When I first heard about Sea Walker Bali, I had no idea what it was. I mean, I’ve snorkeled before, and I’ve even tried scuba diving once (which was a bit of a disaster), but this whole “walking under the sea” concept? I wasn’t sure if it was going to be the most amazing experience of my trip or just another gimmicky tourist thing. Spoiler: it turned out to be absolutely incredible—but I did make a few rookie mistakes along the way. So, if you’re thinking about trying Sea Walker Bali, let me save you from some of the blunders I made and help you get the most out of this unique underwater adventure.
What Exactly is Sea Walker Bali?
First off, let me explain what Sea Walker is because I wasn’t completely sure myself until I did it. Sea Walker is this super cool activity where you literally walk on the seabed while wearing a special helmet. The helmet is kind of like a fishbowl (but way more high-tech), and it pumps in fresh air so you can breathe normally while you stroll along the ocean floor. It’s a bit like being in your own personal aquarium, except you’re not watching the fish—you’re hanging out with them.
The best part? You don’t need any scuba diving experience. If you can walk and breathe, you’re pretty much set. The helmet is heavy on land, but once you’re underwater, you barely feel it. And honestly, I was surprised by how simple and smooth the whole thing was.
My First Mistake: Wearing the Wrong Outfit
So, I’ll admit, I didn’t think too hard about what to wear for Sea Walker. I just threw on my usual beach attire: shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops. Big mistake. The instructors will give you all the gear you need (like the helmet and water shoes), but they don’t provide swimsuits or rash guards. I highly recommend wearing a swimsuit or at least a quick-dry shirt because the water can be chilly, and wearing a soaking wet tank top for the rest of the day is no fun.
Also, your hair? Yeah, it’s going to get pretty soaked. I didn’t bring a hair tie, so my hair was all over the place. If you’ve got long hair, definitely tie it back before you put on that helmet. Trust me on this one.
What It Feels Like to Walk Underwater
Here’s the thing I wasn’t prepared for: walking underwater feels weird. It’s not like you’re just walking down the street but underwater. You have to get used to the resistance of the water, and your steps feel kind of slow and floaty. For the first few minutes, I felt like I was in slow motion, which was both fascinating and a little disorienting. But once I got the hang of it, I started enjoying the peacefulness of being underwater.
One of the best moments was when I saw this huge school of tropical fish swim right up to me. And I mean, like, right up to me. I could almost reach out and touch them (but I didn’t because that’s a big no-no for their safety). The fish are so used to people doing the Sea Walker experience that they’re not scared of you at all. It’s surreal being that close to sea life without needing to dive down or swim after them.
Breathing in the Helmet: Easier Than I Expected
Okay, I’ll be honest—one of my biggest fears was whether I’d be able to breathe normally in that helmet. I’m not a huge fan of tight spaces, and the idea of having something over my head underwater sounded mildly terrifying. But here’s the good news: the helmet is way more comfortable than I expected. Once I was underwater, I could breathe completely normally. No weird pressure, no feeling like I was suffocating. It felt surprisingly natural.
The helmet creates a little air pocket around your head, so your face stays dry (though the rest of you will definitely get wet). You can even wear glasses or contact lenses inside the helmet because, again, your face doesn’t get wet. If you’ve ever struggled with a snorkel mask fogging up or leaking water, this helmet is going to feel like a dream.
The Best Time to Go: Early Morning
Here’s something I didn’t think about before booking: the time of day really matters. I went around midday, and while it was still an amazing experience, the sun was beating down hard. Bali can get pretty hot, and even though you’re underwater, the heat can still get to you before and after your dive.
If I could do it again, I’d definitely go in the early morning. The water is usually clearer, and there are fewer people around, so you get a more peaceful experience. Plus, you’re less likely to feel overheated when you’re getting suited up or walking back to shore.
How Deep Do You Actually Go?
One of the most common questions I get when I tell people about Sea Walker is: “How deep do you go?” It’s not that deep, especially compared to scuba diving. You’re usually only about 4-5 meters (around 15 feet) underwater, which is enough to feel like you’re really immersed in the underwater world, but not so deep that it’s intimidating. You can still see the surface above you, which helps if you’re nervous about being underwater for too long.
The guides are with you the entire time, too, so if you feel uncomfortable at any point, they’ll help you adjust. They even take photos and videos of you while you’re underwater, which is great because my underwater selfie game is not strong.
What I Wish I Had Brought
Looking back, there are a few things I really wish I had brought with me that would have made the experience even better. First, I didn’t think to bring a waterproof camera, and I totally regret it. The instructors take pictures for you, but if you want to capture your own memories or specific moments, having a GoPro or another waterproof camera would be a game-changer.
Second, sunscreen! This one is super important. Even though you’re in the water, the sun in Bali can be brutal, and you can still get sunburned when you’re standing around waiting for your turn or walking back to the beach. Make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen because we want to protect the coral and marine life that make Sea Walker so special.
Lastly, I wish I had brought a small towel or sarong to dry off after. The facilities near the Sea Walker spot can be pretty basic, and you might not have access to a good towel right away. Plus, walking around in a wet swimsuit isn’t the most comfortable way to end your adventure.
Is Sea Walker Bali Safe? Here’s What You Should Know
Now, one of the big questions I had before trying Sea Walker was: is it safe? Like, what happens if something goes wrong with the helmet? Or what if I panic underwater? All valid questions, especially if you’re like me and not the most experienced when it comes to underwater activities. So let me put your mind at ease—Sea Walker in Bali is incredibly safe, and here’s why.
