Dive Site: Boga Wreck

About Boga Wreck

The Boga Wreck, also known as the Kubu Wreck, is an Indonesian ex-patrol vessel purposely sunk in 2012 to create an artificial reef and enhance marine biodiversity. Located near Kubu, just north of Tulamben on Bali’s coast, it provides an exciting alternative for divers looking beyond the popular Liberty Wreck. This site has successfully developed into a thriving underwater habitat, attracting a diverse range of species. The wreck lies on a sloping black sandy seabed, with its bow at 18 meters and stern extending to 40 meters. Its structure is well-preserved, allowing exploration of the bow, propeller, and upper deck. Unique additions include a sunken Volkswagen car, Buddha statues, old scuba tanks, and a wooden steering wheel, creating distinctive photographic opportunities. Marine life flourishes here, with the steel structure encrusted by various corals, providing shelter for numerous fish and invertebrates. The wreck offers an engaging dive experience, with gentle to moderate currents adding to the adventure. It is particularly suited for advanced divers or those seeking to practice deep diving skills. Shore access is convenient, approximately 300 meters off Kubu beach, with porters available to assist with equipment. The site's blend of history, artificial structures, and natural marine development makes it a compelling and rewarding dive for experienced enthusiasts.

Dive site facts: Boga Wreck

Depth

14–40 m (recreational), up to 50m (technical)

Typical dive

18–40 m

Current

None to moderate

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

26–30°C

Entry

Shore entry (Kubu beach)

Level

Advanced (AOWD) recommended

Dive type

Wreck, artificial reef, deep

Region / port

Kubu, Tulamben, Bali

Coordinates

8.2435° S, 115.5780° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at the Boga Wreck range from none to moderate, providing an element of adventure to the dive. Divers typically experience good visibility, generally between 15 to 30 meters, which can drop to 10 meters during the rainy season. Water temperatures are comfortably warm, averaging between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. While shore entry is straightforward, divers should be prepared for varying current conditions, which can influence dive planning and ascent strategies. The site’s depth profile from 18 to 40 meters necessitates careful air management, especially for deeper sections or if experiencing stronger currents.

Marine life & sighting chances

Moray eels

common

Barracudas

common

Batfish

common

Lionfish

common

Nudibranchs

common

Octopuses

common

Sharks

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Mola-mola

June-October · rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Boga Wreck begins with a convenient shore entry from Kubu beach, approximately 300 meters from the wreck. You'll descend onto a black sandy slope, which leads directly to the bow of the 45-meter long vessel at around 18 meters deep. From there, you can navigate along the wreck's exterior, exploring its well-preserved features like the propeller at 38 meters and the upper deck. The dive progresses deeper towards the stern, which rests at 40 meters. Experienced divers can explore the unique additions within the wreck, such as the VW car, Buddha statues, and the steering wheel. The return ascent typically involves gradually making your way back up the wreck to shallower sections, allowing for a natural depth progression for your safety stop before heading back to the shore.

Underwater photography

The Boga Wreck offers excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, capturing the imposing 45-meter structure, its unique artificial elements like the VW car and Buddha statues, and the surrounding topography. For macro enthusiasts, the wreck's encrusted surfaces and various crevices host an abundance of smaller marine life such as nudibranchs and crustaceans, benefiting from macro lenses and careful strobe positioning. The black sandy seabed provides a dramatic contrast, enhancing subject definition. Maintaining good buoyancy is crucial to avoid stirring up sediment and to navigate through the wreck's interior. The ever-changing light and shadow play on the wreck also creates dynamic and visually stunning scenes.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• USAT Liberty Wreck

  A popular, accessible wreck dive nearby.

• Coral Garden

  Shallow reef for macro and beginners.

• Pyramid

  Artificial reef structures attracting diverse fish.

• Jemeluk Bay

  Home to Jemeluk Wall and various coral formations.

• Deep Blue

  A deeper site with potential for larger pelagics.

Getting there & logistics

Diving the Boga Wreck is typically organized from dive centers in the Tulamben or Kubu area, which are accessible from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Travel to Tulamben/Kubu from the airport usually takes a few hours by car. Trips often combine dives at the Boga Wreck with other famous sites like the USAT Liberty Wreck, given their close proximity. Dive packages commonly include multiple dives over several days, with shore access being a key convenience for the Boga Wreck. Divers benefit from porter assistance to carry equipment to the beach, ensuring a smoother entry. No specific park fees or permits are mentioned beyond standard dive operation costs.

Safety & environment

For serious medical emergencies, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is located in Denpasar, requiring transport from Kubu which can take several hours, highlighting the importance of comprehensive dive insurance. Divers should ensure their insurance specifically covers technical diving depths if planning to explore beyond recreational limits, as the wreck reaches 40 meters recreationally and deeper for technical divers. Site-specific hazards include variable currents, which demand good physical condition and proper gas planning, especially given the wreck's depth. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is vital to avoid silting the wreck and disturbing marine life. Always dive within your certification limits and with an experienced guide.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Boga Wreck FAQ

Liveaboards diving Boga Wreck

These liveaboards may visit Boga 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