All activities / Scuba Diving / Tulamben
Scuba Diving in TulambenID
A small village on Bali's northeast coast, home to the USAT Liberty wreck — a 120m US Army cargo ship lying in 5-30m of water from shore, encrusted in coral and swarming with reef life. Shore entry, no boat required.
Why here
The USAT Liberty — a 120m US Army cargo ship torpedoed in 1942 — lies just 30m from shore in 5-30m of water, encrusted in coral and surrounded by reef life. It is the most accessible major wreck dive in the world, and one of the best macro sites in Bali for pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs.
Best months
Shore entry over volcanic black pebble beach — dive boots essential. USAT Liberty wreck from 5-30m, intact and fully penetrable. Visibility 15-25m. Water temp 24-28°C; occasional thermoclines. Current minimal at wreck. Best macro: pygmy seahorses on sea fans, ghost pipefish on coral heads, nudibranchs throughout. Mola mola sightings Jul-Oct at the drop-off beyond the wreck.
Getting there & around
Drive northeast from Kuta/Seminyak approximately 2.5-3 hours, or from Candidasa (45 min). Guided day trips available from Sanur and Candidasa. Small dive resorts in Tulamben allow multi-day stays — recommended for morning diving before day-trip crowds arrive. Shore entry over volcanic pebble; dive boots required. No boat needed for the wreck.
Skill levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced
Schools & guides (3)
Dive and Dwell
SchoolPADI Dive Center with onsite accommodation in central Tulamben. Offers PADI scuba, freediving, mermaid, and first aid courses alongside fun dives. Air-conditioned classrooms and free Wi-Fi on site.
Go Diving Tulamben
SchoolPADI Dive Center based at Palm Springs Bali Dive Resort in the heart of Tulamben. Easy access to the famous Liberty wreck just metres from shore, plus guided dives across 19 local sites. Accommodation and pool on property.
Tulamben Scuba
SchoolPADI 5 Star Dive Center in Tulamben, offering training and fun dives at the USAT Liberty wreck and surrounding reef. Shore-accessible diving for all levels with onsite rental equipment and bilingual staff.