Dive Site: Ghost Bay

About Ghost Bay

Ghost Bay is a renowned dive site located in Amed, on Bali's eastern coast, celebrated for its unique sandy topography and the incredible diversity of macro life it supports. While offering enjoyable dives during the day, it truly distinguishes itself as a premier night diving destination in Bali, attracting divers eager to observe rare and unusual creatures. The site primarily features a gentle sandy slope interspersed with scattered coral structures, making it accessible for divers of all skill levels. Depths are generally shallow, with calm conditions and minimal current, contributing to relaxed and extended bottom times. The volcanic sand substrate plays a crucial role, providing camouflage for numerous critters and creating a distinct environment from typical coral reefs. Marine life sightings are diverse, encompassing a wide array of benthic species and nocturnal hunters. Divers frequently encounter octopuses, cuttlefish, and squid, alongside a fascinating collection of nudibranchs, seahorses, and ghost pipefish. Critters such as stonefish, frogfish, and various crustaceans are also well-camouflaged residents, making it a paradise for macro photography. Accessibility is easy with shore entry, and the predictable conditions allow for focused observation and buoyancy control. It's an ideal location for guided night dives and offers a rewarding experience for those seeking an alternative to coral reef or wreck diving, showcasing Bali’s rich and unique smaller marine inhabitants.

Dive site facts: Ghost Bay

Depth

3–20 m (Melasti data, similar environment)

Typical dive

Variable, relaxed exploration

Current

Minimal

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

27–30°C

Entry

Shore entry

Level

All levels, including beginners

Dive type

Macro, muck, night, sandy slope

Night dive

Possible and highly recommended

Region / port

Amed, East Bali

Coordinates

4.5465° S, 123.9196° E

Conditions & Currents

Ghost Bay typically experiences calm conditions with minimal to no current, making it an excellent site for relaxed exploration. The lack of strong water movement ensures easy navigation and extended dive times, which is particularly beneficial for macro enthusiasts and night divers. Shore entry is straightforward, contributing to the site's accessibility and ease for divers of all levels. Visibility is generally good, enhancing the experience of spotting camouflaged critters on the sandy bottom. These predictable and calm conditions mean divers can focus on observation and maintaining precise buoyancy without significant concerns about drift or strenuous swimming, making it ideal for photography and training.

Marine life & sighting chances

Octopus

common

Cuttlefish

common

Squid

common

Nudibranchs

common

Seahorses

common

Ghost pipefish

common

Stonefish

common

Frogfish

common

Pufferfish

common

Stingrays

common

Moray eels

common

Clownfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Ghost Bay typically begin with an easy shore entry onto a gentle sandy slope. Divers usually descend to a depth of around 5-10 meters, then slowly explore the bottom, scanning for macro life camouflaged in the volcanic sand and small coral patches. The dive often progresses along the slope to a maximum depth of approximately 15-20 meters, depending on air consumption and diver preference. Turnaround is flexible, allowing for extensive searching for critters. During night dives, the focus shifts to observing nocturnal species emerging from their daytime hiding spots. The calm conditions and minimal current encourage a slow, deliberate pace, ideal for macro photography. The safety stop can be performed in the shallow, clear water near the shore, observing the abundant marine life at 5 meters.

Underwater photography

Ghost Bay is a prime location for macro photography, especially during night dives when many unique critters are active. A macro lens (e.g., 60mm or 100mm) is highly recommended to capture the intricate details of species like nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish. Utilizing strobes or a video light is essential to illuminate subjects and bring out their true colors against the dark volcanic sand. A snoot can be particularly effective for isolating small subjects and creating dramatic lighting effects. Excellent buoyancy control is critical to avoid stirring up the silty bottom and to approach delicate marine life without disturbance. Patience and a slow, methodical approach will yield the best results when searching for well-camouflaged creatures.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Melasti Beach

  Another excellent shore entry muck dive site in Amed.

• USAT Liberty Wreck

  Iconic WWII wreck dive, accessible from Tulamben.

• Jemeluk Bay

  Features an underwater temple and varied topography.

• Amed Wall

  Known for drift dives and turtle sightings.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Ghost Bay is typically via Amed, a tranquil fishing village on Bali's northeast coast. Divers usually fly into Denpasar (DPS) airport, followed by a three-hour scenic drive to Amed. Day trips from local dive centers are common, utilizing easy shore entries for direct access to the site. Amed is known for its relaxed atmosphere, offering multiple dives a day without the crowds found elsewhere. No specific permits beyond standard diving certifications are mentioned for Ghost Bay itself, but divers should inquire with local operators about any potential marine park fees. Trips often combine Ghost Bay with other Amed sites like Melasti or Jemeluk Bay, and occasionally with the USAT Liberty Wreck in nearby Tulamben, providing a diverse itinerary of macro, reef, and wreck diving.

Safety & environment

While Ghost Bay is known for its calm conditions, divers should always maintain awareness of their surroundings and monitor air consumption, especially during longer macro-focused dives. The nearest recompression chamber is typically located in Denpasar, requiring a potentially lengthy overland transfer in case of emergency. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering medical evacuation and recompression therapy is strongly advised. Divers should practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact with the sandy bottom, which can disturb camouflaged marine life or reduce visibility for others. Always dive with a reputable local guide who understands the site's specifics and can assist in locating unique critters and ensuring safe conduct.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Ghost Bay FAQ

Liveaboards diving Ghost Bay

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$361/day

Jaya

Indonesia

14 guests23 m

$280/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/day

Pearl of Papua

Raja Ampat, Indonesia

14 guests30 m

$303/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m