USAT Liberty Wreck Tulamben
Dive into history and vibrant marine life at the USAT Liberty Wreck, an accessible shipwreck teeming with colorful fish.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility
USAT Liberty Wreck Tulamben
Best Time
Calm seas, best visibility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into history and vibrant marine life at the USAT Liberty Wreck, an accessible shipwreck teeming with colorful fish.
"The best diving experience we’ve had in Tulamben, Bali. Unforgettable memories!"
🐠 Dive with a Friend
Many dive centers offer personalized guides for a safe and enriching experience, even for beginners.
📸 Macro Photography Paradise
Bring your camera! Guides are excellent at spotting and showing you incredible macro marine life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

USAT Liberty Wreck
Tulamben Beach
Explore a historic shipwreck teeming with colorful marine life, accessible even for beginners.

Coral Garden
Near the Liberty Wreck
Discover vibrant coral formations and a diverse array of fish species in this shallow, picturesque dive site.

Tulamben Drop Off
North of the Liberty Wreck
Experience a dramatic wall dive with a chance to see larger pelagic species and stunning reef formations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive In Without Fear
History Beneath the Waves
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐠 Dive with a Friend
Many dive centers offer personalized guides for a safe and enriching experience, even for beginners.
📸 Macro Photography Paradise
Bring your camera! Guides are excellent at spotting and showing you incredible macro marine life.
🌊 Shore Entry Ease
The wreck is easily accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers of all levels.
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Consider staying with local dive operators for affordable rooms and a more immersive cultural experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐠 Dive with a Friend
Many dive centers offer personalized guides for a safe and enriching experience, even for beginners.
📸 Macro Photography Paradise
Bring your camera! Guides are excellent at spotting and showing you incredible macro marine life.
🌊 Shore Entry Ease
The wreck is easily accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers of all levels.
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Consider staying with local dive operators for affordable rooms and a more immersive cultural experience.
🧘♀️ Find Your Zen
Freediving here offers a unique way to connect with the underwater world and find peace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the professional and friendly dive teams in Tulamben, highlighting personalized guides and a strong emphasis on safety and guest experience. Many appreciate the opportunity to see abundant marine life and the historical significance of the USAT Liberty Wreck. Some reviewers mention the value of local guides who are knowledgeable about marine life and photography.
"Huge praise to the amazing diving team at Liberty Wreck Dive! The whole crew was professional, friendly, and made us feel safe and comfortable throughout. The environment was perfect—calm, well-organized, and truly the best diving experience we’ve had in Tulamben, Bali. Unforgettable memories!"
Jacky Tan
"I had 11 dives with Komang for four days. I felt like I'm hanging out and diving with a friend instead. He's friendly and he knows so much about the marine life. He found me so many macro creatures and even gave me advice on macrophotography! I would definitely come back to Tulamben and dive with Komang again. See you soon!"
L Siaw Ling
"Komang is an incredible host. Aside from the amazing diving experience I had with him, he also offered for me to stay in his private rooms at a very reasonable price. I stayed for two nights, and on both evenings we shared some rice wine and had great chats. If you're looking for a dive club to see the wreck, you won't find a better experience than here"
Alexander O'Boyle
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tulamben is located on the northeast coast of Bali. The most common way to get there is by private car or taxi from popular tourist areas like Ubud or Seminyak, which takes about 2-3 hours. Some travelers opt for shared shuttles for a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, the main dive sites, including the Liberty Wreck, Coral Garden, and Drop Off, are easily accessible from the shore in Tulamben village. Dive centers are readily available to assist with entry and guidance.
Tulamben is a small village, and most dive sites are within walking distance of accommodations. For exploring further afield, renting a scooter or hiring a local driver are good options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific entrance ticket for the wreck itself, you'll typically pay a small local conservation fee or 'retribution' to access the beach and dive sites. This fee usually goes towards maintaining the local environment.
Costs vary depending on whether you're snorkeling or diving, and if you're with a guided tour. Snorkeling can range from $5-$10 USD, while a two-tank dive with a certified operator might be around $40-$60 USD.
Yes, absolutely! Many dive centers offer 'Discover Scuba Diving' programs for beginners who want to experience diving without full certification. You'll have a dedicated instructor guiding you.
Dive centers typically operate from early morning until late afternoon, catering to morning, afternoon, and sometimes even night dives. It's best to check with your chosen operator for their specific schedule.
It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred dive times and guides. However, Tulamben is generally less crowded than other Bali dive spots, so walk-ins are often possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, the Liberty Wreck is considered one of the best wreck dives for beginners. It sits in relatively shallow water (around 5-30 meters) and is usually calm with minimal current, making it accessible for Open Water divers and even Discover Scuba participants.
