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Diving in Bali: A Guide From Amed

October 8, 2026

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Diving in Bali covers a lot of ground. There are slow reef dives a few fin-kicks from the beach, and there are fast drifts along walls and wrecks.

Beginners and experienced divers both have plenty to explore: bright reef fish, well-kept coral, and currents for anyone who wants them.

Does Amed Offer best diving in Bali?

Bali has no shortage of world-class sites. Visibility is good, the water is warm, and the reefs are full of life. Whether you're a qualified diver or happiest with a mask and snorkel, there's a site here for you.
There's something here for every level of diver, from the clear water of North Bali to the coral gardens of Amed and beyond. This guide covers the places we recommend most, starting on our own stretch of coast.

 

Scuba-diving in Amed

Amed has become a favourite with scuba divers, freedivers and technical divers. It sits beneath the foothills of Mount Agung on the far eastern tip of Bali, about 85 km north-east of the airport at Denpasar.

It's still a fishing village at heart and keeps its own unhurried pace, far from the bustle of the southern resorts. For more on the coast and its villages, see our guide to Amed Beach on Bali's east coast.

Our Guest Relations team can arrange PADI courses, guided dives and private snorkelling trips with a local dive centre, from a first discovery dive to advanced certification.

Amed is known for calm water, gentle currents and good visibility. Clownfish and lionfish are everywhere on the reef. Manta rays, sharks, turtles and mola mola (ocean sunfish) are often reported along this coast too. At Jemeluk the reef starts close to the beach, so snorkellers can simply wade in.

Bali's Diving Locations

Tulamben

Tulamben lies just past Amed and is best known for the wreck of the USAT Liberty. The US Army cargo ship was torpedoed by the Japanese in 1942, and divers now come from all over the world to explore it. A diving trip to Bali isn't really complete without it.
 
The wreck suits most divers, with depths of roughly 10 to 36 metres. Expect plenty of coral, big schools of fish and relics to find along the way, including rusted anchors and propellers. In the morning, look out for the school of giant bumphead parrotfish that sometimes heads home from the wreck.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida has a reputation as one of Indonesia's best dive destinations, with close encounters with sea turtles, manta rays, mola mola and sharks. 
 
Sites such as Crystal Bay and SD have rich coral gardens and a wide range of marine life. The currents are strong, and that's part of what makes it worth the effort.

Padang Bai

Padang Bai, further down Bali's east coast, is good for snorkelling, with shallow reefs and fish close to shore. 
 
It's classed as a beginner site, but experienced divers still enjoy the coral formations, and you might spot a pod of dolphins or a passing eagle ray.

Menjangan Island

Menjangan lies about 10 km off the mainland, inside the West Bali National Park. You get there by a 30-minute boat ride from Labuan Lalang.

Depths run from 5 to 50 metres, and divers can swim with manta rays, reef sharks, moray eels and schools of barracuda. Its walls run on for miles, with several dive sites around the island.

Drift diving in Bali

For more of a rush, try drift diving in Bali. There's nothing quite like letting the current carry you past coral and sea life, large and small.

Keep an eye on the crevices as you pass, because plenty hides there and now and then something darts out.

Safety precautions for diving in Bali

Diving in Bali is great fun, but safety comes first, and knowing what to look out for helps you get the most from every dive. 
Dive with a PADI-licensed operator, stay aware of your surroundings and check the weather forecast. Strong currents or low visibility can quickly turn a good dive into an unsafe one.

Staying in Amed for diving

After a morning on the reef, it's good to come back somewhere quiet. Our private pool villas in Amed give you room to rinse off, rest and plan the next dive, from Villa Angin Laut to Villa Umah Sukah, which works well for families who want to snorkel together.
 
Tell us your dates and how you like to dive, and we'll arrange the rest. Make an enquiry to stay at Vesica Villas Resort.

Resort Villas in Amed

Discover Vesica Villas Resort for a quiet stay above Bali's east coast.

Three- and four-bedroom villas, with the comfort of a home of your own and attentive resort care.

The Villas

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