Bali’s surrounding waters are home to some of the most vibrant and diverse marine sanctuaries in Indonesia. These protected areas offer incredible opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and marine life exploration.
Accessible by fast boat, these marine sanctuaries are perfect for day trips or longer excursions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of Bali. Here’s a guide to exploring Bali’s top marine sanctuaries, with details on fast boat routes to get you there.
1. Menjangan Island: West Bali National Park
Overview
Menjangan Island, located within the West Bali National Park, is one of Bali’s most renowned marine sanctuaries. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Menjangan Island is a paradise for snorkelers and divers.
Marine Life
- Coral Reefs: The island is surrounded by some of the best-preserved coral reefs in Bali, with colorful hard and soft corals.
- Marine Species: Common sightings include reef sharks, sea turtles, napoleon wrasses, and an array of tropical fish.
Fast Boat Routes
- Departure Point: Labuhan Lalang or Pemuteran.
- Travel Time: The fast boat ride to Menjangan Island takes about 30-45 minutes.
- Highlights: Most operators offer day trips that include guided snorkeling or diving sessions, with opportunities to explore the island’s terrestrial beauty as well.
2. Nusa Penida: Manta Point and Crystal Bay
Overview
Nusa Penida, a large island southeast of Bali, is home to some of the most famous dive sites in the region, including Manta Point and Crystal Bay. The island’s marine sanctuaries are known for their clear waters, dramatic underwater landscapes, and encounters with large marine species.
Marine Life
- Manta Point: Known for regular sightings of manta rays, Manta Point is a must-visit for divers.
- Crystal Bay: Crystal Bay offers some of the clearest waters in Bali, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. It’s also a prime location for spotting the elusive Mola-Mola (sunfish) during the season.
Fast Boat Routes
- Departure Point: Sanur, Padang Bai, or Serangan.
- Travel Time: Fast boats to Nusa Penida take about 30-45 minutes.
- Highlights: Day trips often include multiple dive or snorkel sites, allowing you to experience the full diversity of Nusa Penida’s marine sanctuaries.
3. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan: Mangrove Point and Blue Corner
Overview
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are smaller islands near Nusa Penida, offering a more relaxed atmosphere with equally impressive marine sanctuaries. Mangrove Point and Blue Corner are two of the most popular spots for snorkeling and diving.
Marine Life
- Mangrove Point: Located on the northern coast of Nusa Lembongan, Mangrove Point is known for its lush mangrove forests and rich marine biodiversity. The calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling.
- Blue Corner: This dive site is known for its strong currents and is best suited for experienced divers. It offers a chance to see large pelagic species, including sharks and rays.
Fast Boat Routes
- Departure Point: Sanur or Serangan.
- Travel Time: Fast boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan take about 30 minutes.
- Highlights: Many tours include a combination of snorkeling and island exploration, with stops at both Mangrove Point and Blue Corner.
4. Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air
Overview
The Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok, are famous for their clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back island vibe. Each of the three islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—offers unique marine experiences, making them a favorite destination for snorkeling and diving.
Marine Life
- Turtle Point: Located off Gili Trawangan, Turtle Point is famous for its abundant sea turtle population, making it a must-visit for snorkelers.
- Gili Meno Wall: This dive site offers a rich variety of marine life, including reef sharks, moray eels, and colorful corals.
Fast Boat Routes
- Departure Point: Padang Bai, Serangan, or Amed.
- Travel Time: Fast boats to the Gili Islands take about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Highlights: Many operators offer island-hopping tours, allowing you to explore the marine sanctuaries of all three islands in one trip.
5. Tulamben and Amed: USAT Liberty Wreck and Jemeluk Bay
Overview
Located on the northeastern coast of Bali, Tulamben and Amed are home to some of Bali’s most famous dive sites, including the USAT Liberty Wreck and Jemeluk Bay. These areas are rich in marine life and offer both shore dives and boat dives.
Marine Life
- USAT Liberty Wreck: The USAT Liberty, a World War II shipwreck, is one of Bali’s most famous dive sites. The wreck is covered in coral and is home to a diverse array of marine life, including barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, and macro critters.
- Jemeluk Bay: This bay offers a stunning underwater landscape with vibrant coral gardens and a rich variety of marine species, making it perfect for both snorkeling and diving.
Fast Boat Routes
- Departure Point: Amed or Tulamben (no fast boats from southern Bali, these are shore dives).
- Highlights: Both areas are accessible by road from southern Bali, and once there, you can hire local boats (jukungs) to take you to the dive sites.
Bali’s marine sanctuaries offer some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in Indonesia, each with its own unique underwater attractions. Whether you’re looking to swim with manta rays at Nusa Penida, explore vibrant coral gardens at Menjangan Island, or discover the rich marine life around the Gili Islands, these sanctuaries provide unforgettable experiences.
With convenient fast boat routes from Bali, you can easily access these underwater paradises for day trips or extended stays, ensuring a memorable and enriching marine adventure.
