Snorkeling in Bali: 7 Best Snorkeling Spots in Amed

Bali’s Amed coastline hides underwater treasures you won’t find in the island’s more crowded destinations. You’ll discover vibrant coral gardens, historic shipwrecks, and artificial reefs—all accessible from shore with basic snorkeling gear. Whether you’re watching sea turtles glide by at Jemeluk Bay or floating above the Japanese Shipwreck, Amed offers exceptional marine experiences without the premium price tag. The best part? These seven spots cater to all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced snorkelers looking for their next underwater adventure.

Key Points

• Jemeluk Bay offers accessible snorkeling with calm waters, an underwater temple, and vibrant marine life suitable for all skill levels.
• Amed Beach features coral gardens just meters from shore with Mount Agung as backdrop and eastward currents manageable for all levels.
• Japanese Shipwreck in Banyuning Bay lets beginners explore a WWII patrol ship at 5-10 meters depth surrounded by thriving coral formations.
• Lipah Beach provides soft-sand shores with shallow reefs perfect for beginners, featuring sea turtles and white-tip reef sharks.
• Amed Pyramids artificial reefs host diverse marine life including rare species at depths from 5-25 meters, supporting conservation efforts.

Jemeluk Bay: Home to Underwater Temples and Vibrant Reefs

Nestled on Bali’s eastern coast in the fishing village of Amed, Jemeluk Bay offers one of the most accessible snorkeling experiences on the island. The calm, clear waters and shallow depths make it perfect for all skill levels, with vibrant coral reefs just 10 meters from shore.

You’ll discover an artificial underwater temple that’s become a photographer’s paradise and a haven for marine life. Swim alongside colorful fish and, if you’re lucky, spot sea turtles gliding through the water. The bay’s depth of around 5 meters guarantees comfortable exploration without specialized equipment.

Local conservation efforts, including coral propagation projects, are working to preserve this underwater paradise. For about $70, you can join a private sightseeing tour, though independent snorkeling is easy with the reef’s proximity to the beach. Many visitors combine snorkeling with visits to top barber shops in Bali to look their best for vacation photos.

English-speaking guides provide live commentary throughout the experience, enhancing your understanding of the marine ecosystem and local culture.

Amed Beach: Snorkeling With Mount Agung as Your Backdrop

Just a short journey from Jemeluk Bay lies Amed Beach, a stunning stretch on Bali’s northeastern coast that offers a snorkeling experience with an extraordinary bonus – the majestic Mount Agung towering in the background.

For the best underwater views, head to the area between Camessa Hotel and Kembali Beach Bungalows. You’ll find vibrant coral gardens just meters from shore, accessible to snorkelers of all levels. The current typically runs eastward, so enter near Camessa Hotel and drift along. Many visitors are delighted to encounter turtles and starfish during their underwater exploration.

Equipment rentals cost around 50,000-60,000 IDR daily from local shops. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, life jackets make this experience enjoyable for everyone. The clear waters reveal abundant marine life while being less crowded than other Bali snorkeling spots. Many travelers combine their Amed snorkeling adventure with a day trip to nearby Lombok, which offers similarly stunning underwater experiences.

Japanese Shipwreck: Exploring History Beneath the Waves

Lying in the clear waters of Banyuning Bay, the Japanese Shipwreck offers a unique blend of history and marine exploration just 20 minutes from central Amed. This WWII patrol ship rests at a comfortable 5-10 meters depth, making it accessible even if you’re new to snorkeling.

Submerged history awaits in crystal waters—where WWII meets marine life just minutes from Amed’s shoreline.

You’ll find thriving coral formations that have transformed this wartime relic into a vibrant marine habitat. The wreck represents a significant Pacific naval battle artifact with a mysterious sinking history. Look for leaf scorpion fish, cardinalfish, and colorful nudibranchs along the nearby wall.

The shallow reef, adorned with giant gorgonians and barrel sponges, creates perfect photo opportunities. After snorkeling, you can extend your Bali adventure by visiting Nusa Dua’s beaches for a more luxurious coastal experience.

Local facilities make your visit hassle-free—you can rent snorkeling gear nearby and enjoy the beachside cafes after your exploration. A small access fee supports the local community’s conservation efforts while maintaining this historical underwater treasure.

