A Swim with History: Discovering the USAT Liberty Wreck at Tulamben
Snorkel a WWII wreck from shore and swim through a living coral museum
By 7:30 a.m. the beach at Tulamben is a disagreed calm — fishermen dragging nets, a coffee-scented breeze, and the first edge of light hitting a slab of rust an arm's reach offshore. You step into the warm, lapping water and the world changes: surface glare softens to a mosaic of coral heads, and the hulking silhouette of the USAT Liberty fills the view like a stranded cathedral. It is shockingly near — a few fin kicks from shore — and immediately, the wreck rewrites what you thought you knew about snorkeling. This is not a postcard reef. It is a place where history and ocean choreography meet, where turtles pick their way through portholes and schools of fusiliers stream through the skeleton of a cargo ship sunk decades ago.
Trail Wisdom
Arrive at slack tide
Book the morning window and time your swim for slack tide when currents are weakest and visibility improves.
Wear reef shoes
Shore entry can be rocky; reef shoes protect your feet and make the initial approach comfortable.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect the corals by choosing mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreen and apply it ashore before entering the water.
Hire a local guide
Local guides know safe lines, current changes, and the best photographic angles around the wreck.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Coral Garden near the beach — shallower snorkel with abundant juvenile fish
- •Quiet 7th Beach warung — a local spot for grilled fish and sunrise coffee
Wildlife
Green and hawksbill turtles, Large schools of fusiliers and occasional reef sharks in deeper water
Conservation Note
Local dive shops often partner with village groups on reef cleanups and coral restoration — visitors can support these initiatives by booking with responsible operators and avoiding contact with corals.
The USAT Liberty was torpedoed and beached in 1942; over the decades the vessel became a colonizing surface for corals and a de facto artificial reef.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: fewer crowds, early-season dry dives
Challenges: variable winds, occasional run-off after rains
Spring (April–May) marks the start of the dry season: water clarity improves and visitor numbers are still moderate, but brief tropical showers can happen early in the period.
summer
Best for: calm seas, best visibility, turtle sightings
Challenges: higher visitor numbers, hot afternoons
Summer (June–September) is dry season: expect excellent visibility, steady conditions, and the busiest tourism window.
fall
Best for: quieter beaches, warm water
Challenges: increasing rain late in season, switching winds
Fall (October) can be transitional; early fall retains dry clarity, while late fall begins seeing more rain and variable sea conditions.
winter
Best for: affordable stays, stormy dramatic skies
Challenges: monsoon rains, reduced visibility, stronger currents
Winter (November–March) overlaps the wet season — expect heavy rain, choppier seas, and reduced underwater visibility that can limit snorkeling options.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Mask & SnorkelEssential
A snug mask and reliable snorkel make the difference for repeated swims and clearer views of the wreck.
Reef ShoesEssential
Protect feet on rocky shore entries and on sharp coral patches near the beach.
Rash Guard or 2mm Wetsuit
Sun protection and light thermal insulation for longer sessions or cooler mornings.
Underwater Camera or GoPro
Capture wide-angle shots of the wreck and close-ups of resident turtles and schooling fish.
Common Questions
How far is the wreck from shore?
The USAT Liberty sits just a few fin kicks from the beach—roughly 20–50 meters depending on tides—making it easy to reach without a boat.
Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to join?
Basic snorkeling competence is recommended; guides can support less confident swimmers but you should be comfortable with open-water conditions.
Is the site suitable for kids?
Families with older children who can swim well often have great experiences, though supervision and reef shoes are advised.
Are there boat trips or is it all shore-based?
Most people access the Liberty from shore, though some operators offer short boat rides to nearby drop-offs or coral gardens.
Will my driver pick me up from South Bali?
Most tours include hotel pickup from South Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud) with a drive time of approximately 2–3 hours depending on traffic.
Are there fees or permits to snorkel the wreck?
There’s typically a small site or parking fee collected locally; some conservation-focused operators may include contributions to reef protection.
What to Pack
Mask and snorkel for fit and comfort; reef shoes for safe shore entry; reef-safe sunscreen for coral protection; waterproof camera to capture the wreck without missing the moment
Did You Know
The USAT Liberty was torpedoed in 1942, beached at Tulamben, and later slipped off the shore in a 1963 earthquake—today it forms one of Bali's most famous artificial reefs.
Quick Travel Tips
Book early-morning departures for calm water; carry cash for small local fees; bring a dry bag for phones and snacks; check operator COVID and gear-cleaning policies before booking
Local Flavor
After the water, head to a nearby warung in Tulamben or Amed for ikan bakar (grilled fish), a cold Bintang beer, and Balinese coffee. Many beachfront cafes double as dive hubs—ask about local catches and chat with fishers to understand customary sea-based life here.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar); Driving distance: ~2–3 hours from South Bali (Kuta/Seminyak); Cell service: patchy in parts, local 4G often usable near shops; Permits: small site/parking fees possible, no major permits required but operator entry fees may apply
Sustainability Note
This wreck is a vital artificial reef; avoid touching corals, use reef-safe sunscreen, and choose operators who participate in reef conservation and local cleanups.
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