Diving atIndonesia Bali Tulamben USS Liberty Wreck (Indonesia)
Tulamben, Bali, hosts the USS Liberty Wreck, a prominent shore-entry site. This U.S. Army cargo ship, torpedoed in 1942 and later pushed ashore, now rests broken across a sandy slope. Spanning depths ideal for various certification levels, its structure makes it a significant underwater landmark. Its history adds a compelling layer to its profile.
Tonight's objective overview for Indonesia Bali Tulamben USS Liberty Wreck shows an air temperature of 26.7°C. The measured surface conditions include wave heights around 0.52m. This environmental data is logged for the close of the day.
Dive Site Coordinates
-8.2740, 115.5931
Dive Site Characteristics
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
An accessible exploration of a substantial historical artifact, diving the USAT Liberty Wreck appeals to a broad range of divers. This shipwreck, stretching approximately 120 meters (390 ft) in length, begins in relatively shallow water and slopes down to its deepest point.
Divers can easily navigate its coral-encrusted sections, observing how the marine ecosystem has integrated with the sunken vessel. Many mechanical components like boilers, ladders, and valves are still discernible, providing focal points for exploration.
With its varied terrain and structures, the wreck supports a diverse range of marine life, making each dive a dynamic experience. A shore entry provides convenience, eliminating the need for boat transfers for divers.
Recreational divers can explore much of its extent, while technical divers can venture into deeper sections, reaching a maximum depth of 38 meters (124 ft).
Best Time to Dive
Diving the USS Liberty Wreck is generally favorable throughout the year, with optimal conditions varying slightly by season. The dry season, running from May to October, often presents the best overall experience; during these months, rainfall averages are significantly lower, sometimes less than 1 mm, enhancing visibility. Air temperatures during this period are pleasantly warm, typically ranging from 26-29°C (79-84°F). Conversely, increased precipitation marks the wet season from November to April, with January and February experiencing the highest rain levels, around 22-25 mm. Despite the rain, dive conditions usually remain good, with consistent air temperatures around 27°C (81°F). For specific wildlife encounters, sunrise or night dives can be particularly rewarding.
Climate Historical Averages
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Conditions at the USS Liberty Wreck are often mild, making it suitable for divers with varying experience levels. Water temperatures typically remain warm, averaging around 27-29°C (81-84°F), though localized thermoclines can occur at deeper sections. Visibility generally ranges from good to very good, influenced by currents and recent weather patterns. Surface conditions are usually calm, particularly early in the morning, which facilitates the shore entry. Strong currents are not consistently reported here, but mild to moderate currents can occasionally be present, particularly on deeper segments or during tidal shifts. Its broken structure creates a complex underwater landscape, with shallower and deeper debris fields offering different exploratory opportunities.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Adherence to standard safety protocols is essential when diving the USS Liberty Wreck. Given its depth range, from shallow areas to its max depth, certifications like PADI Open Water Diver are sufficient for the shallower parts, while PADI Advanced Open Water Diver is recommended for deeper penetration. Those looking to explore the most intricate or deeper sections might benefit from Tec 40/45/50 or PADI Sidemount Diver training. Always dive within your certification limits and plan your dive profiles carefully. A surface marker buoy is useful, especially given the shore entry nature of the site, allowing surface support to track your position. Night dives require appropriate lighting, such as a dive torch, to navigate the wreck's interior and observe nocturnal marine life.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
Water temperatures at Indonesia Bali Tulamben USS Liberty Wreck are currently estimated to be around 30°C (87°F), shaping the overall diving conditions for today. Surface air temperatures are resting at 27°C (80°F).
Dive skin or rash guard generally offers enough warmth for most dives under these conditions.
Forecast conditions over the next few days suggest temperatures will remain relatively stable.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Marine Life at Indonesia Bali Tulamben USS Liberty Wreck
Abundant marine life at the Liberty Wreck is a key draw. Divers often notice schools of sweetlips and batfish congregating around the wreck's structure. You might also encounter majestic hawksbill turtles gracefully swimming among the corals. This site is a macro photographer's paradise, with various nudibranchs, including yellow and black, dusky black and green, and painted species, along with ornate ghost pipefish, often found camouflaged against the wreck. Barracudas and trevally are frequently seen patrolling the periphery, while garden eels emerge from the sandy bottom nearby. Keep an eye out for diverse clownfish varieties, octopuses, cuttlefish, and groupers sheltering within the wreck's crevices.
Sweetlips
Ornate Ghost Pipefish
Batfish
Hawksbill Turtle
Octopuses
Garden Eel
Barracuda
Cuttlefish
Grouper
Clownfish
Trevally
Nudibranch
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum depth of the USS Liberty Wreck?
USS Liberty Wreck reaches a maximum depth of 38 meters (124 ft). Shallower sections are accessible starting around 5 meters (16 ft), making it suitable for divers of various certification levels.
Is the USS Liberty Wreck suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, many parts of the USS Liberty Wreck suit beginner divers. Shallower sections are well within recreational dive limits, providing an excellent introduction to wreck diving. Deeper areas require advanced certification.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Rich with marine life, the wreck provides frequent sightings. Expect schools of sweetlips and batfish, various nudibranchs, garden eels, and occasionally hawksbill turtles. Barracudas, trevally, and clownfish are also common.
Is it possible to do night dives at the Liberty Wreck?
Yes, night dives are a popular option at the Liberty Wreck. They offer a unique opportunity to observe nocturnal creatures and can provide a chance to see the resident school of bumphead parrotfish as they rest.
What is the typical water temperature?
Water temperatures at the USS Liberty Wreck are generally warm, typically ranging from 27-29°C (81-84°F). These comfortable temperatures make a standard 3mm or 5mm wetsuit usually sufficient.
Is shore entry common for this dive site?
Yes, the USS Liberty Wreck is primarily a shore entry dive site. Ease of access contributes to its popularity, as divers can walk directly into the water from the beach and descend to the wreck.
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