Yes! Bali and its surrounding islands offer scuba divers the thrill of encountering a surprising variety of shark species. From tranquil coral reefs patrolled by reef sharks to rare appearances of deep sea hunters, Bali’s dive sites hold opportunities for unforgettable shark sightings. This comprehensive guide explores confirmed shark species in Bali’s waters – based on local dive reports and instructor sightings and where divers can see them. We’ll journey through all major dive regions of Bali (Nusa Penida, Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai, Menjangan, and more) and discuss each shark’s typical behavior, when you’re most likely to encounter them, and important conservation considerations. Whether you’re an experienced diver or planning your first trip, this field-informed guide will help you understand Bali’s sharks and how to observe them responsibly.
One of the most common sharks for divers to spot in Bali are reef sharks – chiefly the white tip reef shark, black tip reef shark, and to a lesser extent the grey reef shark. These medium-sized sharks are resident predators on coral reefs and are generally timid around divers. Both blacktips and whitetips are regularly seen cruising shallow reefs or resting under ledges by day, especially in protected areas.
White tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) are named for the white tips on their dorsal and tail fins. They often spend daytime resting on the seafloor or inside caves and crevices, becoming more active at night. Divers encounter whitetips at many Bali sites for instance, at Tulamben’s Coral Garden and Drop-Off, whitetip sharks are occasionally seen patrolling the reef or snoozing under table corals. In the Padang Bai area, whitetip reef sharks are frequently spotted at sites like Blue Lagoon, and the small offshore islets (Tepekong, Mimpang, Biaha) are famous for their whitetip sightings. Whitetips are also present on Nusa Penida’s current-swept northern reefs, where juveniles and adults drift in the currents looking for prey. At Menjangan Island in the northwest, divers occasionally glimpse whitetip reef sharks along the walls, despite the site’s calm conditions.
Black tip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) are easily recognized by the black markings on their fin tips. In Bali, blacktips are often seen in Amed’s Jemeluk Bay and other shallow reef sites, sometimes in very small groups or hunting over seagrass beds. Menjangan walls are also one off the best area to spot Blacktips shark in Bali. They can also appear along the Tulamben coast, around the Liberty wreck area or shallower coral gardens, especially early in the morning when fewer people are in the water. Blacktips are skittish, they tend to dart away once they detect divers.
The grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) is a bit larger and more robust than the white/black tips, with a stockier build and a plain grey coloration (often with a white- edged dorsal fin and black trailing edge on the tail). Grey reefs prefer deeper waters near drop-offs and pinnacles, and they are more elusive in Bali’s heavily dived sites. They are occasionally spotted in current-heavy locations, for example, Nusa Penida’s drift dives and deep slopes sometimes feature a cruising grey reef in the blue, and Amed’s Jemeluk wall or Gili Mimpang & Tepekong have reported grey reef sightings.
Bali’s reefs are also home to several bottom-dwelling shark species that are less frequently encountered but fascinating in their own right. These include carpet sharks like the wobbegong and bamboo sharks, as well as the nurse shark and zebra (leopard) shark. These species are generally nocturnal or reclusive, often hiding in crevices or under coral ledges during the day.
“Bamboo shark” refers to a family of small, slender sharks (usually under 1.2 meters) that often dwell near the bottom. A common species in Indonesia is the Brownbanded Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum). Divers around Bali, especially Nusa Penida, have a good chance of seeing these gentle little sharks. For example, Manta Point in Nusa Penida is known for sightings of bamboo sharks crawling around the reef. Dive guides often point them out resting under rocks or hunting for crustaceans on night dives . Bamboo sharks have a mottled brownish coloration and use their muscular, eel-like bodies to wriggle into narrow spaces in search of octopus and crustaceans. They pose no threat to humans. If you do a night dive in Amed or around Padang Bai, keep an eye on the reef floor, you might spot a bamboo shark gliding slowly over the sand.
