Diving Bali’s USAT Liberty Wreck: The ULTIMATE Guide (Snorkel + Scuba)

Discover Bali’s USAT Liberty Wreck — a WWII shipwreck you can snorkel or dive from shore. Here’s everything you need to know: access, safety tips, best timing, night dives and where to stay in Tulamben. The USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben is one of the most unique and accessible shipwreck dives in the world. Whether you’re a snorkeller, freediver, new scuba diver or experienced diver, this Bali shore-entry wreck is a must-visit. In this video, we share EVERYTHING you need to know to explore the USAT Liberty — including access, gear tips, safety, best timing, night dive advice and where to stay. ________________________________________ 🌊 What’s Inside This Video • How to access the USAT Liberty (snorkel + scuba) • Shore entry tips you MUST know (volcanic rocks!) • History: torpedoes, volcano eruptions + how the ship ended up here • Best depth ranges, swim-throughs and safety tips • Why buoyancy control is CRITICAL on this wreck • Snorkelling vs scuba: who gets the better view? • The truth about the night dive (and the missing Bumphead Parrotfish) • Best timing to avoid the crowds • Where to stay and which Tulamben dive resorts we recommend ________________________________________ ⚓ History of the USAT Liberty Wreck How does a 120-metre American cargo ship end up just metres from the beach in Bali? In 1942 the Liberty was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, but it didn’t sink — it was beached for salvage, where it stayed for over 20 years. Then in 1963, Mount Agung erupted, shaking the ship loose and rolling it into the ocean. Thanks to a torpedo and a volcano, we now have one of the world’s easiest wreck dives. ________________________________________ 🤿 How to Access the Wreck (Snorkel + Scuba) The Liberty is reachable directly from shore — no boat required. But beware: the entry involves large, slippery volcanic rocks, so wear hard-soled booties and open-heeled fins, not full-foot fins. ________________________________________ 🤿 Best Depths + Wreck Safety • Top of the wreck: 5 metres (perfect for snorkellers) • Best section for divers: 5–18 metres • Deepest point: 30 metres • Massive swim-throughs + light rays • Rusted metal edges = risk for cuts + gear damage • Buoyancy control is essential to protect coral + marine life No photo is worth damaging coral for — please dive responsibly. ________________________________________ 🌅 Best Time to Dive the Liberty (Beat the Crowds) This wreck can get VERY busy. Our top times to avoid crowds ________________________________________ 🌑 Night Dive Truth (What No One Tells You) Night diving the Liberty is surreal — but crowded. Follow your guide closely, watch torch beams, and don’t lose your buddy. The famous Bumphead Parrotfish school has sadly disappeared since 2020 (not on Google, but true). ________________________________________ 🏡 Where to Stay in Tulamben (Our Picks) • Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben — the most luxurious beachfront eco dive resort. • Liberty Dive Resort — beautiful gardens, Balinese cottages, multiple pools, relaxed local vibe. Both offer knowledgeable local guides and easy access to the wreck. ________________________________________ 🌋 Tulamben Trilogy (Watch Next!) This is Video 1 of our Tulamben diving series: 1️⃣ USAT Liberty Wreck — You’re watching it! 2️⃣ Macro Diving in Tulamben (Aliens of the Black Sand) — Coming next 3️⃣ Tulamben Coral Garden — Better Than Raja Ampat?! — Coming soon 👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss the next episodes! https://www.youtube.com/@Aaron.and.Cassie?sub_confirmation=1 ________________________________________ 🌴 Watch More of Our Indonesia Adventures • Raja Ampat Diving Series → https://youtu.be/jVoR315KThg?si=JoK1eCsr2DDHrVfQ • Indonesia Diving Videos → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL57efFcPIEJeSNjeQn1Wils7pOtW3Eex3&si=tygckjS1eAYyqqfk ________________________________________ ✉️ Stay Connected Join our email list for dive tips + travel guides → https://aaron-and-cassie.kit.com/sign-up ________________________________________ ☕ Support our channel: https://buymeacoffee.com/aaron.and.cassie 🔗 Travel & Gear Links Travel Insurance (Nomads & Expats): https://safetywing.com/ambassador/refer/26235483 DAN Worldwide Dive Insurance: https://www.daneurope.org/en/buy-dive-insurance#!/partnerCode=729130 Epidemic Sound – Try Free: https://share.epidemicsound.com/g5vv83 🎥 Our Camera Gear: Panasonic G9 II | GoPro Hero 13 | DJI Mini 4 Pro | DJI Mic Mini | PGYTech 00:00 – Bali’s WWII Shipwreck 00:23 – How to Access the Liberty 00:53 – Shore Entry Tips (Volcanic Rocks) 01:44 – Snorkelling the Liberty 02:07 – Scuba Diving Overview - Best Depths + Swim-Throughs 02:30 – Safety & Buoyancy Tips 02:55 – What Diving the Liberty Wreck Looks like 03:36 – Best Times to Dive (Avoid Crowds + Best Visibility) 04:12 – Night Dive Tips & Missing Bumphead Parrotfish 05:33 - Night Dive - Underwater Creatures 06:35 – Where to Stay in Tulamben 07:41 – What’s Coming Next in Our Tulamben Series