Tulamben & Amed
Diving & Snorkeling in Amed, Bali – A Complete Guide
Why Dive in Amed?
Amed is one of Bali’s most relaxed and rewarding dive destinations. Located on the island’s northeast coast, it offers easy shore diving, calm conditions, vibrant reefs, and iconic wrecks, all without the crowds of southern Bali. It’s a place where diving feels unhurried and deeply connected to the local rhythm of life.
Unlike resort-heavy areas, Amed is made up of small fishing villages, black volcanic beaches, and family-run dive shops. You wake up, gear up, and walk straight into the sea.
Best Time to Dive
Best season: April to November
Water temperature: 26–29°C
Visibility: 15–30 m (often best in the morning)
Amed is diveable year-round. Even during Bali’s wet season (Dec–Mar), Amed is relatively sheltered compared to the west coast. Morning dives usually offer the calmest seas and clearest visibility.
Dive Conditions
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Current: Usually mild (can increase around points)
Entry: Mostly shore dives over pebbles or sand
Depth: 5–30 m
Amed is ideal for new divers, photographers, and relaxed exploration, but there are also deeper sites and mild drift dives for more experienced divers.
Top Dive Sites in Amed
1. USAT Liberty Wreck (Tulamben)
10 minutes from Amed
Depth: 5–30 m
Type: Shore dive, wreck
Why it’s special: One of the world’s most accessible wrecks
This WWII cargo ship is now completely encrusted in coral and teeming with life. You’ll see bumphead parrotfish, turtles, barracuda, pygmy seahorses, and massive schools of fish. Sunrise dives here are magical — often calm, quiet, and full of action.
2. Jemeluk Bay
Depth: 5–30 m
Type: Reef + artificial structures
A colorful reef with underwater statues and sandy patches. Great coral diversity, turtles, reef fish, and excellent snorkeling and beginner diving. Also a favorite for night dives.
3. Pyramids
Depth: 10–25 m
Type: Artificial reef
Concrete pyramid structures attract schooling fish, sweetlips, and sometimes reef sharks. Easy navigation and great visibility make this a fun, relaxed dive.
4. Japanese Shipwreck (Amed)
Depth: 6–12 m
Type: Shallow wreck
A small WWII wreck perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and macro lovers. Expect nudibranchs, lionfish, and schooling reef fish.
5. Seraya Secrets
Depth: 5–25 m
Type: Muck dive
A macro paradise. Black sand, subtle terrain — but incredible critter life: frogfish, ghost pipefish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish. Best dived slowly with a good guide.
Marine Life Highlights
Sea turtles
Reef sharks (occasionally)
Bumphead parrotfish
Barracuda schools
Pygmy seahorses
Frogfish & rare macro critters
Octopus, cuttlefish, nudibranchs
Amed is especially loved by underwater photographers for its mix of wide-angle and macro opportunities.
Snorkeling & Freediving
The coolest thing about Amed is that you can just jump into the water to explore without needing a boat. Calm waters, healthy reefs close to shore, and minimal boat traffic make it excellent for freediving depth training from the shore. Early mornings are the best for flat seas and clear water.
We recommend Jemeluk Bay for freediving & snorkeling. It's a beautiful site, easy to access (just with a scooter), numerous shops & restaurants nearby to enjoy and relax afterwards, and in the water, there are some really interesting artificial statues as well as beautiful reefs. You can go as shallow as just 5 meters or as deep as 30 meters all just near the bay. Just be careful of the boat traffic, and when you are going out of the bay as there might be some currents. It's also a great place to try some night snorkeling!
Dive Shops & Courses
Amed has many small, high-quality dive centers offering:
Fun dives
PADI / SSI courses
Private guides
Freediving courses
Most shops keep groups small and focus on slow, respectful diving.
Where to Stay
Beachfront bungalows for easy shore access
Hillside stays for views of Mount Agung
Quiet eco-lodges and diver-focused accommodations
Choose a location close to your favorite dive sites — Amed stretches over several villages.