The tasseled wobbegong is a flat, carpet-like shark with a broad head fringed by camouflaging tassels. Wobbegongs are more common in Australia and West Papua, however appearances have been often recorded in Bali. In fact, extremely lucky divers around Nusa Penida have occasionally found a wobbegong shark hiding under a coral bommie. These sharks are masters of disguise, lying still on the bottom with patterns that mimic the reef. One was reportedly seen at Manta Point (Nusa Penida), tucked into a nook on the reef, a surprising find in Bali’s waters. Because they are so well camouflaged, wobbegongs can be hard to spot even if present. If you do encounter a wobbegong, admire its intricate “beard” of skin flaps and leopard-like spots a truly unusual shark sighting for Bali.
Nurse sharks are large, docile carpet sharks that often reside in crevices or caves by day. The species in Indo-Pacific is usually the Tawny Nurse Shark (Nebrius ferrugineus), which can grow 3+ meters long. They have broad heads and barbels by the mouth, used to sense prey on the seafloor. In Bali, nurse sharks are not commonly seen on standard dives, but there have been confirmed sightings. A prime spot is the Padang Bai area, particularly at a site locals call “The Temple” (near Padang Bai’s Blue Lagoon). There, divers have occasionally found a nurse shark resting under a ledge or in a small cave. Nurse sharks are also sometimes reported on night dives around Amed or in the less-visited caves of Nusa Penida’s east coast, though such encounters are infrequent.
The terms “leopard shark” and “zebra shark” refer to the same species (Stegostoma tigrinum). As juveniles they have zebra-like stripes, and as adults they develop leopard-like spots hence the dual name. These sharks are long-tailed and slender, reaching up to 2.5 meters, and are usually found lounging on sandy bottoms or coral floors. In Bali, confirmed sightings are rare but notable. The Padang Bai area again is the hot spot at the Temple dive site near Blue Lagoon, divers have encountered leopard/zebra sharks resting on sand patches or moving slowly along the reef. Additionally, there are anecdotal reports of zebra sharks seen around Nusa Penida’s reefs, but these are not common.
Particularly the coral catshark have been recorded in the Padang Bai area of Bali. They are considered an uncommon find, but several local dive reports and guides note sightings of these small sharks. In Padang Bai, the dive site Tanjung Jepun is especially known for the chance to spot a coral catshark, usually during night dives. For example, divers who explore Jepun on a night dive have occasionally encountered the “rare coral cat shark” resting or hunting in the dark. Another spot is the Drop-Off (Baung Penyu) near Blue Lagoon, where catsharks have been seen hiding in deeper reef crevices around 20-27 meters by day.
These sightings confirm that cat sharks are present in Padang Bai’s waters, though they tend to be elusive and mostly active after sunset. Divers in Bali may encounter or hear about a couple of catshark species in Bali waters include:
Coral Catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus) – A small, nocturnal shark reaching about 60–70 cm in length, found on shallow coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific. This is the species most commonly referenced in Padang Bai sightings, recognized by its slender, elongated body and bold pattern of dark spots and blotches (often merging into barred stripes) along a brownish background.
Bali Catshark (Atelomycterus baliensis) – A lesser-known species endemic to Bali’s coastal waters, growing up to 47 to 70 cm long. It inhabits deeper coastal reefs off Bali and has a different coloration instead of obvious spots, it shows a series of brown saddle-like patches on its back (lacking the white spots seen on the coral catshark). This species was only described in 2005, and little is documented about it in diver circles it’s rarely seen by divers due to its more reclusive, deep habits. Not only in Padang Bai, you can spot Bali Catshark during the night dive in Drop-Off Tulamben.
Hammerhead sharks are among the most iconic and sought-after sightings for divers, but in Bali they are rare and unpredictable. Unlike places like the Banda Sea or certain sites in South Lombok (Belongas Bay) where schooling hammerheads are seasonally seen, Bali does not have regular hammerhead aggregations. However, individual scalloped or great hammerhead sharks occasionally pass through Bali’s waters, and there have been verified sightings in recent years.
