinerary.
The Luxury Day Yacht, accommodating up to 20 guests, is perfect for day trips with its spacious cabins and premium amenities. For larger groups or those wishing to experience overnight stays, the Catamaran offers both day and overnight cabins, comfortably hosting up to 30 guests. For a more traditional and intimate experience, the Phinisi is ideal, with 5 to 7 cabins for 10 to 14 guests, providing an authentic sailing ambiance.
| Vessel | Capacity | Cabins |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Day Yacht | Up to 20 guests | Day use cabins |
| Catamaran | Up to 30 guests | Day/Overnight cabins |
| Phinisi | 10 to 14 guests | 5-7 cabins |
Environmental Conservation Initiatives
Bali Skydiving is committed to preserving the pristine marine environments of Bali and Bali. Our charters are designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising guest enjoyment and education about the unique ecosystems we explore. We partner with local conservation groups to support coral reef restoration projects and marine life protection efforts.
As part of our sustainability policy, our vessels are equipped with eco-friendly technologies to reduce emissions and waste. Our onboard waste management systems ensure that all waste is appropriately sorted and recycled, wherever facilities are available. We also encourage guests to participate in beach clean-ups and educational sessions about the importance of marine conservation.
- Eco-friendly vessel technologies
- Support for reef restoration projects
- Beach clean-up events
- Onboard educational sessions
Culinary Experiences at Sea
Onboard dining with Bali Skydiving is an exquisite blend of local Balinese flavours and international cuisine, curated by our experienced chefs to enhance your charter experience. Our menus feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including seafood caught by sustainable methods, ensuring both quality and environmental responsibility.
Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, from casual deck-side breakfasts to elegant sunset dinners. Our chefs are adept at accommodating dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring a personalised culinary experience for every guest. Our catamaran and phinisi vessels are particularly suited for hosting multi-course meals, offering ample space for both preparation and dining.
| Meal Type | Vessel | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Luxury Day Yacht, Catamaran | Continental, Full English |
| Lunch | Catamaran, Phinisi | Buffet, A la carte |
| Dinner | Phinisi | 3-Course, BBQ |
To start planning your bespoke snorkelling adventure, plan your charter on WhatsApp and experience the best of Bali’s underwater world.