If you’re looking for an iconic and unforgettable dive experience in Bali, the USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben is a must-visit! This legendary shipwreck, resting just off Bali’s northeastern coast, is one of the best and most accessible wreck dives in the world.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the USAT Liberty offers an incredible blend of history, marine life, and stunning underwater scenery. Let’s explore what makes this wreck so special! 🌊✨

1️⃣ The History of the USAT Liberty Wreck 🏚️

The USAT Liberty was a U.S. Army cargo ship that served during World War II. In 1942, while transporting supplies between Australia and the Philippines, the ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine near Lombok.

Badly damaged but still afloat, the ship was towed to Bali in hopes of being salvaged. However, it was abandoned on Tulamben’s shore until 1963, when the eruption of Mount Agung caused it to slide into the sea, where it now rests just 30 meters from the shore.

💡 This shipwreck has since transformed into a stunning artificial reef, covered in vibrant corals and home to a rich variety of marine life!

2️⃣ Why is the USAT Liberty Wreck a Diver’s Paradise? 🌊

✔ Easy Shore Access – No need for a boat! Simply walk into the water and start your dive.
✔ Perfect for All Levels – Depth ranges from 5m to 30m, making it great for beginners & advanced divers.
✔ Incredible Marine Life – The wreck is teeming with fish, turtles, and even reef sharks.
✔ Beautiful Coral Growth – The ship is covered in soft corals, sea fans, and sponges.
✔ Great for Night Diving – Witness hunting barracudas, sleeping parrotfish, and bioluminescent plankton!

💡 Few wreck dives in the world offer such easy access, diverse marine life, and breathtaking visuals!

3️⃣ Marine Life You’ll Encounter 🐠

The USAT Liberty has become a massive artificial reef, home to a wide variety of marine creatures:

🐢 Turtles – Often seen resting on the wreck or feeding on corals.
🦈 Blacktip Reef Sharks – Occasionally spotted patrolling the site.
🐠 Schooling Jackfish – Huge swirling schools create mesmerizing underwater scenes.
🐙 Octopuses & Cuttlefish – Masters of camouflage hiding among the wreckage.
🐡 Pufferfish & Lionfish – Found near the corals and metal structures.
🦐 Macro Life – Look closely for nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and pygmy seahorses!

💡 Every dive here is different—you never know what incredible creatures you’ll encounter!

4️⃣ Best Time to Dive at USAT Liberty 📅

✔ Best Visibility: April – November (dry season)
✔ Water Temperature: 27-30°C year-round
✔ Best Time of Day: Early morning for the best light and marine life activity

💡 The early morning dive is magical—you might see large schools of bumphead parrotfish feeding on the wreck!

5️⃣ How to Dive the USAT Liberty? 🤿

✔ Entry: Easy shore dive – just walk into the water from Tulamben Beach.
✔ Max Depth: ~30 meters – great for Open Water and Advanced divers.
✔ Ideal for: Beginners, underwater photographers, wreck diving enthusiasts.
✔ Night Diving: A must-try! See the wreck in a completely different light.

💡 If you’re new to wreck diving, the PADI Wreck Diver course is a great way to explore the ship safely!

6️⃣ Tips for Diving the USAT Liberty Wreck 🏅

✔ Arrive Early – The site can get busy, so morning dives are best.
✔ Watch Your Buoyancy – Avoid kicking up sediment to keep visibility clear.
✔ Bring an Underwater Torch – Essential for exploring dark sections and night dives.
✔ Take it Slow – There’s so much to see—don’t rush your dive!

💡 Photographers will love this dive—bring a wide-angle lens for stunning wreck shots!

Final Thoughts – A Must-Dive Wreck in Bali! 🚢🌊

The USAT Liberty Wreck is one of Bali’s most famous dive sites for a reason. With its rich history, incredible marine biodiversity, and easy access, it’s a dream destination for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wreck diver, this site guarantees an unforgettable underwater adventure.

📅 Ready to explore this legendary shipwreck? Plan your Bali dive trip today and experience the magic of the USAT Liberty! 🤿🐢💙