Snorkeling in Bali Snorkeling

Bali's position within the Coral Triangle means that even snorkelers floating on the surface can access extraordinary marine biodiversity. The island and its surrounding smaller islands offer snorkeling conditions ranging from calm, sheltered bays perfect for families to drift snorkeling alongside pelagic marine life for the more adventurous.

Nusa Penida and its smaller neighbours Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are Bali's premier snorkeling destinations. The channel between Bali and these islands funnels nutrient-rich water that attracts manta rays, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish. Manta Bay on Nusa Penida's south coast offers snorkelers the rare chance to float above oceanic manta rays with wingspans reaching 4 metres as they glide through the shallows.

For those who prefer calm waters, Menjangan Island off Bali's northwest coast is a protected marine sanctuary within West Bali National Park. The island's fringing reef starts just metres from shore in 1 to 3 metres of water, with visibility regularly exceeding 30 metres. Sea fans, soft corals, and clouds of anthias make this one of the most photogenic snorkeling sites in Indonesia.

Closer to the main tourist areas, Blue Lagoon near Padang Bai and Amed on the northeast coast offer excellent shore-entry snorkeling. Blue Lagoon's sheltered cove has calm conditions and colourful coral starting at waist depth, making it ideal for children and nervous first-timers. Amed's volcanic black sand coastline has multiple snorkeling bays where you can even see parts of the USS Liberty wreck from the surface.