Top 5 Must-Dive Sites from Candidasa - A Beginner and Expert Guide

A majestic turtle gracefully glides through the crystal-clear ocean waters, showcasing its intricate shell patterns.

Top 5 Must-Dive Sites from Candidasa - A Beginner and Expert Guide

When researching Indonesia’s best diving locations, Candidasa may not be the first search result… yet. But this hidden gem on Bali’s east coast offers world-class diving without the need for expensive liveaboards or long, difficult journeys to remote islands.

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best diving spots off Candidasa, a destination that caters to divers of all experience levels. Whether you're exploring vibrant shallow reefs, dramatic deep walls, caves, or thrilling currents, this area promises unforgettable underwater adventures.

Candidasa’s waters are teeming with life—from sharks, trevallies, and barracuda to massive schools of unicornfish, surgeonfish, and reef species. If you're lucky, you may even encounter a mola mola (ocean sunfish), one of many divers' most sought-after sightings.

The best part? After a morning of exhilarating dives, you can be back on Bali’s mainland by the afternoon, ready to enjoy its stunning beaches, cultural sites, and vibrant nightlife.

Get ready to explore the top 5 dive sites in Candidasa and discover why this less visited dive destination deserves a spot on your bucket list.

1. Blue Lagoon - The Perfect Dive for all Levels

Blue Lagoon, aptly named for its crystal-clear blue waters, is just a 15-minute ride away by traditional outrigger boat, known locally as a jukung. The journey itself is breathtaking, offering stunning views of Amuk Bay’s tropical coastline. On clear days, divers are treated to panoramic sights of lush mountains stretching all the way to Bali’s iconic Mount Agung.

This popular dive site begins in shallow waters at just five meters, gradually descending into depths beyond recreational diving limits. Vibrant coral formations teeming with fish break up the sandy bottom creating a lively underwater landscape. The reef is home to a vast array of tropical fish, such as angelfish, Moorish idols, anemonefish, parrotfish, and scorpionfish. Popular guests like turtles and white-tip reef sharks are also known to cruise along the reef, making for an exciting sighting. For macro photography lovers, Blue Lagoon can turn up some nice surprises and lucky divers can spot frogfish, seahorses, octopuses, and nudibranchs hiding across the dive site. 

With its calm, sandy shallows, Blue Lagoon is the perfect spot for first-time Discover Scuba Divers or those taking their PADI Open Water course in Bali. Many divers log their first-ever dive here, making it a memorable and confidence-boosting experience. However, this site isn’t just for beginners—experienced divers will also find plenty to explore. The deeper slopes offer opportunities to push no-decompression limits, revealing some of the more elusive marine life found in Bali’s waters.

Blue Lagoon is dive-able year-round, but the best diving season runs from March to October. Early in the year, warmer waters around 28°C and fewer crowds make for a relaxed experience. By late August, cooler currents can bring exceptional visibility and even some special guests—on rare occasions, mola mola (ocean sunfish) have been spotted here. Regardless of the season or experience level, Blue Lagoon offers unforgettable diving and is a must-visit site off Candidasa.

A diver enjoying his time while discovering the vibrant coral reef below.

2. Gili Tepekong - The Thrill Seekers Dream

Just a short five to ten-minute boat ride from launch, Gili Tepekong is a dive site that perfectly balances beauty and adrenaline, offering dramatic underwater landscapes and thrilling encounters with marine life. It is one of the three well-known dive sites near Candidasa and offers some of the most exciting diving experiences off Bali’s mainland.

The largest of the small islands off this stretch of coastline, Tepekong features a dramatic back wall that plunges beyond 60 meters, while the front of the site offers more accessible depths averaging around 18 meters. The shallows in this area have swim-throughs at just 12 meters, making for a thrilling end to dives when conditions allow. Like the other nearby Gili islands, Tepekong is known for its diverse underwater landscapes, including deep walls, coral-covered slopes, shark-filled swim-throughs, and current-swept canyons. Although macro lovers may discover pygmy seahorses and tiny nudibranchs, most divers visit for the high-energy action along the reef, where pelagics, schooling reef fish, and sharks are frequent sightings.

The currents at Gili Tepekong are what make this site so dynamic, bringing an abundance of marine life, but they also determine its accessibility. While experienced Open Water divers may be able to dive here under the right conditions, it is generally recommended for those with Advanced certification. Having the ability to navigate deeper sections and find shelter from the “interesting”, fish-filled currents definitely enhances the overall experience.

