Amed, Bali: Discover the Top Snorkeling Spots and Hidden Gems
Why Choose Amed for Snorkeling?
Amed is a small fishing village in Bali! 🌊💙 With its clear and calm waters, the marine diversity is exceptional, offering a display of tropical fish and colorful corals as soon as you dip your head underwater. The conditions are perfect: excellent visibility, warm water, and minimal currents, making it an easy and enjoyable exploration for all levels. Plus, no crowds here! Amed remains a tranquil and preserved spot, ideal for enjoying the underwater beauty without being disturbed. 🌺🐠
Where to Find Snorkeling Gear in Amed?
At Your Hotel: Most hotels offer snorkeling gear for rent, often for 2-3 euros per day. Some even lend it out for free, so don’t hesitate to ask!
Beach Vendors: Convenient and easy, they rent masks, snorkels, and fins for around 5 euros a day. Perfect if you’re already at the beach.
Rental Shops: Located in the village, these shops offer a wide selection of equipment, ideal if you’re looking for something more specific or of better quality.
Bring Your Own: Always better for comfort and hygiene if you already have your own gear!
Top 6 Best Snorkeling Spots in Amed, Bali
Amed is a true paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, and visiting these spots becomes even more enjoyable if you explore them by scooter along the coast! 🛵 To make things easier, I’ve ranked them according to an ideal itinerary that you can easily follow. Identify each spot with the 🥇 medals placed next to them to highlight the best locations to explore. So, grab your mask and fins, and dive into the adventure! 🌊✨
1. Japanese Shipwreck
📍ADRESSE: Banyuning, about 10 minutes’ drive from the center of Amed.
FEATURES: A small Japanese boat wreck resting between 3 and 12 meters deep, surrounded by corals and marine life.
ACCESS: Directly from the beach. You only need to swim a few meters to reach the wreck.
HIGHLIGHTS: Easily accessible wreck, perfect for beginner snorkelers. The site is surrounded by colorful corals, starfish, and a wide variety of tropical fish.
TIPS: Explore the nooks of the wreck to spot nudibranchs, lionfish, and moray eels hiding within the structures.
SAFETY TIPS: Be cautious of currents that can be stronger at certain times of the day.
2. Salang Beach 🥉
📍ADRESSE: Salang, west of Amed, accessible in a few minutes by car or scooter.
FEATURES: Peaceful beach with clear water, gently sloping coral reefs, and black sand.
ACCESS: Directly from the beach, with easy entry into the water for any snorkeler level.
HIGHLIGHTS: Calm and shallow water, ideal for beginners. Presence of many soft and hard corals, as well as colorful fish like butterflyfish and angelfish.
TIPS: Bring your own gear or rent it on-site. Early mornings offer the best visibility.
SAFETY TIPS: Be mindful of rocky areas near the shore and wear water shoes to avoid injuries.
3. Lipah Beach
📍ADRESSE: Main road of Amed, near Puri Wirata Dive Resort.
FEATURES: Clear water, possibly one of the cleanest on the island, with incredibly shiny black sand.
ACCESS: Short walk from the main road.
HIGHLIGHTS: Ideal for exploring boxfish and moray eels. Coral propagation projects are ongoing, and sometimes you can spot white-tip reef sharks.
TIPS: Bring a small bag to take a bit of the sand as a souvenir.
4. Jemeluk Bay🥈
📍ADRESSE: Near Jemeluk Viewpoint, Amed Beach.
FEATURES: Shallow water, varied coral reefs.
ACCESS: Directly from the beach.
HIGHLIGHTS: Numerous varieties of tropical fish, easy for beginners. Underwater temple (3 meters deep), coral garden, parrotfish, tigerfish, stonefish.
TIPS: Avoid peak hours for more tranquility.
SAFETY TIPS: Stay close to the shore as currents can sometimes become strong. Avoid touching the wreck to preserve the site.
Pyramids - Turtle Spot and Coral 🥇
📍ADRESSE: Near Jemeluk Beach.
FEATURES: Artificial structures forming a pyramid-shaped reef, depth between 3 and 10 meters.
ACCESS: You need to swim about 100 meters from the beach.
HIGHLIGHTS: For me, it’s the most beautiful spot, with the most colorful fish and the highest chance of seeing a turtle. Large concentration of fish and corals, ideal for underwater photography.
TIPS: Explore the surrounding areas to find rare species.
USS Liberty Shipwreck
📍ADRESSE: Tulamben, about 40 minutes’ drive from Amed.
FEATURES: Wreck of an American cargo ship from World War II, resting between 5 and 30 meters deep, covered in corals and home to a wide variety of marine life.
ACCESS: Easily accessible from the beach, with the wreck visible from the first meters of depth.
HIGHLIGHTS: Although this site is popular with divers, snorkelers can admire much of the wreck from the surface. You’ll see colorful corals and a wide variety of tropical fish, including schools of parrotfish and barracudas.
TIPS: Perfect for intermediate or advanced snorkelers, capable of freediving to explore the deeper areas and observe the wreck’s details.
SAFETY TIPS: Stay vigilant around the wreck, as currents can sometimes be unpredictable. Avoid touching the wreck to preserve the site and marine life.
Now you have all the keys to enjoy your scooter journey and discover the snorkeling beaches in one or two days — get ready, because after this, you’ll be totally hooked on snorkeling! 😎🌊
FAQs
Can you snorkel in Amed all year round?
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Yes, you can snorkel in Amed throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry season (April to October), when underwater visibility is at its peak. During the rainy season (November to March), the waters can be murkier, making it harder to see marine life clearly.
Are there local snorkeling guides available?
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Yes, local guides in Amed offer tours to show you the best snorkeling spots, including less crowded areas and unique marine life. Prices are usually between €15 and €25 per session, making it an affordable and enriching experience.
Where can I eat near snorkeling spots?
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After a snorkeling session, you can visit local warungs to enjoy traditional Balinese dishes, often served with stunning ocean views. These small, family-run restaurants offer an authentic taste of Bali.
Do I need to book access to snorkeling spots?
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No, most snorkeling spots in Amed are free to access directly from the beach. However, popular sites like the USS Liberty Shipwreck may require a small contribution for local services, which helps maintain the area.
Are there any risks while snorkeling in Amed?
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Snorkeling in Amed is generally safe, but currents can be unpredictable at times. To ensure safety, stay close to the beach or seek advice from locals before entering the water. Always prioritize safety over exploration.