20 Top Dive Sites in Bali (Including Nusa Penida)

Bali is one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse scuba diving destinations, offering an impressive variety of underwater experiences within a relatively small area. From dramatic drift dives around Nusa Penida to historic wrecks in Tulamben and macro-rich bays in Amed, the island delivers something for every level of diver.

Marine life ranges from tiny pygmy seahorses and vibrant nudibranchs to reef sharks, eagle rays, and the legendary oceanic sunfish — the Mola Mola. Year-round manta ray encounters at Nusa Penida are among the most reliable in Indonesia, and rare surprises such as whale sharks occasionally appear in the blue. With warm tropical waters, generally excellent visibility, and thriving coral reefs, diving in Bali combines big pelagic action with rich biodiversity.

But how does Bali — and especially Nusa Penida — compare to iconic Indonesian destinations like Raja Ampat or Komodo? In this guide, we rank the 20 best dive sites in Bali to help you decide where to dive and what makes each location truly unforgettable.

There are more than fifty dive sites in Bali. Mainly around Nusa Penida. But the dive sites of the small Gili islands in front of Candidasa in Padang Bay and the USS Liberty wreck ship at Tulamben are also amazing.

Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan (Pelagic Paradise)

The most iconic dive sites in Nusa Penida : Crystal Bay and Manta Point

Bali boasts two world-renowned dive sites that are home to some of the most iconic pelagic animals: Crystal Bay and Manta Point.

Crystal Bay is renowned for its population of oceanic sunfish, also known as Mola Mola, which can be spotted regularly between July and October. Despite its popularity among divers, Crystal Bay remains an exceptionally beautiful site. But best explored with a knowledgeable guide who can show you where to spot these magnificent creatures. At Dune Penida, we aim to beat the crowds by diving Crystal Bay before the arrival of the Sanur boats or during their surface interval.

Manta Point, on the other hand, features multiple cleaning stations where Manta rays come to rid themselves of parasites. The sight of these gentle giants circling around you is simply awe-inspiring. This stunning dive site is located approximately 45 minutes away from the port of Toyapakeh, and we will provide you with all the necessary information on the sea conditions before departure, as they can sometimes be rough.

Drift dives on the North coast of Nusa Penida

The north coast of Nusa Penida boasts stunning drift dives with five consecutive dive sites that make up an expansive coral plateau. The sites include Ped, SD point, Sental, Buyuk, and Tugu drop off, each offering a diverse range of coral fields. Drifting effortlessly with the currents, divers can immerse themselves in the breathtaking panorama from shallow to deep waters.

As you explore the coral plateau, be prepared for delightful encounters with sea turtles, tunas, and barracudas. The area is also home to white-tip sharks, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Mola Mola. On rare occasions, whale sharks and even a great white shark have been sighted.

East Coast Nusa Penida – Wild, Rarely Dived & Full of Surprises

On the east coast of Nusa Penida, diving takes on a wilder and more exploratory character, far removed from the island’s busier west coast. Exposed to open-ocean conditions and shifting currents, these sites are visited less frequently and are best appreciated by confident divers seeking vibrant reefs, rich macro life, and the constant possibility of pelagic encounters emerging from the blue.

Malibu Dive Site and Karang Sari Dive Site are two standout examples of this raw East Coast diving. Malibu combines a relatively sheltered creek with exposed walls, offering both calm exploration and blue-water excitement, while Karang Sari delivers a colorful wall dive set directly in front of one of Nusa Penida’s most sacred coastal temples. Together, they illustrate why the east coast of Nusa Penida holds a special place among the top dive sites in Bali and Nusa Penida, rewarding those willing to venture off the beaten path.

Nusa Penida – Nusa Ceningan Chanel

Besides Crystal Bay, there are numerous stunning diving spots in the channel separating Nusa Penida from Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan. The strong currents in the area bring an abundance of marine life, making it a haven for divers.

One such spot is Toyapakeh, located just beneath the Adiwana Warnakali dive resort. The coral plateau is an explosion of colors, providing excellent opportunities for macro photography. The area is also teeming with schools of various fish species.

Gamat Bay is another impressive site, featuring a vast shallow coral plateau flanked by two rocky points. The area is home to a diverse array of marine life, from nudibranchs and turtles to morays and marbled rays. It’s also a popular spot for sighting the Mola Mola.