Between late August and October, oceanic currents push cold Indian Ocean waters into the Bali Sea, creating one of the most exciting times to dive at Gili Tepekong. These nutrient-rich currents bring large pelagic species, including the sought-after mola mola into diveable depths. Thanks to its location farther from shore, Tepekong remains relatively unaffected in the rainy season, meaning it is possible to find warm, clear waters and have this incredible dive site all to yourself between December and February. No matter where you have dived in the world Tepekong is a site you can not leave out of your log of lifetime dives.

A diver explores the stunning swim-through at Tepekong, gracefully navigating the rugged underwater passage.

3. Gili Biaha - “The Shark Cave”

Watching the silhouettes of sharks glide beneath the white wash from the darkness of the cave, while feeling subtle pressure shifts in your body, is what makes this dive site truly unforgettable. The short 20-minute Jukung ride to Biaha is well worth the journey, offering alternative views of  Bali’s coastline villages along the way.

While the famous “Shark Cave” is the highlight here, Biaha’s square like formation creates a variety of diving experiences. Though its steep slopes and walls descend far beyond recreational limits, the accessible depths around 20 meters offer plenty to explore. Schools of batfish, bannerfish, red-tooth triggerfish, and surgeonfish often fill the blue expanse, while tuna, trevally, and even mola mola make seasonal appearances. Closer to the reef, the walls are alive with moray eels, shrimp, and nudibranchs, offering macro lovers plenty to discover when visibility drops.

Like the other Gilis off Candidasa, currents play a major role in shaping this site’s character. These shifting flows fuel marine activity but also require divers to be comfortable with occasional strong kicks. Biaha is best suited for advanced divers, though with the right guidance, it can be safely explored in most conditions by experienced open water divers.

Much like its sister site, Gili Tepekong, Biaha transforms into a prime mola mola hotspot from late August to October. However, large swells in July and August can make entry into the Shark Cave unsafe, though this is an unfortunate reality year-round. Whether encountering graceful pelagics or drifting past vibrant reef life, Biaha has the potential to surprise and leave divers with unforgettable memories.

Divers explore the mesmerizing depths of Biaha's "shark cave," where an unforgettable underwater adventure unfolds.

4. “Secret Patch” - A Muck Divers Delight

While many of the fascinating creatures at this site may not make it into the next Finding Nemo sequel, macro photographers and those who love searching for the unusual will definitely want to add this dive to their list. Just 15 minutes from the launch, a short swim across the sandy bottom—where its treasures remain hidden—reveals this secret patch, offering a true underwater critter hunt.

Unlike the vibrant coral reefs that often attract divers to Bali, this site features a mix of soft corals, sea grasses, and anemones, creating the perfect refuge for an array of sought-after marine life. Seahorses, pipefish, ornate ghost pipefish, anemone crabs, and tiny nudibranchs are frequent highlights, while lucky divers might encounter blue-ringed octopuses, juvenile batfish, or even fingernail-sized frogfish. Nestled in the middle of a deeper sandy expanse at around 18 meters, this micro-ecosystem serves as a nursery for juvenile species and a resting point for creatures on their oceanic journeys.

Though critter hunting is often an acquired taste developed over time, this site remains accessible to newly certified Open Water divers. However, for those wanting to extend their bottom time and allow more opportunity to spy that special critter, an Enriched Air Nitrox certification is highly recommended.

Since this is a muck diving site, visibility rarely impacts the experience. For those who prefer longer, warmer dives though, avoiding the generally cooler waters from late August through October is advised. If you love searching the seafloor for Bali’s strangest and most wonderful marine life, Secret Patch is an essential addition to your dive itinerary.

A charismatic frogfish strikes a pose amidst vibrant coral, exuding confidence like an underwater fashion model.

5. Bias Tugel - The Coral Garden

With an incredible diversity of soft and hard corals, along with the thriving fish populations that sustain them, Bias Tugel stands out as one of the healthiest natural coral gardens off Bali’s coast. The 20-minute jukung ride follows the same route as the journey to Blue Lagoon, offering stunning views across Amuk Bay, with the added bonus of glimpsing one of Bali’s most secluded beaches.

The real magic of Bias Tugel unfolds in the shallows, between five and eighteen meters. A vibrant mix of coral species forms the site’s main landscape, while its edges and deeper sections hold exciting surprises. Large coral bommies provide shelter for schooling glassfish, leaf scorpionfish, bigeyes, and even the occasional whitetip reef shark. In the heart of the reef, sweetlips, bluefin trevally, and fusiliers hover above sprawling acropora corals, pausing at cleaning stations where wrasse perform their delicate work—only to scatter momentarily as a passing turtle glides through, undisturbed by the commotion. Along the deeper slopes, keen-eyed divers can spot pygmy seahorses among the gorgonians, and on rare occasions, even a passing Napoleon wrasse or blacktip reef shark.

