USAT Liberty Wreck
Overview
The USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben, Bali, is one of the most accessible and biodiverse wreck dives in the world. This 120-meter American cargo ship was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942 and beached in Tulamben. When Mount Agung erupted in 1963, lava flows pushed the wreck off the beach into the sea, where it settled on a volcanic black sand slope just 30 meters from shore. Today the wreck lies on its starboard side at depths from 5 meters (the shallowest hull sections) to 30 meters (the deepest cargo hold), making it accessible to all certification levels. The shore entry across volcanic pebbles is straightforward, and currents are negligible. Over sixty years of submersion have transformed the Liberty into a thriving artificial reef. The hull is encrusted in hard corals, soft corals, sponges, and gorgonians, supporting extraordinary biodiversity. Schools of bumphead parrotfish — sometimes 30 or more — visit the wreck at dawn, creating one of the most spectacular sights in Bali diving. Barracuda and trevally school around the mast, Napoleon wrasse cruise along the hull, and reef sharks patrol the deeper sections. Macro life is equally impressive: pygmy seahorses hide on sea fans, nudibranchs in countless varieties crawl on the hull, and frogfish camouflage against sponges. Garden eels wave from the sand nearby. Night dives on the Liberty are outstanding, with Spanish dancers, hunting octopuses, and sleeping parrotfish. The wreck can be dived 4–5 times in a day exploring different sections each time.
Marine life
Dive profile
DEPTH PROFILE
DEPTH PROGRESSION & WAYPOINTS: USAT Liberty Wreck
Location
Frequently asked questions
What certification is needed for the Liberty wreck?
Open Water certification is sufficient. The wreck lies from 5 to 30 meters on a sandy slope, with much of the structure accessible at 15–20 meters. The shore entry and lack of currents make it exceptionally beginner-friendly for a wreck dive.
When is the best time to dive the Liberty?
April to November offers the best visibility (15–30 meters) and calmest conditions. The wreck is diveable year-round. Early morning dives (before 8 AM) offer the best chance to see bumphead parrotfish schools and fewer divers.
What is the USAT Liberty?
The USAT Liberty was a US Army cargo ship torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942. Originally beached in Tulamben, it was pushed into the sea by the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung. It now lies on a volcanic sand slope just 30 meters from shore.
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Data Provenance
This profile is compiled from 3 operator submissions and 142 community logs. Key facts (depth, entry) are verified against official hydrographic charts.