Deep Blue - Bali

Hopscotch is a Sodwana site we often pick when we want something a little different, a bit more dynamic than some of the more mellow reefs. It’s an advanced dive, not just for the depth, which maxes out at 22m, but for the potential for current. You’ll be boat diving, of course. The reef itself is a series of ledges and drop-offs, full of overhangs and crevices. We often find Frogfish tucked away here, blending in perfectly. Look closely for them. The real draw, though, is the pelagic action. While the official data mentions Manta Rays, we’ve found the schooling fish to be the real showstoppers – those enormous aggregations of goldies and coachman, so dense they sometimes dim the light. Swimming through that is a truly immersive experience. We’ve also had some fantastic sightings of Humpnose Unicornfish and Acropora Butterflyfish here, species that seem to thrive on this reef. Visibility averages around 16m, but if you hit it right after a calm spell, you can get much clearer. It’s a site for divers who appreciate a bit of drift and aren't afraid to work a little for their sightings. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best chance at the bigger schools.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.131600, 114.560500
Type
reef
Difficulty
advanced

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 Deep Blue

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 Deep Blue

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