USS Liberty Shipwreck Scuba Diving at Tulamben Bali

An Authentic Underwater Adventure at Tulamben’s USS Liberty Shipwreck

If you’re craving a diving experience that combines history, vibrant marine life, and a touch of adventure, then the USS Liberty shipwreck tour in Tulamben is worth considering. For around $109.50, you’re looking at a full-day trip starting early in the morning, with round-trip transfers, two guided underwater explorations, and a tasty Balinese lunch by the beach. Led by PADI-certified instructors, this tour promises manageable yet memorable dives suited for those with some prior diving experience.

What really appeals to us? First is the famous shipwreck itself: a 120-meter-long relic of WWII resting just 50 meters offshore, covered in corals and teeming with marine creatures. Second, we love the accessibility of this site — it’s renowned as one of the easiest wreck dives globally, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned divers looking for a relaxed but spectacular underwater journey.

One potential consideration? The long drive from Kuta or other southern Bali hotspots can take around three hours each way, which might be tiring for some travelers. Still, if you’re eager to see a legendary wreck and its bustling reef, this trip offers great value and plenty of wow moments.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy marine biodiversity, historical shipwrecks, and guided tours. Whether it’s your first time diving or you’re an experienced underwater explorer, you’ll find plenty to love here — especially the chance to see sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, and ghost pipefish.

Key Points

• Iconic Site: The USS Liberty wreck offers a fascinating glimpse into WWII history, now blanketed in coral and thriving with marine life.
• Two Guided Dives: Fully guided by professional instructors, with each dive lasting around 35–45 minutes, suitable for those with previous diving experience.
• Marine Wildlife: Expect to see sea turtles, nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and a variety of vibrant fish, with some reviews mentioning close encounters with sea turtles.
• All-Inclusive Value: The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment use, bottled water, lunch, and shower facilities, making it a convenient single-day excursion.
• Long Drive: Be prepared for a 3-hour transfer from Bali’s popular southern areas — a consideration for those with limited patience for long travel times.
• Authentic Experience: The guides are praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and safety focus, ensuring a comfortable experience even for beginners.

A Deep Look at the Tulamben USS Liberty Dive Tour

Location and Access

Tulamben is a small fishing village on Bali’s northeast coast, famous for its world-class underwater attractions. The USS Liberty, a WWII-era cargo ship, was torpedoed in 1942 and intentionally sunk close to shore. Over the years, it has become a must-see for divers, thanks to its easily accessible position and lively surrounding reef.

Getting there from Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua involves about a three-hour drive, which most reviews suggest is worthwhile. The roads are scenic but can be bumpy, especially if you’re not used to Bali’s traffic. The tour offers door-to-door pickup, which is a huge plus, removing the hassle of coordinating transport yourself.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins bright and early, with an 8:00 am pickup from your hotel. The journey to Tulamben is part of the adventure, giving you a chance to see Bali’s countryside and coastline. Once at the site, the guides—who are often praised for their professionalism and friendliness—will gear you up, conduct a safety briefing, and ensure everyone’s comfort.

You’ll then undertake your first dive at the USS Liberty itself. This wreck is ideal for all levels, being described as “the easiest wreck dive in the world,” and is a spectacular sight for macro lovers, thanks to its coral-covered structure and abundant small critters. Expect to see sea turtles, and possibly even snorkel alongside them if you prefer to stay dry. As one reviewer mentioned, the coral is vivid, and the marine life is plentiful.

After the first dive, there’s a rest period and a delicious Balinese lunch by the beach. This pause gives you time to relax, share stories, and enjoy the ocean view—an authentic Bali experience that adds to the tour’s appeal.

The second dive explores further around the wreck, focusing on macro photography opportunities. You might spot nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, frogfish, and even pygmy seahorses, tiny yet captivating species that draw underwater photographers and nature lovers alike. The wreck’s structure creates swim-throughs and hiding spots that enhance the experience. One reviewer called this “a breathtaking and stunning first dive,” highlighting how immersive and colorful it is.

What the Marine Environment Offers

The underwater environment here is crystal clear, with water temperatures that most describe as “comfortable,” making the experience enjoyable even for those new to diving. The wreck and reef abound with fish, corals, and macro life, making it a diverse ecosystem. Several reviewers note the vivid colors and abundance of marine species, which elevate the overall experience and make the $109.50 price seem like a good deal for what’s included.

Guides and Equipment

The success of this tour heavily depends on the guides and their attitudes. From numerous reviews, guides like “Kando,” “Ketut Harmawa,” and others are praised for their calmness, thoroughness, and safety. They take time to explain procedures, especially for first-timers, and continuously check in during dives.

All necessary scuba gear is provided, maintained well, and included in the price. Some reviewers mentioned they appreciated being able to rent underwater cameras, which helped capture memories of close encounters with sea turtles and schools of vibrant fish.

Lunch and Facilities

A bali-style lunch by the beach is included, featuring local flavors and giving you a chance to relax after your underwater adventures. Shower facilities are also available, which are appreciated after a day of salt and adventure.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for divers with previous experience who want to explore one of Bali’s most famous wrecks. Beginners with some diving background will feel safe under professional guidance, but absolute novices should look for beginner-friendly options. It’s also perfect for travelers interested in marine life photography, thanks to the diversity of underwater species.

Travelers who value comprehensive services, including hotel transfers, gear, and lunch, will find the tour offers excellent value. If you’re comfortable with a long drive and love the idea of combining history, nature, and adventure in one package, this trip could be a highlight of your Bali visit.

Final Thoughts

The USS Liberty shipwreck tour at Tulamben offers a unique blend of history, marine biodiversity, and guided ease. The professionalism of the guides, along with the vibrant underwater scenes, makes it a memorable outing. We loved the way the tour combines convenience and authenticity—from hotel pickup to the actual underwater exploration, it’s designed for travelers who want a straightforward yet enriching experience.

The tour’s pricing reflects good value for what’s included, especially considering the two guided dives, equipment, lunch, and transfers. The long transfer time is a consideration, but those who appreciate quality guides and memorable sights will find it worthwhile.

For anyone with prior diving experience or a strong interest in macro marine life, this trip is highly recommended. It’s perfect for those who want to tick off a Bali “must-see” and get close-up with sea turtles and coral-covered wrecks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, this tour is open to those with previous diving experience. It’s not suitable for complete beginners without certification or training.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers hotel pickup and drop-off, use of scuba equipment, two guided dives, bottled water, lunch, and shower facilities.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 10 hours, from pickup at 8:00 am to return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
You might see sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and a variety of colorful fish and corals.

Is the wreck dive suitable for beginners?
It’s considered the easiest wreck dive in the world, making it accessible for divers with some experience, but not for those who are entirely new to diving.

How far is Tulamben from Bali’s southern resorts?
About a 3-hour drive from Kuta, Seminyak, or Nusa Dua, so be prepared for a lengthy transfer.

Can I buy underwater photos or videos?
Yes, some guides offer underwater photography services, which are highly recommended based on reviews.

What should I bring?
Bring your diving certification card, swimwear, towel, some cash for souvenirs or extras, and your feet size for fins during booking.

What if the weather isn’t good?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, the USS Liberty Shipwreck tour in Tulamben offers a well-rounded combination of history, marine life, and professional guidance. It’s especially suited for those who want to see Bali’s underwater world with ease and appreciate the safety of guided group excursions. Whether you’re a macro enthusiast, a turtle lover, or simply seeking a memorable Bali experience, this trip is likely to leave a lasting impression—and perhaps even inspire future underwater adventures.