In particular, Nusa Penida’s eastern dive sites have yielded a few hammerhead encounters. Dive guides report that Batumulapan (Batu Melompong) an eastern Nusa Penida site with rich coral slopes surprised divers with a hammerhead sighting in October, a time of year when colder currents flow through. Another nearby site, Karang Sari, also has a reputation among local dive crews as a place where a lucky few have glimpsed a hammerhead shark in the blue. These sightings typically occur in the July to November period, when the water temperatures drop slightly due to upwellings . Hammerheads prefer cooler, nutrient-rich water, so these seasonal changes might bring them closer to Bali’s reefs.
It’s worth noting that any hammerhead sighting in Bali is usually a solitary shark or a very small group, nothing like the large schools found in remote oceanic islands. Divers who have seen them describe the thrill of making eye contact with the unmistakable T-shaped head as the shark cruised past in the distance. If you’re intent on trying to spot a hammerhead in Bali, focus on Nusa Penida’s less frequented, deep sites on the eastern or possibly northern side. Keep expectations low these are “extremely lucky diver” encounters but the possibility adds excitement to those deep drift dives.
Elsewhere around Bali, hammerheads are virtually unheard of. There has been talk of sightings around the Gili Mimpang/Tepekong area or off Nusa Lembongan, but concrete evidence is scant. Most hammerhead reports in the region outside Nusa Penida actually point toward sites just beyond Bali (like south Lombok’s Magnet site). Therefore, consider any hammerhead in Bali a special one-off event.
Thresher sharks, with their extraordinarily long whip-like tails, are deep-water sharks that historically were more common around Bali but have become very elusive due to fishing pressure. These sharks (most likely the Pelagic Thresher, Alopias pelagicus) used to be occasionally seen at dive sites around Nusa Penida and east Bali; older dive instructors recall dawn dives years ago when threshers would appear out of the blue at certain cleaning stations. Today, sightings are rare but not unheard of and they always cause a lot of excitement.
One locale that still holds a reputation for thresher shark encounters is Blue Corner, off Nusa Lembongan. According to local dive operators, this site was “supposed to be the best bet” for seeing a thresher shark. The best chance is usually very early in the morning, when these nocturnal hunters might ascend from the deep water after a night of feeding. Similarly, the east coast of Nusa Penida (sites like Sental, PED, or buyuk in the north, and deeper sites in the east) occasionally have thresher sightings when water temperatures drop.
The Padang Bai/Candidasa region also has seen thresher sharks. In fact, a “rare thresher shark sighting” was documented at Gili Tepekong near Candidasa: during a February 2024, a group of divers spotted a thresher swimming at ~25–30 meters depth, looping around them a few times before disappearing into the blue. These events underscore that threshers are still out there in Bali’s waters, even if encounters are infrequent.
Thresher sharks are typically shy and deep-dwelling. They have large eyes adapted for low light and usually stay below recreational dive depths, coming shallow only under certain conditions (cool water, abundant prey, or cleaning needs). If a thresher does appear, it’s often a quick pass in open water.
Sadly, Bali’s thresher sharks have been heavily impacted by overfishing. In the past, a seasonal shark fishery around Nusa Penida targeted threshers, drastically reducing their numbers. It’s reported that thousands of thresher sharks were caught annually in the early 2010s in local waters. This has made sightings today very rare. Conservation efforts are critical to give these sharks a chance to rebound. For divers, this means a sighting is all the more special if you do encounter a thresher, appreciate the moment as one of Bali’s rarer natural wonders.
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the world’s largest fish, a filter-feeding giant that inspires awe among all who see it. While places like Cenderawasih Bay or Oslob are famous for whale sharks, Bali is not on the typical whale shark circuit. However, occasional whale shark encounters have been confirmed around Bali, often to the surprise and delight of divers.
