Bali has only known 5 shark attacks in the past 35 years, so it is safe to say, sharks in Bali should not be your biggest worry.
You can explore dive sites and snorkel to see all the beauty of the underwater world without endangering your life.
But there are still shark species that can show up around Bali and other Indonesian islands. Here is a quick recap on what sharks you may or may not see in Bali’s waters.
Are There Sharks In Bali?
Skarks are extremely rare in Bali and mostly seen around two locations: Balian Beach and Menjangan Island – both are far away from the tourist spots in the south of the island. However, all the 5 said shark attacks happened around the Uluwatu peak!
There are sharks around the nearby islands, though, for example, Crystal Bay at Nusa Penida.
Contrary to popular misconception, sharks actually kill fewer people than coconuts falling from the palms!
11 Shark Species You Can See In Bali And Around
Tiger Shark
Tiger sharks are easy to identify – they have stripes and dots on their backs and can be rather aggressive.
While not officially documented, there is, for now, one story from fishermen and surfers on social media about Tiger sharks in Bali, around Uluwatu surf breaks, allegedly hunting for sea cows (manatee-looking creatures).
It makes sense since all of Uluwatu is surrounded by dense coral reefs that are a natural habitat for hundreds of forms of marine life.
Great White Shark
Great white sharks are probably the worst sharks to face: massive and willing to attack, they won’t mind biting humans.
But they are extremely rare and have only been reported to be seen once in recent years near Nusa Penida by a group of divers in March 2025.
Thresher Shark
This shark species is rarely found around Amed, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Tepekong (also good for whitetips). In Amed, they have been very rare since 2016.
They like warm and shallow waters, reefs, and are often spotted during the rainy season.
Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerheads don’t visit Bali but if you take a boat to the Gili islands, Lombok and Nusa Penida, you may see them during diving sessions. You will need a high-level certification since they often stay deep, up to 60 meters deep!
They are easy to spot as their heads look like a big hammer, absolutely not aggressive, but massive in size, from 4 to 6 meters!
Wobbegong Sharks
Wobbegong sharks have the nickname Carpet sharks because they can hide very well in the coral reefs.
And they hide for a reason – they are exceptional predators and love to hunt. They can be observed around Nusa Penida dive sites.
Reef Sharks
Coral reefs and warm water are also the favorite spot of reef sharks – docile, small and calm, they don’t normally show aggressive behavior towards humans.
Plus, they prefer the depths of the waters, so you can rarely encounter sharks just by the shore. Commonly found around diving spots in Nusa Penida.
Nurse Sharks
Small shark species that live in reefs with cute little barbels (sharks’ whiskers) on their upper lip.
They are completely not interested in humans and usually stay at the bottom of the sea, feeding on the marine life they find there.
Nurse sharks in Bali are seen around the Biaha Shark Cave secret diving spot.
Whitetip Reef Sharks
Nocturnal sharks with signature white tips on the fins and a slim body.
They avoid daylight and prefer to hide in caves, deep reefs, and rock formations. To see them, you will need a diving certification allowing you to go up to 40 meters deep.
Mostly seen around Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan islands rather than in Bali waters.
Blacktip Reef Sharks
Just like Whitetip sharks, these ones have a colored tip of the fin, but it is black this time, while the body is grey in color.
Relatively small in size – up to 1.5 meters long, they are timid and love the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.
Most sharks of this species were commonly found around Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and Padang Bai.
Usually calm, they can attack if provoked or scared.
Bamboo Sharks
They are called Bamboo sharks because they have stripes on their bodies that make them look like stems of bamboo. The younger the shark, the brighter the stripes are.
These magnificent creatures are mostly harmless to humans, stay active at night around shallow waters of the reefs and feed on small fish. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem functioning.
Whale Sharks
You won’t be able to see these beautiful, gentle giants with dotted bodies around Bali, but if you truly want to see sharks without it turning into a terrifying experience, you can head to Nusa Penida, Lombok, or Sumbawa.
They have no teeth and eat some tiny sea creatures, and pose no threat to us. Unfortunately, they are an endangered species, so please consider supporting conservation efforts if you plan to go see them.
Scuba Diving Spots For Shark Encounters
Observing sharks in Bali in their natural environment is definitely an unforgettable experience, but as it is rare and shark behavior is hard to predict, you should only try to look for them with an experienced diver.
Balian Beach
Although offering great surfing conditions, this beach is a deserted escape on the West coast of Bali, specifically because you can see Tiger sharks here (and rarely do they attack surfers).
Menjangan Island, Bali
The island and the beaches around are well known amongst divers for beautiful fish, corals, and reef shark sightings.
Shark Point, Gili Trawangan
Called Shark Point for a reason, it is a popular destination for tourists who want to see sharks in Bali in their natural habitat.
You will see many sea turtles as a bonus here, too!
Gili Tepekong & Mimpang
The tiniest islands off the coast near Candidasa are home to reef sharks and will be great for experienced divers.
Tangked & Biaha Shark Caves
Unique diving sites on the East Coast for advanced and experienced divers who are not afraid of going into dark caves. Sometimes you can see a dozen sharks here, mostly whitetip and blacktip reef sharks.
What To Do If You See A Shark In Bali?
Sharks are, without a doubt, dangerous creatures, but they don’t always attack just because they can.
Always maintain a respectful distance.
Do not provoke sharks or scare them – if you are calm, they will not attack.
Stay calm, and some experts say if the shark is heading your way, you can gently push it away – it makes sense since the front of their heads is their blind spot. They see best from the side!
Do not ever attempt to touch them – respect their personal space. Theoretically, you can feed from hands baby sharks like Hammerheads, but their moms may not be pleased.
Diving beginners should always be together with a pro diver and follow the given instructions.
FAQS
Is It Safe To Swim In The Sea In Bali?
Swimming in Bali’s waters is not always a great idea. The southern coast is great for surfing, which means waves are powerful and high, making it impossible to enjoy swimming or do so safely. The best swimming beaches in Bali are around the East coast: Nusa Dua, Benoa, Sanur, or Amed.
Is Bali Safe For Diving?
Bali’s waters are safe for scuba diving, but you should still either have a proper certification or only dive with experienced divers who know how to avoid sudden movements of marine creatures and strong currents that can pull you into the open ocean.
Are There Saltwater Crocodiles In Bali, Indonesia?
There are no crocodile species in Bali currently, only in captivity, as they were almost all killed in the 20th century. However, some experts say they started to return to Bali, Lombok, in Java around 2023.
Final Thoughts On Sharks in Bali’s Waters
In Bali and surrounding islands, you can dive with sea turtles, observe a variety of corals and tropical fish, and explore underwater temples and shipwrecks.
But if you need some adrenaline kick, find a shark diving guide and have some fun looking for these magnificent creatures in the Indian Ocean!
Read more:
Animals In Bali: Your Guide To All The Animals And Their Natural Environments On The Island
The Ultimate Bali Dolphins Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Meet Man’s Best Aquatic Friends
Tomcats Bali: How To Keep This Rove Beetles From Ruining Your Trip
