USAT Liberty Wreck: Dive into incredible History in Bali

The USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben, Bali, is one of the most iconic and accessible wreck dives in the world. Resting just a few meters from the black sand shoreline, this sunken World War II cargo ship has become a thriving artificial reef—and a must-dive site for underwater adventurers visiting Bali.

At Bali Dive Resort and Spa and Bali Dive Resort Amed, we are proud to offer guided dives and PADI courses at this legendary site. Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced diver, or an underwater photographer, the USAT Liberty Wreck promises unforgettable moments beneath the waves.

A Dive into History: The Story of the USAT Liberty

The USAT Liberty was a United States Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 during World War II. Initially beached at Tulamben to salvage the cargo, the ship remained on shore for over two decades. Then in 1963, Mount Agung erupted, pushing the 120-meter-long vessel into the sea, where it now lies on a gentle slope just off the coast.

The USAT Liberty was a United States Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 during World War II. The plan was to tow her to Singaraja, where the Americans had a base, but the vessel was taking on water and had to be beached near Tulamben. Locals remember parts of the ship, like its masts, still visible above the surface during low tide. In 1963, the eruption of Mount Agung shifted the wreck deeper into the sea and onto its starboard side. Today, the 120-meter-long Liberty lies on a gentle slope just offshore, making it one of the most accessible and iconic wreck dives in Bali.

Why Divers Love the USAT Liberty Wreck

The USAT Liberty Wreck is more than just a sunken ship—it’s a living reef and an underwater playground for divers of all levels. Here’s what makes it one of the best dive sites in Bali:

• Shore Access: No need for a boat. From the beach, it’s just a short walk into the water before you’re descending onto history.
• Stunning Marine Life: From bumphead parrotfish to ghost pipefish, nudibranchs, and even the occasional barracuda, the wreck is teeming with life.
• Suitable for All Levels: With parts of the wreck as shallow as 5 meters, even snorkelers and beginner divers can enjoy the site.
• Night Diving Magic: The Liberty becomes a different world after dark—ideal for night diving in Tulamben, with sightings of sleeping turtles, hunting lionfish, and bioluminescence.
• Photography Paradise: The play of light and shadow, combined with coral growth and schooling fish, make it one of the best sites for underwater photography in Tulamben.

Diving the USAT Liberty Wreck with Us

At Bali Dive Resort and Spa and Bali Dive Resort Amed, our experienced dive guides and instructors know the USAT Liberty Wreck like the back of their hand. Whether you’re coming for fun diving, a PADI Wreck Diver Specialty, or want to include the wreck in your Advanced Open Water Diver course, we ensure your experience is safe, respectful of the environment, and unforgettable.

We teach all our courses in neutral buoyancy to protect both the diver and the reef—so you can explore tight spaces without disturbing the marine life or the wreck structure itself.

Where to Stay: Dive & Relax in Comfort

The location of both of our resorts—Bali Dive Resort and Spa (in Tulamben) and Bali Dive Resort Amed—puts you within minutes of the Liberty Wreck and other stunning Tulamben dive sites like Coral Garden, Drop Off, and Batu Kelebit. We offer:

• Dive packages with accommodation for a seamless stay-and-dive experience
• Comfortable rooms with ocean or garden views
• Nitrox available for extended bottom time at the wreck
• On-site restaurant and pool for post-dive relaxation
• PADI-certified dive center with rental gear and certified guides

If you’re looking for the best place to stay for diving in Tulamben, our resorts combine convenience, comfort, and world-class diving.

Environmentally Responsible Wreck Diving

As a PADI Eco Center, we take extra care in how we interact with the Liberty Wreck. Our guides lead reef-safe briefings and instruct guests on how to enjoy the wreck without damaging the marine environment. We do not allow touching or penetration without proper training and certification.

By practicing conservation-minded diving, we ensure this historical site remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations.

Plan Your USAT Liberty Wreck Dive Today

Whether you’re a history buff, a wreck diving enthusiast, or simply seeking the best scuba diving in Tulamben, the USAT Liberty Wreck is a must-see. Our team is ready to help you experience one of the top dive sites in Bali in the safest, most enjoyable way possible.

Contact us today to book your Tulamben dive packages with accommodation, schedule your PADI course, or plan a day of shore diving in Tulamben Bali.

Dive the Past. Discover the Present. Preserve the Future.

Come dive with us and uncover the secrets of the USAT Liberty wreck—a place where history, nature, and adventure come together just beneath the surface.

Contact us for more details or bookings.