The Best Water Sports in Bali, From Snorkelling Reefs to River Adventures

Beyond the island’s iconic beaches, coral reefs, rivers and calm coastal stretches offer everything from world-class snorkelling and diving to adrenaline-fuelled water sports and scenic paddling experiences. Whether you’re after underwater encounters or action-packed fun, these are the best places in Bali to dive in.

Snorkelling and Diving

Bali’s east and north-west coasts are home to some of the island’s most celebrated snorkelling and diving locations. Amed and Tulamben are particularly well known for their calm waters, vibrant coral gardens and easy shore access, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced divers. Tulamben’s famous USAT Liberty shipwreck remains one of Bali’s most iconic dive sites, while Amed offers colourful reefs just metres from the beach.

Further south along the east coast, Candidasa provides access to offshore reefs and quieter dive sites, often with excellent visibility. Meanwhile, Menjangan Island, located within West Bali National Park, is regarded as one of the island’s top snorkelling and diving destinations, thanks to its protected waters, healthy coral walls and diverse marine life.

Tanjung Benoa, Bali’s Water Sports Hub

For those seeking fast-paced fun, Tanjung Benoa is Bali’s most established water sports centre. Located on the Nusa Dua peninsula, its calm, shallow waters make it ideal for activities such as parasailing, banana boat rides and jet skiing. The area is lined with licensed operators offering packaged experiences, making it a convenient choice for visitors looking to try multiple activities in one place.

Tanjung Benoa’s accessibility and wide range of options have made it particularly popular with families and first-time visitors, offering a lively introduction to Bali’s adventure scene.

White Water Rafting

While Ubud sits far from the coast, it’s a key destination for one of Bali’s most popular inland water adventures: white water rafting. Rivers such as the Ayung provide a scenic setting for rafting experiences that wind through jungle landscapes, rice terraces and steep river valleys.

Rafting trips in Ubud are typically designed for beginners and intermediate participants, combining gentle rapids with calmer stretches of river. Along the way, rafters pass waterfalls, stone carvings and lush rainforest, offering a different perspective on Bali’s natural beauty.

Calm Waters and Coastal Sports

On Bali’s south-east coast, Sanur offers a more relaxed approach to water sports. Protected by an offshore reef, its shallow, calm waters are ideal for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, particularly in the early morning when the sea is at its smoothest.

Sanur is also known for activities such as kitesurfing, when seasonal winds are right, and Bali Seawalker, a helmet diving experience that allows participants to walk along the seabed without prior diving skills. Its laid-back beachfront promenade and gentle conditions make Sanur a favourite for low-impact, scenic water activities.

From coral reefs and shipwrecks to jungle rivers and sheltered coastlines, Bali offers water-based experiences to suit every pace and comfort level. Whether you’re snorkelling in protected marine parks, riding rapids inland or skimming across the sea on a jet ski, the island’s diverse environments ensure there’s always a new way to experience Bali from the water.