Although whale shark sightings in Bali are rare, they do happen—and 2024 and 2025 have provided compelling proof. In September 2024, a young whale shark surprised a group of divers during a routine dive at Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida. This unexpected encounter added to growing evidence that whale sharks occasionally roam Bali’s waters. Most recently, in May 2025, multiple divers reported seeing a whale shark cruising from SD Point to Sental, another pair of popular dive sites in Nusa Penida.
An earlier recorded appearance also occurred in 2019, showing that while uncommon, whale shark visits do recur in this region.
Beyond Nusa Penida, northern Bali has seen whale sharks as well. The Tulamben area, famous for the Liberty shipwreck, has had at least a couple of whale shark visits over the years. Divers who have logged hundreds of dives on the Liberty wreck recount the “very occasional whale shark” sighting alongside the wreck typically an unexpected lone juvenile passing through. Similarly, Amed and Pemuteran/Menjangan have had rare reports. At Menjangan Island, which is sheltered and calm, a whale shark might wander in during the rainy season when plankton blooms are more common. Dive operators note that mantas and whale sharks have been seen off Menjangan’s deep walls in those months, although pelagic sightings there remain infrequent due to the lack of strong currents.
When people think of great white sharks, Bali’s tropical waters are not what comes to mind. Indeed, great whites are extraordinarily rare in Indonesia which made it all the more shocking when a 5-meter great white shark showed up at Nusa Penida in 2025. This “one in a million” encounter occurred at Ped dive site on Nusa Penida’s north coast. It was the first confirmed great white sighting in Bali since 2019, when another individual was spotted at Crystal Bay & Blue Corner.
The 2019 and 2025 sightings suggest that great whites, while not resident, occasionally transit through Indonesian waters. They could be following cooler water currents or prey (like tunas or seals) into the area. It’s important to emphasize how unusual these events are encountering a great white in Bali is essentially a once-in-a-life time luck. Most dive professionals will never see one here. But it has happened, and it’s a testament to the unpredictability of the ocean.
For divers, the idea of great whites might sound intimidating, but context is key. These sharks did not show any aggression; they were likely just as puzzled by the encounter as the humans were. If by some astronomically slim chance you ever see a great white on a Bali dive, the same rules apply: maintain calm, do not approach the shark, and cherish the moment. It’s worth noting that Bali’s typical shark species are not dangerous. Shark attacks in Bali are essentially unheard of, and great whites do not normally inhabit these waters. So while we include the great white in Bali’s list of shark species for completeness (and excitement), divers should not be worried about this when entering the water. It’s a rare bonus sighting, not a regular concern.
Nusa Penida is best known for its giant manta rays and seasonal sightings of mola-mola, but it’s also a great place to spot sharks. During the colder months, when water temperatures drop, your chances of encountering species like reef sharks or even the occasional pelagic visitor increase, especially around deeper dive sites:
Reef sharks such as whitetip, blacktip, and the occasional grey are frequently sighted in areas with strong currents, particularly around Nusa Penida’s north coast.
Bamboo sharks are often seen resting on the reef floor or hiding under rocky ledges, especially around Manta Point. Whitetip reef sharks also make occasional appearances, typically along the rugged reefscape during calmer conditions.
Offer the chance albeit small of pelagic species like thresher sharks, hammerheads, and even whale sharks or great whites on rare occasions .
Overall, Nusa Penida’s combination of plankton-rich upwellings and strong currents makes it the prime spot for unexpected big visitors. Many dive expeditions to Penida yield at least a reef shark sighting, even if fleeting. Check out Nusa Penida dive sites to learn more.
Gili Tepekong & Gili Mimpang are famed for their healthy shark populations. Divers regularly see multiple whitetip reef sharks at these sites, and blacktips hunting in the shallows . There’s even a spot called the “Shark Point” between Tepekong and Mimpang where sharks are commonly observed.