For experienced divers seeking a more intense experience, we recommend two additional sites. Amok is a technical dive with incredible colors and diverse fauna, while Ceningan Wall is a colorful wall that always holds surprises in the blue. Both are unforgettable diving experiences.

Nusa Lembongan dive sites

The north coast of Nusa Lembongan boasts two fantastic dive sites worth exploring.

The first, Mangrove, is located close to a sprawling mangrove area and is renowned for its remarkable diversity and richness. Here, you’ll find an abundance of coral fish species, alongside intriguing creatures such as crocodile fish, reef sharks, and turtles, which make for a mesmerizing underwater spectacle.

The second dive site, Blue Corner, takes you on an exhilarating journey into the blue waters, where you can witness the awe-inspiring antics of sharks, eagle rays, and other playful creatures that frolic in the strong currents. And if you’re lucky, you might even get to spot the elusive Mola Mola, accompanied by its little tick fish friends, making for a truly unforgettable diving experience.

Batu Bolong, on the south-west coast of Nusa Penida

We enjoy exploring the island to discover new diving spots close to the cliffs. If you join us on a three-dive day, we may even take you to one of these hidden gems. But there’s a dive site that we must tell you about – Batu Bolong. This legendary Bali dive spot offers an unparalleled experience. The Dune Penida team recently saw a whale shark there on March 5, 2023!

Batu Bolong boasts a thriving ecosystem, mesmerizing aquatic performances, and a chance to spot sharks, rays, and sunfish. Take a moment to read our divers’ firsthand accounts of this unforgettable dive that’s sure to stay with them for a lifetime.

Padang Bai and the small Gilis, great diving in Bali

Join Dune and explore three enchanting islands located off the coast of Candidasa, Bali – the Gili of Padang Bai. These islands are renowned for their exceptional dive sites, offering an unforgettable underwater experience. At Gili Biaha, witness a nursery of white tip sharks. Dive into the multifaceted Gili Tepekong, where we’ll navigate between the smallest and largest creatures. Conclude your journey with Gili Mimpang, where the magnificent Mola Mola dance in the currents. With only a 45-minute boat ride from Nusa Penida, it’s a convenient and thrilling adventure not to be missed.

Tulamben & North Bali Wreck Diving

Bali’s northeast coast is famous for accessible wreck dives, calm conditions, and rich macro life. This region offers a completely different atmosphere from the fast currents of Nusa Penida, making it ideal for relaxed exploration, underwater photography, and longer bottom times.

USAT Liberty Wreck

The USAT Liberty is Bali’s most iconic wreck dive and one of the most accessible shipwrecks in the world. Torpedoed during World War II, the wreck now lies just a few meters from shore and is covered in vibrant soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. Schools of jacks, barracudas, bumphead parrotfish, and reef fish patrol the structure, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Amed

Amed offers a quieter, more laid-back diving experience with black volcanic sand slopes and healthy coral reefs. The area is known for its macro life, including nudibranchs, frogfish, and various shrimp species. Calm conditions and easy shore entries make Amed particularly appealing for photographers and divers who enjoy slow, detailed exploration.

Jemeluk

Located within Amed, Jemeluk Bay combines coral gardens, a small artificial reef, and gentle conditions. The site is perfect for relaxed dives and night diving, where critters emerge from the sand. Its protected setting makes it a great complement to the more adrenaline-filled sites found elsewhere in Bali.

Menjangan & West Bali

For pristine reefs and exceptional visibility, West Bali offers a more remote and tranquil diving environment away from the busier southern coast.

Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island, located within West Bali National Park, is renowned for its crystal-clear water and dramatic coral walls. The reefs here are among the healthiest in Bali, featuring colorful sea fans, sponges, and dense schools of reef fish. Currents are generally mild, making Menjangan suitable for a wide range of divers. While it may not offer the same pelagic intensity as Nusa Penida, it delivers some of the island’s most beautiful and peaceful reef diving.

Additional resources

If you’re interested in learning more, be sure to check out our additional resource about Bali and our Nusa Penida Travel Guide. You can also dive deeper into the incredible marine life of the region with our dedicated pages on manta rays, mola mola (ocean sunfish), sharks, and nudibranchs, all commonly encountered around Bali and Nusa Penida. And if you have any questions about scuba diving in Bali or Indonesia, don’t hesitate to reach out—we love connecting with divers and aspiring divers alike and sharing our passion for these extraordinary underwater worlds.