Bali

Dive Site: Amed Wall

530 mIntermediate Wall
© Esri — Source: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar, GIS Community · Labels © Esri — HERE, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS

Which liveaboards dive Amed Wall?

About Amed Wall

Amed Wall is a pristine dive site located off the east coast of Bali, accessible by traditional Jukung boat from Amed's black sandy beaches. This site features a shallow coral shelf that gives way to a vibrant coral-covered wall dropping vertically to depths over 30 meters. It's a testament to marine conservation, offering a mix of natural beauty and structural diversity, with some artificial pyramid structures found deeper than 20 meters, acting as additional reefs. Divers encounter a rich array of marine life along the wall and its slopes. Common sightings include various reef fish, green and hawksbill turtles, schooling spadefish and batfish, and smaller critters like nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses. The site also attracts larger pelagics such as blacktip reef sharks, groupers, and occasionally manta rays or tuna further out in the blue. The healthy, colorful corals support a diverse ecosystem, making it a favorite for both wide-angle and macro photography enthusiasts. The dive experience at Amed Wall can range from gentle to a mild drift, depending on tidal currents. While currents vary and can be intense, they are often predictable, allowing for relaxed diving or enjoyable drift dives. Entry is typically via boat, making it suitable for a wide range of divers, from beginners to advanced, who can comfortably navigate potential currents and appreciate the stunning wall topography.

Highlights

Dramatic wallGorgonian fansNapoleon wrasseMultilevel divingHealthy hard corals

Season calendar

Best months to dive here
Jan
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Excellent
Good

Dive site facts: Amed Wall

Depth
5–30 m
Typical dive
18–25 m, 50–60 min
Current
Mild to medium, tidal
Visibility
15–25 m
Water temperature
28–29°C
Entry
Shore / Jukung boat
Level
Open Water Divers recommended
Dive type
Wall, reef, drift, macro
Night dive
Possible
Region / port
Amed, Bali
Coordinates
-8.336, 115.661

Conditions & Currents

Amed Wall generally experiences mild to medium currents, which are predominantly tidal and thus predictable when properly planned. Dive operators often time dives to coincide with favorable tidal conditions, ensuring a relaxed experience. Entry to the site can be made directly from shore or via a traditional Jukung boat, with a focus on good buoyancy control, especially near the wall, to avoid contact with the fragile corals. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters but can drop to as low as 5 meters during heavy rainfall in the wet season. Water temperatures are consistently warm, averaging 28-29°C, reducing the concern for thermoclines at typical recreational depths here.

Marine life & sighting chances

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Amed Wall typically begin with a shore entry from Jemeluk Bay or a short Jukung boat ride. Upon descent, you encounter a gentle coral slope teeming with smaller reef fish and macro life. As you progress, the slope transitions into the dramatic vertical wall, adorned with impressive sea fans and barrel sponges between 10 and 20 meters, where many rare critters reside. The route generally follows the contours of the wall, allowing you to explore crevices and overhangs. Divers often reach a maximum depth around 25-30 meters along the wall, depending on certification and gas limits. The turn point is usually signaled by air consumption or bottom time, initiating a gradual ascent along the coral garden for the safety stop, which provides an excellent opportunity for observing shallow reef inhabitants before exiting back to shore or the boat.

Underwater photography

Amed Wall offers excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, utilize the dramatic wall topography, abundant sea fans, and barrel sponges, especially with the clear visibility during the dry season. Consider bringing an external strobe to enhance color and definition. For macro subjects, the site is a treasure trove: nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, harlequin shrimp, and various crabs hide amongst the corals and hydroids, requiring a macro lens and careful buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the delicate environment. Patience is key, as many critters are well camouflaged. Night dives here can also yield stunning macro photos of nocturnal species.