Gili Biaha features a swim through cave often occupied by resting whitetip sharks. These sites also occasionally surprise divers with other species: the Tepekong thresher sighting and reports of zebra/nurse sharks in the Padang Bai area reinforce that this region is excellent for shark enthusiasts.
Padang Bai’s easier sites like Blue Lagoon offer beginner- friendly reef shark encounters (mostly whitetips and cat sharks), while the outer islets are for advanced divers due to currents.
While known for the Liberty shipwreck and macro life, Tulamben and nearby Amed do host some sharks. Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks are seen occasionally on Tulamben’s Drop-Off wall and Coral Garden . Amed’s reefs (Jemeluk, Bunutan) have reef sharks too, particularly blacktips in slightly deeper sections or near fish schools . These areas are not as shark-heavy as Nusa Penida or Tepekong, but patient divers might catch a glimpse. Notably, Tulamben has had whale shark cameos over the years. Thus, northeast Bali, though more celebrated for its wreck and macro critters, should not be overlooked for a chance shark meeting.
Menjangan Island (Northwest Bali): Menjangan, part of West Bali National Park, is famed for clear water and walls teeming with coral and small fish. Sharks are not abundant here, but divers do often see whitetip or blacktip reef sharks if they look down along the walls or near the sandy bottoms. The calm conditions mean fewer pelagics; however, as mentioned, an occasional whale shark might appear in the rainy season when plankton draws them in. Menjangan is a good place for novice divers to encounter a reef shark in easy conditions, as any shark will likely be cruising at a comfortable distance along the wall.
Encountering sharks in Bali is a privilege, these animals are essential to healthy marine ecosystems, yet many species are under threat. Conservation considerations should be top of mind for divers who love seeing sharks
Indonesia historically has one of the world’s highest shark catch rates. In the past, Bali’s surrounding waters saw unsustainable shark fishing (for fins and meat). Thresher sharks, for example, suffered major declines due to targeted fishing in the 2000s. While the Indonesian government has since implemented protections for certain species (like whale sharks and manta rays) and established marine protected areas, enforcement is an ongoing challenge. By choosing dive operators that support conservation and by refusing to buy shark products, divers can help reduce demand that drives shark fishing.
Bali is home to Marine Protected Areas such as the Nusa Penida MPA, which regulate fishing and aim to protect sharks, rays, and coral ecosystems. When respected, MPAs create safe zones where marine life can recover and flourish.
This year, May 15th, 2025, Gili Shark Conservation visited Nusa Penida to host shark education presentations for all local dive centers to raise awareness, share knowledge, and improve shark conservation practices across the region.
Initiatives like these emphasize how critical collaboration is between researchers, dive operators, and communities in protecting Bali’s marine biodiversity. Supporting centers involved in conservation-oriented partnerships helps ensure your dives contribute to long-term ocean health.
It’s crucial to ensure our interactions do not harm sharks. Shark diving etiquette includes not touching, not feeding, and not chasing sharks. Most sharks in Bali are not aggressive and will mind their own business if divers do the same.
Remember that provoking a normally shy shark can stress it or in rare cases trigger defensive behavior. Keeping calm and still often results in a longer, more natural encounter as the shark won’t feel threatened and may even come closer out of curiosity.
The idea of sharks can make some newer divers anxious, but it bears repeating: sharks are not a significant danger to divers in Bali. There have been virtually zero incidents of shark attacks on divers or snorkelers in Bali in modern times. The species you’re likely to see is reef sharks, wobbegongs, threshers, etc. are generally wary of humans. Even the larger plankton feeders like whale sharks are gentle. By understanding shark behavior (for instance, reef sharks may do a quick territorial circle but rarely approach directly), divers can replace fear with appreciation.
