Dive Site: Lipah Bay

About Lipah Bay

Lipah Bay is situated on Bali's northeast coast within the Amed area, nestled against the dramatic backdrop of Gunung Agung. This site is renowned for providing laid-back reef diving experiences, making it an excellent choice for divers seeking more tranquil conditions compared to other parts of Bali. It forms part of a string of villages along the coastline, each with its own bay filled with traditional fishing boats. The topography features a beautiful coral garden, particularly vibrant on the sheltered side of a tiny island, displaying large barrel sponges, gorgonian fans, and expansive plate corals. The depth range for diving is typically between 5 to 30 meters, accommodating various skill levels. Inside the bay, there are also areas with interesting macro life and pyramid-shaped artificial reefs. Marine life at Lipah Bay is plentiful year-round, with dense schools of reef fish, marine turtles, and a rich variety of corals. While the area is generally sheltered from strong currents, it still boasts a healthy ecosystem. The site's calmer conditions and warmer, clearer waters, along with straightforward access, contribute to a pleasant dive experience. Diving here allows for an authentic Balinese experience, away from the busier southern tourist hubs. After exploring the underwater world, divers can appreciate the traditional fishing villages and local salt-making practices that define the Amed region.

Dive site facts: Lipah Bay

Depth

5–30 m

Current

Mild

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

27–29°C

Entry

Boat / Shore

Level

Beginner upwards

Dive type

Reef, drift, coral garden

Region / port

Amed, Bali

Coordinates

8.5162° S, 115.5117° E

Conditions & Currents

Lipah Bay is situated in an area generally sheltered from the strong currents often found in the Lombok Strait, making for typically easier dive conditions. While currents are usually mild, it's always advisable to confirm local conditions with your dive guide before entering the water. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 25 meters, but can be reduced during the wet season due to rainfall and runoff. Water temperatures are consistently warm, between 27°C and 29°C. Entry to Lipah Bay is straightforward, often from a boat or even directly from the shore for some parts of the Amed coastline. Divers should maintain good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the healthy coral formations. Air consumption will typically be lower due to the relaxed drift diving style, allowing for longer bottom times.

Marine life & sighting chances

Marine turtles

Year-round · common

Schooling reef fish

Year-round · common

Sergeant majors

common

Fusiliers

common

Snapper

common

Bannerfish

common

Pyramidfish

common

Barracuda

occasional

Bluefin trevally

occasional

Bumphead parrotfish

occasional

Surgeonfish

common

Dogtooth tuna

occasional

Whitetip sharks

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Lipah Bay typically involves a relaxed drift over a vibrant coral garden, starting from an entry point near the shore or a short boat ride. Divers often descend to explore depths between 5 and 30 meters, navigating along the reef slope. The dive progresses with the gentle current, allowing divers to observe the diverse marine life with minimal effort. You'll encounter large barrel sponges, gorgonian fans, and schools of reef fish. Deeper sections may reveal larger pelagics or sleeping sharks, while shallower areas offer excellent macro photography opportunities among artificial reef pyramids. The ascent usually involves a slow, controlled rise, with a safety stop performed at 5 meters over the reef, before surfacing where the boat will be waiting for pickup, or swimming back to shore if conditions allow.

Underwater photography

Lipah Bay is an excellent location for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse reef and abundant marine life. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide rectilinear lens is ideal to capture the expansive coral gardens, large barrel sponges, and schools of fish. Consider natural light or external strobes to illuminate the vibrant colors of the hard and soft corals. For macro enthusiasts, bring a dedicated macro lens to focus on the smaller critters found among the artificial reefs and coral formations. Good buoyancy control is crucial to avoid disturbing the delicate ecosystem. Patience and observation will be rewarded with unique shots of various reef inhabitants and possibly even turtles.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Jepun Wreck

  The Jepun Wreck is a dive site nestled in Padang Bai, Bali, a coastal town offering a diverse range of underwater experiences.

• Amed Wall

  Amed Wall is a pristine dive site located off the east coast of Bali, accessible by traditional Jukung boat from Amed's black sandy beaches.

• 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…

• Pyramids Amed

  Pyramids Amed is a unique artificial reef site off Bali's northeastern coast, designed to foster marine biodiversity and offer an engaging…

• Banyuning

  Near the Japanese Wreck, often conflated with it

• Gili Selang

  Known for coral gardens and prolific fish life

Getting there & logistics

Lipah Bay is located in Amed, on Bali's northeast coast, an area often reached by road transfer from Bali's main airport, Denpasar (DPS). Dive operations in Amed, including those servicing Lipah Bay, typically run day trips from local dive centers, offering convenient access directly from the shore or via traditional jukung fishing boats. There are no specific permits required for diving at Lipah Bay itself. Trips often combine dives at Lipah Bay with other nearby Amed sites like the Japanese Wreck or Jemeluk Bay. Accommodation options range from budget homestays to resorts along the Amed coastline, making it easy to stay locally and enjoy multiple dives in the area.

Safety & environment

For dive emergencies originating from Lipah Bay, the nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, requiring a significant road transfer time that can take several hours depending on traffic. Divers should always carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to the generally calm conditions, but divers should still be aware of occasional mild currents and practice good buoyancy control to protect the fragile coral. Always dive with a reputable guide who is familiar with local conditions and have a plan for buddy separation. Maintaining adequate air supply and adhering to dive plan limits are paramount for safety.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Lipah Bay FAQ

Liveaboards diving Lipah Bay

These liveaboards may visit Lipah Bay 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