Everything You Need To Know Before Diving The USAT Liberty Wreck. If you are planning a diving trip to Bali, there is one site that almost every diver talks about — the famous USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben. This historic shipwreck is not just a dive site; it’s an underwater icon. Whether you are a beginner trying scuba for the first time or an experienced diver looking for incredible marine life, diving the USAT Liberty Wreck is an experience you will never forget.
Before you jump into the water, here is everything you need to know to make your dive safe, smooth, and unforgettable.
The Story Behind the USAT Liberty Wreck
The USAT Liberty was a United States Army cargo ship built during World War I. In 1942, during World War II, it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine while transporting supplies. The damaged ship was towed to the shore of Tulamben in East Bali to prevent it from sinking completely.
For years, the ship rested on the beach — until 1963, when Mount Agung erupted. The massive volcanic activity pushed the ship back into the sea, where it slid down the black sand slope and settled underwater. Today, the wreck lies just a few meters from shore, making it one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world.
This unique combination of history and nature makes diving here much more meaningful than just exploring metal structures.
Where Is the USAT Liberty Wreck Located?
The wreck is located in Tulamben, a quiet fishing village on the northeast coast of Bali. It’s about 2.5 to 3 hours by car from popular tourist areas like Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud.
Tulamben itself is calm and peaceful — perfect for divers who want to focus on the ocean rather than nightlife. The diving is shore entry, meaning you walk directly from the beach into the water. No boat is required, which makes the experience simple and convenient.
Depth and Difficulty Level
One of the best things about the USAT Liberty Wreck is that it is suitable for almost all certification levels.
- The shallowest part of the wreck starts at around 5 meters.
- The deepest section reaches approximately 30 meters.
Because of this depth range, beginners can explore the upper sections of the wreck, while advanced divers can go deeper and discover more hidden details.
The dive is generally considered easy. Currents are usually mild, and visibility is often good — especially during calm sea conditions. However, like any dive site, conditions can vary depending on weather and season.
What Marine Life Can You Expect?
Over the decades, the wreck has transformed into an artificial reef. Coral has covered the metal structure, and marine life has completely claimed it as home.
During your dive, you may see:
- Large schools of jackfish swirling around the wreck
- Bumphead parrotfish in the early morning
- Reef sharks cruising in the blue
- Moray eels hiding in small openings
- Lionfish and scorpionfish resting near the structure
- Nudibranchs and macro critters for underwater photographers
One of the most famous moments at the Liberty is the giant school of big-eye trevally that forms a vortex around the wreck. Swimming through this swirling cloud of fish feels magical.
Macro lovers will also enjoy searching for small, colorful creatures on the sandy bottom near the wreck.
Best Time to Dive the USAT Liberty Wreck
The site can be dived all year round, but the best conditions are usually during Bali’s dry season, when the sea is calmer and visibility is clearer.
Early morning dives are highly recommended. Not only is the water often calmer, but this is also the best time to see bumphead parrotfish feeding around the wreck. Sunrise dives here are peaceful and special.
Night diving is also popular. At night, the wreck becomes even more dramatic, with different creatures coming out to hunt.
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Shore Entry Tips
Because this is a shore dive, you will enter the water over volcanic black stones. These rocks can be unstable and a bit slippery. It’s important to:
- Wear proper dive booties
- Move slowly and carefully
- Follow your guide’s instructions
Most dive centers will help you with entry and exit to ensure everything is safe and comfortable.
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Is It Safe to Dive the Wreck?
Yes, diving the USAT Liberty Wreck is generally safe when done with proper training and a professional dive guide.
However, like any wreck dive, you should:
- Avoid penetrating tight or unstable sections unless properly trained
- Monitor your depth carefully
- Stay aware of your air consumption
- Follow your dive plan and buddy system
The wreck structure has been underwater for decades, so some areas are fragile. Respecting the site helps preserve it for future divers.
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Photography Opportunities
If you enjoy underwater photography, this wreck is a dream location. Wide-angle shots of the ship structure covered in coral are stunning. At the same time, the site offers amazing macro opportunities.
Morning light can create beautiful beams shining through the water, especially in the shallow sections. Night dives are perfect for capturing hunting lionfish, sleeping parrotfish, and other nocturnal life.
Whether you use a GoPro or professional camera gear, you will return with memorable images.
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Who Should Dive the USAT Liberty?
This site is perfect for:
- Beginner divers doing their first wreck dive
- Advanced divers wanting deeper exploration
- Underwater photographers
- History lovers
- Divers who prefer easy shore access
It is also ideal for those who want multiple dives in one day, as the site is easily accessible and conditions are usually stable.
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How to Prepare for Your Dive
Before diving the Liberty, make sure:
- Your certification is up to date
- You feel comfortable with buoyancy control
- You are physically fit for diving
- You stay hydrated, especially in Bali’s warm climate
If you haven’t dived in a while, consider doing a refresher dive first. Good buoyancy is especially important to avoid damaging coral growing on the wreck.
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Final Thoughts
Diving the USAT Liberty Wreck is more than just ticking off a famous dive site. It’s a combination of history, marine biodiversity, and easy accessibility that makes it one of the best wreck dives in the world.
From massive schools of fish to colorful coral-covered steel, every dive here feels different. Whether you visit Tulamben for one day or stay longer to explore nearby sites, the Liberty will likely become one of your favorite underwater memories.
If Bali diving is on your bucket list, the USAT Liberty Wreck absolutely deserves a top spot.