Dive Site: Anchor Wreck

About Anchor Wreck

The Anchor Wreck is a celebrated dive site located off Menjangan Island, within the protected West Bali National Park. While the wreck itself consists only of a large anchor from a 19th-century wooden boat, the site is primarily known for its spectacular wall and the rich diversity of marine life it supports. This area offers a unique experience compared to other Bali dive locations like Tulamben or Nusa Penida, focusing on pristine and relaxed scuba diving conditions. The underwater landscape transitions from dramatic vertical walls and coral-covered slopes to shallow reefs. Depths at Anchor Wreck range from 4 to 40 meters, making it accessible for various certification levels depending on conditions. The site features extensive gorgonians, sponges, and healthy coral growth along its walls, often teeming with schooling fish. Its location within a national park ensures well-preserved conditions and excellent visibility. Divers here can expect to encounter a wide array of marine species, from tiny macro subjects to larger pelagics, especially when currents are present. The site is a favorite for underwater photographers due to its scenic walls and diverse inhabitants. Its protected status helps maintain the healthy coral ecosystems and marine populations, offering consistent and rewarding dives. Entry is typically a boat dive, with conditions varying from calm to potentially strong currents, which influence the selection of the dive profile. The relaxed atmosphere and rich biodiversity make Anchor Wreck a must-visit for those seeking high-quality underwater exploration in a sheltered environment.

Dive site facts: Anchor Wreck

Depth

4–40 m

Current

None to sometimes strong

Visibility

15–40 m (dry season)

Water temperature

28–30°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

All levels (conditions dependent)

Dive type

Wall, slope, coral garden, wreck (anchor)

Region / port

Menjangan Island, West Bali

Coordinates

8.6311° S, 115.3939° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Anchor Wreck can range from none to sometimes strong, dictating how the site is dived and which areas are explored. When moderate to strong currents are present, the site truly comes alive, attracting larger marine life such as trevallies, barracuda, and reef sharks. Dive guides will select the best approach based on daily conditions to ensure safety and an optimal experience, as the site can be adapted for different current strengths. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 20 meters, though it can drop to 10-15 meters during the rainy season due to mainland runoff. Water temperatures are consistently warm, typically between 28°C and 30°C, though they may cool with depth or strong upwellings. Boat entry is standard, with briefings tailored to the day's conditions and expected current flow, ensuring divers are prepared for potential drift or specific entry/exit str

Marine life & sighting chances

Garden eels

occasional

Turtles

occasional

Reef sharks

occasional

Giant trevallies

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Schooling fish

common

Pygmy seahorse

occasional

Gorgonians

common

Sponges

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Anchor Wreck typically begin near the large anchor, which rests in relatively shallow water. From this point, divers follow the dramatic wall that descends to depths of up to 40 meters. The route often involves exploring the vibrant coral growth, large gorgonians, and sponges adorning the wall. Depending on the current, the dive can be a drift along the wall, observing pelagic species in the blue. As the dive progresses, shallower sections are explored, providing opportunities for macro sightings among the healthy reef. The turn point is determined by air consumption and current conditions, ensuring a gradual ascent. The safety stop is typically conducted in the shallower coral gardens, offering a calm and colorful environment for decompression and further marine life observation.

Underwater photography

Anchor Wreck offers exceptional opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the dramatic walls covered in large gorgonians and sponges, as well as schooling fish or larger pelagics in the blue. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors of the corals and marine life, especially at deeper sections of the wall. For macro enthusiasts, keen eyes will spot pygmy seahorses and other small invertebrates nestled within the corals. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid damaging the delicate corals on the wall. When photographing marine life, maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing natural behaviors, especially with potential pelagic encounters.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Eel Garden

  Known for its impressive wall, sandy areas, and large colony of garden eels.

• Bat Cave

  Another site in the Pemuteran & Menjangan region.

• Malibu Point

  A Nusa Penida site, also a named dive site.

• Tanjung Jepun

  Located in Padang Bai, offering a different dive environment.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Anchor Wreck is typically part of a dive trip to Menjangan Island, which is located within the West Bali National Park. Access to Menjangan Island is usually via day boats from dive centers located in Pemuteran or other areas in North-West Bali. Trips often include multiple dives around Menjangan's various sites, sometimes combined with other nearby locations. The closest major airport is Denpasar (DPS). Dive packages usually cover boat transfers, guides, tanks, and weights. Visitors should confirm any national park fees or permits required for diving within the protected area, as these are often included in package prices but worth verifying. Liveaboard options are less common for this specific area, with day trips being the primary mode of access.

Safety & environment

For diving at Anchor Wreck, robust safety protocols are crucial given the potential for strong currents and deeper wall sections. Divers should ensure their insurance covers recreational diving, including emergency evacuation and recompression chamber treatments. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, requiring significant travel time in case of a dive emergency. Divers are advised to carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it, especially during drift dives or if surfacing away from the boat. It is essential to dive with an experienced local guide familiar with the site's variable currents and topography. Adherence to dive plans, monitoring air consumption, and maintaining excellent buoyancy control are key to a safe and enjoyable dive, respecting the marine environment of the national park.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Anchor Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Anchor Wreck

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$372/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$191/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$419/day