Octagon Reef - Bali

The River Taw Wreck is one of our favourite shallow wrecks in the Caribbean. We love that it’s essentially two wrecks now, broken apart by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, making for more varied exploration. Descend onto the stern section, which is upright and surprisingly intact, a real magnet for schooling snapper and angelfish. You’ll weave through the cargo holds, where sunlight dapples the interior and often illuminates a shy ray tucked into a corner. Then, follow the debris field, where you’ll find a surprisingly complete bulldozer and a van, both completely encrusted with sponges and corals, a delightful detour. The bow section lies on its side, a little more broken up but still very explorable, a fantastic spot for spotting squirrelfish peering from the shadows. Given its 15-meter max depth, this site is perfect for less experienced divers or anyone wanting a relaxed dive with plenty to see. The coral growth is impressive, thick and colourful, a testament to how long the wreck has been down.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.132000, 114.551800
Type
wreck

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 Octagon Reef

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 Octagon Reef

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 Octagon Reef?
Octagon Reef features a captivating drop-off wall that ranges from 5m to 30m deep. However, the maximum recommended diving depth at this site is 20m, making it accessible for various certification levels.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Octagon Reef?
Divers at Octagon Reef can anticipate encountering a diverse array of marine life, including many species of damselfish, triggerfish, and jacks. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics such as turtles, eagle rays, and occasionally even whitetip reef sharks, alongside fascinating smaller creatures like crawfish and slugs. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging are the currents and overall conditions for diving at Octagon Reef?
Octagon Reef experiences occasional light to medium currents, which can add an exciting element to the dive. Given these conditions and the site's characteristics, it is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. Divers should be comfortable with varying current strengths.
What diving certifications are recommended or required for Octagon Reef?
Given that Octagon Reef is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, it is recommended that divers possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. This ensures comfort and safety when navigating the drop-off wall and occasional currents.
When is the best time of year to dive Octagon Reef for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Octagon Reef for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on diving seasons in Bali, please consult our When to Dive section.
Is Octagon Reef considered a dive site suitable for beginner divers, or is it more for experienced divers?
Octagon Reef is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site, making it more suitable for experienced divers rather than absolute beginners. Divers should be comfortable with depths up to 20m and occasional light to medium currents. For beginner-friendly sites in Bali, explore other options on DivePlnr.