In Reply to: snorkeling posted by ali on Sunday, 21. January 2007 at 19:41 Bali Time:
rather than relying on boats, guides, tours, etc, then a few days in the Amed area can be very rewarding [and also much cheaper, if that is a consideration]. Plenty of accomodation, at various prices, in Lipah village and also at Jemaluk. Both Lipah and Jemaluk have live coral reefs with lots of fish, straight off the beach.
I always take my own snorkeling gear, then I know that the mask is a good fit and does not let in water, the flippers are comfortable and I know whose mouth the snorkel has been in.
The Blue Lagoon at Padang Bai is also good, but you need to be there before the swell gets up.
I've snorkeled in these areas in August/Sepetember, so can't comment on March, but conditions can vary according to the weather and state of the tide, so it's better to be staying there, rather than have a one day trip in and perhaps be disappointed.
I find it much more relaxing to be on my own schedule, rather than be tied in to boat times etc.