The Bali Liveaboards Debate: Are They Worth It?
May 22, 2025
With dozens of dive sites just off Bali’s shores and exceptional liveaboard diving elsewhere in Indonesia, are Bali liveaboards worth investing in? From vibrant coral reefs to thrilling drift dives, Bali offers a variety of dive styles, bucket-list marine life, and numerous local dive sites. All of which begs the question, why go further offshore?
Divers planning a trip often face a choice between Bali liveaboards or sticking to land-based diving. Both have their merits, but understanding the differences can help you decide which option best suits your diving goals. This article explores the pros and cons of Bali liveaboards, highlights nearby destinations you can reach by boat, and offers tips to help you decide if they are for you.
Bali Liveaboards vs. Land-Based Diving
Liveaboards allow you to live, eat, and sleep onboard while exploring multiple dive sites over several days. They offer unparalleled access to some of the best diving in the world. For divers seeking to maximize their underwater time, Bali liveaboards are the obvious choice.
That said, deciding between a Bali liveaboard and land-based diving comes down to what type of experience you are seeking. Both options have unique benefits and challenges, catering to different diving preferences and travel styles.
Advantages of Bali Liveaboards
1. Convenience and Accessibility
Bali liveaboards eliminate the hassle of daily travel to dive sites. Instead of lengthy car rides or boat transfers, you wake up near your next dive spot. This means more time diving and less time commuting.
2. Access to Remote Dive Sites
Many of Indonesia’s most spectacular dive sites are better reached by liveaboard. Destinations like Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, Lombok, and Komodo are often included in liveaboard itineraries. These trips provide access to pristine reefs and less crowded dive spots.
3. Immersive Experience
Living on a dive boat immerses you in the diving lifestyle. With multiple dives a day, ample time to relax between dives, and opportunities to connect with like-minded divers, a Bali liveaboard can feel like a diving retreat.
4. Variety of Sites
A liveaboard lets you experience diverse dive environments within a single trip, from colorful soft and hard coral gardens to thrilling drift dives and even wreck dives like the famous USAT Liberty.
Advantages of Land-Based Diving in Bali
1. Flexibility
Staying on land offers more flexibility for divers who prefer to plan their own schedules or combine diving with other activities like sightseeing, spa treatments, or exploring Bali’s culture and cuisine.
2. Cost-Effectiveness
For budget-conscious travelers, land-based diving is often more affordable. Bali has numerous dive resorts and operators offering day trips to top dive sites like Tulamben, Amed, and Padang Bai.
3. Comfort
Land-based diving also allows you to return to a spacious hotel or villa each evening. This is especially appealing for those who may not enjoy the confined quarters of a liveaboard or experience motion sickness.
4. Family-Friendly Options
If you are traveling with non-diving companions or children, staying on land makes it easier for everyone to enjoy Bali’s beaches, temples, and other attractions.
Nearby Destinations to Explore on Bali Liveaboards
One of the biggest advantages of Bali liveaboards is the ability to explore nearby diving hotspots. Here are some top destinations often included in liveaboard itineraries:
1. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
Just off Bali’s southeastern coast, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are known for their thrilling drift dives, colorful coral reefs, and encounters with diverse marine life. Highlights include the chance to dive with manta rays at Manta Point and, during the right season, spot the elusive Mola mola (sunfish) at Crystal Bay.
2. Komodo National Park
Although technically part of the neighboring island of Flores, diving in Komodo is accessible via longer Bali liveaboard trips. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts some of the world’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Divers can expect strong currents, stunning coral reefs, and encounters with reef sharks, turtles, and schools of fish. The park is also famous for its iconic Komodo dragons.
3. Gili Islands
Located near Lombok, diving in the Gili Islands offers a more laid-back experience. Sites like Shark Point and Turtle Heaven are great for spotting marine life, including hawksbill and green sea turtles. The vibrant coral reefs and calm conditions make the Gili Islands ideal for both beginner and experienced divers.
4. Menjangan Island
Situated off Bali’s northwest coast, Menjangan Island is part of Bali’s only national marine park. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic wall dives, and thriving coral ecosystems. This site is perfect for photographers and macro fans.
5. Alor Archipelago
For more adventurous divers, some Bali liveaboards venture to the Alor Archipelago. This remote destination features untouched reefs, vibrant marine life, and world-class muck diving. Here, you can encounter fascinating critters like frogfish, mimic octopuses, and a variety of nudibranchs, making it a paradise for macro photographers.
When to Go Diving in Bali
Bali offers year-round diving, but conditions vary depending on the season. The best time for diving is during the dry season, from April to November, when visibility is at its peak, and the seas are calm. For encounters with Mola mola, plan your trip between July and October.
Experience Level Needed
Bali’s dive conditions are diverse, ranging from calm, clear waters ideal for beginners to strong currents that challenge even the most experienced divers, particularly around Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands.
To prepare for the diverse conditions, consider taking a Deep Diving and Drift Diving specialty course. These certifications will equip you with the skills needed for drift dives and exploring deeper reefs, common in Bali and its nearby destinations.
Are Bali Liveaboards Worth It?
Bali liveaboards offer an incredible way to go diving in Indonesia, especially if you are eager to reach remote dive sites like Nusa Penida or Komodo. However, land-based diving also has its perks, providing flexibility and access to Bali’s non-diving highlights.
Whether you choose a liveaboard or stick to land-based options, diving in Bali is a bucket-list experience that caters to every diver’s dreams.
Choose a liveaboard if:
- You want to maximize your dive time and access remote, world-class dive sites.
- You enjoy the camaraderie of liveaboard life and the convenience of having all your dives planned.
- You are looking for an immersive diving experience that combines adventure and relaxation.
Choose land-based diving if:
- You want more flexibility to explore Bali’s land attractions and combine diving with other activities.
- You are traveling with non-divers or have a limited budget.
- You prefer the comfort and ease of staying in a hotel or villa.
Still undecided? Consider combining both options: spend 3 nights on a liveaboard to explore remote sites, then return to land for a relaxing stay while diving Bali’s shore-accessible reefs. Either way, Bali’s incredible dive sites await!