Sharks are an important part of Bali’s marine ecosystem. They help regulate fish populations, promote reef health, and support thriving biodiversity. Yet, many shark species in Bali face increasing threats from habitat loss, overfishing, and human misunderstanding.
Diving with sharks is a privilege that demands respect. It begins with awareness: knowing that most sharks in Bali are non-aggressive and pose no danger when undisturbed. Divers must practice responsible behavior maintain calm body language, avoid chasing or crowding sharks, and never use flash photography or attempt to touch them. Even our presence should be mindful, ensuring we don’t block their natural paths or enter sensitive cleaning stations.
By supporting eco-conscious dive centers, following local codes of conduct, and sharing the message of shark conservation, we contribute to protecting these extraordinary animals. Every dive is a chance to change perspectives from fear to appreciation, from spectators to advocates. Sharks in Bali deserve not only our fascination but also our enduring protection.
Yes! Sharks are relatively common across many of Bali’s dive areas. Most species found in Balinese waters are reef-associated, non-aggressive, and often seen during recreational dives. These include white tip reef sharks, bamboo sharks, and blacktip reef sharks. While encounters with pelagic species such as hammerhead or thresher sharks are rarer, they are confirmed and documented in specific sites and seasons. Shark presence in Bali reflects the island’s rich marine biodiversity and healthy reef systems.
If you’re diving with a reputable center, your chances of a shark sighting increase, especially in protected areas like Nusa Penida Marine Park or the deep channels of Gili Tepekong.
Divers in Bali can encounter a variety of shark species, each with its own behavior and habitat preferences. Key species include:
Yes. Shark diving in Bali is considered safe for both snorkelers and certified scuba divers. Most of the sharks encountered around Bali are either indifferent to humans or highly tolerant as long as they are not threatened. Bali has a long record of safe encounters, and dive operators are well-trained in briefing clients on respectful and non-intrusive interaction.
Here are a few reasons shark dives are considered safe:
The best time of day to encounter sharks in Bali is typically during early morning dives, when many reef species are more active and visibility conditions are optimal. Morning dives between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM tend to offer the best conditions, particularly in deeper channels or areas with active currents.
Some species, like reef sharks, rest during the day and become more active at dusk, while others like hammerhead sharks are more seasonal. October is a prime month for hammerhead sightings near Batumulapan, while whale sharks may follow plankton blooms between December and March.
Shark diving in Bali is accessible to a wide range of certified divers. Most reef shark encounters occur at sites suitable for Open Water-certified divers. For deeper or current-affected sites like Crystal Bay, Tepekong, or Blue Corner, Advanced Open Water certification is recommended.
Bali, occasionally raises concerns about shark attacks among ocean enthusiasts. While the island’s waters are home to various shark species, incidents involving humans are exceedingly rare. This article delves into…
Bali and its surrounding islands offer scuba divers the thrill of encountering a surprising variety of shark species. From tranquil coral reefs patrolled by reef sharks to rare appearances of…
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course The advanced open water diver course has 5 dive specialties to choose. Two are chosen for you, Deep and Navigation, the other three are…
The Nusa Penida MPA has an official Manta Ray Code of Conduct outlining how divers and snorkelers should behave around these gentle giants. By following this code, you not only…
Great white sharks are strong ocean predators, and seeing one in Nusa Penida dive site is really cool. These facts, based on scientific research, explain what makes great white sharks…
Mastering a range of finning styles is crucial for all levels of divers, from beginners to seasoned instructors. Using the appropriate kick for a given situation can greatly improve your…
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course The advanced open water diver course has 5 dive specialties to choose. Two are chosen for you, Deep and Navigation, the other three are…
The coral reefs and marine life of Bali are breathtaking and the reason why the region is loved for scuba diving. The warm waters and high visibility enhance the underwater…
The USAT Liberty Wreck isn’t just old metal underwater but a giant playground of steel and corals waiting to be explored. Stretching 120 meters long, it sits right by Tulamben’s…
