Top 5 Snorkeling Spots in Amed: Discover Bali’s Hidden Underwater Gems

Bali is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and incredible marine life, making it a dream destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. While many tourists flock to popular spots like Nusa Penida and Menjangan Island, the quiet coastal village of Amed in Bali’s northeast offers an array of underwater wonders waiting to be explored. Amed’s clear waters, unique coral formations, and diverse marine species make it a snorkeling paradise. Here are the top 5 snorkeling spots in Amed that you won’t want to miss on your next Bali adventure.

1. Japanese Shipwreck

One of the most famous snorkeling spots in Amed, the Japanese Shipwreck, is a must-see for underwater explorers. This historic shipwreck lies only a few meters below the surface, making it accessible even for beginner snorkelers. The wreck itself is a small World War II vessel, but over the years, it has transformed into a vibrant coral habitat, home to various marine life.

What Makes It Unique:
The Japanese Shipwreck is unique not only because of its historical significance but also due to the fascinating coral growth that has taken over the wreckage. Soft and hard corals in shades of purple, pink, and orange have encrusted the ship, creating an underwater garden that’s teeming with fish.

Marine Life to Spot:
You’ll find an array of species here, including parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and even the occasional reef shark. The Japanese Shipwreck is also home to various invertebrates, like sea urchins and colorful nudibranchs, making it a great spot for macro photographers.

Tips for the Best Experience:
Arrive early in the morning for the best visibility and fewer crowds. A guide can show you the safest paths around the wreck and point out interesting marine species that you might otherwise miss.

2. Coral Garden at Vienna Beach

Vienna Beach, located near the heart of Amed, offers a stunning Coral Garden that’s perfect for snorkelers of all levels. This spot is known for its colorful corals and calm, shallow waters, making it one of the most accessible and family-friendly snorkeling sites in Amed.

What Makes It Unique:
The Coral Garden is a natural reef system filled with healthy coral formations that stretch across the ocean floor. This vibrant ecosystem is perfect for observing Bali’s underwater life up close, as the shallow depths allow snorkelers to get an intimate view of the corals and fish.

Marine Life to Spot:
Coral Garden is home to a wide variety of fish, including clownfish, damsels, and anthias. You might even encounter a green sea turtle or two, especially around Turtle Point, where these gentle creatures are often seen feeding on seagrass.

Tips for the Best Experience:
Coral Garden is best explored during high tide, as the higher water levels give you more room to snorkel over the coral without disturbing it. Bring a waterproof camera to capture the colorful coral formations and playful clownfish.

3. Underwater Temple at Jemeluk Bay

The Underwater Temple at Jemeluk Bay is a unique site that combines art and marine conservation. This artificial temple structure, built as part of a reef restoration project, has become an iconic snorkeling destination in Amed. The temple statues and structures have gradually become encrusted with coral, creating a hauntingly beautiful underwater landscape.

What Makes It Unique:
The Underwater Temple offers a magical experience as you snorkel around statues of Balinese deities and pagodas, all covered in colorful coral and surrounded by schools of fish. It’s a surreal sight that adds a spiritual touch to the snorkeling experience, making it one of Amed’s most memorable sites.

Marine Life to Spot:
The temple is frequented by a variety of marine life, including schools of snapper, Moorish idols, and lionfish. Smaller critters like nudibranchs and blennies can also be spotted clinging to the statues, adding to the temple’s charm.

Tips for the Best Experience:
Snorkeling at the Underwater Temple is best during midday when the sunlight filters through the water, illuminating the statues and creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. To fully enjoy the experience, take your time and swim slowly around the statues.

4. Pyramid at Amed Beach

Pyramid is a fascinating snorkeling site located just off Amed Beach. It features a series of small artificial pyramids that were sunk to promote coral growth and attract marine life. These structures have become a haven for fish and coral, making it a favorite spot for both snorkelers and divers.

What Makes It Unique:
The Pyramid site stands out for its unique artificial reef structure. The pyramids are arranged in a grid-like pattern on the ocean floor, creating an intriguing underwater landscape. The site is relatively shallow, making it accessible to snorkelers who want to explore this innovative coral restoration project.

Marine Life to Spot:
The Pyramid is teeming with a variety of reef fish, such as bannerfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish. You may also spot larger species like barracuda or jackfish patrolling the area, as well as colorful coral species that have attached themselves to the pyramids.

Tips for the Best Experience:
Snorkeling at the Pyramid is best done during calm conditions, as the artificial structures can create small currents. A snorkeling guide can help navigate the site and point out hidden species in and around the pyramids.

5. Selang Beach

For those looking to venture off the beaten path, Selang Beach offers a remote and peaceful snorkeling experience. This lesser-known spot is a hidden gem that offers pristine waters, diverse marine life, and beautiful coral formations. Selang Beach is located a bit further from Amed’s main area, making it a quieter and more secluded destination.

What Makes It Unique:
Selang Beach is special because of its unspoiled natural beauty. The coral formations here are incredibly vibrant, and the area is less crowded, allowing you to experience Bali’s underwater world in a peaceful setting. The snorkeling area is more expansive, giving snorkelers plenty of space to explore.

Marine Life to Spot:
Selang Beach is home to various species of fish, including angelfish, surgeonfish, and wrasse. The site also has numerous anemones where clownfish are commonly found, as well as small coral bommies that attract other reef fish.

Tips for the Best Experience:
Due to its remote location, it’s recommended to visit Selang Beach with a local guide who can assist with transportation and show you the best spots to snorkel. Early morning is the best time to snorkel here for optimal visibility and calm waters.

Conclusion: Why Amed’s Snorkeling Spots are a Must-See

Amed offers a rich and diverse snorkeling experience, with each site presenting unique features that showcase Bali’s marine biodiversity. Whether you’re exploring the historic Japanese Shipwreck, admiring the Underwater Temple’s spiritual charm, or discovering vibrant coral gardens, Amed’s snorkeling sites promise unforgettable underwater encounters. Each spot offers a new perspective on Bali’s natural beauty, making Amed an essential stop for any snorkeling enthusiast.

When planning your snorkeling trip, remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen, respect the marine environment, and follow safety guidelines. By doing so, you’re helping to preserve these underwater gems for future snorkelers. Amed is truly Bali’s hidden paradise, and these top 5 snorkeling spots are just waiting to be explored. So pack your snorkel gear, dive in, and prepare for an adventure like no other.