Amed · Amed, black-sand diving coast
Things to do in
Amed
A quiet stretch of fishing villages, black-sand bays and a famous shipwreck dive on the north east coast.
- Ideal stay
- 2 to 4 nights suits divers and snorkellers wanting to work through the local sites.
- Best time
- April to October brings the calmest, clearest water for diving and snorkelling.
- Getting around
- A scooter reaches the scattered bays; a driver is easier for the long trip from the south.
- Good to know
- It is a long drive from the airport, roughly two and a half to three hours, so plan the transfer.
Amed is Bali's laid-back diving coast, a run of black-sand bays known for snorkelling and a wartime wreck.
Amed is a string of small fishing villages along the dry north east coast, backed by the slopes of Mount Agung. Its black-sand bays hold healthy reefs and the famous USS Liberty wreck, making it one of Bali's best snorkelling and diving areas. Traditional jukung outrigger boats still line the shore, and the pace is slow and unhurried. It suits divers, snorkellers and anyone wanting a quiet coast well away from the southern crowds.
Before you go, read up on money and the rupiah, getting around by ferry, bus and car, the best time to visit and staying safe and healthy.
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01 Wreck diveUSS Liberty shipwreck at Tulamben
The USAT Liberty is a wartime cargo ship that was torpedoed in 1942 and later slid into the sea off Tulamben, just north of Amed. It now lies in shallow water close to shore, encrusted with coral and alive with fish. It is one of the most accessible wreck dives in the world, reachable directly from the beach without a boat. Snorkellers can see the upper parts, while divers explore the full length.
Guided dives from around 500,000 rupiah (about 32 US dollars); at Tulamben beach, a short drive north of Amed.
Tip. Dive or snorkel the wreck at first light, before the day boats arrive and the visibility drops.
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02 Snorkel bayJemeluk Bay
Jemeluk Bay is Amed's main snorkelling spot, a curved black-sand bay with a coral wall and reef close to shore. An underwater temple and postbox add interest for snorkellers and freedivers a short swim out. Traditional jukung boats rest on the sand, and warungs line the road behind. The calm, clear water and easy shore access make it ideal for beginners.
Snorkel hire from around 50,000 rupiah (about 3 US dollars); Jemeluk Bay sits in the middle of the Amed coast.
Tip. Snorkel straight from the beach in the morning calm, and hire a boat only if you want the deeper reefs.
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03 Black sandAmed Beach and fishing villages
The main Amed Beach is a long strip of dark volcanic sand fronting a line of small fishing villages. Rows of colourful jukung outriggers are drawn up on the shore between fishing trips. The water is calm and good for swimming and easy snorkelling. Simple warungs and dive shops line the coast road behind the sand.
Beach free; warung meals from around 40,000 rupiah (about 3 US dollars); along the main Amed coast road.
Tip. Wander the beach in the late afternoon to see the fishing boats prepare to head out for the night.
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04 ViewpointLahangan Sweet viewpoint
Lahangan Sweet is a hilltop viewpoint in the hills above Amed, looking out towards the great cone of Mount Agung. On clear mornings the volcano rises above the ridges and villages below. Simple platforms and swings are set up for photographs, with a small entry fee. Cloud often gathers by midday, so an early visit gives the best odds of a clear peak.
Small entry fee; in the hills above Amed, a short drive up on winding roads.
Tip. Come early on a clear morning, as Mount Agung usually disappears into cloud by the middle of the day.
- 05 Freediving
Freediving and dive courses
Amed's calm, clear and shallow water has made it one of Bali's main centres for freediving. Schools run courses from beginner breath-hold sessions to deeper training, alongside scuba courses. The reef and the Liberty wreck give varied sites within a short distance. The relaxed atmosphere and steady conditions make it a good place to learn.
Intro sessions from around 500,000 rupiah (about 32 US dollars); dive and freedive schools line the Amed coast.
Tip. Book a beginner freediving or scuba session for the morning, when the sea is calmest and clearest.
- 06 Sunrise
Amed sunrise over the sea
Facing east, the Amed coast is a fine place to watch the sun rise over the sea and the outline of Lombok beyond. Fishermen head out and return in the early light, their outriggers dark against the water. The quiet bays and slow pace make dawn an unhurried time to be on the beach. It pairs well with an early snorkel before the day warms up.
Free; sunrise around 06:00; along the Amed bays facing east towards Lombok.
Tip. Rise for sunrise, then slip straight into the water for the calmest, clearest snorkelling of the day.
Top-rated Amed tours
The best-reviewed guided experiences right now, live from Viator, with free cancellation on most.
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Tulamben Diving USS Liberty Shipwreck Scuba Dive
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Advanced Open Water Course - Advanced Certification in Tulamben
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5 Fun Dives in Tulamben (for certified divers) - Discover famous diving sites
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Open Water + Advanced Course - Premium Certifications Package in Tulamben
A first-timer's three days
A relaxed way to fold the essentials into a long weekend, keeping the busiest sights for the cooler ends of the day.
Reefs and bays
- Snorkel Jemeluk Bay in the morning calm
- Relax on the black sand of Amed Beach
- Watch the fishing boats head out at dusk
The wreck
- Dive or snorkel the USS Liberty wreck at first light
- Explore more of the Tulamben reefs
- Rest through the afternoon by the sea
Views and diving
- Drive up to the Lahangan Sweet viewpoint at dawn
- Take a freediving or scuba session
- Enjoy a quiet dinner at a beachside warung
Insider tips
A few things that make Amed smoother, and keep the trip easy.
Dive the wreck early
The Liberty wreck at Tulamben is busiest with day trippers late morning, so go at first light for space and clearer water.
Plan the long drive
Amed is two and a half to three hours from the airport, so allow a full transfer and consider a driver over a scooter.
Bring your own snorkel
The reefs sit close to shore, so a mask and snorkel let you swim out from the beach whenever the sea is calm.
Catch the mountain early
Mount Agung is clearest at dawn from viewpoints like Lahangan Sweet, as cloud usually builds by the middle of the day.
Amed things to do: FAQ
Is Amed good for snorkelling?
Yes, Amed has healthy reefs close to shore at Jemeluk and other bays, making it one of Bali's best and easiest snorkelling areas.
Can you snorkel the USS Liberty wreck?
Yes, the wreck lies in shallow water off Tulamben, so snorkellers can see the upper parts while divers explore the full length.
How far is Amed from the airport?
Amed is a long drive on the north east coast, roughly two and a half to three hours, so plan the transfer accordingly.
Is Amed good for beginners learning to dive?
Yes, the calm, clear and shallow water and range of schools make Amed a popular place to learn scuba diving and freediving.
When is the best time to visit Amed?
April to October brings the calmest, clearest water for diving and snorkelling, and dawn offers the best sea and mountain views.