Tulamben is a small fishing village located on the northeastern coast of Bali, Indonesia, and it is known for its beautiful coral reef and the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck which has made snorkeling Tulamben so popular. The shipwreck is a must visit destination for snorkelers and divers traveling to Bali, and for good reason.
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Things to know when snorkeling in Tulamben
Tulamben is part of the top 4 Bali snorkeling spots and for very good reasons. The diverse marine life here together with the USAT Liberty shipwreck, set stage for amazing day trips suitable for experienced snorkelers as well as beginners with families and children.
The Tulamben snorkeling spots are easily reachable from the beach so a boat is not necessary. Most beaches in Tulamben are volcanic sand rocky beaches contrary to the gold sand found in the south of Bali. When snorkeling Tulamben travellers should pay attention to where they step and mind their walk on the rocky beach.
Best Tulamben snorkeling spots
USAT Liberty Shipwreck
Snorkeling at the USAT Liberty shipwreck is a truly unique experience. The shipwreck is located just a short distance from the shore, making it easily accessible for snorkelers of all skill levels.
Today, the shipwreck serves as an artificial reef, providing a habitat for a wide variety of marine life. The wreck is covered in a variety of hard and soft coral, and it is home to thousands of fish, including schools of colorful tropical fish, eels, and even a few species of shark. The wreck is also home to significant other marine creatures, including octopus, nudibranchs, and sea turtles.
Black Tip Reef Sharks are often seen passing by which in Bali can only be seen on the east coast where Tulamben is found.
Coral Garden
The second popular Tulamben snorkeling spot, Coral Garden is an artificial site where the locals of Tulamben have placed underwater statues and other fun items to see underwater. The name can be slightly deceiving but there is a large stretch of hard coral which is fun to see.
Tulamben travel tips
How to get to Tulamben?
Reaching Tulamben is easy but it’s a long trip. As Tulamben is located on the east coast of Bali, this means that from the popular tourist destinations in the south the trip to get to Tulamben takes approximately 2.5 hours by car.
Travellers can always rent a car to visit Tulamben but booking your snorkeling Tulamben with an operator such as a dive center like Neptune Scuba Diving, will provide you with comfort and hassle free travel.
Best time to visit Tulamben
Tulamben is ideal to visit all year round. Snorkeling in Tulamben is excellent all the time with rare moments when the water conditions are not proper. Of course, to some degree the best time to visit Tulamben is tied to the rainy or dry season of Bali so visiting between the months of April to October will help you avoid the wet days.
When to go Snorkeling in Tulamben?
Snorkeling Tulamben is a fun water activity and best done in the morning towards early afternoon. Most of the trips from south Bali begin early morning at approximately 7-8AM and finish in Tulamben at approximately 1-2PM.
So either you choose to visit Tulamben by yourself with private transportation, or you choose an operator such as a dive center, it’s best to start in the morning depending also on where your accommodation is in Bali.
Snorkeling Tulamben Tour
The day begins at approximately 7AM with the hotel transfer meeting at the dive center with the team for final preparations, gear check and the day briefing before heading out.
The trip to Tulamben takes approximately 2.5 hours by car starting from Sanur where our dive center is with a return time scheduled for approximately 5PM back at the dive center.
In Tulamben we will be enjoying local food for lunch at our designated restaurant. Lunch is included in the package of the snorkeling Tulamben we provide.
What is included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Transport to Tulamben
- Snorkeling guide ( 4 on 1 group )
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected areas)
- Full set snorkeling equipment
- Towels
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Bottled water
What is excluded
Additional equipment such as but not limited to: GoPro rental, private snorkeling guide, private car, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snorkeling Tulamben
How far away is Tulamben?
Tulamben is located on the east coast of Bali, approximately 2.5 hours away by car from Sanur and 3 hours away from Kuta, Seminyak or Nusa Dua.
Is snorkeling in Tulamben suitable for children?
Yes, snorkelling in Tulamben is suitable for children as young as 5 years old. The general friendly conditions, no currents and great visibility allow children of almost all ages to snorkel in Tulamben.
What is unique about snorkeling in Tulamben, Bali?
Tulamben is a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Bali, famous for its rich marine life, crystal-clear waters, and the USAT Liberty Shipwreck. Snorkelers can explore vibrant coral gardens, diverse marine species, and the shallow parts of the wreck, which makes it an unforgettable snorkeling experience.
Do I need any special equipment for snorkeling in Tulamben?
Basic snorkeling gear, such as a mask, snorkel, and fins, is sufficient for exploring Tulamben's underwater attractions. However, some snorkelers may choose to wear a rash guard or wetsuit for added comfort and protection against the sun and cool water temperatures.
Is snorkeling in Tulamben suitable for beginners?
Yes, Tulamben offers a range of snorkeling sites suitable for all experience levels, from shallow coral gardens for beginners to the more challenging USAT Liberty Shipwreck for experienced snorkelers. However, it's essential to stay within your comfort zone and follow safety guidelines.
What marine life can I expect to see while snorkeling in Tulamben?
Tulamben is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, various fish species (such as angelfish, butterflyfish, and lionfish), sea turtles, and sometimes even blacktip reef sharks. The USAT Liberty Shipwreck also hosts unique marine life, including schools of bumphead parrotfish and barracuda.
What is the best time of year to snorkel in Tulamben?
The best time for snorkeling in Tulamben is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the water visibility is at its peak, and the sea conditions are generally calm, making for a more enjoyable snorkeling experience.
Do I need a guide to snorkel in Tulamben?
While it's not mandatory, hiring a local guide can enhance your snorkeling experience. Guides are familiar with the area and can help you navigate the underwater sites, point out unique marine life, and ensure your safety.
Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of when snorkeling in Tulamben?
Snorkeling is generally safe in Tulamben if you follow standard safety precautions, such as using appropriate gear, staying within your comfort zone, and monitoring weather conditions. It's important to be aware of currents and tides, especially around the USAT Liberty Shipwreck.
How do I get to Tulamben?
Tulamben is located approximately 100 kilometers northeast of Denpasar, Bali's capital city. You can reach Tulamben by car, taxi, or shuttle bus, with the journey taking around 2-3 hours.
