Dive Site: Deep Blue

About Deep Blue

Deep Blue is a distinguished dive site located just off the coast of Amed in Northeast Bali, renowned for its exhilarating characteristics. It stands out for its dramatic wall and offers a profound exploration into the open ocean, appealing to divers who seek a challenging and rewarding underwater adventure. The topography features an exciting wall drop-off that plunges beyond 30 meters, reaching depths of 40 meters. This deep blue environment is characterized by excellent visibility and presents a dynamic setting for encountering various marine species. The site's unique structure, combined with its exposure to deeper waters, creates an ideal habitat for larger pelagic life. While specific seasonality for marine life at Deep Blue isn't detailed, the site is consistently known for frequent sightings of impressive pelagic species. Divers can anticipate encounters with schools of giant trevallies, barracuda, and occasionally tuna or reef sharks cruising in the clear, vast open water. The deep, rich ocean provides a serene backdrop to these encounters. Diving at Deep Blue typically involves a boat entry due to its offshore location. It is considered an intermediate to advanced dive due to its depth and potential for currents. The focus here is on the thrill of a wall dive, the potential for pelagic sightings, and the tranquility of deep-water exploration, making it a memorable experience for appropriately certified and experienced divers.

Dive site facts: Deep Blue

Depth

18–40 meters

Typical dive

30 meters (average)

Current

Can be present, generally mild for Amed

Visibility

10–40 meters

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Advanced Open Water recommended

Dive type

Wall, pelagic, drift (possible)

Region / port

Amed, East Bali

Coordinates

8.3289° S, 115.6881° E

Conditions & Currents

Deep Blue is described as a site offering a deeper, more advanced dive experience, hinting at conditions that may require experience. While Amed generally experiences little current and calm waters, Deep Blue is an offshore boat dive with a significant drop-off, which typically means currents can be present, especially where pelagic species are encountered. Visibility at Amed sites can range from 10-25 meters, often reaching 40 meters during the dry season, providing clear conditions for spotting marine life. Divers should be prepared for potential deeper dives up to 40 meters and plan gas accordingly, as conditions might be more challenging than typical Amed shore dives.

Marine life & sighting chances

Giant trevally

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Reef shark

occasional

Nudibranchs

common

Leaf scorpionfish

common

Frogfish

common

Harlequin shrimp

occasional

Seahorses

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Deep Blue is accessed via a boat dive, positioning divers directly offshore for entry. Upon descent, divers will encounter a dramatic wall drop-off, which is the primary feature of this site. The dive typically involves following the contours of this wall, exploring depths that average around 30 meters but can extend down to 40 meters. The route is often a drift along the wall, allowing for observation of schooling pelagic species such as giant trevallies and barracuda that cruise in the open water. The turn point is determined by air consumption and depth limits, with the ascent conducted along the wall. The safety stop is performed at the standard 5-meter depth, typically in the calmer, shallower sections closer to the reef top before surfacing for boat pick-up.

Underwater photography

Deep Blue is well-suited for wide-angle photography, given the dramatic wall topography and frequent sightings of schooling pelagic fish like giant trevallies and barracuda. A wide-angle lens will effectively capture the expansive blue water and the grand scale of the wall. For macro enthusiasts, while the site is known for larger subjects, Amed's surrounding sites offer exceptional macro opportunities, so be prepared with appropriate lenses if combining dives. Strobes are beneficial for color rendition, especially at deeper sections of the wall. Good buoyancy control is crucial when maneuvering near the wall and avoiding disturbance. Maintain a respectful distance from marine life, particularly larger pelagics, to capture natural behavior without intrusion.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bunutan

  Bunutan is a notable dive site located in the Amed region, along Bali's northeastern coast.

• Pyramids

  Pyramids Reef in Sosúa, Dominican Republic, is a distinctive dive and snorkel site renowned for its artificial reef structures.

• Jemeluk Bay

  Jemeluk Bay, situated on Bali's northeastern coast within the Amed area, stands out as a prime diving destination known for its sheltered…

• Japanese Wreck

  The Japanese Wreck is a compelling dive site located in Banyuning Bay, just off the beach in Amed, Bali.

• Coral Garden

  Coral Garden is a significant dive site in the Dominican Republic, featuring an impressive brain coral that has thrived for over 400 years…

• Gili Selang

  Gili Selang is a small island located off Bali's easternmost tip, forming a striking geological feature at the foot of Mount Seraya.

Getting there & logistics

Deep Blue is located in Amed, on Bali’s northeastern coast, a region renowned for its relaxed diving atmosphere. Divers typically fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, then travel by car for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to Amed. Diving here usually involves day trips from local dive resorts in Amed, with most sites accessible via short rides in traditional jukung boats or direct shore entry for other sites in the area. Deep Blue itself is a boat dive. Many dive operators in Amed offer multi-day dive packages, allowing divers to explore various sites along the coastline. Trip lengths vary, but combining Amed with other Bali dive regions like Tulamben is common for a comprehensive dive safari.

Safety & environment

For diving in Bali, including Deep Blue, it is highly recommended to have comprehensive dive insurance covering medical emergencies and evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar. While Amed sites are generally calm, Deep Blue is an advanced dive due to its depth and potential for currents and pelagic encounters. Divers should ensure their Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent and be comfortable with deeper profiles. Always dive with a reputable operator, follow your dive guide's instructions, and adhere to conservative dive profiles, especially when exploring beyond 30 meters. Be mindful of boat traffic when surfacing and maintain excellent buoyancy control near the wall to prevent damage to the reef.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Deep Blue FAQ

Liveaboards diving Deep Blue

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$371/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$191/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$419/day