Dive Site: Close Encounters

About Close Encounters

Close Encounters is a celebrated dive site located in Pemuteran Bay, North West Bali, just a short 5–10 minute boat ride from the shore. This site uniquely combines a pristine shallow coral garden with a steep slope and deeper drop-off, offering varied experiences for divers and snorkelers alike. The topography transitions from healthy hard coral cover in the 3–5 meter shallows to a clean slope that descends into the bay. This layout allows for both wide-angle and macro photography, with plenty of light in the shallower areas and larger marine life often encountered along the deeper edge where the reef meets the open water. While the site is known for reliably surprising divers with pelagics, its everyday inhabitants are equally captivating. Common sightings include schools of tuna, jacks, and fusiliers, alongside an excellent array of reef fish. Macro enthusiasts will find nudibranchs, frogfish, and scorpionfish on the slope, with moray eels and octopus dwelling within the wall. Conditions are generally mild, making it accessible for divers of all levels, including those new to drift diving. The sheltered bay usually provides calm surface conditions, enhancing the overall dive experience. It’s an ideal location for a mixed-experience group to enjoy simultaneously, with snorkelers exploring the coral garden while divers delve into the slope.

Dive site facts: Close Encounters

Depth

5–28 m

Current

Mild, drift possible

Visibility

10–40 m

Entry

Boat

Level

All Levels

Dive type

Wall, Macro, Coral garden

Region / port

Pemuteran Bay, North West Bali

Coordinates

8.5784° S, 115.4331° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Close Encounters are generally mild, though drift diving is possible along the slope. The site is located within Pemuteran Bay, which is typically sheltered, ensuring calm surface conditions. Visibility commonly ranges from 10 to 40 meters, offering clear views of both the reef structure and passing pelagics. Entry is typically by boat, and the gentle slope provides an easy descent for divers of all experience levels. The mild current allows divers to conserve air and appreciate the marine life without excessive effort, making it suitable for newer divers to practice controlled descents with a visual reference. Divers should remain aware of potential drifts and maintain good buoyancy control.

Marine life & sighting chances

Eagle ray

June–September · common

Whale shark

rare

White-tip reef shark

occasional

Black-tip reef shark

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Jack

occasional

Fusilier

common

Surgeonfish

common

Nudibranch

common

Frogfish

occasional

Scorpionfish

occasional

Octopus

occasional

Moray eel

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive begins with a boat entry, followed by a descent onto the gentle slope of Close Encounters. The initial part of the dive explores the vibrant coral gardens in the shallow 3–5 meter range, which are teeming with reef fish and bathed in good natural light. From here, you'll gradually follow the slope downwards, maintaining depths typically between 5 and 28 meters. The main route involves traversing along the edge where the reef meets the open water, keeping an eye out for larger pelagic species. Macro life like nudibranchs and frogfish can be found tucked into the slope's features. The dive concludes with a gradual ascent, often incorporating a safety stop at 5 meters, before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Close Encounters offers diverse photographic opportunities, accommodating both wide-angle and macro setups. For wide-angle shots, focus on the deeper drop-off to capture the grand reef topography and any passing pelagics such as eagle rays or sharks. The healthy shallow coral gardens in the 3–5 meter range also present excellent wide-angle scenes with abundant light. For macro photography, shift your attention to the slope where nudibranchs, frogfish, and scorpionfish are frequently found. Good buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the fragile reef and its delicate inhabitants. Consider bringing a snoot for isolating macro subjects against the clean backdrop of the slope.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Deep Reef

  Steep sides from 38m to a 12m plateau, featuring table corals and giant leather corals.

• Napoleon Reef

  Located 1km offshore, a chain of reefs from an extinct volcano with extensive variety.

• Bio-Wreck

  Features two electrified Biorock structures and a 1,000-year-old Porites coral, also suitable for snorkeling.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Close Encounters is conveniently via a short 5–10 minute boat ride from beachfront bases in Pemuteran, North West Bali. Divers typically fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, then arrange for ground transport to Pemuteran. Most dive operators in Pemuteran offer day trips to this site, often combining it as a second dive after visiting other nearby sites like Bio-Wreck or Deep Reef. There are no specific marine park fees mentioned for this site, and typical dive operations ensure a low guide-to-diver ratio, enhancing personalized attention and the likelihood of spotting marine life.

Safety & environment

While Close Encounters generally presents mild conditions, divers should always be prepared for potential drift currents and ensure good buoyancy control. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, requiring a significant journey from Pemuteran, emphasizing the importance of safe diving practices. Comprehensive dive insurance, covering medical emergencies and evacuation, is highly recommended for all divers. Always follow your guide's instructions, maintain a safe distance from marine life, and do not touch or disturb the corals. The dive operator typically maintains a low guide-to-diver ratio, ensuring close supervision and immediate assistance if needed.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Close Encounters FAQ

Liveaboards diving Close Encounters

These liveaboards may visit Close Encounters 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