Let me be real with you—if you’ve never snorkeled before, the first few minutes can be a bit nerve-wracking. I remember hopping off the boat and immediately feeling the water rush over my face. I was breathing through the snorkel, trying to remind myself not to panic, but it’s so different from swimming in a pool. Your instinct is to keep your head above water, but with snorkeling, it’s the exact opposite. You’ve got to trust the gear and let yourself float.
Once I finally relaxed, though, it was a game-changer. The moment I put my face in the water and saw the reef below me, all my fears disappeared. I couldn’t believe the colors. The coral was alive with movement—bright pinks, purples, greens, and oranges, all teeming with fish. Parrotfish, clownfish (yes, I totally had a Finding Nemo moment), angelfish—you name it, they were all there.
If you’re a newbie like I was, here’s my tip: take your time. The water can be overwhelming at first, but once you get used to breathing through the snorkel, it becomes second nature. Also, stick close to your guide, especially if you’re snorkeling in areas with stronger currents, like some parts of Nusa Penida.
The Thrill of Snorkeling at the USAT Liberty Shipwreck
Let’s talk about the highlight of Bali snorkeling tour—the USAT Liberty. This is a must-see if you’re in Bali and even remotely interested in snorkeling or diving. The shipwreck is just a short swim from the shore, so it’s accessible for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. When I first saw the outline of the ship emerge from the deep, it took my breath away. I mean, how often do you get to snorkel around a shipwreck?
The ship, which sank in 1942 after being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, is now covered in coral, and marine life has made it their home. I floated above the wreck, mesmerized by the way the light filtered through the water, casting an almost otherworldly glow on the ship. Schools of fish darted in and out of the structure, and I even spotted a giant grouper lurking in the shadows.
I’ll admit, at one point, I felt a little spooked. There’s something eerie about being that close to an old, sunken ship. But at the same time, it’s absolutely fascinating. The wreck is relatively shallow, which means you can get a good look at it even if you’re not diving. I think that’s what made the experience so unique—being able to witness such history up close, without having to go too deep.
Encountering Manta Rays: A Bucket List Experience
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If you’re up for more adventure after Amed and Tulamben, I can’t recommend Nusa Penida enough. This is where you can snorkel with manta rays, and it’s one of those bucket-list moments you really can’t miss. My second Bali snorkeling tour took me here, and even though I was a bit nervous about seeing these huge creatures, it turned out to be one of the most awe-inspiring moments of my life.
I was floating near Manta Point, one of the top spots to see these gentle giants, when all of a sudden, a massive shadow appeared beneath me. A manta ray. And not just one, but several gliding through the water like they were flying. These creatures are huge—some have wingspans of up to 5 meters—but they’re so graceful that you forget how big they are once you’re in the water with them.
Here’s the thing: mantas are curious but not aggressive. They’ll come up close if they’re interested, but they’re not going to bother you. It’s almost like they’re just as fascinated by us as we are by them. Swimming alongside them felt surreal—like I’d been transported to a different world.
If you’re planning to snorkel with manta rays, definitely check the sea conditions ahead of time. The currents can get strong around Nusa Penida, so it’s important to go with a knowledgeable guide who can help you navigate the waters safely.
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The Coral Gardens of Blue Lagoon: A Hidden Gem
One of the other snorkeling spots that took me by surprise was Blue Lagoon. Located near Padangbai, it’s not as well-known as some of Bali’s other snorkeling sites, but it’s a hidden gem worth checking out if you have the time. The lagoon is tucked away in a small bay, and the water is crystal clear.
When I first jumped in, I was immediately surrounded by colorful fish. It’s like the marine life here is extra friendly—seriously, the fish were swimming right up to me, as if they were curious about this human invading their space. The coral here isn’t as dramatic as what you’ll find in Amed or Nusa Penida, but the biodiversity more than makes up for it.
I spent hours just floating around, mesmerized by the tiny details—the way the anemones moved with the current, the vibrant colors of the coral, and the countless species of fish darting in and out of the reefs. It’s one of those places where you can just lose track of time because there’s so much to see.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back Bali snorkeling tour experience, Blue Lagoon is perfect. It’s easy to access, the water is calm, and it’s ideal for beginners or families with kids. Plus, there are a few local warungs (small cafes) nearby where you can grab a bite to eat after you’ve had your fill of the ocean.
Pro Tips for Bali Snorkeling Tours
After a couple of snorkeling trips around Bali, I’ve learned a few things that might help make your experience even better:
- Go early. The earlier you head out, the better the visibility. The waters tend to be calmer in the morning, and you’ll also avoid the crowds. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than having your perfect snorkeling spot overrun with tourists.
- Rent high-quality gear. Not all tour operators offer the best equipment, so if you’re picky about your gear, consider bringing your own. At the very least, check the quality of the mask and fins before you head out—you don’t want to be stuck with a leaky mask or uncomfortable fins.
- Respect the marine life. This should go without saying, but don’t touch the coral or the fish. Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, and human contact can damage them. Also, resist the urge to feed the fish, as it can disrupt their natural behavior.
- Stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re in and out of the ocean all day, but staying hydrated is key, especially in Bali’s tropical climate.
- Take it slow. One of the best things about snorkeling is that you don’t need to rush. Take your time, float, and just enjoy the experience. Sometimes the most magical moments happen when you’re just hanging out in the water, watching the underwater world go about its day.
