Comprehensive Tulamben Dive Sites: Liberty Wreck, Boga, Drop Off, and Seraya Muck Dives
Tulamben, a gem on the East coast of Karangasem, Bali, has transformed from a quiet fishing village into a world-class diving hub. Its allure lies in a combination of rich history, unparalleled accessibility, and an astonishingly diverse marine ecosystem. If you are looking for a comprehensive article about scuba diving in Tulamben, look no further.
I. The USAT Liberty: The World's Most Accessible Wreck
The armed American cargo ship from World War II, the USAT Liberty, is one of the most famous and easily accessible wreck dives on the planet.
A History Shaped by Disaster
The Liberty was struck by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine in 1942. The crew managed to beach the vessel on the shore of Tulamben. The pivotal moment came in 1963 when the devastating eruption of Mount Agung caused an earthquake that pushed the stranded ship down the slope and into the ocean. Today, the 120-meter-long wreck lies only 40-50 meters from the beach and is accessed via a simple shore entry.
Dive Details and Marine Life Wonders
Dive Type: Shore Entry (Beach Dive)
Diver Level: All Levels (Suitable for Open Water Diver and Advanced)
Depth: 10 to 30 meters
Signature Marine Life: The wreck is a phenomenal artificial reef. You will witness schools of Giant Trevally and Jackfish patrolling, massive Bumphead Parrotfish sleeping at night (a must-see for night divers), Turtles, as well as unique macro creatures like colorful Nudibranchs and the elusive Pygmy Seahorse.
✨ Deep Dive Info: Due to its shallow depth and low current, the Liberty Wreck is a fantastic and safe location for buoyancy practice, entry-level courses, and night dives. Its close proximity to shore makes it truly unique among major wreck sites.
II. The Boga Wreck & Kubu: The Art of the Artificial Reef
Located near Tulamben in the Kubu area is the intentional artificial wreck known as the Boga Wreck. This vessel was deliberately sunk in September 2012 to create a brand-new, thriving habitat.
Dive Type: Shore Entry
Depth: 18 to 30 meters
Certification Requirement: Due to its depth, which reaches 30 meters, the Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) Certification is highly recommended—and often mandatory—for full exploration of the wreck.
Unique Attraction: The Boga Wreck holds captivating artifacts intentionally placed inside, including statues of Buddha and Ganesha, and even a small car, making it an extraordinary subject for underwater photography. It is now home to resident Barracuda, Batfish, and Moray Eels.
III. Other Essential Dive Sites
Tulamben offers more than just shipwrecks. Several other sites provide distinct diving experiences:
1. The Drop Off (The Wall)
This is a majestic wall dive that runs down the coast of Tulamben, descending up to 70 meters in some areas.
Depth: 10 to 40 meters
Focus: Wall diving provides the best opportunity to encounter larger pelagic species like Black Tip Reef Sharks and schools of Barracuda.
2. Seraya (The Muck Dive Heaven)
The Seraya site is renowned as one of the best muck dives globally.
Depth: 5 to 20 meters
Unique Feature (Value-Added): Muck diving focuses on exploring the black volcanic sand and silt, which serves as camouflage for cryptic macro creatures. Here, photographers hunt for the rare Harlequin Shrimp, the shape-shifting Mimic Octopus, the Ambon Scorpionfish, and unique Dragonets.
3. Coral Garden & Alamanda
The Coral Garden is a shallow, relaxed reef area perfect for beginners and macro photography. Alamanda, accessible via a short boat ride from the Drop Off, features a beautiful coral slope where Napoleon Wrasse and Bumphead Parrotfish occasionally pass by.
IV. Practical Guide and Updated Pricing
Diving and snorkeling in Tulamben consistently exceeds expectations, with calm, clear blue water—especially when the weather is cooperative. Early morning diving is often the best time to catch the golden sunrise before enjoying the calm sea.
Here are the estimated costs for diving in the area:
| Service in Tulamben | Current Estimated Price (IDR) | Notes |
| Beach Area Entrance Fee | IDR 25,000 per person | Mandatory local area retribution fee. |
| Snorkeling Gear Rental | Approx. IDR 30,000 per item | Price per piece of equipment (mask, snorkel, or fins). |
| Snorkeling Guide Service | Starting from IDR 105,000 | Initial rate for an independent local guide. |
| Scuba Diving (1x Dive) | IDR 505,000 per person | Includes wetsuit, tank, and Dive Buddy. |
| Scuba Diving (2x Dive, Discounted) | IDR 455,000 per session | Discounted rate per session for a two-dive package (highly recommended!). |
Travel Tip: Always ensure you have an experienced local guide (Dive Buddy) when doing scuba. They are invaluable for navigating the sites and spotting rare macro life.
