Dive Site: Pyramids Wall

About Pyramids Wall

Pyramids Wall, often referred to as the Pyramids of Amed, is a distinctive dive site located on Bali's east coast. This artificial reef was constructed by the local community around two decades ago, following a significant El Nino event, to foster marine life and stands as a testament to conservation efforts. The site features a series of pyramid-shaped structures creating a complex habitat for diverse species, ranging from rare macro critters to schools of reef fish. It is found adjacent to a natural coral reef, presenting a varied underwater landscape. Positioned in Amed, a stretch of fishing villages renowned for its calm waters, Pyramids Wall offers a generally relaxed diving experience. The artificial pyramids are situated at approximately 20 meters depth, while a natural coral reef nearby ranges from 5 to 18 meters. The unique black sand, a result of the area's proximity to Mount Agung volcano, provides a striking contrast for underwater photography. Marine life here is abundant, with frequent sightings of unusual creatures that thrive on the artificial structures, which often serve as cleaning stations. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish and invertebrates utilizing the pyramids. The site is known for occasional mild currents that can sometimes intensify, offering an exhilarating drift experience. Accessibility is easy, either directly from shore or via a short trip on a traditional Balinese jukung boat. This makes Pyramids Wall an excellent location for various dive levels, including beginners, and is often combined with other nearby sites like the Bay Reef in Jemeluk Bay for a second dive, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable underwater exploration.

Dive site facts: Pyramids Wall

Depth

5–20 m

Current

Mild to occasional strong

Visibility

15–25+ m

Water temperature

26–30°C

Entry

Shore / Jukung boat

Level

All levels

Dive type

Artificial reef, macro, wall, drift

Region / port

Amed, East Bali

Coordinates

8.3280° S, 115.6875° E

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Pyramids Wall are typically mild, making for a relaxing dive. However, conditions can occasionally shift, and currents may strengthen, transforming the experience into an exciting drift dive. When stronger currents are present, divers can utilize the pyramid structures for shelter, allowing for close observation of marine life. Entry is generally easy, either from shore or a short jukung boat ride, and the dive is often structured to leverage any prevailing mild currents, leading to a gentle drift along the artificial reef and adjacent natural corals. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 15 to over 25 meters, and water temperatures are comfortably warm, between 26°C and 30°C.

Marine life & sighting chances

Ghost Pipefish

common

Mimic Octopus

occasional

Pygmy Seahorse

occasional

Stonefish

occasional

Razorfish

occasional

Snapper

common

Sweetlips

common

Surgeonfish

common

Goby

common

Shrimp

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Pyramids Wall typically begin with an easy entry from the shore or a traditional jukung boat. The dive focuses on exploring the artificial pyramid structures, which start around 20 meters deep, and the adjacent natural coral reef, ranging from 5 to 18 meters. Divers often navigate between the pyramids, observing the macro life and fish utilizing them as cleaning stations. When mild currents are present, the dive becomes a gentle drift, allowing divers to effortlessly cover more ground. The site's black volcanic sand and colorful corals create excellent photographic opportunities. A safety stop is typically conducted along the shallower natural reef, providing additional chances to spot marine life.

Underwater photography

Pyramids Wall is a prime location for underwater photography, particularly macro and wide-angle. The black volcanic sand offers a dramatic backdrop for colorful corals and macro critters like ghost pipefish, pygmy seahorses, and mimic octopuses, making a macro lens highly recommended. For wide-angle shots, the pyramid structures themselves, along with schools of fish, create interesting compositions. Good buoyancy control is essential, especially when hovering near delicate marine life for macro shots or navigating mild currents. Consider using strobes to bring out the vibrant colors against the dark sand and maintain a respectful distance from subjects.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Jemeluk Bay

  Often combined for a second dive

• Japanese Wreck

  Excellent for macro photography

• Bunutan

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

• 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…

Getting there & logistics

Pyramids Wall is located in Amed, approximately 80 km and a 2-hour drive from Denpasar city, where Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is situated. Most dive trips to Amed, including Pyramids Wall, are arranged as day trips from Sanur or as part of a multi-day dive safari across Bali. Divers typically stay in Amed itself, allowing for easy shore or short boat access to the site. Dive packages often include transportation, all necessary gear, dive guides, lunch, and marine park fees. Trips can be customized to suit individual preferences and skill levels.

Safety & environment

While Amed offers relatively calm conditions, divers should always be aware of the potential for occasional stronger currents at Pyramids Wall and ensure they have appropriate current experience or dive with a guide. Comprehensive dive insurance is highly recommended for all divers visiting Bali, covering recompression chamber treatment and emergency evacuation. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate coral and artificial structures and follow all local dive center guidelines and safety briefings.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Pyramids Wall FAQ

Liveaboards diving Pyramids Wall

These liveaboards may visit Pyramids Wall 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