Amed Bali Snorkelling: Japanese Shipwreck & Vienna Beach Tour

Exploring Bali’s Underwater World: A Review of the Amed Bali Snorkelling Tour

This Amed Bali Snorkelling tour offers a fantastic way to see Bali’s vibrant marine life without the hassle of heavy diving gear or a full-day commitment. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of what you can expect. From shipwrecks to tranquil bays filled with colorful fish, this experience caters to those craving authentic underwater encounters with a touch of comfort.

What we love most? The friendly guides who know their reefs, the stunning underwater sights like turtles and coral forests, and the comfortable transportation that makes the day seamless. One thing to consider is that the tour duration varies depending on where you’re staying—those in South Bali should be prepared for a longer day.

This trip appears perfect for snorkelers of all levels who want to explore Bali’s celebrated underwater scenes without diving certification. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, the tour offers genuine marine encounters in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with three prime snorkel spots including a Japanese shipwreck and Vienna Beach.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance safety and maximize your underwater sights.
• Comfortable transport with air-conditioning makes the trip both relaxing and practical.
• Affordable price point for access to Bali’s iconic underwater sites.
• Small group size (max 5 travelers) ensures personalized attention.
• Flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind.

What Makes This Tour Special

This snorkeling outing is designed to give you a good mix of Bali’s underwater highlights, combined with ease and comfort. It’s not a full-day saga but a well-paced 5-hour adventure that fits into your Bali itinerary, especially if you’re based in Ubud or nearby.

The tour kicks off early, with pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point—a big plus that saves you planning and adds to the ease of your day. The transportation is air-conditioned, ensuring you stay comfortable after your ocean adventures, and the group sizes are small (up to 5 travelers), which means plenty of personalized attention and flexibility.

The Itinerary Break-Down

Start at Lipah Beach
Your day begins with a scenic drive to Lipah Beach on Bali’s east coast, followed by a boat ride across calm waters to Amed Wreck. This iconic shipwreck is one of Bali’s top snorkeling spots, with reviewers describing it as “beautiful” and “a must-see” for marine life enthusiasts. You’ll paddle among coral formations and schools of fish, and if you’re lucky, spot turtles—an experience many reviewers praise.

Next Stop: The Japanese Shipwreck
The centerpiece of the tour is the Japanese Shipwreck at Amed, where reviewers like Claire say, “there’s lots to see underwater… beautiful turtles too.” The wreck is accessible from the surface, offering stunning views of coral growth and marine activity. The tour guides are often praised for their helpful explanations and ensuring snorkelers find the best spots while avoiding current or crowded areas.

Final Snorkel at Vienna Beach
The last stop takes you to Vienna Beach, renowned for its white sand and calm waters—a real picture-postcard setting. Here, you’ll snorkel amongst tranquil, shallow waters teeming with marine life, perfect for relaxing after the more adventurous wreck sites. Reviewers describe it as “paradise,” with clear waters and a peaceful vibe.

What’s Included and What You’ll Need to Bring

For just $44 per person, this tour covers bottled water, snorkeling equipment, insurance, and private transportation—a solid value considering the locations visited. The use of snorkeling gear means you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer it.

Note that lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or planning to eat later is wise, especially for those with bigger appetites. Also, while the tour is suitable for most travelers, it’s important to remember that it’s a snorkeling-only experience—no diving or extensive training is provided.

Transport and Timing

The pickup is at Baliku Dive Resort in Ubud, starting at 9:00 am, with the tour lasting about 5 hours. The actual time on the water depends on your hotel location—if you’re staying in South Bali, expect around 8 hours. For Amed locals or nearby hotels, it’s a more manageable 3 hours. This flexibility is great for fitting into different schedules.

Authentic Marine Encounters with Knowledgeable Guides

Throughout the reviews, one recurring theme is the expert guidance offered by the tour guides. They are described as friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, guiding snorkelers to avoid currents, find turtles, and enjoy the reefs safely. Neuro_P remarked, “the driver of the boat was great, and I’d recommend this 10 out of 10,” highlighting how the crew’s professionalism enhances the experience.

Many reviewers also appreciated the attention to safety—guides ensuring everyone’s gear fits well, reef-friendly behavior, and clear instructions for optimal snorkeling. For first-timers, this is reassuring, especially at sites like the Japanese Shipwreck, where currents can sometimes be tricky.

The Marine Life and Underwater Scenes

Everyone loved the chance to see sea turtles, with Claire noting “lots to see underwater, including beautiful turtles,” which shows how frequently these gentle creatures are encountered here. The reefs are described as colorful and vibrant, with coral forests, schools of fish, and occasionally, underwater structures like small temples or wrecks adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Based on reviews, the marine diversity is a highlight, and many find the experience worthwhile just for the chance to see turtles, colorful fish, and intricate coral formations.

Value for Money

For $44, you’re getting a well-organized trip with all the essentials—transport, snorkeling gear, insurance, and multiple snorkel spots. It’s especially appealing considering the small group size, which tends to be rare at this price point.

While you’ll need to arrange your own lunch, the overall value is excellent for anyone wanting authentic encounters, not just a quick dip. Reviewers like Ryan R and Dan L emphasize the friendly guides and the stunning views, making it clear that this tour delivers on both safety and memorable sights.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels—beginners will appreciate the shallow, calm waters of Vienna Beach, while more experienced snorkelers can enjoy the fascinating shipwrecks and abundant marine life. It’s also perfect for travelers who don’t want to spend a full day on the water but still want a meaningful underwater adventure.

It’s suitable for solo travelers, couples, or small groups who value personalized attention and want to avoid overcrowded tours. If you’re staying in Ubud or nearby and looking for a well-priced, authentic snorkeling day, this trip fits the bill.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour offers a fantastic way to discover Bali’s underwater treasures without the need for extensive diving gear or certifications. The small group size, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful sites provide a relaxed yet adventure-filled experience. Plus, the variety of snorkel spots—from wrecks to calm bays—means you’ll get plenty of opportunities to see turtles, colorful fish, and coral.

While it’s a shorter day, the value and quality of the experience make it ideal for those short on time but eager to explore Bali’s marine world. The absence of lunch included might be a minor inconvenience for some, but overall, it’s an accessible, fun, and memorable trip suitable for most snorkelers.

If you love marine life, stunning underwater scenery, and friendly guides, this Bali snorkelling tour is definitely worth considering. It’s an affordable, well-organized way to add a splash of adventure to your Bali holiday—without overextending your schedule.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll be picked up from the designated meeting point at Baliku Dive Resort in Ubud, and the transportation is air-conditioned.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 5 hours, but the total time can be longer if you stay in South Bali, up to around 8 hours, or shorter if staying near Amed.

What’s the best way to prepare for snorkeling?
Bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer, although the tour supplies gear. Remember to wear reef-safe sunscreen and arrive with a sense of adventure!

Are there any age or skill restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is suitable for all skill levels. No diving certifications are necessary, just basic swimming ability.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or plan to eat after your tour.

What if the weather is poor?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Embark on this snorkel trip to Bali’s Japanese Shipwreck and Vienna Beach for a day filled with vibrant marine life, stunning underwater scenery, and friendly guidance—an experience that will leave you eager to tell your friends you swam with turtles and explored shipwrecks in Bali’s clear waters.