About this spot
The USAT Liberty is one of Indonesia's most accessible wreck dives. The ship rests in 5–30m of water, making it ideal for divers working on their first wreck skills. The bow sits in shallow water; deeper sections reward exploration but stay within recreational limits. Tulamben sits on Bali's northeast coast, a working fishing village with a black-sand beach. The wreck lies 50m offshore. Most divers enter from shore, walking through the village and wading into the water—no boat required. The dive is a slow, methodical exploration of the hull, superstructure, and scattered debris. Schools of jacks, groupers, and snappers are common. Corals have colonized much of the wreck's exterior. This is a shore dive that demands respect for the wreck's age and fragility. Buoyancy control matters. The site works year-round, though local weather and swell occasionally close access. Hire a local guide; they know the site's layout, currents, and the best entry points. The village has guesthouses and dive operators, but confirm services before arrival.
📖 Guide: Diving in Indonesia: 323 Sites, Mantas to Micro-critters
Dive types
Trip essentials
Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.
Trip checklist
- 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
- 📔 Dive logbook
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
- 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
- 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
- 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact
Quick facts
- 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
- GPS
› Sustainability disclosures
From your departure country
- Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
- Flight: 12h · direct
- Jet-lag: 12h east · 8 days recovery
FAQ
›When is the best time to dive the USAT Liberty?
Year-round. Tulamben has no distinct dry or wet season that blocks diving. Local operators can advise on swell and current conditions on your planned dates.
›What depth and difficulty level is this dive?
The wreck sits in 5–30m of water, making it beginner-friendly. Buoyancy control and comfort with wreck navigation are important. Most divers do this as their first wreck dive.
›What marine life will I see?
Jacks, groupers, snappers, and other reef fish school around the wreck. Corals and anemones cover much of the hull. Larger pelagics and rays are possible but not guaranteed.
›How do I access the site and are permits required?
Enter from shore in Tulamben village. Wade in and swim to the wreck 50m offshore. No formal permit is required. Hire a local guide to navigate the entry and the wreck safely.
