Snorkeling is an excellent and safe activity for children. Abundant marinelife can be enjoyed of the reefs off Sanur, Nusa Dua, Lovina and Padangbai, all accessible by boat. Snorkeling can be enjoyed anywhere there is scuba diving-if an area has good coral reefs, there will be snorkeling gear for rent.

Scuba diving is more expensive, frequently requiring land or sea transport to the best dive locations. The best diving on Bali is from around five to twenty meters, though during the wet season storms may reduce visibility.

Drift diving was made popular on Bali because techniques were needed to accommodate the deep currents surrounding the island. Divers usually suit up on the beach in front of the dive master's favorite restaurant.

Most operators take divers (two people per boat) to the dive site in outriggers (jukung) fitted with small outboard motors. Passengers often get soaked, no matter how skilled the boatmen, and sometimes you have to clear the boat off a fringing reef.