Exploring the Nusa Islands: A Snorkeling Heaven
After a few trips on Bali snorkeling tour, I decided to branch out and explore the nearby Nusa Islands—Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. These islands are a short boat ride from Bali and are well-known for their incredible marine life and pristine waters. If you think the Bali snorkeling tour is great, the Nusa Islands take it up a notch. The water clarity is insane, and the marine biodiversity is on another level.
One of the highlights of my trip to Nusa Lembongan was Mangrove Point. I’d heard it was one of the best snorkeling spots in the area, and it did not disappoint. The water was so clear that it felt like I was swimming in an aquarium. The coral here is incredibly vibrant and healthy, and I spotted everything from blue tangs to moorish idols. If you’re a fan of coral gardens, Mangrove Point is the place to be.
The boat ride over to Nusa Penida, however, was a bit of a challenge. The seas between Bali and the Nusa Islands can be choppy, so if you’re prone to seasickness like I am, make sure to take some motion sickness tablets. Even though the ride was rough, once I got into the water at Crystal Bay, I completely forgot about the nausea. As the name suggests, the water here is crystal clear, and the coral formations are some of the most impressive I’ve seen.
At Crystal Bay, you might even have the chance to see mola mola, or sunfish, though they’re more common during certain times of the year. Unfortunately, I didn’t spot one on my trip, but that’s just another reason to go back!
Drift Snorkeling: A Whole New Experience
One of the more unique experiences I had while snorkeling in the Nusa Islands was drift snorkeling at Nusa Ceningan. Drift snorkeling is where you let the ocean’s current carry you along as you float above the coral reefs. It’s an effortless way to cover more ground (or water, I guess) without having to constantly kick or swim.
I’ll be honest, I was a bit nervous at first. The idea of relying on the current to move me through the water seemed a little scary, especially after hearing stories about how strong the currents can be around these islands. But my guide assured me that we’d be sticking to a relatively calm area, so I gave it a shot.
Drift snorkeling turned out to be a blast. It felt like I was on a lazy river but in the ocean. As I floated along, I was able to take in the stunning coral formations and schools of fish without much effort. The only tricky part was keeping track of the boat, which followed along as we drifted, but the guide kept an eye on us, so I never felt too far away from safety.
Night Snorkeling: A Totally Different World
Speaking of unique experiences, I couldn’t leave Bali without trying night snorkeling. If you think the ocean is fascinating during the day, just wait until you see it at night. The first time I heard about night snorkeling, I wasn’t sure it was for me. The idea of being in the water, in the dark, surrounded by who-knows-what, sounded a bit terrifying. But I’m all about stepping outside of my comfort zone, so I signed up for a night tour in Jemeluk Bay in Amed.
Night snorkeling is unlike anything I’ve ever done. With nothing but a waterproof flashlight to guide you, the underwater world takes on a whole new dimension. Creatures that you wouldn’t normally see during the day come out at night, and the way the light reflects off the water gives the coral an almost ghostly glow. I spotted a Spanish dancer, which is a type of sea slug that’s known for its vibrant red color and flowing movements. It was mesmerizing.
I also saw octopuses and lobsters, which tend to be more active after dark. There’s something about snorkeling at night that feels so intimate—it’s just you, the water, and the marine life. It’s quieter, more peaceful, and almost meditative in a way.
But I won’t lie, there were a couple of moments when I felt a little spooked. There’s this fear of the unknown that creeps in when you’re surrounded by darkness, and I definitely had a few “what was that?” moments. That being said, the guides are always close by, and as long as you stick with them, it’s a safe and unforgettable experience.
Environmental Impact: Being a Responsible Snorkeler
One thing that became really important to me during my time snorkeling in Bali is the environmental impact of tourism on the reefs. Bali’s coral reefs are incredibly beautiful, but they’re also fragile. With more and more people coming to Bali every year, it’s important to make sure that we’re not contributing to the destruction of these precious ecosystems.
I’ve already mentioned reef-safe sunscreen, but another thing to be mindful of is not touching the coral. It’s tempting to reach out and grab onto something when you’re swimming, especially if you’re not used to being in the water. But even a small touch can damage coral, which takes years to grow back. So, it’s best to keep your hands to yourself and just enjoy the view.
Another issue is plastic pollution. I noticed that some beaches, especially the more popular ones, had a lot of plastic waste washed up on shore. It was heartbreaking to see, and it really drove home the importance of reducing our plastic use, especially when we’re traveling. A lot of the snorkeling tours I went on were really good about educating tourists on the importance of keeping the ocean clean, and some even organized beach clean-ups as part of their tours.
If you’re planning a Bali snorkeling tour, I’d highly recommend supporting eco-friendly tour operators. Many of them work with local communities to help protect the reefs, and by choosing them, you’re not only getting an amazing experience but also helping to preserve Bali’s natural beauty for future generations.
Why Snorkeling in Bali Should Be on Your Bucket List
Looking back on my snorkeling adventures in Bali, I can confidently say that it’s one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done. From the vibrant coral gardens in Amed to the manta rays of Nusa Penida, every snorkel trip offered something new and exciting. There’s a reason why Bali is considered one of the best places in the world for snorkeling—the diversity of marine life, the accessibility of the reefs, and the sheer beauty of the underwater landscapes make it a snorkeler’s paradise.
If you are confused about choosing Bali tour package, don’t miss out on the chance to explore its underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a total beginner, there’s something here for everyone. And who knows—you might just find yourself falling in love with the ocean, like I did.
And hey, even if you’re like me and a little hesitant about getting in the water at first, give it a shot. I promise, once you take that first dive, you’ll never want to get out.
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