Bali has no shortage of beaches, but not all of them are great for swimming. Some have powerful surf for surfers, others are rocky and better for snorkeling, and a few are so busy that finding a calm spot in the water is a challenge. Over time, I’ve explored almost every stretch of coastline to figure out which ones have that perfect mix: calm water, clean sand, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay all day.
In this guide, I’m sharing my personal favorite beaches for swimming in Bali in 2025, places I’ve been to more than once, with notes on when to go, what to expect, and why each one keeps pulling me back.
Sanur Beach — Calm Lagoon Luxury
Sanur is my go-to when I want to start my day with an easy swim. The lagoon here is shielded by a reef, so the waves break far out, leaving the shoreline with calm, flat water. I love that I can just float without worrying about strong currents. On a clear morning, the water takes on a pale turquoise shade, and you can see Mount Agung in the distance—it’s a view that always makes me slow down and take it in. The beachfront promenade also makes it easy to combine a morning swim with a post-swim coffee or breakfast at one of the cafes.
Timing matters, though. I’ve learned to check the tides before heading over, because at low tide the water can be too shallow for a proper swim, and seaweed starts to poke through the surface. High tide is perfect—deep enough for swimming but still calm. Sanur also stays relatively clean, even during rainy season when debris can be a problem on Bali’s west coast, which makes it a reliable choice any time of year.
Nusa Dua & Geger Beach — Calm Luxury and Seaside Tranquility
Nusa Dua feels polished and peaceful. The water is shallow and crystal-clear, making it ideal for a lazy swim or even some light snorkeling near the reef. Because this area is lined with resorts, the beach is groomed daily, so you won’t have to worry about stepping on trash or sharp rocks. I like swimming here in the late morning when the sun has warmed the water and the light makes the seabed shimmer. It’s one of those spots where you can easily lose track of time.
If I’m in the mood for something quieter, I head just south to Geger Beach. It’s technically part of the same stretch of coastline but has a more laid-back vibe. There are fewer people, and small warungs serve fresh coconuts instead of resort cocktails. The reef here means the water stays calm, and you can often spot fish without even putting your head underwater. It’s the kind of place where I end up swimming for far longer than I planned.
Jimbaran Beach — Sunset Swims Paired with Seafood
Jimbaran is my favorite beach for combining a swim with an unforgettable sunset dinner. The waves here are gentle enough to wade in without any real effort, and the sand is soft underfoot. I usually swim in the afternoon when the light starts to turn golden. It gives everything a warm glow that makes the ocean look even more inviting. The beach is wide and open, so even on busier days it doesn’t feel too crowded.
What makes Jimbaran special, though, is what happens after the swim. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the seafood restaurants start setting up tables right on the sand. There’s nothing like finishing a swim, wrapping up in a towel, and then sitting down to grilled snapper or prawns with your feet still in the sand. The sunset colors reflecting off the water make it feel like the whole evening is part of the same, slow-moving experience.
Padang Padang Beach — A Hidden Cove Oasis
Padang Padang has a magical entrance. You squeeze through a narrow rock passage and suddenly the beach appears like a hidden world. It’s not large, but the cliffs on either side make it feel sheltered. When the tide is mid to high, the water inside the cove is calm and perfect for a swim. I love floating here, looking up at the limestone cliffs with little trees clinging to their edges. The sand is soft, the water is warm, and there’s just enough shade in the morning to keep it comfortable.
I’ve learned to come early, though. By late morning, the small stretch of sand starts filling up with visitors, and the peaceful vibe can quickly disappear. Sometimes, especially after heavy rain, bits of trash can wash in from the ocean, so mornings are usually the cleanest time to visit. Still, when you catch Padang Padang at its best, it feels like you’ve found a tiny, tropical swimming pool carved out of the coast.
Dreamland Beach — Wide Sands and Quiet Swims
Dreamland has this spacious, open feel that I love. The sand stretches far enough that you can always find a spot to yourself, and the water is usually calm enough for swimming, especially in the dry season. The gentle slope of the beach makes it easy to wade in, and once you’re a few meters from shore, you get that weightless feeling of being in deeper water without any chop. I often bring a beach mat and just spend hours alternating between swimming and relaxing under the sun.
There are small cafes up on the cliff and right by the sand, so you can grab a drink or light snack without leaving the beach. The atmosphere here is quieter than in Kuta or Seminyak, which makes it a great option if you want to swim without dodging surfers or beach crowds. The sunsets here are also worth staying for—orange and pink skies stretching over the wide horizon.
Melasti Beach — Dramatic Views and Low-Tide Relaxation
Melasti is one of those beaches that impresses you before you even touch the sand. The road down winds through tall limestone cliffs, and from the top you get a panoramic view of turquoise water meeting pale sand. Once you’re on the beach, you’ll find clear, calm areas perfect for a gentle swim—especially at low tide, when rock pools appear and the waves are kept in check by the reef. I often come here with a camera because the scenery is just too good not to capture.
What I love most about Melasti is how clean it is. The water feels fresh, and the sand is regularly cleared of debris, making it one of the most pristine beaches in Bali. Even on weekends, there are quiet corners if you walk far enough from the main entrance. It’s the kind of place where a swim feels like part of a bigger escape—complete with stunning scenery in every direction.
East Bali Favorites: Amed & Virgin Beach
When I want to slow down completely, I head to East Bali. Amed is famous for its black volcanic sand and incredible snorkeling, but it’s also a peaceful place to swim. The water stays calm most of the year, and just a short swim from shore you’ll find colorful reefs and fish darting between corals. The pace here is slower, with fishing boats lining the shore and locals chatting on the beach. It feels worlds away from the busier west coast.
Virgin Beach, near Candidasa, is another favorite. The sand here is soft and white, and the water is that perfect shade of turquoise you expect from a tropical postcard. There’s no loud music, no big bars—just a few warungs serving grilled fish and fresh fruit. Swimming here feels private, almost like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. I often stay until the late afternoon, when the sun is softer and the beach becomes even quieter.
Safety Tips for Swimming in Bali
Swimming in Bali can be amazing, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. I always check for flags before getting in—green means it’s safe, red means stay out. Lifeguards aren’t always present, especially on more secluded beaches. The dry season (May to September) is generally the best time for calm seas, while the wet season can bring stronger currents and the occasional jellyfish.
Another tip is to avoid swimming right after heavy rain, especially on the west coast, as debris can wash into the water. On those days, I stick to east coast spots like Sanur or Nusa Dua, which stay cleaner. And when in doubt, I ask locals—they almost always know the safest part of the beach to swim on any given day.
Final Thoughts
From floating in Sanur’s gentle lagoon to snorkeling over volcanic sand in Amed, Bali’s beaches each offer something different for swimmers. The key is knowing which ones match the kind of swim you’re looking for, calm, scenic, secluded, or social. For me, swimming here isn’t just about the water—it’s about the experience that comes with it: the views, the food nearby, and the rhythm of the day. And with so many great options, there’s always another perfect swim waiting just around the coast.