The Amed Vibe
Life in Amed is slow and grounded. Expect:
Early mornings
Simple beach cafés
Strong local culture
Incredible sunrises
A deep sense of calm after diving
It’s a place to log dives thoughtfully, not rush through them.
Who Amed Is Perfect For
Beginner divers
Macro lovers & photographers
Snorkelers and freedivers
Divers who prefer shore dives over boat schedules
Anyone who wants a quieter, more authentic Bali experience
Top Sites
Trips in Tulamben & Amed
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
The most popular dive site is undoubtedly the USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben. This massive WWII shipwreck is incredibly accessible, starting just 30 meters from the shore in shallow water. It's popular because it's completely encrusted in coral and hosts a staggering amount of marine life, including a famous school of bumphead parrotfish that sleeps in the wreck. Its sheer size and biodiversity make it a world-class dive for all levels, including snorkelers.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
Besides the Liberty Wreck, popular sites include the Drop Off and Coral Garden in Tulamben. For something less crowded but equally rewarding, explore the dive sites in Amed. Jemeluk Bay offers beautiful coral walls and Pyramids is a fantastic artificial reef. For macro lovers, Seraya Secrets is a world-class muck diving site and a true hidden gem for spotting rare critters. These sites offer a different experience away from the main wreck.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
Water temperatures in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia, are generally warm and tropical, ranging from 27-30°C (80-86°F) for most of the year. However, during the dry season, particularly from July to September, thermoclines and upwellings can bring colder water, with temperatures sometimes dropping to 23-25°C (73-77°F). It's always best to check conditions just before your trip.
When is the best time to visit Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
The best time to dive in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia, is during the dry season from April to November. These months offer the calmest seas, sunniest weather, and generally the best visibility. The peak season is July to September, though water can be cooler. Diving is possible year-round, but the rainy season (December to March) can occasionally reduce visibility due to runoff, though conditions often remain very diveable.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
During the prime dive season (April-November), underwater visibility in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia, is typically very good, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50-100 feet). Visibility can be affected by rainfall, especially during the wet season (December-March), which may cause some runoff from the shore, reducing it slightly. Plankton blooms can also occur, which decrease visibility but attract more marine life.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
While large pelagic migrations like manta rays or whale sharks are very rare in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia, there are seasonal events. From July to October, the colder water upwellings increase the chances of spotting the elusive mola mola (ocean sunfish), although sightings are not guaranteed. This period also brings rich, nutrient-filled water, leading to a higher concentration of marine life in general, making it an exciting time to dive.
What marine life can I expect to see in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
You can expect incredible biodiversity. The USAT Liberty Wreck is home to a resident school of bumphead parrotfish and giant barracuda. Reef sharks, turtles, and moray eels are common. The area is a macro heaven, famous for pygmy seahorses, ornate ghost pipefish, harlequin shrimp, frogfish, nudibranchs of every kind, and boxer crabs. The variety from large schools of fish to tiny, rare critters is a key attraction of diving here.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
For most of the year, a 3mm shorty or full wetsuit is sufficient for the warm waters of Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia. However, if you are diving between July and October when water temperatures can drop due to thermoclines, a 5mm full wetsuit is recommended, especially for multiple or deeper dives. Many divers also appreciate the extra protection from the sun and potential minor stings that a full suit provides year-round.
How do I get to Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
To get to Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia, you first fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. From the airport, it is a 2.5 to 3.5-hour drive to the northeast coast. You can hire a private driver, which is the most common and convenient option, or arrange a transfer through your dive resort. The scenic drive takes you through Balinese villages and rice paddies.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia?
Tulamben & Amed, Indonesia, is almost exclusively a shore-based diving destination. The vast majority of its 24+ dive sites, including the famous USAT Liberty Wreck, are easily accessible from the beach or via a short trip on a traditional 'jukung' boat. Staying on shore allows you to enjoy the relaxed local culture and dive at your own pace. Liveaboards in Indonesia typically cover more remote regions like Komodo or Raja Ampat, not this area.