Combine with nearby dive sites

Getting there & logistics

To reach Amed, you'll typically fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. From there, Amed is a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour car transfer along the eastern coast. Many dive centers can arrange airport pickups and local transportation. Most diving at Amed Wall involves shore entries or short boat rides on traditional Jukung boats from local operators, often departing from Jemeluk Bay. Dive trips usually consist of two dives, returning to shore for lunch. Day trips from other parts of Bali are common, but staying in Amed allows for more relaxed diving and access to night dives. Dive packages often include transport, guide, tanks, weights, snacks, and water, with equipment rental available separately.

Safety & environment

Amed Wall is generally a safe dive site, but divers should be prepared for potential medium currents and remain aware of their depth, especially along the vertical wall. It is crucial to dive within certification limits and maintain adequate gas reserves. Always confirm ascent and shore-exit plans with your guide before entry. Divers are encouraged to have comprehensive dive insurance, as the nearest recompression chamber is in Denpasar, requiring a significant land transfer in case of an emergency. Avoiding contact with hydroids, which can sting, is also advisable. Listen carefully to your local guide, as their judgment on conditions and routes is invaluable for a safe dive.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

Suited for

  • Open Water certified divers
  • Underwater photographers
  • Macro enthusiasts
  • Divers seeking easy shore access
  • Those who enjoy wall diving

Less suited for

  • Divers who struggle with buoyancy control
  • Those who dislike occasional mild currents
  • Divers seeking large pelagic encounters
  • Beginners without recent dive experience

FAQ

Amed Wall FAQ

Is Amed Wall suitable for beginners?
Yes, Amed Wall is generally suitable for Open Water certified divers, particularly those who have good buoyancy control. The site starts with a gentle slope and typically has mild currents, making it approachable. It is always recommended to dive with a local guide who can adjust the dive plan based on conditions and diver experience.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see at Amed Wall?
Amed Wall is rich in biodiversity, especially for macro life. You can frequently spot nudibranchs, various crabs, and shrimps. Moray eels, lionfish, and schools of reef fish are common. Lucky divers might also encounter pygmy seahorses, frogfish, peacock mantis shrimp, and even hawksbill or green sea turtles.
How are the currents at Amed Wall?
Currents at Amed Wall typically range from mild to medium and are largely influenced by tides. Local dive operators are adept at timing dives during slack tide or conditions with minimal current, especially in protected Jemeluk Bay. However, divers should be prepared for potential currents and maintain good buoyancy control, particularly along the wall section.
What is the water temperature and visibility like?
The water temperature at Amed Wall is consistently warm, averaging between 28-29°C (82-84°F) year-round, so a 3mm wetsuit or even just a rash guard is usually sufficient. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 25 meters (50-80 feet) during the dry season, offering clear views of the reef and marine life. During the rainy season, visibility can occasionally drop to about 5 meters.
How do I get to Amed Wall?
Amed Wall is located in Amed, on Bali's northeast coast. Most divers arrive by flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, then taking a 2.5 to 3-hour car transfer to Amed. Once in Amed, access to the dive site is often a shore entry from Jemeluk Bay or a short ride on a traditional Jukung boat organized by local dive centers.

Why dive Amed Wall from a liveaboard?

Amed Wall is one of Bali's signature dive sites. A liveaboard sleeps you on the water and puts you in the water for three to four guided dives per day, including dawn and night dives that day-boat operators rarely offer. You skip the daily commute back to port and reach quieter, less-crowded sites in the same region on a single trip.

Below are the liveaboards that include Amed Wall on their Bali itineraries.

Liveaboards diving Amed Wall

These liveaboards may visit Amed Wall on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru liveaboard at Amed Wall

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m
$274/day
Ilike liveaboard at Amed Wall

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m
$350/day
Mermaid I liveaboard at Amed Wall

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m
$479/day
Sunshine Liveaboard liveaboard at Amed Wall

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m
$191/day
Tiare Cruise liveaboard at Amed Wall

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m
$473/day

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5 liveaboards run the Amed Wall route.

Three to four guided dives a day on Amed Wall and the other signature sites in Bali, sleeping right above the reef.