Bali: Tulamben Liberty Wreck Dive & Amed Kayak Trip

Discovering Bali’s Best Underwater and Surface Adventures: Tulamben Liberty Wreck & Amed Kayak Trip

Exploring Bali’s diverse marine life and stunning coastlines through a combined diving and kayaking experience offers a fantastic way to see the island’s natural beauty. This tour, brought to you by BIRD DIVE CENTER, pairs two guided fun dives at iconic sites with a relaxing paddle along Amed’s scenic shoreline.

What makes this trip appealing? First, the chance to explore the USAT Liberty Wreck, a legendary wreck covered in coral and teeming with marine life, is a highlight for any diving enthusiast. Second, the underwater sculpture garden in Amed promises a different, artistic underwater environment that’s equally captivating. Finally, the peaceful kayak and paddleboard session afterward provides a perfect way to unwind and enjoy Bali’s coastline.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the limited group size—only four participants—which might mean a quick booking fill-up. Also, this experience is tailored for certified divers (minimum Open Water), so absolute beginners or non-divers won’t find this suitable.

This tour suits travelers looking for a balanced mix of adventure, authentic local flavors, and relaxing surface activities—ideal for those eager to see Bali’s underwater treasures while enjoying the island’s stunning scenery on the surface.

Expert Guides: The team is friendly, professional, and multilingual, ensuring a smooth, safe experience.
Iconic Dive Sites: The USAT Liberty Wreck and Amed reefs are among Bali’s top underwater attractions.
Comprehensive Day: Combines two fun dives, a local lunch, and a kayak session, making it a well-rounded excursion.
Small Group: Limited to four people, offering personalized attention and a more intimate tour.
Flexible & Safe: Includes transportation from Amed accommodations, safety briefings, and clear guidelines on dive requirements.
Authentic Experience: Focuses on quality underwater exploration coupled with relaxing activities on land.

We’re taking a close look at this popular 7-hour Bali tour that promises to blend marine exploration with scenic surface fun. While we haven’t personally done it, the carefully curated mix of activities, expert guides, and outstanding reviews suggest it’s a solid choice for certified divers wanting more than just underwater sights.

What we really like? First, the chance to explore Bali’s most iconic underwater sites—the wreck and the sculpture garden—without the hassle of organizing multiple trips. Second, the delicious local lunch that provides a genuine taste of Bali’s flavors, often praised for its authenticity. Third, the small group size means you’ll get personalized guidance, which makes a big difference in both safety and enjoyment.

That said, a key consideration might be the requirement of certification—this isn’t for absolute beginners or casual snorkelers. Also, because pickup is only included from Amed accommodations, travelers staying elsewhere might need to arrange additional transport. Still, for those fitting the profile, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experience.

Start with Pickup & Briefing
The tour begins with a pickup from your Bali accommodation, mainly in the Amed area. Expect friendly, multilingual guides (they speak Chinese, English, German, Russian, Indonesian, and French) who will walk you through safety instructions and gear checks. This prep sets the tone, making sure everyone feels comfortable before heading into the water.

First Dive at Tulamben
The highlight here is the USAT Liberty Wreck, Bali’s most renowned wreck dive site. You’ll love the way the wreck’s rusted hull is now encrusted with coral and home to a lively mix of fish and sea creatures. Several reviews mention how accessible the wreck is, even for those newer to wreck exploration, and how teeming with life it remains. The dive lasts about 2 hours, offering plenty of time to observe the marine environment and take photos of the vibrant coral formations and schools of fish.

Switch to Amed Reefs
After your first dive, the group heads to Amed for a delicious local lunch. Expect traditional Indonesian dishes—often praised for their flavor and freshness—served in a relaxed setting with ocean views. Post-lunch, there’s some free time to relax, shop, or simply enjoy the coastal scenery.

Second Dive & Underwater Sculpture Garden
The second dive often takes place at the Amed underwater sculpture park, a unique feature of the region. It’s a different experience from the wreck—more artistic and tranquil—where you can see sculptures that blend into the coral-covered environment. Reviewers highlight how the sculptures, coupled with healthy reefs, create a surreal, almost otherworldly underwater landscape.

Surface Relaxation: Kayaking & Paddleboarding
The tour wraps up with a peaceful paddle along Amed’s coastline. Whether you prefer kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, the calm waters and scenic views make for a perfect chill-out session. Travelers note how this part of the trip is both relaxing and fun, especially after the underwater excitement.

End of the Day & Return
After about an hour on the water, the guides will facilitate your return to your accommodation, leaving you with lasting memories of a well-rounded Bali experience.

Pickup & Safety Briefing
The experience kicks off with a pickup from your Amed hotel or villa, with details sent via email or WhatsApp. The guides are thorough and multilingual, making non-native English speakers feel at ease. The safety briefing lasts around 30 minutes—crucial for peace of mind, especially at a site like the Liberty Wreck, which is suitable for certified divers with at least Open Water certification.