Lipah Beach: Calm Waters Perfect for Beginner Snorkelers

Located along Bali’s eastern shores, Lipah Beach offers an ideal entry point for those new to underwater exploration. Just minutes from Amed’s center, this rare soft-sand beach features shallow coral reefs that make for easy snorkeling access.

You’ll likely spot sea turtles within your first ten minutes underwater, and if you’re lucky, catch glimpses of white-tip reef sharks. The vibrant coral gardens host thousands of colorful fish, from parrotfish to triggerfish and barracudas. While enjoying the marine life, remain cautious as occasional spider species sightings have been reported near coastal vegetation.

For the best experience, park free at Warung Asri and rent snorkeling gear for around 150k IDR. Vienna Beach Resort lets you store belongings while you explore. Many visitors recommend arriving at early morning hours for the best chance of seeing turtles approximately 50 meters from shore.

Visit on sunny days for supreme visibility, and remember to practice responsible tourism to preserve this underwater paradise.

Amed Pyramids: Artificial Reefs Teeming With Marine Life

After a devastating El Niño event threatened local marine ecosystems, Amed’s community took matters into their own hands by creating the remarkable Amed Pyramids. These concrete structures now form vibrant artificial reefs accessible by shore or traditional Jukung boats.

You’ll discover an underwater playground at depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters, making it suitable for both snorkelers and divers. The pyramids serve as fish aggregation devices, attracting diverse marine life from ghost pipefish and pygmy seahorses to snappers and surgeonfish.

The structures offer protection from occasional currents, allowing you to observe marine life up close. The unique location features a stunning Coral Garden area that showcases the reef’s regenerative success over the past two decades. If you plan to explore beyond Bali, consider taking land transportation from Bali to Jakarta to experience more of Indonesia’s diverse landscapes. With generally clear visibility and easy navigation between pyramid clusters, you’ll enjoy a unique snorkeling experience while supporting local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices.

Best Times and Tips for Snorkeling in Amed

Timing your snorkeling adventure in Amed correctly can dramatically enhance your experience of this underwater paradise. For ideal conditions, visit between April and October when visibility reaches an impressive 20-30 meters and water temperatures hover around 27-29°C.

If you’re traveling during the rainy season (November-March), don’t worry—Jemeluk Bay remains accessible year-round thanks to its sheltered position. Morning sessions typically offer calmer waters and better light, regardless of season.

Rent gear from beachfront operators for convenience, and always use reef-safe sunscreen. Check tide charts to avoid strong currents, especially in channel areas. After your underwater adventure, refuel with Balinese cuisine featuring fresh seafood and vibrant local flavors.

For specific sites, the Japanese Shipwreck demands dry season clarity, while Vienna Beach’s shallow reefs remain viewable throughout the year. After rain, allow time for sediment to settle at Lipah Beach. Traveling during shoulder seasons like April to early June or September to October offers the perfect balance of favorable weather and fewer crowds.

Local Services: Rentals, Guides, and Amenities for Snorkelers

When planning your Amed snorkeling adventure, you’ll find a range of convenient local services to enhance your underwater experience. Full snorkeling sets cost around IDR 100,000-150,000 daily, with individual pieces available from IDR 20,000.

Local operators like Budi Snorkeling Tour provide well-maintained equipment and guided tours to prime spots like Turtle Point.

Dive resorts offer integrated packages combining equipment rentals with professional guides who’ll help identify marine species and advise on current conditions. Dive Resort – Diving La Vida Loca is highly rated for its brand-new equipment and great atmosphere, offering amenities like refreshments between water activities.

For independent explorers, Amed Scooter Rental provides affordable transport to sites like Jemeluk Bay. For those seeking more thrilling activities, Bali offers numerous adventure options beyond snorkeling.

Most providers offer convenient amenities including secure storage, freshwater rinse stations, and multilingual staff.

Some even provide underwater camera rentals to document your snorkeling highlights.

Last Words

Just as you’re reading this, someone’s discovering a turtle at Jemeluk Bay! Amed’s seven snorkeling spots offer incredible underwater adventures without breaking the bank. Rent gear locally for under $5, bring a waterproof camera, and don’t miss the Japanese Shipwreck—it’s free to explore. Whether you’re a beginner at Lipah Beach or experienced at the Pyramids, Amed’s clear waters and budget-friendly options await your visit.