Dive Site: Japanese Wreck Amed

About Japanese Wreck Amed

The Japanese Wreck in Amed, Bali, is an easily accessible and highly rewarding dive site, perfect for divers of all experience levels. This World War II patrol boat, broken into several pieces, rests just off the beach in Banyuning Bay, transforming into a colourful artificial reef over the decades. Its shallow depth and generally calm conditions make it a favourite for both snorkelers and divers exploring Bali's underwater world. The wreck lies at depths ranging from 2 to 12 meters on a sandy bottom, its sections adorned with soft corals, sponges, and an abundance of reef fish. Beyond the wreck itself, divers can explore the surrounding areas, which feature man-made pyramids designed to attract and foster marine biodiversity. These structures add another layer of interest to the topography, providing additional habitats for a variety of creatures. Marine life at the Japanese Wreck is prolific, offering opportunities to spot leaf scorpionfish camouflaged among the corals, graceful turtles, and vibrant map pufferfish. The site is a macro photographer's delight, with countless small critters hiding within the wreck and coral formations. Visibility is typically good year-round, contributing to an enjoyable and clear viewing experience of the bustling ecosystem. As a shore dive, accessing the Japanese Wreck is straightforward, though some sections require a walk from a car park and stairs leading to the beach. This convenience, combined with the site's rich biodiversity and gentle conditions, establishes it as a must-visit location for those seeking a relaxed yet captivating underwater adventure in Bali.

Dive site facts: Japanese Wreck Amed

Depth

2–12 m

Typical dive

50–60 min

Current

Mild to none

Visibility

Good year-round

Water temperature

27–29°C

Entry

Shore dive

Level

All skill levels (Open Water)

Dive type

Wreck, macro, artificial reef

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Amed, Bali

Coordinates

-8.2856, 115.5889

Conditions & Currents

The Japanese Wreck in Amed is renowned for its calm waters, typically experiencing mild to no current throughout the year. This makes it an ideal site for divers of all skill levels, including beginners and those new to wreck diving, as navigating the site is largely effortless. Visibility is generally good year-round, though heavy rainfall during the wet season can occasionally reduce it; however, conditions at this shallow site usually recover quickly. Entry and exit are facilitated as a shore dive, making it convenient without the need for boat transfers. Divers should still be mindful of occasional surge near the surface, especially during tide changes, but this rarely impacts the deeper sections of the wreck.

Marine life & sighting chances

Leaf Scorpionfish

common

Green Sea Turtle

occasional

Map Pufferfish

common

Nudibranch

common

Ghost Pipefish

occasional

Pygmy Seahorse

occasional

Blue-spotted Stingray

common

Moray Eel

common

Reef Shark

occasional

Garden Eel

occasional

Lionfish

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at the Japanese Wreck begins with an easy shore entry directly into Banyuning Bay. Descending gently, you will immediately encounter parts of the World War II patrol boat, which lies broken into several sections across a sandy slope. The wreck starts as shallow as 2 meters, making it accessible for snorkelers, and gradually deepens to about 12 meters. Follow the main wreck path, exploring the vibrant soft corals and sponges that have colonized the metal. You can navigate through the various pieces, which host numerous small reef fish and macro critters. Beyond the main wreck, explore the nearby man-made pyramid structures that serve as additional artificial reefs. Maintain a maximum depth of 12 meters, ensuring ample bottom time to fully appreciate the marine life. The turnaround point is flexible, often dictated by air consumption or desire to explore a particular area. Your safety stop can be performed in the shallowest sections of the wreck, observing the rich life in the coral gardens near the shore before making a final ascent.

Underwater photography

The Japanese Wreck is a fantastic site for underwater photography, particularly for macro subjects and wide-angle shots of the wreck and artificial reef structures. For macro enthusiasts, a dedicated macro lens will capture the intricate details of nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, and leaf scorpionfish camouflaged within the corals. Utilise a snoot or focused strobes to highlight the vibrant colours against the contrasting dark volcanic sand. For wide-angle, a rectilinear or fisheye lens is ideal to encompass the broken wreck sections and the man-made pyramids. Natural light is abundant due to the shallow depth, enhancing colour, but strobes are recommended to bring out the full spectrum of soft corals. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the silty bottom and to approach delicate marine life without causing stress. Patience is key for capturing elusive critters, allowing them to acclimate to your presence.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• USAT Liberty Wreck

  Iconic WWII wreck dive in Tulamben, suitable for all levels.

• Coral Garden Tulamben

  Shallow reef known for macro life and artificial structures.

• The Pyramids

  Artificial reef structures teeming with marine life, located in Amed.

• Ghost Bay

  Popular muck diving site in Amed for rare critters.

• Boga Wreck

  Intact artificial reef for advanced divers near Kubu.

Getting there & logistics

Accessing the Japanese Wreck in Amed typically begins with a flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali. From the airport, Amed is a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour drive by car or private transfer along Bali's eastern coast. Many dive centres in Amed offer airport pickups and local transportation as part of their packages. The site is primarily a shore dive, meaning no additional boat fees are usually incurred for access, making it a cost-effective option. Dive trips to Amed are often combined with visits to nearby Tulamben to explore sites like the USAT Liberty Wreck, offering a diverse itinerary. Accommodation is readily available in Amed, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to more upscale resorts, making it easy to plan multi-day diving excursions.

Safety & environment

For diving in Amed, the nearest hyperbaric chamber is located in Denpasar, approximately a 3-hour drive from Amed. In the event of a dive emergency, evacuation involves significant travel time, underscoring the importance of meticulous dive planning and adherence to safety protocols. It is highly recommended that all divers have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. The Japanese Wreck is a shallow and calm site, but divers should still exercise caution with buoyancy control to avoid contact with the delicate corals and to prevent stirring up the silty bottom. Always dive with a reputable local guide who is familiar with the site's specific conditions and currents, even if they are mild. Conduct thorough buddy checks and ensure all equipment is in good working order before entering the water.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Japanese Wreck Amed FAQ

Liveaboards diving Japanese Wreck Amed

These liveaboards may visit Japanese Wreck Amed on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$316/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

$488/day

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

$222/day