• Grab some fins and a mask--Balinese snorkeling doesn't disappoint.Snorkel image by LenseGoneBad from Fotolia.com
  
  With its wildly various marine life, pristine coral and balmy water, Bali is a snorkeler's delight. Balinese snorkeling is some of the best in the world. Luckily, everyone can enjoy it: whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool backpacker or a luxury tourist, you'll find a snorkeling tour that's the perfect fit in Bali. If you'd prefer to laser-sight the best snorkeling spots, opt for a guide. Most of the beachside hotels and hostels will arrange a guide or a tour for guests; if you're more of a do-it-yourself type, most of these are also happy to rent snorkeling equipment and point you in the right direction.
  
  

Tulamben

• The wreck of the "USAT Liberty" lies just 10 feet from the ocean's surface. Even half a century from the day it sank, snorkelers still clearly can see the ship's artillery, toilets and boilers. The marine residents of the wreck are equally fascinating (among them anemones, lion fish, scorpion fish, eels, stingrays and harlequins). Conditions are generally good in the water around the wreck, and the volcanic black sand provides a striking backdrop for the passing fish. Non-hotel-specific tour operations abound here, offering guided packages that generally include all transportation, equipment, meals and towels. One standout operator is Tulamben Wreck Divers (specialists in day tours of the wreck).
  
  Tulamben Wreck Divers
  Kubu, Bali
  Indonesia
  011-62-363=23400
  tulambenwreckdivers.com
  
  

Blue Lagoon

• Another prime snorkeling site, Blue Lagoon is a fabulous place with a very misleading name. After all, it's neither blue nor a lagoon--it's greenish, and it's a bay. Faulty title notwithstanding, Blue Lagoon is one of the most delightful places in Bali to strap on your fins and play. The bay's sandy bottom reveals scores of surprises: unusual reef sharks, squid, octopi, nudibranch, eels of every stripe, leaf scorpion fish, crocodile fish, napoleon wrasse, and even some stargazers. The coral isn't remarkable, but the bay is protected and offers lots of easy-access accommodation to suit any budget. Any hotel on the bay will arrange a tour. Bloo Lagoon is a nearby resort that operates a day tour of the area.
  
  Bloo Lagoon
  Padangbai, Bali
  Indonesia
  011-62-363-41211
  bloolagoon.com
  
  

Amed

• Amed is a cove on the east coast of Bali that's teeming with sea life and cute hotels. From the dark gray of the beach, you'd think that Amed's base is the same dark volcanic sand as Tulamben. Once you're in the water, however, the sand morphs into a warm beige. The variety of sea life goes up exponentially the farther you get from shore, so good tours will take you a good distance from the crowds to see the "good stuff." The beach is thick with hotels boasting tour desks, so you won't have to look far to arrange a tour. Amed Dive Center is a great place to start.
  
  Amed Dive Center
  Amed, Bali
  Indonesia
  011-62-363-23462
  ameddivecenter.com