Anchor Wreck - Bali

The Anchor Wreck is one of those sites that quietly delivers. It's not the biggest wreck in Bali, but we think it’s one of the most atmospheric. You start in a shallow, sandy patch at around five metres, which gives way to a gentle slope dotted with soft corals before you hit the main event. We’ve always found the visibility here to be reliably good, often pushing past 20 metres, which is a real bonus for photography. The wreck itself, a small wooden fishing boat, lies broken up across the slope, resting at its deepest point around 20 metres. It’s been down there long enough for the structure to become completely encrusted, a patchwork of orange and purple soft corals and some impressive sea fans. Look closely, and you’ll spot yellowstripe monocle bream schooling just above the deck, while red sea butterflyfish flit through the gaps. Our favourite part is peeking under the larger pieces of hull; it’s a good spot for finding moray eels tucked away, and sometimes a grumpy frogfish blending perfectly into the sponges. The resident banded sea krait often makes an appearance, too, slithering gracefully over the coral-covered timbers. This site is fantastic for macro lovers and photographers who appreciate a wreck that feels more like a living reef than an artificial structure. It’s generally a calm dive, making it suitable for newer divers looking for their first wreck experience without strong currents.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.091500, 114.503400
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Anchor Wreck

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown

The "Anchor Wreck" off the coast of Bali is a dive site shrouded in mystery. The vessel's name, origin, and the story of its sinking have been lost to time, leaving only its most prominent feature-a large, coral-encrusted anchor-as a clue to its past. The anchor marks the start of a vibrant and dramatic underwater landscape, making it a favorite among local divers and visitors alike.

Beginning in a shallow, sunlit area of soft corals at just 5 meters, the site is perfect for all levels of divers. From there, a stunning wall plunges to a depth of approximately 35 meters. This vertical drop is a breathtaking canvas of marine life, covered in massive gorgonian sea fans, colorful sponges, and a diverse array of hard and soft corals. The currents that sweep past the wall bring nutrients that attract schools of fish, making every descent a dynamic and captivating experience.

Marine Protected Area: Bali Barat

Best Time to Dive in Bali

The warmest water temperatures in Bali occur in December, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 29.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.1°C
  • February: 29.7°C
  • March: 30.1°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.1°C
  • September: 29.3°C
  • October: 30.1°C
  • November: 30.9°C
  • December: 30.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Bali

Nearest Dive Centres to Anchor Wreck

Marine Life in Bali

Home to 528 recorded species including 359 reef fish, 73 hard corals, 42 sharks & rays, 12 other, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 11 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Anchor Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 30.1°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Anchor Wreck dive site, and what are the depths of its shallower parts?
The Anchor Wreck dive site has a maximum recommended depth of 20 meters, making it accessible for many divers. Shallower parts of the site feature a flat area with soft coral at a depth of 5 meters. While the wall physically extends to approximately 35 meters, the primary recreational diving area focuses on the shallower wreck and reef sections.
What kind of marine life and historical artifacts can divers expect to see at the Anchor Wreck?
At the Anchor Wreck, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant array of marine life, including banner fish, giant frog fish, reef sharks, and Pigmy seahorses. You'll also spot moray eels, angelfish, clown fish, Nudibranchs, and bat fish among the large sea fans and corals. While the wreck itself serves as the primary historical artifact, the description does not specify other distinct historical items. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Anchor Wreck dive, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The Anchor Wreck dive is rated as intermediate difficulty. This means it is suitable for divers with some experience, but may not be ideal for absolute beginners. Advanced divers will still find plenty to explore and enjoy at this site.
What is the best time of year to dive the Anchor Wreck for optimal visibility and water conditions?
The provided data for the Anchor Wreck does not specify the best time of year for optimal visibility or water conditions. However, divers can generally expect an average visibility of 18 meters at this site. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, you can consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Anchor Wreck, especially if considering wreck penetration?
The data for the Anchor Wreck does not explicitly state required scuba diving certifications. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 20 meters, an Open Water Diver certification is likely a minimum, with Advanced Open Water recommended for comfort and experience. The provided information does not mention opportunities for wreck penetration; if considering such an activity, specialized wreck diving certifications and appropriate equipment would be absolutely essential.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at the Anchor Wreck dive site, and how do they affect the dive?
Divers at the Anchor Wreck can typically expect an average visibility of 18 meters, offering clear views of the marine life and wreck structure. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions at this dive site. Therefore, it is advisable to check local conditions with your dive operator on the day of your dive.