The Ultimate Guide to the USAT Liberty Wreck (Bali): History, Snorkelling, Diving & Safety Tips for 2025
Table of Contents
A World-Class Wreck That Breaks All the Rules
Usually, if you want to dive a World War II shipwreck, you need:
❌ A boat
❌ Deep diver certification
❌ Cold water tolerance
❌ A big budget
But Bali’s USAT Liberty Wreck breaks all the rules.
It is one of the only shipwrecks in the world where:
✔ Snorkellers
✔ Freedivers
✔ Beginner open-water scuba divers
✔ Experienced wreck divers
… can all explore the same legendary site — straight from the shore.
The wreck sits on black volcanic sand, starting at just 5 metres deep, and stretching down to 30 metres, making it one of the most accessible wreck dives on Earth.
But how did a 120-metre American cargo ship end up here?
To answer that, we go back to the 1940s…
The Verified History of the USAT Liberty Wreck (Cited)
The USAT Liberty was a United States Army cargo ship built in 1918 (Naval History and Heritage Command).
🇺🇸 WWII: Torpedo Attack (1942)
On January 11, 1942, the ship was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-166 while en route from Australia to the Philippines (source: NHHC archives).
The ship didn’t sink — it was towed toward Singaraja, Bali, for salvage.
But the damage was too severe, so it was beached at Tulamben, where it remained for 21 years.
The 1963 Eruption of Mount Agung
When Mount Agung violently erupted in 1963, earthquakes and tremors caused the beached ship to slide off the shore and sink into the sea, exactly where it lies today (Geological Society of London).
This makes the Liberty:
📌 The only shipwreck in the world sunk by both a torpedo and a volcano.
Today, it is one of the richest artificial reefs in Indonesia.
Where Is the USAT Liberty Wreck?
The wreck sits offshore from the village of Tulamben, on Bali’s northeast coast.
Travel Time:
3 hours from Denpasar or Canggu
2.5 hours from Ubud
2 hours from Amed
Shore Entry Safety: What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
This is NOT a sandy, easy beach entry.
The shore is made of huge, slippery volcanic rocks, and the entry can be difficult — especially wearing scuba gear.
✔ PRO TIPS:
Wear hard-soled dive booties (not socks!)
Use open-heeled fins for easy placement and removal.
Let the porters carry your tank, their role is their livelihood — this also supports the local community economy
Enter slowly; be aware of waves and don’t have any unattached equipment – which can be easily be dropped and lost
Keep your mask on and reg/snorkel in BEFORE entering the water and ensure your BCD is slightly inflated.
Diving the Liberty Wreck: Depth, Conditions & Highlights
The wreck is 120 metres long and broken into dramatic sections.
📌 Depth Breakdown:
5–10 m: snorkelling zone with coral, wide swim-throughs
12–18 m: best zone for beginner–intermediate scuba divers
20–30 m: deeper broken sections ideal for experienced divers
Conditions:
Visibility: 10–25 metres
Water temp: 27–30°C
Current: Usually mild; occasionally moderate
Why buoyancy matters:
The wreck’s metal edges can cause injury
Coral growth is dense and fragile
Silt can reduce visibility if kicked
Swim-throughs require careful spatial control
Confined areas requires awareness and navigation amongst many other divers
Marine Life at the Liberty Wreck
Tulamben is famous for its rich volcanic nutrients.
Expect:
Leaf scorpionfish
Giant trevallies
Coral catsharks
Nudibranchs
Bigfin reef squid
Huge schools of fusiliers
Turtles
Eels
Macro critters in sand slope
The Best Times to Dive the Liberty
Because the wreck is incredibly accessible, it gets BUSY.
✔ Best times:
6:00 AM (sunrise dive — best lighting & zero crowds)
4:00 PM (golden hour — fewer divers)
Avoid:
9 AM–1 PM (peak diving school rush)
Local holidays
Best season:
April–November (dry season) — best visibility
December–February — quietest, but rain is more common
Snorkelling vs Scuba on the Liberty Wreck
Comparison Table
| Experience | Snorkelling | Scuba Diving |
|---|---|---|
| Depth access | 5–10 m | 5–30 m |
| Marine life | Excellent | Excellent |
| Swim-throughs | No (Freedivers skill dependant) | Yes |
| Skill needed | Low | Beginner–Advanced |
| Safety risks | Waves & rocks | Buoyancy, rust, currents |
| Highlight | Coral-covered bow section | Entire ship structure |
The Night Dive: What You Should Know
A night dive on the Liberty is…
😱 surreal
😳 crowded
🌚 sometimes confusing
What to expect:
Dozens of torch beams
Incredible crustaceans & macro life
Eerie atmosphere
Very rare chance of bumphead parrotfish (the famed large school has been gone since 2020)
Tips:
Stick close to your guide’s light and fins
Stay clear of silt zones
- Be aware of your overhead surroundings
Maintain careful buoyancy
- Be extra careful when exiting, black rocks are hard to see in the dark (even with a torch)
Where to Stay in Tulamben (Our Professional Recommendations)
After two weeks diving here, our top picks are:
⭐ TAUCH TERMINAL RESORT
Best for: luxury + beach access + top service
On-site dive centre and spa. Stunning house reef. Beachfront views.
➡️ Check Tauch Terminal Resort & Spa Availability & Prices
⭐ LIBERTY DIVE RESORT
Best for: value + great dive guides + tropical gardens
Multiple pools, relaxed vibe, massage service, Balinese cottages.
Environmental & Ethical Considerations
The wreck is an artificial reef, meaning:
It supports coral — but coral is extremely sensitive.
Please avoid:
❌ Touching coral
❌ Standing on wreck structure
❌ Stirring silt with fins
❌ Wearing chemical sunscreen
❌ Chasing marine life
Please DO:
✔ Master buoyancy
✔ Maintain good fin control
✔ Choose eco-conscious dive centres
✔ Support local communities (porters, restaurants, homestays)
Pros & Cons of Diving the Liberty Wreck
Pros
✔ Accessible for all levels
✔ Amazing snorkelling
✔ Short swim to the wreck
✔ Fantastic marine life
✔ Easy to reach from Bali
✔ Photogenic wide swim-throughs
Cons
❌ Can be crowded
❌ Rocky shore entry
❌ Risk of cuts, rust, silt
❌ Night dive can feel chaotic
❌ No bumphead parrotfish remain
FAQ
Q1: Can beginners dive the USAT Liberty?
A: Yes! The top of the wreck sits at 5–12 metres, perfect for Open Water divers or Discover Scuba Divers, but be aware that the entry and exit can be challenging compared to a boat dive or sandy shore access.
Q2: Can you snorkel the Liberty wreck?
A: Yes — it’s one of the best snorkelling-accessible wrecks in the world. Always take a floatation device and never snorkel alone or at night without a guide.
Q3: What is the best time of day to dive the Liberty?
A: 6 AM for the best visibility and least crowds.
Q4: Is the Liberty wreck safe?
A: Yes, if you maintain buoyancy and avoid sharp or rusted metal edges.
Q5: How long is the USAT Liberty?
A: 120 metres (394 ft), according to U.S. naval archives.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The USAT Liberty Wreck is one of Indonesia’s most extraordinary dive sites — a rare combination of WWII history, volcanic geology, marine biodiversity, and unmatched accessibility.
Whether you’re a snorkeller seeing your first shipwreck or an experienced diver exploring the deeper broken decks, the Liberty offers something unforgettable.
It’s easy to reach, humbling to witness, and essential for any Bali diving itinerary.
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