Middle Riff - Bali

Playa Shon Mosa feels like a little secret, tucked away next to Playa Manzaliña, with just enough room for a couple of cars. We love that quiet, slightly remote vibe before you even get in the water. Once you're in, the reef starts gently around six metres, then slowly drops to our maximum of 21 metres before giving way to sand. Visibility here is usually great, often 24 metres, which makes spotting the little things under the mushroom-shaped coral formations a treat. We've found Candy Basslets and Bicolor Basslets tucked into those overhangs, often alongside a curious Green Razorfish. It’s a site for slowing down, for exploring the nooks and crannies where the Grooved Brain Coral creates shelter. We’ve seen good-sized Schoolmasters here and the flash of a Great Barracuda cruising by in the blue. This site is perfect if you’re keen on a relaxed dive with a good chance of spotting some shyer fish, away from any crowds.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.128800, 114.565800
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 Middle Riff

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 Middle Riff

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 depth range for diving at Middle Riff?
The dive site at Middle Riff features a coral garden that slopes from 3 meters down to 25 meters. However, the maximum recommended depth for diving here is 21 meters. This makes it suitable for a wide range of divers.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Middle Riff?
Divers exploring Middle Riff can expect to encounter a vibrant coral garden, which slopes from 3m to 25m. The site is home to diverse marine life, including many species of small to medium-sized damselfish, scorpionfish, batfish, triggerfish, flatworms, and lobsters. Turtles are also often sighted here, making it an excellent spot for macro photography.
What is the recommended experience level or difficulty for diving at Middle Riff?
Middle Riff is considered an intermediate dive site, yet it is suitable for divers ranging from beginners to experts. Its gentle conditions make it accessible for those new to diving while still offering interesting features for more experienced divers.
When is the best time of year to dive at Middle Riff for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Middle Riff for optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in Bali, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Middle Riff?
The provided data does not specify particular scuba diving certifications required or recommended for Middle Riff. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is sufficient for most beginner-friendly sites, but it's always best to check with local dive operators in Bali.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Middle Riff?
Divers at Middle Riff can expect very calm conditions, as there are typically no currents present at this site. The average visibility is good, usually around 15 meters, providing clear views of the vibrant coral garden and marine life.