We can’t deny the fact that there is a fascinating world to explore underwater. Bali is a true paradise for scuba divers due to the warm waters. The turquoise ocean coupled with pristine beaches attracts many tourists across the world.
What’s more, the island offers magnificent marine life including turtles, manta rays, sharks, and a wide range of tropical fish. So, when is the best time to scuba dive in Bali? While the waters offer all-year visibility, the best time to scuba dive is during the dry season. Since the island is located 8 degrees south of the equator, there are only two seasons – wet and dry season. Read on and learn more about the perfect time for scuba diving Bali Island.
Dry season
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, the best time to visit Bali is between April and September. At this time of the year, water visibility can reach 40-70 feet deep. Secondly, you can easily spot Sunfish and Sharks. Keep in mind the water temperatures are usually between 72°F and 82° Fahrenheit.
During this time the southeast winds bring dry air from the neighboring continents. This means you can easily spot pelagic fishes like Whitetip reef shark, Barracuda, Blacktip reef shark, and Giant Trevally. And if you’re lucky enough you might see some strange creatures like the frogfish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, and ornate ghost pipefish.
Other than that, it’s a bit cool in the mornings and evenings. Depending on where you plan to dive, you can wear a full-length suit or a 3mm swimsuit. It’s worth mentioning this is the perfect time to take a day trip from north to south- to get the clearest waters.
The dry season offers a good opportunity to see the famous Mola Mola. Most visitors prefer Menjangan Island, Tulamben, and Nusa Penida dive spots. The northern islands offer the most favorable conditions for beginners, so you don’t have to be a swimming expert to take the dive.
Wet season
This season runs from November to March. And because the winds bring in moist air, diving tends to be difficult in specific areas. In addition to that, most areas receive heavy rain which may compromise on the visibility. If you have to scuba dive, you may want to avoid Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida because the currents are quite strong. Also, the rainwater brings sediments making the water appear slightly blurred.
If you’re looking for a fantastic spot to explore scuba diving Bali adventures, you should visit Jemuluk. H ere, the waters have visibility of 30 feet which is enough to view the aquatic life. This location is rich in reef fish and more than 80% of mantas are spotted here. On a good day, you could be surrounded by up to 10 feeding mantas.
Bali’s Northwest coast is most affected during the rainy season. There are strong tides and scant visibility, especially in January and February. Note: the east coast receives heavier rainfall than any other area on the island.
Avoid the peak season
If you want to avoid the crowd but still enjoy scuba diving Bali Island, you should avoid the high season. Just take advantage of the transition period usually in April and October. While visibility is reduced on the North Coast, you can reap the benefits of low scuba diving Bali packages.
A closer look at the seasonal changes in different diving locations
The premier locations for scuba diving lie on south, east and northwest coasts. In south coast dive sites, temperatures can go as high as 82° Fahrenheit during the dry season. However, they can cool down to 68° Fahrenheit which attracts Mola Mola in big numbers. Some of the popular locations on south coast include Ceningan, Penida, and Lembongan. What makes these areas unique is that water visibility remains favorable all year round.
The east coast dive sites include Jepun, Padang Bay, and Tanjung Bungsil. In all these places, water visibility is within the range of 30 to 40 feet (depth). Jepun experiences the best conditions for scuba diving Bali Island is in October and November. Obviously, morning divers will have the best visibility.
Finally, the northwest coast offers the best conditions for new and advanced divers. The waters are calm and the visibility is at its best. The most popular spots include the Secret Bay and Padang Bai.
Final thoughts
Bali offers many luxurious spots for scuba diving. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, nothing will stop you from delving into your underwater adventure. There are several spots for scuba diving from Crystal Bay to Manta Point. The peak season is between April and November, but you don’t have to worry if you cannot visit during this time. All you need is a scuba diving Bali Trip Advisor to explore the beautiful island.
