Choosing a destination as a new diver can be tough. You want somewhere that suits your skill level, but also want to be challenged by the adventure of diving. Some may say that Bali is better suited to advanced divers, but actually there are some great diving spots that are perfect for new divers. Because Bali isn’t so big, you can travel around to get to new locations quite easily, and can even base yourself with one dive centre and travel to the best dive spots by car or boat. Here are our favorite dives for Beginner scuba divers in Bali.

Tulamben – USAT Liberty Shipwreck

Arguably one of the best dive sites in Bali, the USAT Liberty Shipwreck is perfect for beginner divers and advanced divers alike. You can gear up and head to the wreck right from the beach no matter what level you are at.

This WWII army transport ship can be explored from around just 5 metres all the way down to about 30 metres deep and is only 25 metres from the shore. There are loads of corals and fans attached to the wreck and schools of reef fish have made it their home so there is plenty of marine life to watch. Once in a while barracuda and turtles are spotted as well.

Tulamben also has some great coral gardens that are easy to access for beginners, so if you spend a whole day diving in Tulamben, there is plenty to see.

Amed – Jemeluk Bay

It’s about 10km from Tulamben to Amed, so it’s very much in the same area of Bali. Amed is famous for its volcanic black sands and fabulous muck diving. At Jemeluk Bay a sandy slope leads to a lovely coral wall. The bay is sheltered and calm so is the perfect place to learn to dive or practice if you are newly certified.

Keep an eye out for nudibranchs of all shapes and sizes in Amed. Some of the most spectacular like Mexichromis multituberculata, Hypselodoris confetti, and Hypselodoris tryoni are seen regularly at Jemeluk Bay.

Menjangan Island

Menjangan Island is the only site on our list that isn’t in East Bali. You can do day trips to the west to dive, but we recommend staying over to get the best out of diving there.

This protected island is part of the West Bali National Park, Bali’s only national park. The reefs here are also protected so you can find some of the most beautiful corals, fans, and marine life anywhere in Bali. The calm waters and shallow reefs make it a great dive location for newbie divers.

Padang Bai – Blue Lagoon

Padang Bai is known for great snorkelling, and that’s what makes it brilliant for diving as well. Getting to the reef in a boat takes just a few minutes and new divers will love the shallow reefs.

Visibility is generally very good and the waters are calm. Reef fish of all shapes and colours live in the corals and often reef sharks glide by. There are a number of dive centres in Padang Bai, but it is also an easy drive from Gangga Divers in Candidasa.

Beginners will love the selection of dives in Bali. The ease of getting from one to another, and the professionalism of dive schools like Gangga Divers make it a great choice for those who would like to build their confidence.

For more info on diving or certification with Gangga Divers click HERE or to ask questions about diving as a beginner in Bali, contact us at dive@lotusbungalows.com.