First off, you’re never left alone. From the moment you step onto the boat or the platform where the dive starts, there’s always a guide nearby. These guys are absolute pros. They’ve done this hundreds, if not thousands, of times, so they know exactly how to handle everything from nervous first-timers to seasoned adventurers. Plus, they give a short briefing beforehand, going over all the basics: how to signal for help, what to do if you feel uncomfortable, and how to walk safely underwater.
Secondly, the helmets themselves are designed with safety in mind. They pump in a continuous flow of fresh air, and there are safety divers around in case anything unexpected happens. The maximum depth is shallow enough that if you did need to come up, you could easily be back on the surface in seconds.
That said, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. If you have any serious health conditions, especially related to breathing or heart issues, make sure to check with your doctor before signing up. The pressure underwater is low, but it can still affect people with certain conditions. And if you’re prone to claustrophobia, like I am, just make sure to take deep breaths and focus on the scenery—honestly, once you get distracted by all the fish and coral, it’s easy to forget you’re even wearing a helmet.
Comparing Sea Walker to Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
I’m no scuba diving expert, but I’ve tried it once, and I’ve done my fair share of snorkeling. So, where does Sea Walker fit in comparison to those two? In my experience, it’s sort of a happy middle ground.
With snorkeling, you’re just skimming the surface of the water. Sure, you get to see some cool things, but you’re limited to what’s near the surface unless you can dive down briefly (which I’m terrible at). Plus, the whole breathing-through-a-tube thing gets old quickly. I love snorkeling, but it can feel a bit… basic after a while.
Scuba diving, on the other hand, takes you deeper and gives you more freedom to explore, but it also requires a ton of preparation. You need to take lessons, learn all the safety rules, and you’ve got a lot of heavy equipment to deal with. It’s worth it for sure, but it’s not something you can just decide to do on a whim during a beach day. And if you’re not confident in the water, the pressure and complexity of diving can feel overwhelming.
Sea Walker, in comparison, feels like the best of both worlds. You get the immersive experience of being underwater like you would with scuba diving, but without all the gear and preparation. You don’t need to know how to swim, you don’t have to learn complicated breathing techniques, and you don’t even need to go that deep to see a ton of marine life. It’s perfect for people who want a unique underwater adventure without the stress or time commitment of diving.
Plus, because you’re walking instead of swimming, it feels more relaxed. You’re not worrying about staying afloat or trying to control your buoyancy. You can just take your time, stroll around, and soak it all in.
Unexpected Benefits of Sea Walker Bali
Here’s something I didn’t expect: Sea Walker is weirdly therapeutic. I don’t know if it’s the slow, steady pace of walking underwater or the quietness of the environment, but there’s something super calming about the whole experience. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys meditation or needs a break from the hectic pace of travel, Sea Walker gives you that peaceful, almost meditative experience without feeling like you’re just sitting around.
I didn’t think I’d come out of it feeling so relaxed, but it was honestly one of the most calming activities I did in Bali. The sound of your own breathing, the quiet swishing of the water around you, and the gentle movements of the fish all contribute to this sense of being in another world—one that’s much slower and more serene than the one above the surface.
And let’s not forget the mental health benefits of being surrounded by nature. There’s actual research that suggests spending time in nature (yes, even underwater!) can reduce stress and improve your mood. So, if you’re feeling a bit frazzled or overwhelmed, this could be the perfect activity to clear your mind and recharge.
Things I Wish I Knew Beforehand: Insider Tips
Now that I’ve gone through the experience, there are definitely a few things I wish I had known before heading out for my Sea Walker adventure. If I could go back and do it all over again, here’s what I’d change:
1. Bring an extra set of clothes
I know it seems obvious, but I really didn’t think about it at the time. You’re going to get wet—not just a little, but drenched. Even though the helmet keeps your head dry, the rest of your body will be soaked. And if you have other plans for the day, walking around in damp clothes isn’t exactly comfortable. Having a change of clothes stashed in your bag would’ve been a game-changer for me.
2. Check the tide times
I didn’t realize this until I was chatting with one of the guides afterward, but apparently, the visibility underwater can vary depending on the tide. Higher tides can stir up sediment and make the water murkier, which means you might not see as much marine life. If I’d known, I would’ve asked about the tide conditions before booking to make sure I was going at the best time. Early morning is usually a safe bet for clear water, but it’s worth checking with the tour operator when you book.
3. Don’t skip the reef-safe sunscreen
I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe! Bali’s coral reefs are delicate ecosystems, and traditional sunscreens can harm them. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, and plenty of stores in Bali sell reef-safe options if you forget to bring one from home.
4. Try it more than once
Here’s something unexpected: the more I think about it, the more I realize I would totally do Sea Walker again. And not just once—maybe a few times, even. The first time around, I was still figuring everything out, getting used to the feeling of walking underwater, and generally just being amazed at the whole concept. But now that I know what to expect, I think I’d appreciate it even more a second time. Plus, different days can bring different marine life, so every experience is a bit unique.
Check also our article about: Exploring Broken Beach in Nusa Penida
Wrapping It Up: Is Sea Walker Bali Worth It?
To sum it all up, if you’re heading to Bali and are even remotely curious about what it’s like to walk on the seabed, give Sea Walker a shot. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the best parts of snorkeling and scuba diving without any of the stress. You’ll get up close with some incredible marine life, enjoy the peacefulness of the underwater world, and come away with memories (and probably some awesome photos) that will last a lifetime.
Just remember to wear the right gear, plan your timing carefully, and keep an open mind. Even if you’re a little nervous about the idea of being underwater, the whole experience is designed to be safe, easy, and accessible to just about everyone.
And hey, who knows? You might come out of it like I did—feeling completely relaxed, totally in awe of the underwater world, and already thinking about when you can do it again.
