Share The LOVE The Best of Scuba Diving at Tulamben and Amed Bali, Indonesia, is a diver’s paradise, and Tulamben and Amed stand out as two of its premier scuba diving destinations. These neighbouring coastal villages offer some of the best underwater experiences in the region to fulfil your Bali scuba diving dreams. From the iconic USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben to Amed’s rich coral gardens and macro marine life, these dive spots promise memorable adventures beneath the waves. Whether you’re exploring the eerie beauty of a sunken ship or drifting through vibrant coral reefs, Tulamben and Amed provide a diverse range of diving experiences. With their proximity, it’s easy to dive into both locations in a single trip, allowing you to enjoy many of the seascapes that Bali has to offer. Tulamben’s Best Dive Sites at a Glance (direct from the locals) USAT Liberty Wreck Seraya Secrets Melasti Drop Off Coral Garden Kubu Batu Kelebit Boga Wreck Emerald What Makes Scuba Diving Tulamben so Special? Scuba diving Tulamben is renowned for its iconic USAT Liberty shipwreck, one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world. The wreck lies just a few meters from the shore. It is encrusted with vibrant coral, attracting diverse marine life, including schools of trevally, barracudas, and even occasional reef sharks. This combination of historical intrigue and rich biodiversity makes Tulamben an excellent visit for divers. The shipwreck has become the centrepiece of scuba diving in Tulamben. This World War II-era cargo ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and later beached on the shores of Tulamben. In 1963, a volcanic eruption pushed the boat into the sea, now resting on a sandy slope at 5 to 30 meters. In addition to the shipwreck, scuba diving in Tulamben offers unique underwater landscapes, such as at Coral Garden and the Drop Off, where divers can explore steep walls and volcanic sand slopes. The area is also famous for its macro photography opportunities, with critters like pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and nudibranchs regularly appearing. The calm waters and excellent visibility add to the diving experience in this part of Bali. One of our perennial favourite dive sites, Seraya Secrets, is famous for its muck diving opportunities, where you can spot unique critters like mimic octopuses and frogfish. Sites like this make Tulamben a rich and varied destination within the Bali scuba diving scene. If extraordinary macro diving appeals, Villa Markisa is directly in front of Seraya Secrets. Blackwater Diving in Tulamben Tulamben offers some of the finest blackwater diving on the planet. Underwater photographers love the thrill of hanging in the water column in the dark, waiting for larval fish to enter the light. For more information on blackwater diving, take a look here. One of Tulamben’s top dive resorts running blackwater diving is Villa Markisa, which you can learn about here. Amed’s Best Dive Sites at a Glance (direct from the locals) Pantai Jemeluk Pyramids Japanese Wreck Gili Selang Bunutan Lipah Bay Amed Wall Deep Blue Scuba Diving in Amed Scuba diving in Amed is celebrated for its diverse and accessible dive sites, each offering a unique underwater experience. Jemeluk Bay is the most popular, known for its stunning coral gardens and the iconic underwater temple. The Pyramids, an artificial reef project, is also a highlight, attracting a wide variety of marine species and providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography. The Japanese wreck in shallow waters offers an easy yet fascinating wreck dive experience perfect for beginners and experienced divers. A growing scene in Amed focuses on macro diving, where scuba divers can find a variety of tiny, intriguing creatures like frogfish, leaf scorpionfish, ghost pipefish and rare nudibranchs. The diverse dive sites, rich marine biodiversity, and a peaceful atmosphere make Amed a top destination for divers seeking a more laid-back yet fulfilling underwater experience. To make the most of your diving experience, consider asking us about booking a trip with a great local dive operator. These operators or dive resorts can provide equipment, guides, and other services to ensure a memorable dive. Scuba Diving in Amed vs. Scuba Diving Tulamben Diving Conditions: Scuba diving in Amed offers crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility, perfect for reef and macro diving. The water is generally calm and suitable for divers of all levels. Scuba diving in Tulamben features slightly stronger currents. It is renowned for its unique wreck diving opportunities, such as the iconic USAT Liberty wreck, which offers an adventurous yet accessible wreck diving