beginner
    (340)

    Banyuning Dive Site – North Bali

    20m Max
    12-25m Vis
    shore

    Site Overview

    Banyuning is a tranquil and underrated dive site on Bali's northwest coast, offering a peaceful alternative to the busier diving destinations of Tulamben and Amed. The site features a gently sloping coral garden that extends from the shoreline to around 20 meters depth, with a diverse mix of hard and soft corals growing on volcanic sand and limestone bommies. What makes Banyuning particularly special is its population of resident green turtles, which are encountered on virtually every dive as they graze on the algae-covered reef or rest among the coral heads. Hawksbill turtles are also frequently spotted, making this one of the most reliable turtle diving sites in Bali. The shallow reef is alive with typical Indonesian reef fish including parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, and wrasse, while the sandy patches between the bommies host garden eels, flounders, and the occasional juvenile blacktip reef shark. The site is accessible directly from the beach, making it ideal for relaxed shore diving without the need for boat transfers. Banyuning's quiet, undeveloped atmosphere and excellent house reef diving attract divers who prefer a more laid-back experience away from the crowds. The combination of easy access, reliable turtle encounters, and healthy coral makes Banyuning a hidden gem on Bali's north coast that rewards those who venture off the well-trodden tourist trail.

    Dive Briefing

    "The dive begins with an easy entry from the black sand beach, where you simply walk into the calm water and descend to the reef slope. Swim along the slope heading gradually deeper, exploring the coral bommies and sand channels that characterize the site. The first 5 to 10 meters feature dense staghorn and plate coral formations that shelter large schools of reef fish and the ever-present green turtles. As you descend to 12 to 18 meters, the bommies become larger and more spaced out, with sandy channels between them where garden eels emerge from their burrows and juvenile reef sharks patrol. The deepest section at around 20 meters transitions to a sand and rubble slope with scattered coral outcrops. On the return, work your way back up the slope, spending time in the photogenic shallow zone where the sunlight creates beautiful patterns on the coral garden. The safety stop at 5 meters is typically spent hovering above the thriving shallow reef, often accompanied by curious turtles."

    Signature Marine Life

    Green turtle

    very high

    Chelonia mydas

    Best: January, February, March

    Hawksbill turtle

    high

    Eretmochelys imbricata

    Reef shark (juvenile)

    medium

    Carcharhinus melanopterus

    Best: June, July, August

    Garden eel

    high

    Heteroconger hassi

    Mandarin fish

    medium

    Synchiropus splendidus

    Best: April, May, June

    Safety & Hazards

    • Sharp coral and fire coral on the reef structures
    • Sea urchins in the sandy patches and rubble areas
    • Stonefish camouflaged on the volcanic sand
    • Boat traffic in the bay area
    • Hydroids on rocks and reef surfaces
    Nearest Chamber
    RSUP Sanglah Hospital (Denpasar)
    120km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Banyuning is ideal for beginners, families, and divers seeking a relaxed shore diving experience with reliable turtle encounters. The calm conditions and easy beach entry make it perfect for Open Water training dives, refresher dives, and snorkeling excursions. The site also appeals to underwater photographers who want to capture turtle portraits and coral garden scenes without the crowds found at more popular Bali dive sites. Divers staying at the nearby Banyuning and Lovina resorts will appreciate having a world-class house reef just steps from their accommodation.

    shore-dive
    beginner-friendly
    turtle
    coral-garden
    snorkeling
    night-dive

    Quick Stats

    Difficultybeginner
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentmild
    Water Temp27-30°C
    Best TimeApril - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Banyuning Dive Resort
    • Bali Diving Academy Banyuning
    • Nirarta Dive Center
    Pricing Guide
    $50 - $80
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    macro_100mm
    wide_angle_zoom
    macro_60mm

    Best for: macro, wide_angle

    Nearby Stay

    Banyuning Dive Resort

    Banyuning0.1km away

    Check Availability

    Puri Bagus Lovina

    Lovina8km away

    Check Availability