Emerald - Bali

Emerald is one of those sites we always try to hit when we’re in Bali, usually as a drift dive, which is our favourite way to experience it. You drop in and immediately feel the gentle pull, gliding over fields of branch coral and some truly impressive staghorn formations – some colonies are the size of small cars. The visibility here is often fantastic, sometimes feeling like you’re flying through air, not water, which really lets you appreciate the sheer density of the Glassy Cardinalfish schools. They shimmer and part as you approach, then close ranks behind you, a living curtain of silver. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff tucked away in the coral; we’ve spotted Freckled Anglerfish and some tiny Cheekscale Dwarfgobies here before, creatures you might easily miss if you’re just cruising. The Hogfish and Yellowstripe Monocle Bream are constant companions, inquisitive and bold. This site really suits divers who enjoy a relaxed drift, where the current does most of the work, letting you focus on the scenery and the incredible numbers of fish. Just remember to always check with your guide on the day’s currents; sometimes Emerald can pick up, making for a faster ride.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.283735, 115.602875
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-20m

Marine Protected Area: KK Karangasem

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 Emerald

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 Emerald

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