Dive Site: Pyramid

About Pyramid

Pyramid, also known as Ghost Bay, is a captivating dive site located in Amed, Bali. This site features an artificial reef system established over two decades ago in 1995 by the Bali Diving Association, following the impact of a strong El Nino event. The structures were created to enhance natural small reef formations and provide habitat, creating a thriving underwater environment. Diving here typically involves depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters, with the artificial reef reaching down to 20 meters, and a natural coral reef adjacent extending from 5 to 18 meters. The site is characterized by black volcanic sand, which offers a striking contrast to the vibrant marine life and corals. Conditions are generally calm, making it suitable for divers of various experience levels. Pyramid is renowned for its exceptional macro life, making it a prime location for underwater photography. Divers frequently encounter species like ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, and mimic octopuses. The structures also serve as cleaning stations, attracting an abundance of passing fish such as snappers, sweetlips, and surgeonfish, which adds to the site's rich biodiversity. Access to the site is straightforward, often via shore entry or a very short traditional jukung boat ride from the shore. The calm, clear waters and minimal currents contribute to a relaxed diving experience, allowing ample time for exploration and observation of its unique inhabitants.

Dive site facts: Pyramid

Depth

5–20 m

Typical dive

12–18 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild, occasionally stronger

Visibility

15–25+ m

Water temperature

26–30°C

Entry

Shore / Jukung boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Artificial reef, macro, coral slope

Region / port

Amed, East Bali

Coordinates

8.3280° S, 115.6875° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Pyramid are generally mild, contributing to a relaxed diving experience ideal for all skill levels. Occasionally, these currents can intensify, creating an exhilarating drift from one pyramid structure to another. Divers can use the artificial reef structures for shelter, allowing for close observation of the marine life congregating there. Visibility usually ranges from 15 to over 25 meters, though it can sometimes be less fantastic than at nearby Jemeluk Bay's coral reef. Water temperatures are pleasant, typically between 26°C and 30°C. Entry is commonly from the shore or via a short jukung boat ride, with calm surface conditions aiding easy access. These stable conditions minimize surge and boat traffic concerns, ensuring a focus on the underwater environment.

Marine life & sighting chances

Ghost pipefish

common

Mimic octopus

common

Pygmy seahorse

occasional

Stonefish

occasional

Razorfish

occasional

Snappers

common

Sweetlips

common

Surgeonfish

common

Octopus

occasional

Stingrays

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Pyramid typically commence with an easy shore entry or a brief jukung boat ride to the site. Upon descent, divers explore the artificial reef structures, which begin around 5 meters and extend down to 20 meters. The route often involves navigating between these pyramids, using them as shelter from mild currents while observing the abundant macro life and fish congregating around them. There is also a natural coral reef from 5 to 18 meters adjacent to the artificial structures. The dive often progresses deeper along the reef to observe cleaning stations. Turn points are flexible, depending on air consumption and the desire to maximize observation time for specific critters. Ascent typically follows the shallower sections of the reef or returns to the artificial structures, allowing for a gradual safety stop in the 5-meter range, often over the coral formations.

Underwater photography

Pyramid is an exceptional location for underwater macro photography due to its rich density of small, unique critters and the striking contrast of the black volcanic sand. A macro lens (e.g., 60mm or 100mm/105mm) is highly recommended to capture the intricate details of species like ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, and harlequin shrimp. For artificial reef structures and cleaning stations, a wide-angle or fisheye lens can be effective, especially if you want to include schools of fish. External strobes are essential to bring out true colors and minimize backscatter against the dark sand. Careful buoyancy control is critical to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom and delicate marine life, ensuring clear shots. Patience and a keen eye are key; working with a local guide who can spot hidden creatures will greatly enhance photographic opportunities.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Jemeluk Bay

  Often combined as a second dive, known for coral reefs and protection from currents.

• Jemeluk Wall

  Jemeluk Wall is a captivating dive site located within Jemeluk Bay, the bustling center of Amed's diving community on Bali's northeastern…

• 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…

• Japanese Wreck

  Excellent for macro photography.

• Melasti Beach

  Another shore-entry muck dive site in Amed, popular for macro.

Getting there & logistics

Diving Pyramid is usually part of a day trip from dive centers in Amed, a region located approximately 80 km or a 2-hour drive from Denpasar. Daily dive trips from Amed typically include two dives, with a third often optional. Transportation from areas like Sanur is usually included, offering a scenic drive culminating in views of Mount Agung. Divers often access the site directly from the shore or via short rides in traditional Balinese jukung boats. Accommodation in Amed ranges from budget-friendly bungalows to more upscale options, with many dive packages available. There are no specific marine park fees mentioned for Pyramid itself, but general taxes and boating services are usually included in dive operator packages.

Safety & environment

While diving at Pyramid is generally relaxed, standard dive safety practices are crucial. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, requiring a potentially two-hour road transfer from Amed in an emergency. Divers should have appropriate dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards are minimal due to calm conditions, but divers should be aware that currents can occasionally strengthen; maintaining proximity to the artificial structures can provide shelter. Always dive within your certification limits and follow your dive guide's instructions. A dive with a local guide is highly recommended, especially for macro spotting and navigating potential stronger currents. Ensure all equipment is in good working order before entering the water.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pyramid FAQ

Liveaboards diving Pyramid

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

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$274/day

Ilike

Indonesia

16 guests40 m

$298/day

Mermaid I

Alor

15 guests28 m

$372/day

Sunshine Liveaboard

Indonesia

10 guests31 m

$191/day

Tiare Cruise

Indonesia

12 guests36.5 m

$419/day