Last Updated on June 20, 2025 by Dan
When most people think of Bali, three things usually come to mind: unique Balinese Hindu culture, lush rice terraces, and world-class surfing. Oh, and Instagramers. Plenty of those around too. But beneath the surface — literally — there’s a whole different world waiting to be explored.
Bali is one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic dive destinations, offering a wide spectrum of underwater experiences. Whether you’re here for its legendary wreck dives or the weird and wonderful critters of its muck diving scene, Bali delivers in full. Part of what makes diving in Bali so extraordinary is its location at the heart of the Coral Triangle, where the Indian Ocean meets the Pacific Ocean through the Indonesian Throughflow. This powerful current system not only brings nutrient-rich waters but also results in exceptionally high marine biodiversity. It’s one of the main reasons why Bali’s reefs are teeming with everything from tiny nudibranchs to massive manta rays and bizarre mola-molas — and why divers keep coming back year after year.
Let’s dig into the island’s most famous dive: the USAT Liberty wreck, it’s a dive you cannot skip!
USAT Liberty – A piece of history accessible for everyone
The USAT Liberty is arguably Bali’s most iconic dive site — and for good reason. This former US Army cargo ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 during WWII. After being damaged, it lay on the shore of Tulamben until 1963, when a volcanic eruption from Mount Agung pushed it into the sea. How cool of a story is that? Today, the wreck rests just meters from the shore, making it one of the most accessible shipwreck dives in the world.
The wreck rests on a bed of black volcanic sand, a reminder of Bali’s fiery geological past. This dark backdrop creates a striking contrast with the vibrant corals and colorful marine life, giving the entire site a dramatic, almost cinematic quality — perfect for underwater photography and truly unforgettable to witness in person. You can literally walk into the water and just 30 meters from the shore descend straight onto history.
The site starts in very shallow waters, just 3–5 meters, making it a perfect playground for snorkelers, try divers, Open Water divers, freedivers, and photographers alike, looking to catch the morning light on the wreck’s silhouette. More experienced divers can venture deeper all the way to the bottom of 30 meters to explore the lower hull, swim-throughs, and find hidden marine life among the encrusted metal beams.
The 120 meter long wreck is fully covered in healthy corals and includes easy and wide swim-throughs. The most iconic spot for incredible photos is the cargo hold area of the ship, which offers a window into the rest of the wreck through coral-covered pillars. While you’re blowing bubbles and capturing fantastic photos, don’t be surprised if freedivers glide past — the spot is wide and shallow enough for everyone to enjoy.
While exploring the deepest parts of the dive site, if lucky enough, you can spot a black tip reef shark passing by. Taking a look into little cracks and crevices alongside the wreck wall is a must. Plenty of little wonders hiding there – banded pipefish, leaf fish, transparent shrimps, cleaner shrimps and hidden octopi.
As you are near the end of your dive, the shore side part of the wreck has a serious “garden eel park”. These eels, specifically the spotted garden eel, live in colonies and burrow into the sand, with only their heads and upper bodies visible, swaying in the current. Don’t get too close or they will quickly hide away in the sand.
During your safety stop, you will drift over the almost-intact stern of the wreck — a shallow, coral-covered structure bathed in light. Sunbeams filter through the surface, illuminating the twisted metal and soft corals, while schooling fish move through the ribs of the ship like flickering shadows. It’s a peaceful, dreamlike end to the dive — one that often steals the show, unless a turtle glides by and turns the moment entirely into his own.
But just when you think the dive is over and there are only pebbles and rocks on the dark seabed, pay attention. The shallow part is still more than alive. You can spot many nudibranchs – tiny, colorful sea slugs typically ranging from a few millimeters to about 6 centimeters long. With their vibrant colors and adorable appearance, these little wonders might just become your new favorite marine creatures and a perfect ending to an amazing dive.
Cultural Dive Experience
Diving in Bali isn’t just about the ocean — it’s about the unique rhythm of life that surrounds the dive sites. At places like Tulamben and Amed, the beach isn’t a sterile dive resort setup, yet..
For many travelers, watching elder Balinese women effortlessly carry heavy scuba tanks on their heads brings a mix of awe and discomfort. But it’s important to understand that this is a deeply rooted part of local culture, and these women take immense pride in their work. Even if your inner voice insists, “I can do it myself,” please don’t — offering to carry your own tank is considered rude and can be seen as disrespectful. The best way to honor their tradition is to accept the help with gratitude and a smile.
The area around the USAT Liberty can be lively, with up to 50–60 divers around during peak hours. But thanks to the size of the wreck, it rarely feels overcrowded. Some divers also explore the nearby Coral Garden, which helps spread things out a bit.
On the beach, you’ll find a small local shop selling snacks and freshly brewed Balinese coffee between dives, as well as a cheerful vendor offering USAT Liberty T-shirts and pointer sticks as fun souvenirs. The scene is completed by a charming dose of rural Bali — free-range chickens, goats, and the occasional cow wandering nearby, adding a layer of authenticity to this already unforgettable dive site.
Where To Stay?
Tulamben, where the famous USAT Liberty wreck is located, is a quiet coastal village that exists almost entirely for diving. While it’s perfect for rolling out of bed and straight into the water, there’s not much happening outside of dive hours.
Just a 20-minute drive south, however, you’ll find Amed — another diving hotspot, but with a livelier vibe and more to explore. Amed is a stretch of charming fishing villages dotted with beachfront bars, local warungs, and laid-back hangouts with stunning views of Mount Agung. Watching the sunset from a beanbag on the black sand, cocktail in hand, while chickens and friendly stray dogs wander by, is a quintessential Amed experience.
The food scene here is fantastic — from authentic local eats to Western-style cafés with smoothie bowls and good coffee. After dark, Amed comes alive with live music and casual parties in beachfront bars.
Places I personally recommend in Amed:
Rimba Café – An Instagrammable jungle-style café with great coffee and aesthetic vibes.
Good Stuff Eco Café – Fresh, healthy, and delicious Western dishes in a cozy setting.
Warung Segara – A local gem right on the beach serving up tasty Balinese food with a view.
The Baby Dragon – Perfect for a pool day, good drinks, and a fun party vibe as the night sets in.
Who To Dive With?
When it comes to dive centers in Tulamben and Amed, you’re truly spoiled for choice. There are plenty of well-established dive shops, many of which also offer on-site accommodation. Prices across dive centers are generally very similar, so your decision can come down to the vibe, language, or community you’re most comfortable with.
You’ll find an international mix of dive operators in the area, including:
Diving La Vida Loca – A Spanish-run center known for its fun, personal approach.
Evolution Diver and Dive Concepts – French-run shops offering professional guidance and good packages (with Dive Concepts having locations in both Tulamben and Amed).
Amed White Sand Divers – A German-operated center with a solid reputation for quality and attention to detail.
Ready to explore this underwater time capsule? Gear up, respect the ocean, and dive into history at USAT Liberty—then toast a Bali sunset you’ll never forget.
Author’s Note:
Local guides are true experts, knowing every corner of the dive sites and often pointing out exactly what you’re hoping to see — even before you spot it yourself.
However, in high traffic sites like Tulamben, marine life mishandling still occurs. You might witness guides or divers touching, poking, or moving animals for photos. Please don’t be part of that — and speak up if you see it happening.
Respect the ocean: observe, don’t disturb.