Bias Tugel offers an unforgettable dive for all experience levels, from first-time Discover Scuba participants to seasoned divers celebrating their 1000th dive. While currents can occasionally make an appearance, the site’s proximity to other amazing diving options generally allow for flexible planning, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Like the other dive sites in this guide, Bias Tugel can be explored year-round. However, even when nearby Blue Lagoon enjoys warm waters, Bias Tugel often runs a few degrees cooler. Choosing the months just outside the late August to October period can result in more comfortable temperatures. Those willing to brave the chill, though, are often rewarded with crystal-clear water, where sunlight illuminates the reef in spectacular fashion. If you love diving over aquarium-like scenery, Bias Tugel deserves a spot on your bucket list.

A majestic turtle glides gracefully through the sunlit, crystal-clear blue waters.

BONUS: Precious Penida - A Divers Delight

For those seeking some of the most thrilling dives in the region, a trip to Nusa Penida is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. With exhilarating drift dives along its northern coast and the chance to see manta rays gliding effortlessly over shallow cleaning stations in the south, this island offers some of Bali’s most unforgettable underwater encounters. When staying in Candidasa, these incredible sites are just a short journey away, with the closest dive spots accessible in around 30 minutes by speedboat. While a quick transfer by bus is required to reach the departure point, this shared ride becomes part of the adventure, giving divers time to swap stories and build anticipation for the day ahead.

The northern reefs of Nusa Penida feature stunning coral gardens that transition into steep slopes plunging into the depths. These drift dives can feel like flying underwater, with schools of fusiliers, trevally, and bannerfish swirling in the currents. At the right time of year, Mola Mola emerge from the deep, and rare sightings of whale sharks or even hammerhead and thresher sharks have been recorded here. On the southern coast, Manta Point remains one of Bali’s most iconic sites, where divers and snorkelers alike can witness the mesmerizing sight of manta rays circling gracefully just meters below the surface.

The beauty of Nusa Penida is that it caters to divers of all levels. Advanced and comfortable beginner divers can explore the northern slopes and fast-moving currents, while everyone from pros to rookies can enjoy the magic of Manta Point. With its variety of marine life and breathtaking underwater scenery, it’s a location that adds something truly special to any Bali dive trip.

Much like Candidasa, Nusa Penida is divable throughout the year, though the best conditions are typically found from March to November. While the rainy season between December and February doesn’t significantly impact visibility, the ocean always holds surprises. If you’re looking to elevate your dive experience and immerse yourself in some of Bali’s most awe-inspiring marine environments, be sure to include Nusa Penida in your plans.

A graceful manta ray glides serenely over the vibrant coral reef at Manta Point.

Pro Tips for Unforgettable Diving Experiences from Candidasa

One of the most common challenges divers face, regardless of experience level, is dealing with mask leaks or persistent fogging. If there’s one piece of gear worth owning, it’s your own mask—one that fits well and has been tested. The scuba equipment market offers countless options these days, and while well-known brands typically provide superior materials and higher quality lenses, some budget-friendly masks can also perform well with the right preparation.

Before using a new mask, it’s essential to remove the factory-applied residue that can cause fogging. There are many online guides to help with mask preparation and whilst some may suggest burning off the mentioned residue layer with a flame, this method should be approached with caution. Excessive heat can damage the lens or void warranties, so using toothpaste, dish soap, or commercial mask scrub can be a safer alternative.

A great addition to your dive kit is a snorkel—not just for surface swims, but also for enjoying shore-accessible snorkeling spots on non-diving days. It can even come in handy when unexpected encounters, like a pod of dolphins during a surface interval, present an opportunity to observe marine life without a tank strapped to your back.

By following these simple tips, you’ll maximize your comfort and enhance every dive—whether exploring the vibrant waters off Candidasa or embarking on future underwater adventures elsewhere.

Why Choose Salty Finns Diving Bali

The Salty Finns team is a passionate group of ocean lovers dedicated to welcoming fellow sea explorers into their growing family. As one of the newest dive centers in Candidasa, they bring fresh energy while drawing on over a decade of combined experience diving these waters. Their knowledge ensures safe, unforgettable diving adventures that highlight the best of the region. With brand-new, top-quality scuba gear, divers can enjoy comfortable, worry-free experiences. Beyond incredible dive trips, Salty Finns also offers accommodation options, making for seamless mornings from bed to boat—with a delicious breakfast in between. Visit Salty Finns Diving Bali to discover more and start planning your next unforgettable dive holiday.