Diving in Amed – Why do I love it?

Interview with Emilie: Diving Instructor in Bali

Emilie, a passionate diving instructor, was kind enough to share with us her favorite diving destination in Bali, Amed.

Amed is a fishing village located Northeast of Bali, at the foot of Mount Agung. This is Bali’s highest mountain and biggest volcano. Amed stretches over ten kilometres and is in fact a succession of small villages: Jemeluk, Bunutan, and Lipah. Salt is also harvested there, according to a traditional method, which unfortunately is slowly disappearing.

On the black sand beach, of volcanic origin, divers and fishermen rub shoulders, all in love with the sea.

Diving in Amed is great for everyone. Emilie tells us: “it is easy to dive from the shore but sometimes it is also interesting. In order to discover new dives sites we rent a small fishing boat. It is also a popular destination for snorkelers, freedivers and swimmers of all kinds and ages.”

The community of divers is small and everyone knows everyone. There is always someone, another instructor, a diving guide in training, or a friend who is motivated to go diving, day or night” says Emilie. Therefore, Amed is perfect if you want to be part of a diver’s community.

Amed, beautiful Amed…

“As soon as I can, I take my scooter and leave Sanur for Amed, to meet up with a nice community and above all, to have the opportunity to dive for me.” Even though Amed is two hours drive from Sanur, the ride is worth it. “The second part of the journey is between sea and hills and the rice fields. It is breathtaking” she says.

In general, when diving in Amed with Nico Dives Cool we gladly stop for a few moments on the way to Amed, to admire the beautiful landscapes and take some photos. Indeed, the scenery is amazing.

Amed is located in a bay, therefore, the water conditions are particularly calm and mild. Consequently, the temperature varies between 26 ° and 30 °, all year round. “What a joy to diving in Amed without a suit, just with shorts and lycra” happily says our instructor.

“Diving in Amed, there is something for all levels and all tastes: first dives, beginner divers, divers in training, experienced, professional divers, photographers, macro enthusiasts”.

Many diving sites are present at Amed

The diversity of the dives in Amed is also one of the reasons why Emilie likes to go there. “There are dozens of dive sites … This ranges from wrecks on a sandy bottom to magnificent drift dives filled with corals and aquatic lives. There are also pyramids placed on sand, walls plunging into the depths, and dives with the current.”

Diving in Amed: Jemeluk

Jemeluk – Coral Garden is accessible from the beach, as a result, Jemeluk bay is perfect for a quiet initiation. In addition, it is also a great site for snorkeling.

A little further, its drop off, Jemeluk Wall will delight the most experienced divers.

Diving in Amed: Pyramids and Bunutan

Pyramids and Bunutan are drift dives, accessible by traditional boat.

One of Emilie’s favorite sites is Pyramids: “The Pyramids are artificial structures on a sandy bottom, ranging from 6 to 30 meters deep, teeming with superb marine life. Further on, as we drift, the reef appears, just as full of life. It is not uncommon to come across turtles, and sometimes reef sharks. “

Bunutan is a steep reef, the source of a lava flow therefore the marine life there is extremely rich. “On this flow, marine organisms can cling to it and life develops there” explains Emilie. “Keep an eye out, an eagle ray has taken up residence there.”

If you want to do your drift diving specialty, the Bunutan or Pyramid sites are perfect for this.

Diving in Amed: Lipah and its nursery of Corals

Emilie describes Lipah, with her “nursery” of corals, she finds it super nice: “accessible directly from the beach, you come face to face with three tables where corals are raised and grow. Once mature, the corals will be implanted in the reef. It’s a beautiful project set up by a friend of mine to preserve the eco-system.” Lipah is not a very deep reef, it is therefore perfectly suitable for a Discover Scuba Diving Course or Diving Courses.

Diving in Amed: Japanese Wreck, Deep Blue, Golden Rock and Gili Selang.

South of Jemeluk (20 minutes by car) is the famous Japanese wreck, also accessible directly from the beach. This site is ideal for diving and snorkeling.

From there, by traditional boat, you can reach Deep Blue, Golden Rock and Gili Selang which are located on the eastern tip of Bali. “These less-visited dive sites are breathtaking, they are must-see sites for experienced divers.”

Deep Blue and Golden Rock are drift dives, with the reef on the right, and the big blue on the left. “We see turtles, sharks, but above all an incredibly rich and preserved coral”.

Amed and Night Dives

Night dives offer incredible shows. The best time is to start between 6 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. around sunset.

“I also really like night dives in Amed,” says Emilie. “Most of the time, these dives are done on a simple sandy bottom which seems poor but in reality, there is a lot to see”. Some species “sleep” but many take the opportunity of the night to go out and hunt, for instance, octopus, cuttlefish, moray eels, groupers and much more…

Melasti, Ghost Bay and Pacha Wreck are special sites for night diving. “On this black sand bottom, small organisms come out at night in the light of our torches like for example, shrimps, crabs, and other organisms. It swarms everywhere” says Emilie.

Photograpy in Amed

 The underwater world offers magnificent shows. Therefore, Emilie likes to “immortalize these magic moments” and this is why she never forgets to take her camera with her during her dives which offers her a unique experience each time …

While diving, Emily is ready to marvel at any moment … She invites us to always keep our eyes open: “underwater … we can be surprised by what we can see!”

“Choose a job you love, and you won’t have to work a day in your life” (Confucius).

As a diving instructor, Emilie is one of those people who are fortunate enough to be able to live and share their passion on a daily basis. Nevertheless, from time to time, it is essential to living this passion alone to better share it. It is necessary, says Emilie, “to keep one’s passion intact. It is one thing to pass it on to your students during the different training sessions, but it is important to continue to dive for yourself, in order to keep the feelings and motivation that, in my case, have changed my life. “