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Beaches • Reefs • Wrecks
Best Snorkelling Spots in Bali
Bali is one of the best islands in Indonesia for snorkelling. You do not need to descend to
20 meters (65.6 ft) to enjoy marine life here. In some places, even shallow water is enough to discover colorful fish,
corals, turtles, and beautiful reef scenery.
This guide covers the best snorkelling spots in Bali, from easy family beaches such as
Sanur and Blue Lagoon to iconic places like Nusa Penida,
Amed, Tulamben, and Menjangan Island.
Quick answer: where is the best snorkelling in Bali?
The best snorkelling spots in Bali include Sanur, Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai,
Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Jemeluk Bay in Amed,
Tulamben, Tanjung Jepun, and Menjangan Island.
Each spot suits a different style, from easy beach entry snorkelling to boat-access sites with stronger current.
Why snorkelling in Bali is so special
Bali sits in one of the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. Depending on the site and the season,
you may see reef fish, turtles, lionfish, moray eels, octopus, rays, and, in some areas, even manta rays and reef sharks.
Water conditions vary a lot, so always choose the right spot for your level.
Sanur (South Bali)
Sanur is one of the easiest and most family-friendly snorkelling areas in South Bali. The reef is located around
200 meters (656 ft) from the shore, with water depths roughly between
2 and 12 meters (6.6 and 39.4 ft) depending on the tide and location.
Sanur Beach: ideal for families and easy snorkelling
Sanur’s long coastline, calm atmosphere, and easier sea conditions make it one of the best places for travelers who want a relaxed beach day with snorkelling.
You can often enjoy coral fish and reef life without needing a full diving setup.
Good to know: from May to September, there are also wind and kitesurf activities in the area, with some spots located about
2 kilometers (1.24 miles) from the main Sanur beach stretch.
- Families
- Beginners
- Sandy beach access
- Easy snorkelling from shore or short boat ride
Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan (East of Bali)
Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are among the most famous island escapes from Bali. They are usually reached by speedboat,
often in around 1 hour from the Bali side depending on departure point and sea conditions.
These islands are known for clear water, dramatic cliffs, sandy-bottom bays, and exceptional marine life. Snorkellers can sometimes encounter
manta rays, turtles, and rich reef life. However, some areas are affected by strong currents, so site choice matters.
Related read:
Nusa Penida | places not to be missed
Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida
Kelingking is world-famous for its cliffside viewpoint and T-Rex-shaped headland. It is more iconic as a scenic stop than as an easy snorkelling launch,
but it belongs on any Nusa Penida itinerary.
Dream Beach – Nusa Lembongan
Dream Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Nusa Lembongan, with bright sand, turquoise water, and dramatic nearby cliffs.
It is more scenic than technical and works well as a beach stop during an island day out.
Blue Lagoon Beach (Padang Bai, East Bali)
Blue Lagoon is one of the best-known snorkelling beaches in East Bali. It is a small, intimate lagoon with white sand,
clear blue water, and easy access to colorful underwater life close to shore.
Snorkellers can often see tropical reef species among corals, and depending on luck and conditions, even turtles, lionfish,
scorpionfish, frogfish, octopus, moray eels, trumpetfish, clownfish, and sometimes small reef sharks.
- Sandy beach access
- Beginner-friendly snorkelling
- Colorful reef fish
- Short boat trips to nearby snorkelling sites
Lovina Beach and Amed (North and East Bali)
Lovina Beach is known for calmer north-coast water and dolphin trips, while Amed is one of Bali’s most rewarding areas for both snorkelling and diving.
In Amed, several sites can be explored from the beach.
The best-known snorkelling areas around Amed include Jemeluk Bay, Lipah Beach,
the nearby USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben, and other reef sites along the coast.
Related read:
Amed, Bali: a little paradise to discover
Jemeluk Bay (Amed, East Bali)
Jemeluk Bay is one of the easiest and most popular snorkelling spots in Amed. The bay offers calm water, reef life, and good visibility on many days.
It is an excellent option for travelers who want to snorkel straight from the beach.
- Easy entry from shore
- Families and couples
- Clear reef scenery
- Half-day snorkelling trips in Amed
Tulamben and the USAT Liberty Shipwreck (East Bali)
Tulamben is one of Bali’s most famous underwater destinations. The wreck of the USAT Liberty,
an American ship from World War II, lies close to shore and can be explored by both divers and snorkellers depending on conditions.
The site ranges from around 3 to 30 meters (9.8 to 98.4 ft) in depth. Parts of the wreck and surrounding reef can be visible even to snorkellers,
especially in calmer weather. The wreck itself is about 100 meters (328 ft) long and sits roughly
50 meters (164 ft) offshore.
This is one of the best places in Bali to combine history, coral growth, and rich marine life in one memorable session.
Tanjung Jepun and blue-spotted stingrays (East Bali)
Tanjung Jepun is reached by a short boat trip of around 15 minutes from Padang Bai.
It is known for soft and hard corals, reef fish, turtles, and especially the beautiful
blue-spotted stingray.
It works for a broad range of travelers because you can enjoy the marine life with mask and fins,
while more experienced divers can also explore deeper sections and underwater structures nearby.
Menjangan Island (Northwest Bali)
Menjangan Island, inside Bali Barat National Park, is one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in Northwest Bali.
It is known for excellent visibility, water temperatures around 28°C (82.4°F), and rich marine life.
Expect healthy reefs, soft corals, reef fish, seahorses, starfish, and beautiful underwater walls. Reaching Menjangan from central or South Bali
usually requires a long day trip, often around 4 hours by road before the boat crossing.
Related read:
Water sports places in Bali
Photo credit:
clicjeroen via
Pixabay
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Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway, it is a peaceful base for exploring Bali’s beaches,
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Villa Carissa in Seminyak Center
