Scuba Diving Padang Bai and Candidasa in Bali

Scuba Diving Padang Bai and Candidasa are included an almost all Bali scuba dive safaris. Padang Bai and Candidasa are two small towns located on the eastern shore of Bali.

Both offer the most picturesque setting for a tranquil getaway, but they are also great places to stay if you are hoping to dive in some of Bali’s most treasured sites.

The great thing about diving in Padang Bai is the fact that the waters are cooler yet incredibly clear, and they are home to myriad coral species, as well as an abundance of fish.
Large fish make their home in the waters off Candidasa, which offers countless dive sites that are best suited for advanced divers, as the currents can be quite strong.

How to Get to Padang Bai?

You can arrive in Bali by landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport. From there, you can rent a car and drive, or take a taxi, about 90 minutes to Padang Bai. Buses and bemos are also available throughout Bali, including at Lovina.

Scuba Diving Candidasa, Kuta, Sanur, and Ubud.

Candidasa, on the other hand, is about a 60 to 80 minute drive from Sanur, or you can get there from Ubud. It’s located about 15 to 20 minutes away from Padang Bai, but if you are getting a ride from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, it is about 90 minutes away as well.

And, of course, you can also take bemos from cities like Klungkung, or buses from cities like Padang Bai, Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, and Lovina.

Dive Sites surrounding Padang Bai and Candidasa

Gili Mimpang:
This dive site, located close to Candidasa, is a great place to spot a variety of tropical fish and, if you are lucky, you may even see sunfish and sharks in the area as well. Be sure to take in the lovely reef and the many small creatures and colorful corals that have settled in.

Biaha:
This dive site off Padang Bai is perfect for advanced divers who can handle the sometimes rough and unpredictable currents. If you can manage to dive in this site, though, you will be well rewarded.

Not only is there a large wall with an incredibly dense coral reef that is teeming with life, but you can also access an underwater cave where you can spot white-tip reef sharks resting.
And, of course, there are plenty of gorgeous fish here as well, such as cuttlefish, scorpionfish, and anglerfish.

Photo Credit: Boogies with Fish

Blue Lagoon:
Although many sites in the area are best left to experienced divers, Blue Lagoon is definitely a site that even beginners can enjoy.

Located near Padang Bai, it is a protected site with calm waters and features a bit of coral life, as well as nudibranchs, lionfish, moray eels, scorpionfish, blue-spotted rays, and more.

Gili Tepekong:
This diversified dive site has something for everyone, from vertical walls to reef slopes and swim-throughs. You’ll find a vast array of hard and soft corals here, along with plenty of marine life.

But beware that this dive site, too, is only appropriate for experienced divers, thanks to its currents and surges.

What to See Scuba Diving Padang Bai and Candidasa?

Bali is one of the most popular places in the world when it comes to scuba diving.

The areas of Padang Bai and Candidasa are perfect for experienced scuba divers who want to explore crystal clear waters and have the opportunity to dive with a variety of marine animals. Expect to meet; rays and eels to sharks and endless species of colorful tropical fish.

Photo Credit: Uwahu

The reefs that are found throughout these dive sites are vibrant and full of life, making them perfect for macro photographers who want to capture images of even the tiniest creatures living amongst the bright hard and soft corals.

Best Time to Scuba Dive Padang Bai and Candidasa?

It is possible to scuba dive Padang Bai and Candidasa all year round. Just be aware of the conditions of the sea in terms of currents and visibility before you dive.

At all times stay close to your dive crew in order to ensure your safety while you are in the water, as the waters surrounding several dive sites of Candidasa and Padang Bai can be unpredictably dangerous.

Have you beem scuba diving Padang Bai and Candidasa?
Let us know in the comments below

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This article is published by The Scuba Page, the online magazine for Scuba Dive lovers around the world. The Scuba Page is part of RUSHKULT : the online booking platform for adventure sports. Visit the RUSHKULT platform to book your next Scuba Dive training, guided trip and accommodation.