Tulamben & the USAT Liberty Wreck
The wreck, resting only a few meters below the surface, is accessible for most certified divers and offers a panoramic view of coral-covered steel. Reviewers mention how the wreck’s size and the marine life make it a fascinating site to explore. Plus, the coral growth and fish diversity are lively year-round. You can expect to see schools of tropical fish, cuttlefish, and maybe even a curious reef shark or two.

Amed Reefs & Underwater Sculpture Garden
This site is considered a highlight for its artistic flair. The sculptures are intriguing, and many divers find that it adds a creative twist to the usual reef exploration. The reefs here are healthy, providing a habitat for colorful fish, sea urchins, and crustaceans. The relaxed diving conditions make it suitable for those who prefer a slow-paced, scenic underwater experience.

Local Lunch & Free Time
Lunch is often praised for its authenticity—freshly prepared Indonesian fare that hits the spot after two dives. The relaxed pace allows for socializing, photo-sharing, and soaking up Amed’s laid-back vibe before heading back into the water.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking
The final activity is a gentle paddle along the coast, with options for both kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. The calm waters and scenic surroundings make this a delightful wind-down. Travelers have described it as a perfect way to reflect on the day’s underwater discoveries while soaking up Bali’s natural beauty.

Pricing & What’s Included
While the specific price isn’t listed, the tour combines two guided dives, lunch, transfers, and surface activities—offering good value, especially considering the experience at Bali’s top sites. The small group size (limited to four) means more personalized attention, which enhances safety and enjoyment.

Transport & Accessibility
Pickup is only included from accommodations in Amed, so travelers outside this area might need to arrange transport. The guides are professional and attentive, ensuring everyone is comfortable and safe throughout.

Timing & Duration
Spanning about 7 hours, starting times vary based on availability, which helps accommodate different schedules. The tour’s structure allows for a relaxed pace, avoiding rushed experiences.

What to Bring & Restrictions
Swimwear, a change of clothes, and personal medication are recommended. It’s important to note that touching marine life is not allowed, maintaining the health of the fragile ecosystems. Dive certification (minimum Open Water) is mandatory, making this ideal for certified divers looking for a memorable day out.

What sets this tour apart is the focus on authentic Balinese hospitality combined with high-quality exploration. Reviewers love the guides’ professionalism and knowledge, often mentioning how they go the extra mile to make everyone feel at ease. The local lunch provides a taste of Bali’s culinary offerings, often highlighted as a memorable highlight.

The underwater sculpture garden, a lesser-known site outside of Bali’s wrecks, offers a unique artistic experience that many find inspiring. The combination of coral-covered wrecks and culturally infused art pieces makes the underwater part of this trip truly special.

The kayak session afterward isn’t just a boring paddle—many describe it as a peaceful, scenic wind-down where you can take in Bali’s coastline away from crowds. It’s a lovely way to reflect on the day and appreciate the island’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

This tour offers a balanced blend of underwater exploration, cultural flavor, and relaxation, making it perfect for certified divers who want more than just a standard dive experience. The quality of guides, combined with the iconic sites at Tulamben and Amed, makes it a fantastic value—especially when paired with the authentic local lunch and peaceful paddle.

For travelers who appreciate personalized attention, stunning marine environments, and an authentic taste of Bali’s coastal charm, this experience delivers on all fronts. It’s especially suited for those looking to optimize their day with a mix of adventure and leisure, all within a manageable, well-organized schedule.

While it’s not ideal for non-divers or absolute beginners, certified divers seeking a memorable dive day with added surface activities will find this tour both satisfying and inspiring. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, making it a worthwhile addition to your Bali itinerary.

Do I need to be an experienced diver to join?
Yes, you must be a certified diver with at least Open Water certification to participate in the dives.

Is pickup included?
Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in the Amed area only. Outside Amed, additional charges may apply.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience takes around 7 hours, including diving, lunch, and surface activities.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and personal medication.

Can non-divers join the kayak and paddleboard part?
Yes, non-divers can join the kayaking and paddleboarding activities, which are perfect for unwinding after the underwater exploration.

Are the sites suitable for all skill levels?
Yes, the sites are known for their relaxed, accessible conditions, especially the Amed reefs.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to four participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak multiple languages including Chinese, English, German, Russian, Indonesian, and French.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is touching marine life allowed?
No, touching marine life is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystems.

In summary, this Bali tour offers a well-structured, authentic experience for certified divers eager to explore some of Bali’s most iconic underwater sites, enjoy delicious local food, and unwind with scenic paddle activities. Perfect for those seeking a balanced day of adventure and relaxation with personal attention in a small group setting.