About Coral Garden
Coral Garden is a vibrant and accessible dive site located just south of the famous USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben, on Bali's northeastern coast. It stands out for its flourishing, relatively young reef that beautifully blends natural coral formations with artificial structures, attracting a wide array of marine life. This unique fusion has been enhanced by local divers and conservationists who introduced underwater sculptures, creating an engaging environment for both natural exploration and photography. The site presents a gentle, shallow slope, starting from around 2-3 meters and extending down to 15-18 meters, making it exceptionally well-suited for divers of all experience levels, including beginners and those undergoing certification courses. The topography features extensive coverage of both hard and soft corals, numerous sea squirts, and feather stars, thriving even in the shallowest areas. The artificial reef structures actively draw in schooling fish and offer several cleaning stations where larger species often congregate. Divers can anticipate encounters with a rich variety of tropical reef fish such as damselfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish. Macro enthusiasts will delight in finding smaller critters like nudibranchs, particularly the ornate butterflyfish and various small creatures tucked among the coral branches. Given its sheltered nature and diverse inhabitants, the likelihood of observing fascinating macro life is high, especially for those with a keen eye. Diving Coral Garden typically involves shore access, offering a convenient entry point. Conditions are generally calm, characterized by minimal to moderate currents, which allows for relaxed exploration and comfortable diving for all skill levels. Its clear visibility and calm waters also make it an excellent choice for night diving, revealing a different set of nocturnal marine behaviors.
Highlights
Vibrant coral formationsUnderwater sculpturesShallow depths for beginnersDiverse macro lifeMoray eel cleaning stationsShore dive accessibilityNight diving experience
Best Season
Coral Garden can be dived all year long. Water temperatures average around 28°C (82°F) and visibility typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters, providing comfortable and clear diving conditions.
Dive site facts: Coral Garden
- Depth
- 2–18 m
- Current
- Mild
- Entry
- Shore / dayboat
- Level
- Beginner
- Dive type
- Reef, Reef
- Region / port
- Bali
- Coordinates
- 8.2667° S, 115.5886° E
Conditions & Currents
Currents at Coral Garden are typically none to light, occasionally reaching moderate strength, particularly for shore entry points. This makes the site highly accessible and comfortable for divers of all experience levels, including beginners. Entry and exit are straightforward shore dives, eliminating the need for complex boat maneuvers. Visibility is consistently outstanding, often exceeding 20 meters, though specific conditions can fluctuate between 15-25 meters. Thermoclines are generally not a concern as the water temperature remains warm, averaging 28-29°C. The site's protected topography further contributes to calm conditions, ensuring a relaxed dive experience and allowing ample time for macro observation without significant drift or surge. Divers should plan for easy, extended bottom times.
Why dive Coral Garden from a liveaboard?
Coral Garden 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 Coral Garden on their Bali itineraries.
Liveaboards diving Coral Garden
These liveaboards may visit Coral Garden on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.
Naga Biru
Indonesia
12 guests40 m
$272/day
Ilike
Indonesia
16 guests40 m
$350/day
Mermaid I
Alor
15 guests28 m
$476/day
Sunshine Liveaboard
Indonesia
10 guests31 m
$190/day
Tiare Cruise
Indonesia
12 guests36.5 m
$473/day
Dive sites similar to Coral Garden
Same character, same waters — six more sites divers love for the exact same reasons.Compare seasons, access and liveaboard routes — then pick the site that fits your trip best.
Lipah Bay is situated on Bali's northeast coast within the Amed area, nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Gunung Agung.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
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- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
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- Theme
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Puri Jati, often referred to as PJ, is located on Bali's north coast near Lovina, on the outskirts of Seririt village.
- Suitable for
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- Depth
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- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Japanese Wreck
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The Japanese Wreck is a compelling dive site located in Banyuning Bay, just off the beach in Amed, Bali.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Shore / dayboat
- Depth
- 6–12 m
- Theme
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© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Dream Wall
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Dream Wall is one of Menjangan Island's premier dive sites, located within the protected West Bali National Park marine area.
- Suitable for
- Beginner
- Current
- Mild
- Access
- Dayboat
- Depth
- 10–60 m
- Theme
- Wall / Reef
Pura Ped, located on the northern coast of Nusa Penida, is a celebrated dive site known for its extensive and healthy reef system.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Strong
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 5–30 m
- Theme
- Drift / Reef
© Esri — Maxar, Earthstar, GIS
Biaha Reef
Bali
Situated near Candidasa, Biaha Reef is a captivating dive site characterized by its dramatic underwater landscapes and the potential for exhilarating encounters with large pelagic marine life.
- Suitable for
- Intermediate
- Current
- Moderate
- Access
- Liveaboard or dayboat
- Depth
- 10–35 m
- Theme
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