First Breath Below: Learning to Dive on Bali’s Amed Reefs
Two shore dives, zero pressure: discover Bali’s beginner-friendly coral gardens.
The first breath is the one you remember. Knees in black volcanic sand, mask washed by the quiet back-and-forth of Jemeluk Bay, you tip your face to the surface and let the ocean ask its question. Ready? A light surge tugs your fins like an encouraging hand. You exhale, bubbles stair-stepping to the sun, and then you go—down past the silver skin of the water, into a world that hums with color.
Trail Wisdom
Equalize Early, Equalize Often
Pinch your nose and gently equalize every meter on descent to prevent ear discomfort—don’t wait for pressure to build.
Fin Smart Over Sand
Keep fins level and use short kicks to avoid stirring up volcanic silt that reduces visibility for you and others.
Reef-Safe Routine
Apply reef-safe sunscreen at least 20 minutes before entering the water and avoid touching coral or marine life.
Hydrate Before You Dive
Tropical heat and salty air dehydrate quickly—drink water before and between dives to reduce fatigue and prevent cramps.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Japanese Wreck at Banyuning—colorful, shallow wreck ideal for beginners
- •Jemeluk Bay viewpoint at sunset for a sweeping look over the reef and Mount Agung
Wildlife
Hawksbill turtle, Cuttlefish
Conservation Note
Support reef health by using reef-safe sunscreen, maintaining perfect buoyancy, and never touching coral. Community-led restoration projects in Jemeluk Bay benefit from mindful divers.
Amed’s coast has produced sea salt for centuries using traditional evaporation techniques, and World War II left a small Japanese patrol wreck now colonized by coral.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Warm water, Quieter bays
Challenges: Occasional late wet-season showers, Variable visibility
March–May straddles the end of the wet season with warm seas and fewer crowds. Expect improving viz but be flexible with timing.
summer
Best for: Top visibility, Calm mornings
Challenges: Afternoon trade winds, Higher demand
June–August is dry season prime time with 15–25 m visibility and stable conditions. Book ahead and plan early dives before winds build.
fall
Best for: Balanced conditions, Post-peak deals
Challenges: Sporadic swell, Transitioning weather
September–November often stays clear with warmer water and lighter crowds. Watch forecasts as the first rains may return late season.
winter
Best for: Lush landscapes, Warm water
Challenges: More rain, Reduced visibility and possible runoff
December–February is wet season with softer viz and passing showers. Mornings are best; diving continues on most days with adaptable plans.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (Non-Nano Zinc)Essential
Protects skin from tropical sun without harming Amed’s corals.
Rash Guard or 2–3 mm Shorty
Adds sun protection and warmth during longer surface intervals in warm water.
Water ShoesEssential
Helps with shore entries over pebbly, volcanic sand and protects feet.
Dry Bag (10–15 L)
Keeps phone, wallet, and a change of clothes dry on the beach between dives.
Common Questions
Do I need a scuba certification to join?
No. This is a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience designed for beginners with no certification.
How deep will we go?
Discover Scuba dives are limited to a maximum of 12 meters (40 feet), though many highlights in Amed are visible at shallower depths.
Can non-swimmers participate?
You should be comfortable in the water. Non-swimmers may be limited to very shallow, closely supervised sessions at the instructor’s discretion.
What marine life might I see?
Expect reef fish like clownfish, butterflyfish, and chromis, plus chances for cuttlefish, octopus, and occasional hawksbill turtles.
What’s the water temperature in Amed?
Typically 27–29°C (81–84°F) year-round; a rash guard or shorty wetsuit is usually sufficient.
Is hotel pickup available from Ubud or Denpasar?
Travel times are around 2.5–3 hours each way; confirm pickup options when booking as they may vary by operator.
What to Pack
Reef-safe sunscreen to protect both skin and coral; water shoes for easy shore entries over volcanic sand; a compact dry bag to keep valuables safe between dives; motion-sickness tablets if you’re prone to nausea on bumpy coastal drives.
Did You Know
Amed is famous for traditional sea-salt production, and the nearby Japanese Wreck—sunk during World War II—rests in just a few meters of water, making it one of Bali’s most accessible wreck dives.
Quick Travel Tips
Plan an early start from Ubud or Denpasar to beat traffic and winds; bring cash for small warungs and equipment tips; download offline maps as coverage can be spotty in the hills; confirm age (10+) and health questionnaire requirements before arrival.
Local Flavor
Post-dive, grab grilled mahi or a tempeh bowl at a beachfront warung in Jemeluk, then sip a cold Bintang while Mount Agung turns purple at dusk. If you have time, visit the salt farmers near Purwakerti to see centuries-old techniques in action.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Ngurah Rai International (DPS), Denpasar. Drive time: ~3 hours to Amed from Ubud/Denpasar depending on traffic. Cell service: Generally good in town; patchy in hilly sections en route. Permits: None required for Amed; age minimum for DSD is 10; max depth 12 m under instructor supervision.
Sustainability Note
Amed’s reefs are recovering and community-managed—use reef-safe sunscreen, keep fins up, never touch coral, and support local operators involved in restoration.
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