With its paradisiacal beaches, Bali had to be a great place for snorkeling activities. In the island itself and other nearby places, you can find some of the best snorkeling experiences in Southeast Asia. The waters are clear, marine life is diverse, and the coral reefs are beautiful and alive.
Let’s dive (literally) into the top snorkeling destinations in Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok!
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1. Amed, Bali
A famous diving destination in Bali, Amed is known for its black sand beaches and calm waters. You can even find diving and freediving schools here, if you want to improve your snorkeling game. The main snorkeling spots here are Jemeluk Bay and Lipah Beach. Jemeluk Bay has a shallow reef close to the shore, making it great for beginners. Lipah Beach is home to a Japanese shipwreck, which has turned into an artificial reef.
Amed is a relaxed place with fewer crowds then other places in Bali. The water visibility is good, especially in the dry season from April to October. If you’re looking for a laid-back snorkeling experience, this is a great spot.
If you are staying in Bali and don’t have much time, you can join a day tour to experiment snorkeling in Amed:
2. Blue Lagoon, Padang Bai, Bali
Blue Lagoon is a small bay near Padang Bai, about an hour from Ubud or Denpasar. The water is shallow, and the coral reef is close to the shore. It’s a great spot for beginners since the conditions are usually calm.
Padang Bai is a busy harbor, so boat traffic can be high. It’s best to snorkel in the morning when the water is calm and visibility is at its best. You can rent equipment on-site or join a snorkeling tour that takes you to nearby reefs. If you want comfort and convenience, a tour with pick up might be the better option – rather then biking there.
3. Menjangan Island, Bali
Menjangan Island is part of the West Bali National Park and is known for its coral walls. The snorkeling here is some of the best in Bali, with crystal-clear water and vibrant marine life. The island’s reefs have hard and soft corals, along with a variety of fish, sea turtles, and even manta rays during certain seasons.
Menjangan is less crowded than other snorkeling spots in Bali. Since it’s a protected area, the reef is in good condition. Getting there requires a boat ride from Pemuteran or Labuhan Lalang, but it’s worth the effort.
4. Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan, Bali
Nusa Lembongan is a short boat ride from Bali and has excellent snorkeling sites. Mangrove Point is one of the best spots, with shallow reefs and plenty of marine life. You’ll see clownfish, angelfish, and large schools of snapper. The current can be strong in some areas, so guided tours are recommended.
Nusa Penida is famous for its dramatic cliffs and strong currents, but it also offers some of the best snorkeling near Bali. Crystal Bay is the most accessible snorkeling site, with clear water and a healthy reef. Manta Bay is another highlight, where you can snorkel with giant manta rays. Be aware that seeing these beautiful creatures is not always possible though, due to weather conditions -as they said in my tour: pray to the Manta Gods, so you can get lucky and find them!
Snorkeling in Nusa Penida is best done with a tour, as the currents can be strong. Tours can depart from Bali or the Nusas to visit the same spots.The best time to visit is between May and September for the best visibility and calm waters.
I did the snorkeling tour to Nusa Penida and Lembongan twice, and highly recommend it. That is the best way to experiment the amazing nature of this region!
5. Gili Islands
Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili Islands and has several great snorkeling spots. The Turtle Point area is famous for its sea turtles. You’ll also see schools of fish, colorful coral, and even cuttlefish if you’re lucky.
Snorkeling is best in the morning when the water is calm. You can rent a mask and fins from the beach or join a snorkeling tour that stops at multiple spots. The island itself has a fun vibe and a party destination reputation, with beach bars and cafes along the shore.
Gili Meno is quieter than Gili Trawangan and has some of the best snorkeling in the area. The Underwater Statues are a highlight. This set of submerged sculptures attracts marine life and makes for a cool snorkeling experience.
The water around Gili Meno is calm, making it a great spot for beginners. Since the island is smaller and less developed, the beaches are peaceful, and the snorkeling feels more private.
Gili Air is the island in between in terms of relaxation and social life. The best snorkeling areas are on the east side of the island, where you’ll find coral gardens and plenty of fish. Like the other Gili Islands, sea turtles are very common to be spotted – usually more then one at a time!
Since Gili Air is smaller than Gili Trawangan but livelier than Gili Meno, it’s a great choice for those who want both snorkeling and a bit of nightlife. The island has beachfront restaurants where you can relax after a snorkeling session.
All of the snorkeling spots can be reached by boat from any of the islands, so it is great to join a tour!
6. Pink Beach, Lombok
Lombok has no shortage of spots for snorkeling. The Pink Beach is famous for its sand, which has a pinkish hue due to crushed coral fragments. The snorkeling here is excellent, with clear water and coral reefs just a few meters from the shore. The marine life includes reef fish, sea urchins, and small rays.
Pink Beach is less crowded than the Gili Islands. It’s located in the southeast of Lombok, so getting there requires a boat or a long drive. To visit you will need to stay in the Lombok area. There are cruises of several days that include many snorkeling spots, but joining a day tour is also possible from the island.
7. Secret Gilis, Lombok
The Secret Gilis are a group of small islands off the southwest coast of Lombok. These islands—Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis—offer a more secluded snorkeling experience. The coral reefs here are healthy, and the fish population is abundant. Since fewer tourists visit, the marine environment is well-preserved.
Gili Nanggu is the best of the three for snorkeling, with a coral reef that starts close to the beach. Gili Kedis is tiny but has clear water. If you want an off-the-beaten-path snorkeling adventure, the Secret Gilis are a great choice.
Best Time to Snorkel in Bali and Nearby Islands
The dry season (April to October) is the best time for snorkeling in Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok. The water is clear, the currents are manageable, and there’s less rainfall. The rainy season (November to March) can bring rougher seas and lower visibility, but some spots, like Amed, are still good for snorkeling year-round.
If you want to see manta rays, visit Nusa Penida between May and September. For sea turtles, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are great choices throughout the year.
If you’ve snorkeled in any of these places, let me know your favorite spot in the comments!
