USAT Liberty Wreck Dive Site – Tulamben, Bali
Site Overview
The USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben is arguably the most famous and accessible wreck dive in all of Southeast Asia, and it consistently ranks among the top dive sites in the world. This 120-meter United States Army Transport ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and beached on the shores of Tulamben. A volcanic eruption in 1963 pushed the wreck back into the sea, where it now rests on a volcanic sand slope at depths ranging from just 5 meters to approximately 30 meters. The Liberty is not just a historical artifact; it has been transformed by over six decades of marine colonization into a thriving artificial reef of extraordinary biodiversity. The hull is completely encrusted with a thick layer of hard and soft corals, gorgonian fans, sponges, and anemones that provide habitat for an astonishing variety of marine life. Large schools of bigeye trevally swirl above the superstructure, while the cargo holds serve as shelter for sleeping turtles, moray eels, and the elusive flashlight fish during night dives. Resident barramundi cod the size of small dogs patrol the deck areas with a confidence that suggests decades of protection from fishing. What makes the Liberty truly unique is the ease of access: divers simply walk into the water from the black sand beach and fin a short distance to reach the wreck, making it possible for divers of all certification levels to enjoy this world-class site. It is equally rewarding as a night dive, where a completely different cast of nocturnal creatures emerges from the dark recesses of the hull.
Dive Briefing
"A dive on the USAT Liberty typically begins with a short walk across the black volcanic sand beach and a gentle entry into the calm waters of Tulamben Bay. After a surface swim of approximately 50 to 100 meters, you descend onto the shallowest point of the wreck at around 5 meters, where the bow section rises dramatically from the sand. From here, most guides lead divers along the starboard side, gradually working deeper as you explore the massive cargo holds, the engine room area, and the gun platforms. The deepest sections of the wreck reach about 30 meters at the stern, but most of the interesting structure lies between 10 and 20 meters. As you navigate the wreck, pay close attention to the massive gorgonian fans that cover the vertical surfaces and the schools of batfish and trevally that use the structure as a cleaning station. If you are doing a night dive, the cargo holds come alive with flashlight fish, sleeping turtles, and hunting moray eels. Ascent is typically made up the forward mast area or the bow, which provides a stunning silhouette shot for photographers. Safety stops can be performed on the shallow upper sections of the wreck itself, making the entire dive a continuous underwater experience."
Signature Marine Life
Barramundi cod
Cromileptes altivelis
Best: January, February, March
Humphead parrotfish
Bolbometopon muricatum
Best: April, May, June
Hawksbill turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
Bigeye trevally
Caranx sexfasciatus
Flashlight fish
Anomalops katoptron
Best: January, February, March
Safety & Hazards
- Sharp metal edges on the deteriorating wreck structure
- Occasional strong surge near the bow section during swell events
- Fire coral and hydroids on the upper sections of the wreck
- Boat traffic in the bay, especially during peak tourist season
- Volcanic sand can be stirred easily, reducing visibility for following divers
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
The USAT Liberty Wreck is one of the rare dive sites that truly caters to everyone, from brand-new Open Water divers to seasoned technical divers and underwater photographers. The shallow sections of the wreck (5-15 meters) are perfect for beginners who want to experience their first wreck dive in a safe, controlled environment with excellent visibility and minimal current. Advanced divers can explore the deeper stern section and penetrate the larger cargo holds for a more adventurous experience. Underwater photographers will find the Liberty to be an inexhaustible source of subjects, from sweeping wide-angle compositions of the coral-encrusted hull to intimate macro shots of the countless nudibranchs, shrimps, and pygmy seahorses that inhabit the gorgonian fans. Night diving enthusiasts will discover a completely different world, with the flashlight fish putting on a bioluminescent display that is among the best in the world.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Tauch Terminal Tulamben
- Bali Diving Academy
- Alam Batubolong Dive Resort
- Sea Frog Dive Center
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro, over_under
Nearby Stay
Tauch Terminal Resort Tulamben
Tulamben • 0.2km away
Alam Batubolong Dive Resort
Tulamben • 0.5km away