The USAT Liberty Wreck is Bali’s most famous dive site and one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world. Resting just metres from shore in Tulamben, this 128 meter long wreck offers a dramatic yet beginner-friendly underwater experience.
Originally a World War II cargo ship, the Liberty was torpedoed in 1942 and later pushed onto the beach. A volcanic eruption in 1963 shifted the wreck back into the sea, where it now lies across a gentle slope and fully encrusted in coral growth.
The USAT Liberty wreck offers something for everyone. Shallow sections begin at around 5 metres, making it suitable for training dives and newly certified divers, while deeper areas provide structure exploration and dramatic swim-throughs for more experienced divers.
The wreck is now a thriving artificial reef. Hard and soft corals cover the structure, attracting large schools of fish and pelagic visitors. Each section of the wreck feels different, so repeat dives always reveal something new.
It’s a dive we never get tired of. Whether it’s your first wreck dive or your fiftieth, the Liberty consistently delivers.
Marine life around the Liberty Wreck is diverse and often spectacular. The wreck has become a thriving artificial reef, with coral growth covering much of the structure and providing shelter for a huge range of species. Divers regularly encounter:
The Liberty often comes alive with schooling fish weaving through and around the structure, while turtles are frequently seen exploring the surrounding reef. There is also plenty to look for at a slower pace, with smaller critters hiding among the coral, metalwork and crevices.
Because the wreck stretches across a large area and covers a range of depths, different parts of the site can offer very different marine life encounters from one dive to the next.
It remains one of the highlights of diving in Bali, both for the scale of the wreck itself and the amount of life that has made it home.
“My friend and I did three fun dives and our Advanced Open Water course, and it was absolutely perfect. All the staff were super nice and the divemaster was a really good teacher.
We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel every time and also received complimentary GoPro photos and videos.”
“A perfect place. I did my Advanced Open Water course with Wayan, who explained everything perfectly. He answered all my questions in a way that was easy to understand and took all the time needed.
Underwater, he was a great mentor. Everything was easy and professional, both in and out of the water.
After finishing the course, I booked a package of 10 more dives, which was an even better decision. He and the whole team made every dive a great experience.”
“If I could give 6 stars I would! I did my advanced course there with my friends and we were treated like family. The crew is fantastic, professional, patient, flexible and with amazing vibes. Also some of the best prices in Amed.
Wayan, Boyod, Dede, Bayu, Tapik and all the rest — you have my gratitude, it was a real pleasure. If I come back to Amed, I’ll come straight back to you guys!
It is also a family business, which is always great.”
The instructors were great. They were very patient with me as an absolute beginner. The dive was really amazing. Even though the Liberty ship wreck is a famous spot with many divers, it’s also large so it was not crowded at all. The lunch afterwards was very nice as well. The videos and pictures were awesome and well balanced between the corals and the diver. I would definitely recommend diving with these guys and will do so, if I ever visit Bali again.
Wonderful experience with Bali Dive Cove. We did the “discover scuba diving” package with my wife, everything went very smoothly, the staff was very professional and patient. We had so much fun diving in the American ship wreck. Thanks again to the Bali Dive Cove team 🙏
As my first experience I totally recommend this place. The instructor Boyod is the best, for me was my first experience and he guided me through all the steps. He will make you feel so comfortable underwater. If you visit Amed don’t forget to check this place
At Bali Dive Cove, we usually plan two dives on the USAT Liberty wreck. The first dive normally focuses on the outer sections of the wreck, giving you time to get familiar with its size, layout and marine life.
After a surface interval, the second dive usually explores more of the middle sections of the wreck. Swim-throughs are always optional, and we choose the route according to your certification, experience, buoyancy, comfort and the conditions on the day.
You can dive the Liberty at our normal morning start time, but sunrise is our favourite time to dive the wreck because it is usually quieter, the visibility can be better before the site gets busy, and the surface conditions are often calmer.
If you’re deciding whether the early start is worth it, read our guide: Diving the USAT Liberty at Sunrise: Is the Early Start Worth It?
The Liberty is regularly used for Open Water training dives, Advanced Open Water deep and wreck dives, and speciality courses. We also run Discover Scuba Diving sessions here when conditions allow.
Yes. The Liberty Wreck is considered one of Bali’s best underwater photography sites. The coral-covered wreck structure, large schools of fish and variety of macro marine life create opportunities for both wide-angle and close-up photography.
Current at the Liberty Wreck is usually mild but can vary depending on tides and sea conditions. When present, the current typically moves gently across the wreck structure and dive plans are adjusted according to the conditions on the day.
Most dives at the Liberty Wreck last between 40 and 60 minutes depending on the dive profile, depth and individual air consumption. Shallower dives along the upper wreck structure can sometimes allow for longer bottom times.
Yes. The shallow upper sections of the wreck make it suitable for beginner divers and students completing training dives. More experienced divers can explore deeper areas of the wreck while remaining within recreational limits.
The USAT Liberty can be dived year-round as conditions are generally suitable throughout the year. Early morning dives are particularly popular because the site is usually less crowded and surface conditions are often calmer.
Yes. The Liberty Wreck is accessed directly from the beach in Tulamben. Entry and exit are made over rounded volcanic stones before descending onto the wreck, which sits only a short distance from shore.
The wreck begins in very shallow water at around 3 metres and gradually slopes down the seabed to approximately 30 metres. This wide depth range allows divers to choose different dive profiles depending on certification level, experience and the planned route around the wreck.
The USAT Liberty Wreck is suitable for certified divers and is also widely used for training dives. Open Water students and Discover Scuba Diving participants frequently dive the shallower sections of the wreck under direct instructor supervision, making it accessible for a wide range of experience levels.
The site can be dived year-round. Early morning is particularly popular as it is les crowded and you experience calmer surface conditions.
Yes. The dive is accessed directly from the beach in Tulamben. Entry and exit involve walking over rounded stones.
Interested in diving the USAT Liberty Wreck? Contact us to check availability. If you would like to include the Liberty Wreck in your Bali dive plans, get in touch and we can advise the best timing based on your certification level and the current conditions.
