Close Encounters - Bali

We’re big fans of a site that feels genuinely remote, and Greenstone Beach absolutely delivers. Tucked away in Fiordland, it’s a proper expedition to get here, and that’s part of the appeal. The shoreline drops quickly, hitting 5 meters almost straight away, then a 45-degree slope takes you down to 20m. It’s all solid rock and big boulders, draped in thick kelp. Visibility sits around 15m, sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more, but always with that deep, emerald Fiordland hue. Our pick for what to look for here are the smaller things hiding amongst the kelp and rocks – we’ve had cracking encounters with octopus, the shy Jasons nudibranch, and plenty of marblefish peeking out. You’ll definitely spot wrasses and eels, too. We’ve been lucky enough to see small black coral colonies, which are always a treat. Keep an eye out into the gloom for school sharks or dogsharks gliding past. If you’re a diver who appreciates rugged, wild scenery and the thrill of discovery, Greenstone Beach is a true Fiordland experience. It’s not about vibrant colours, but about the raw, untamed beauty of New Zealand’s underwater world.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.129900, 114.661400
Type
reef

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 Close Encounters

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 Close Encounters

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