Bali’s Underwater Adventures Are Calling Out To A New Generation Of Tourists 

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In 2026 and beyond, maritime tourism is a key area of focus for tourism leaders in Bali and across Indonesia.

As an archipelago nation, the ocean plays a huge role in day-to-day life, the nation’s culture, and, of course, the country’s tourism offering. 

From diving to snorkelling, surfing to sailing, maritime tourism offers so much space for exploration and adventure in Indonesia, but especially in Bali.

Leaders in the maritime tourism space have been speaking to reporters about how the underwater adventure tourism space has so much untapped potential.

Here at The Bali Sun, we know how to read between the lines. What this means is that we can expect to see some crazy cool and super affordable, new underwater adventure experiences coming to the market very, very soon. 

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Speaking to reporters this week, Ida Bagus Agung Partha Adnyana, Chairman of the Indonesian Diving Tourism Entrepreneurs Association Bali branch (GAHAWISRI), shared that underwater tourism activities in Bali have always tended to follow a relatively stable seasonal pattern.

The peak period, or high season, generally occurs from July to October, while the beginning and end of the year tend to be the low season. He shared, “The pattern remains the same, peaking from July to October.”

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The number of members of the GAHAWISRI has dropped over the last few years. Notably, many tourism businesses closed during the pandemic and did not reopen when the sector opened up again.

Adnyana noted, however, that the decline in the number of maritime tourism businesses and dive shops is not due to a drop in demand, but rather due to changing travel interests.

As more Gen Z travelers enter the market, travel trends are now reflecting their preferences, which are markedly different from those of their older counterparts. 

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Adnyana noted that Gen Z tourists are interested in maritime tourism and maritime-adjacent tourism experiences like beach clubs and beach-based experiences that do not require any prerequisites or training. He explained, “Diving requires time, training, and preparation. Meanwhile, Generation Z prefers quick and convenient activities. This is different from previous generations.”

He explained that the diving tourism market, once dominated by Japanese and European baby boomers and Generation X tourists, is now shrinking. Instead, younger tourists tend to avoid activities that require certification and specialized skills, such as diving.

However, snorkelling is something that is far more accessible and offers younger travellers the adventure kick and awe-inspiring encounters they are looking for. Most importantly, snorkelling experiences in Bali, including snorkelling with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida or swimming with turtles off Bali’s Menjangan Island, are perfect social media content. 

Adnyana and his counterparts are calling on younger tourists and the new generation of Bali tourists to take a dive into the underwater realms of maritime tourism in the region.

He and other business owners believe that Bali’s underwater tourism still holds significant potential if supported by appropriate promotion, strengthening marine conservation, and integration with sustainable tourism concepts.

He concluded, “Underwater tourism is not just about adventure, but also about education and conservation. If packaged well, the market will still exist without damaging the environment.”

Tourists traveling to Bali in the coming months would be wise to snap up day trip travel deals for snorkelling and ocean-bound adventures all across the province.

Even better, tourists can book a stay in one of Bali’s top maritime tourism areas. Sanur is always a great shout, with hotels like The Meru offering easy beachfront access and a truly luxurious space to enjoy.

For something a little off the beaten path, be sure to explore the diving and snorkelling options in Bali’s most up-and-coming destination, Pemuteran. Here tourists can enjoy budget-friendly stays and access to one of Indonesia’s most beloved coral reefs that has received a huge amount of conservation investment and is home to some of the most impressive marine life in the province.