1. Japanese Shipwreck (Bunutan)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Depth: 10–30 meters
One of Amed’s most famous dive sites, the Japanese Shipwreck, is a must-see for divers visiting the area. Located just off the coast near the village of Bunutan, this wreck is believed to be a WWII Japanese fishing vessel that sank during the war. Over the years, the wreck has become home to a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, moray eels, and vibrant coral.
The wreck is shallow enough for beginner divers, yet still offers plenty to explore for advanced divers. The area around the wreck is teeming with life, including small reef fish, nudibranchs, and sea turtles. The clear, warm waters and relatively calm conditions make it a perfect spot for underwater photography as well.
2. Coral Garden (Amed Bay)
Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth: 5–25 meters
Amed Bay is a haven for divers looking to enjoy an easy, relaxed dive among colorful coral gardens. The Coral Garden dive site features a vibrant underwater landscape, filled with soft and hard corals, sponges, and a wide array of fish species. This site is perfect for beginner divers as well as experienced divers who want to take their time exploring the incredible marine life.
Expect to see angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and even occasional reef sharks. The shallow waters and gentle currents make this spot ideal for those looking to take in the beauty of the underwater world at a leisurely pace. It’s also a great location for those interested in underwater photography or snorkeling.
3. Amed Wall
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Depth: 10–40 meters
The Amed Wall is a stunning vertical drop-off located off the coast of Amed. This dive site is famous for its sheer underwater cliff, covered in colorful corals and teeming with marine life. The wall starts at around 10 meters and drops down to over 40 meters, providing divers with the opportunity to explore both shallow and deeper areas.
As you descend along the wall, you’ll encounter a wide variety of reef fish, including wrasses, parrotfish, and lionfish. The site is also home to larger species like moray eels and reef sharks. The rich coral life and diverse marine life make this site a must-visit for intermediate divers looking for a bit more excitement.
4. Pyramids Dive Site (Amed)
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Depth: 10–40 meters
The Pyramids dive site in Amed is an exciting and unique spot, known for its underwater “pyramids”—man-made stone structures that were deliberately placed to attract marine life. These artificial reefs have become home to an incredible variety of creatures, offering divers the chance to see a range of species that thrive in the artificial habitat.
In addition to the pyramids themselves, the site features healthy coral gardens and an abundance of reef fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, and fusiliers. The spot is also known for occasional encounters with larger species, including reef sharks and rays. The underwater pyramids create a fascinating landscape, making this site a favorite among divers looking for something different.
5. USAT Liberty Shipwreck (Tulamben)
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
Depth: 5–30 meters
Although slightly outside Amed, the USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben is one of Bali’s most famous and accessible wreck dives, and it’s just a short drive from Amed. This 120-meter-long American cargo ship was torpedoed during World War II and sank off the coast of Tulamben in 1942. Over the years, the wreck has become a vibrant artificial reef, home to a variety of marine life.
Divers can explore the wreck itself, which lies at a shallow depth of around 5 meters, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. The wreck is covered in soft corals and sponges, and it’s often visited by sea turtles, schools of fish, and large pelagics like jackfish and barracudas. The USAT Liberty is also a favorite for underwater photographers, offering dramatic, well-lit scenes of the wreckage and its inhabitants.
Final Thoughts
Amed is undoubtedly one of Bali’s best-kept diving secrets, offering an array of dive sites that cater to all levels of experience. From the historic Japanese Shipwreck to the unique Pyramids Dive Site and the iconic USAT Liberty Shipwreck, there is no shortage of incredible underwater landscapes to explore. Whether you’re diving for the first time or an experienced diver seeking new adventures, Amed will leave you with unforgettable memories of its stunning marine life and crystal-clear waters.
So pack your dive gear, book your trip to Amed, and get ready to discover the magical underwater world of Bali!