The wreck is a thriving artificial reef, home to a vast array of marine life including colorful reef fish, moray eels, turtles, reef sharks, and a variety of macro creatures like nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses.
Most visitors explore the wreck by diving or snorkeling. Divers can swim through parts of the wreck, while snorkelers can see much of the marine life from the surface. Having a guide can enhance the experience by pointing out hidden creatures.
Absolutely! Just north of the wreck are the Coral Garden and the Tulamben Drop Off, both offering unique underwater landscapes and marine life encounters. The Drop Off is a wall dive with potential for larger pelagics.
A wetsuit is recommended for comfort, especially for longer dives, as the water temperature can be around 26-28°C (79-82°F). Reef-safe sunscreen is also a good idea if you'll be spending time on the beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tulamben offers a range of dining options, from simple local warungs serving Indonesian dishes to restaurants attached to dive resorts offering international cuisine. Many offer fresh seafood.
Yes, most local warungs can prepare vegetarian dishes upon request. Many resort restaurants also have vegetarian and vegan options on their menus.
Don't miss trying Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), and fresh grilled fish. If you're adventurous, try some local Balinese specialties like Babi Guling (suckling pig) if available.
Yes, small kiosks and warungs are usually located near the beach access points, offering water, soft drinks, and light snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The USAT Liberty Wreck itself is a fantastic subject, with its structure and marine life. Coral Garden offers vibrant colors, and the Drop Off provides opportunities for wide-angle shots of the reef and potential pelagics.
Tulamben is renowned for its macro life. Look for nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, ghost pipefish, and various crustaceans. Guides are excellent at spotting these tiny subjects.
A waterproof camera or a camera in a dive housing is essential. For macro shots, a macro lens or a close-up filter is highly recommended. Good lighting, like a strobe or video lights, can also significantly improve image quality.
Try to capture the scale of the wreck by including divers in your shots. Focus on the textures and details of the coral growth and marine life that have made the wreck their home. Consider shooting at different depths to capture varying light conditions.
Some dive centers in Tulamben offer underwater camera rentals, often with different packages for stills and video. It's advisable to inquire with your dive operator in advance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the wreck, the Coral Garden is another excellent spot for snorkeling, with shallow, clear waters and abundant fish. Consider staying at accommodations that offer family-friendly amenities. The relaxed pace of Tulamben also makes it a less overwhelming environment for families compared to busier tourist hubs in Bali.
💰 Budget Travelers
While diving packages can add up, look for operators who offer good value and personalized service. Some guides are known to offer competitive rates and even affordable accommodation options, making the experience more accessible.
🧘♀️ Freedivers & Snorkelers
Snorkelers are also well-catered for. The USAT Liberty Wreck is visible from the surface, and the Coral Garden offers a vibrant snorkeling experience with easy access from the shore. You don't need to be a diver to appreciate the rich marine biodiversity that Tulamben has to offer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Diving the USAT Liberty Wreck: A Beginner's Paradise
Many dive operators in Tulamben offer Discover Scuba Diving programs, allowing non-certified individuals to experience the thrill of diving the wreck under the close supervision of a professional instructor. These programs emphasize safety and comfort, ensuring a memorable introduction to the underwater world. Even snorkelers can enjoy the vibrant ecosystem from the surface, witnessing the colorful fish and the impressive structure of the ship.
The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting a dazzling array of marine creatures. Divers can expect to see schools of reef fish, majestic sea turtles, curious moray eels peeking from crevices, and even occasional reef sharks. For those with a keen eye, the wreck is also a hotspot for macro photography, with pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and ghost pipefish often spotted clinging to the coral and debris.
Beyond the Wreck: Exploring Tulamben's Underwater Gems
Further along the coast is the Tulamben Drop Off, a dramatic wall dive that plunges into the deep blue. This site offers a different kind of underwater adventure, with opportunities to encounter larger pelagic species that frequent deeper waters. The wall itself is adorned with soft corals and sponges, creating a stunning backdrop for spotting barracuda, trevallies, and sometimes even manta rays or sunfish during the right season.
These complementary sites provide a well-rounded diving experience in Tulamben, catering to various interests and skill levels. Whether you're captivated by history, vibrant reefs, or the allure of the deep, Tulamben's underwater landscape promises an unforgettable adventure.
The History and Eruption That Shaped Tulamben
This dramatic geological event not only created a world-class dive site but also profoundly impacted the local community. The volcanic ash enriched the soil, leading to fertile agricultural land, while the submerged wreck transformed Tulamben into a renowned diving destination, bringing economic opportunities through tourism. The story of the Liberty Wreck is a powerful reminder of nature's destructive and creative forces.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit