Banyuning Dive Site – North Bali
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
Chelonia mydas
Best: January, February, March
Hawksbill turtle
Eretmochelys imbricata
Reef shark (juvenile)
Carcharhinus melanopterus
Best: June, July, August
Garden eel
Heteroconger hassi
Mandarin fish
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
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.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Banyuning Dive Resort
- Bali Diving Academy Banyuning
- Nirarta Dive Center
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Banyuning Dive Resort
Banyuning • 0.1km away
Puri Bagus Lovina
Lovina • 8km away