Mandarin Point - Bali

Parede, just a short boat ride from Bayahibe, offers a relaxed dive with a good mix of corals and reef fish. We usually drop onto a rounded reef that tops out around 10 meters, sloping down to 21 meters. It’s an easy drift most days, making it a comfortable spot for newer divers or those looking for a leisurely second dive. Keep an eye out for grunts schooling near the coral heads and the occasional Hawksbill turtle gliding past. You’ll spot barberfish, doctorfish, and often some decent-sized hogfish picking through the sponges. Visibility averages around 17 meters, so you get a good view of the reef structure and the creatures that call it home.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.134500, 114.558700
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 Mandarin Point

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 Mandarin Point

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 typical diving depth at Mandarin Point?
At Mandarin Point, divers can expect a maximum depth of 15 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow dive site, perfect for extended bottom times and observing its vibrant marine life.
What kind of marine life, especially unique species, can divers expect to see at Mandarin Point?
Divers at Mandarin Point can anticipate encountering a diverse array of marine life, most notably large numbers of fascinating mandarin lyrefish. Other species commonly observed include crabs, scorpionfish, lobsters, and triggerfish, all thriving among the site's mainly hard coral formations. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Is Mandarin Point considered an easy dive site suitable for all experience levels?
Mandarin Point is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While its maximum depth of 15 meters is manageable, divers should possess some prior experience and comfort in various underwater conditions. It is not typically recommended for absolute beginners.
What is the best time of day or year to dive Mandarin Point for optimal viewing of marine life, particularly Mandarin fish?
For optimal viewing of the unique mandarin lyrefish at Mandarin Point, night dives are highly recommended. These elusive fish are most active and visible during the twilight hours and after dark, offering a spectacular show for divers. For general information on diving seasons, check our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving at Mandarin Point?
Given its intermediate difficulty, divers should ideally hold at least an Open Water Diver certification to comfortably explore Mandarin Point. For those interested in night dives to see the mandarin fish, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification with a night diving specialty is highly recommended for safety and enhanced experience. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for your dive plan.
What are the typical current conditions and underwater visibility like at Mandarin Point?
At Mandarin Point, divers can typically expect an average underwater visibility of 7 meters. While specific current conditions are not detailed, this visibility allows for good observation of the site's shallow coral formations and diverse marine life.