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North of Bali there are excellent snorkeling spots in succession all along Amed coast, freely accessible from the shore, such as Lipah Beach. In front of this black sand beach, there is a coral reef brimming with life, around which gravitate thousands of tropical fish.

Hard coral reef at Lipah Beach, Amed
Lipah Beach reef is covered with a wide diversity of hard and soft coral.

How to get to Lipah Beach snorkeling spot?

Lipah Beach is in famous Amed region, on the eastern tip of Bali. The easiest way to reach the beach is from the little path to Pohoda Bar and Restaurant. Several hotels on the coast (especially Vienna Beach Resort and Coral View Villas) have direct access to the spot.

Other two very good snorkeling spots are located close to Lipah Beach: Amed Pyramids (4.5 km to the north) and, above all, Jemeluk Beach (3.5 km to the north).

Lipah Beach snorkeling map, Amed

Water entrance for snorkeling Lipah Beach

It is easier to get into the water at high tide, when the water has a certain height above the reef. At low tide, the reef is exposed to the surface of the water. In this case, follow the small sign on the beach, close to Vienna Beach Resort, which indicates a channel for entering the water, by avoiding as much as possible the rocks and corals.

Lipah Beach snorkeling exploration tips

The recommended snorkeling area is located on the reef which stretches in front of Lipah Beach. You are advised above all to go to the part of the reef located east of the beach (on your right when facing the sea, at the height of Vienna Beach Resort), which has the most interesting marine life and is best protected from waves. On the contrary, avoid the area west of the beach where the sea can be restless and dangerous.

Harlequin sweetlips at Lipah Beach
Juvenile harlequin sweetlips (Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides) are sometimes spotted at Lipah Beach.

When setting off from the beach, first of all you swim over a pretty deteriorated reef flat, where a large part of corals have bleached (↕2-6ft/0.5-2m). Even if these seabeds are rich in fish (you will come across mainly blackbelly triggerfish, damsels and parrotfish in high number), move even further away from the shore in order to fully enjoy marine life.

At about 100-150m from the beach, the reef forms a small irregular reef wall (↕10-25ft/3-8m), where you will discover beautiful blocks of massive and digitate corals, interrupted by stretches of black sand.

The Moorish idol, hundreds of bigeye trevally and surgeonfish swirl around the reef. Many species of butterflyfish can also be seen at Lipah Beach. With a little luck, you might come across a juvenile harlequin sweetlips, whose swimming gives the impression that they “dance” upside down.

Blue blanquillo at Lipah Beach, Amed
A blue blanquillo photographed on the reef.

The underwater visibility depends on tides, current and the weather. In rainy season, the seabed tends to be stirred up and visibility might be impaired.

Restaurants and accommodation in Lipah Beach

On the main road you can find several warungs and hotels, such as Coral View Villas, Bintang Beach Villas or Vienna Beach Resort, among others.

Jump into Lipah Beach underwater world in this video 👇 shot by Maima.

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  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth25ft/8m past the drop off
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • Potential DangersSharp coral on the reef flat. Waves occurring at the western side of the beach.
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.