experience. Diving Styles: Tulamben is famous for wreck diving, particularly at the Liberty Wreck, which is a magnet for marine life and a must-see for wreck enthusiasts. Amed provides a diverse range of dive sites, including vibrant coral reefs and macro diving spots, where divers can explore a variety of marine ecosystems and encounter fascinating small creatures. It is worth noting that both Tulamben and Amed are rapidly rising stars in the macro underwater photography scene. The Best Time to Dive Tulamben and Amed The best time for scuba diving in Amed and Tulamben is during Bali’s dry season, from April to October. During these months, the weather is predominantly sunny with minimal rainfall, ensuring optimal visibility and calm waters, ideal for novice and experienced divers. Opting for this period will enhance your scuba diving experience in Bali, offering abundant viewing of its marine life and underwater landscapes. However, it’s worth noting that Bali scuba diving is feasible year-round due to the island’s tropical climate. The wet season brings occasional rain showers from November to March, but diving remains enjoyable with slightly reduced visibility. Water temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, averaging between 26°C and 30°C. The warm temperatures ensure comfortable dives in Amed and Tulamben regardless of the season. Other Places to Scuba Dive in Bali Beyond the famous sites of Amed and Tulamben, Bali has several other incredible locations. These also rank amongst the best diving Bali has to offer. Nusa Penida is renowned for encountering manta rays and the elusive mola. These reasons make it a fantastic place for your diving destination list. The twin islands of Penida and Lembongan are also home to crystal-clear waters and stunning coral gardens. Megafauna and healthy corals solidify their reputations as one of the top spots for Bali scuba diving. Find more information about Nusa Penida here. Another prime location for scuba diving in Bali is Menjangan Island, which is in the northwest. This area is part of the West Bali National Park. The park is known for its pristine reefs, steep drop-offs, and abundant marine life. Menjangan’s calm conditions and diverse underwater scenery make it one of the best scuba diving destinations in Bali. How Long Does it Take to Get a Scuba Diving License? This sounds awesome, but have you not yet started on your scuba diving journey? Then look no further—we can help you with inclusive scuba diving courses in Tulamben and Amed. Getting a basic Open-Water scuba diving certification takes 3 to 4 days. This includes classroom study or e-learning to save your holiday time. Confined water pool sessions and open-water dives follow this. The certification allows you to become a certified Open Water diver able to dive to 18 metres. We arrange to stay and learn to dive courses at Oceanview and Melasti Dive Resort. Is Scuba Diving Dangerous? Scuba diving is very safe when proper procedures learned in your dive courses are followed. Risks can be eliminated by adhering to guidelines, diving within your limits, and maintaining good health and fitness. How Long Will My Scuba Diving Certification Last? A basic scuba diving certification, such as the Open Water Diver certification, lasts a lifetime. However, if you last dived over a year ago, a refresher course is recommended to keep your skills sharp. We can easily arrange a refresher course to get your skills back into shape. Get in touch, and we can advise you how. To Wrap it Up Scuba diving in Amed and Tulamben represent some of the best of Bali scuba diving, each with a unique appeal. Amed’s calm waters and rich coral gardens provide a serene and colourful diving experience. Amed is perfect for those who enjoy macro diving and leisurely exploration. On the other hand, Tulamben offers the thrill of wreck diving, with the USAT Liberty wreck drawing divers from around the world to explore its historic and marine-rich depths. Tulamben also has some incredible up-and-coming macro dive sites. These two destinations, a few hour’s drive from Bali International Airport, complement each other, making them perfect for a comprehensive Bali scuba diving adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the diverse underwater landscapes, abundant marine life, and conditions in Amed and Tulamben ensure something for everyone. Together, they showcase why Bali is a top destination for divers worldwide. We have spent years in Tulamben and Amed, so do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Written By: Mojo Rising An avid diver, marine conservationist and plant-based athlete. I roam the globe looking for the best places to scuba, documenting my journey as I go. See author's posts
