Snorkeling in Amed Bali is an unforgettable experience. In this guide, I share the best places to snorkel in Amed, as well as everything you need to know before visiting.
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Snorkeling in Amed at a Glance
- Book accommodation in Amed with Booking.com
- Check if you need a visa with iVisa
- Stay connected in Amed with a local e-sim
- Snorkel in Amed on a best-selling tour.
- Don’t forget travel insurance!
Best Places to Snorkel in Amed
You will find good spots for snorkeling all along the Amed coastline; however, there are 5 locations which stand out from the rest: Jemeluk Bay, Lipah Beach, Selang Beach, Japanese Shipwreck and Bunutan Beach.
Jemeluk Bay
Jemeluk Bay is probably the most popular snorkeling spot in Amed and certainly one of the best. It’s protected by its half-moon-shaped bay, meaning the water stays mostly calm and clear.
There’s a thriving underwater world beneath the surface of Jemeluk Bay. Healthy corals in all shapes and sizes, an abundance of colourful fish, and sea turtles gliding through the water.
Also waiting to be discovered is the ancient underwater temple, which makes for a unique snorkeling experience. From the beach, look out for the buoy that marks the spot.
Lipah Beach
South of Jemeluk Bay is Lipah Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in Amed and another snorkeling hotspot. You could easily spend the entire day at Lipah Beach.
With its clear azure waters and a backdrop of palm trees, it boasts a tranquil tropical vibe. Sunbathe on the beach with a coconut in hand, then head to the water to cool off and swim amongst the fish and healthy coral.
The water here is shallow, and you only need to go out a few feet before the coral is directly below you. It’s important to tread carefully, so as not to damage the reef.
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Bunutan Beach
Those looking for a peaceful snorkelling experience in Amed might consider heading to Bunutan Beach—a secluded and somewhat rugged stretch of beach but perfect for escaping the crowds.
At Bunutan Beach, you can look forward to some of the clearest waters along the Amed coastline, as well as some of the most bountiful marine life. It’s common to see some pretty unusual and rare fishes here, like the Titan triggerfish and Mola Mola fish. If you’re lucky, you may even get to swim alongside a sea turtle or two.
When I visited, there didn’t appear to be anywhere to rent snorkelling gear, a sunbed, or even grab a drink. But that may have changed by now as Amed increases in popularity. There are, however, some lovely Amed hotels and guesthouses nearby if you’d prefer to base yourself out of town.
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Selang Beach
More experienced and adventurous snorkelers may wish to add Selang Beach to their list of places to snorkel in Amed. It’s a little way out of town. You’ll need a car or a scooter to get there. But many say it’s worth it for the abundant sea life beneath the surface.
What sets Selang apart from other snorkelling spots in Amed is the various sightings of black-tip reef sharks. They aren’t considered dangerous, and it’s a privilege to see one. But it could still be scary for those less experienced.
Other than the gnarly snorkeling opportunities, there isn’t much else going on at Selang Beach. It’s fairly unspoiled and allows visitors a raw and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Japanese Shipwreck
Our final Amed snorkelling spot is undoubtedly one of the most interesting on this list. A sunken Japanese Shipwreck from World War II just metres out from shore.
The wreck is now covered in healthy and colourful coral, attracting a plethora of different fishes and sea life. It’s a beautiful and rare sight, especially for snorkelers.
You’ll find the shipwreck in Banyuning Bay, about a 20-minute drive out of town. It’s well-marked on Google Maps and is quickly becoming one of the top things to do in Amed.
So much so there is now a small fee to park nearby. It’s not much and includes a welcome drink. I do, however, advise getting there early. Especially in high season, as it can get very busy.
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Snorkeling in Amed FAQs
Can I Rent Snorkel Gear in Amed?
Snorkelling gear, including masks and fins, is available to rent from most shops, hotels and on most beaches in Amed. It’s relatively inexpensive at less than $5 per day. However, if you plan on doing a lot of snorkeling on your trip to Bali, consider investing in your own snorkel mask and fins.
Best Time to Snorkel in Amed
For the best visibility and calm waters, it’s usually best to snorkel in Bali during the dry season (April to October). Not always, but the wet season brings heavy downpours and less sunshine, negatively impacting snorkelling conditions.
In terms of time of day, there isn’t any right or wrong time. However, I prefer to snorkel in the morning or late afternoon when there are fewer people and boats around. You won’t need to worry about this at some of the quieter Amed beaches, but certainly, Jemeluk Bay, Lipah Beach, and the Japanese Shipwreck can get busy.
What to Bring
- Water Shoes: Necessary for protecting your feet when getting in and out of the water.
- Snorkel Gear: Bring your own mask and fins or rent in Amed.
- Go Pro: For filming and taking photos of the fish underwater.
- Marine Safe Sunscreen: Help to protect Amed’s healthy underwater world.
- Kimono/Sarong: It’s respectful to cover up when you’re not on the beach in Bali.
Enjoy Snorkeling in Amed!
So there we have it, the best places to go snorkeling in Amed Bali. I hope you found this guide helpful.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to us in the comments. Otherwise, we wish you safe and happy travels
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