Emerald is a sloping reef dive site located southeast of Tulamben Bay and accessed by traditional Jukung boat. It sits beyond Batu Kelebit along the coastline and offers a different style of reef diving compared to the main Tulamben sites.
The dive begins along a sandy slope before transitioning into coral-covered reef sections. As depth increases, the terrain becomes richer with sponges, sea fans and layered coral formations.
Emerald is dived for its coral coverage and marine diversity. The sloping reef creates a natural dive profile that allows for gradual descent and relaxed exploration.
The site often has mild to moderate current. When present, it can turn the dive into a comfortable drift along the reef slope, with the boat following for pick-up.
Its structure and relative distance from the main Tulamben entry points mean it can feel more open and spacious underwater.
Emerald offers a mix of sandy-bottom species and coral reef life. Divers regularly encounter:
Pygmy seahorses are sometimes found on deeper sea fans by experienced guides. Reef sharks may occasionally be seen cruising along the slope.
The combination of sand, coral structure and open water creates a varied and rewarding dive profile.
To kick start our honeymoon we decided to get our scuba diving certifications. We managed to do the open water and the advanced open water in 6 days (including 1 rest day). We did night dives, sunrise dives, shipwreck, drift and deep and lots more. Really good fun and Amed has enough to explore for both courses.
Wow, Wow, Wow! Could not recommend any other place to go if you are looking at diving in Amed. Myself and my friend completed our Advanced Open Water course (followed by a number of fun dives), with Wayan and the team at Bali Dive Cove. The whole experience was seamless!
At Bali Dive Cove, we typically organise two to three dives per day. Emerald is accessed by boat and included when conditions and group experience make it a good fit. Two-dive days usually finish around lunchtime, while three dives conclude at approximately 2pm.
When conditions allow, Emerald reef may be incorporated into Specialty dives.
Yes. The mix of coral structure and macro life makes it suitable for both wide-angle and macro photography when visibility is good. The coral-covered slopes, sea fans and reef fish provide interesting wide-angle compositions, while the sandy areas and reef surfaces can reveal smaller critters for macro photography.
Yes. It is often combined with the USAT Liberty, Batu Kelebit, Tulamben Drop Off, various Muck diving sites or other Tulamben dives as part of a varied multi-dive day.
Emerald is known for its healthy coral growth, large sea fans and diverse reef fish. Garden eels are often seen in the sandy areas, while reef predators such as groupers and trevallies patrol the deeper sections. Experienced guides may occasionally spot pygmy seahorses on the sea fans, and reef sharks are sometimes seen cruising along the reef slope.
It is generally better suited to certified divers due to its depth and the possibility of mild to moderate current. Divers should be comfortable managing buoyancy and maintaining position along the reef slope.
Current can vary from mild to moderate depending on tide and conditions. On some days it may create a comfortable drift along the reef slope, allowing divers to move gradually across the site while observing the coral and marine life.
Yes. Emerald includes a few artificial features placed along the sandy slope, including a submerged chair and table. These structures have become part of the reef environment and attract small reef fish and marine life.
Emerald is typically accessed by traditional Jukung boat from the Tulamben drop off location. The boat ride usually takes around 5 minutes depending on sea conditions.
Emerald ranges from approximately 12 metres down to around 30 metres, depending on the dive profile.
If Emerald sounds like a good match for your experience level, get in touch and we can advise whether conditions are suitable during your stay.
