Plouf Diving

Situated in the coastal village of Amed, Plouf Diving serves as a base for exploring the diverse marine ecosystems of East Bali. The area is renowned for its combination of historic wrecks, dramatic volcanic slopes, and rich macro biodiversity, making it a versatile destination for all levels of experience.

The centre provides access to a wide range of environments, from the shallow, sheltered reefs of Jemeluk to the more challenging, deep walls of Gili Selang. This variety allows for a seamless transition between relaxed reef exploration and more advanced drift diving.

The centre is an SSI-affiliated facility led by manager Jérôme, who focuses on a pedagogical approach to diving. The team is composed of experienced instructors capable of conducting courses from beginner levels through to professional certifications.

Safety and individual attention are central to their operation, with a strict limit of a maximum of three divers per guide. This low diver-to-instructor ratio ensures that training is thorough and that guided explorations are closely monitored.

Instruction is available in both English and French, making the centre accessible to international divers. For those looking to advance their careers, they offer full professional pathways including Divemaster and Instructor Training Courses (IDC).

The training programme covers the full SSI spectrum, beginning with the Open Water Diver course and progressing through Advanced Adventurer, Deep Diver, and Stress & Rescue.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers dedicated courses in Wreck, Drift, Night, and Photography and Video. Professional training is a core component of their offering, with pathways available for Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and the Instructor Training Course (IDC).

They also provide bespoke private lessons for divers who may have specific apprehensions or who wish to refine their skills in a one-to-one environment.

Dives are conducted using traditional jukung boats, which are ideal for accessing the local sites around Amed and Tulamben. These vessels allow for easy access to both shore-based entries and sites slightly further out.

For those on organised dive safaris, the centre handles all logistics, including transfers and meals. On board, you can expect lunch and snacks provided between dives to keep you fuelled for the day.

Plouf Diving provides full equipment hire for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. The centre utilises Aqualung equipment to ensure reliability and comfort throughout your dives.

Technical capabilities include the availability of Nitrox and support for rebreather diving. The centre is also equipped to handle Trimix requirements for more advanced technical divers.

The marine life in this region is exceptionally diverse, ranging from large pelagics to tiny macro organisms. You will frequently encounter various reef sharks, including whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), as well as turtles and large schools of fish such as jacks (Carangidae) and snappers (Lutjanus).

On the deeper walls and reefs, the scenery is defined by a rich array of fixed life. You will find various species of soft corals (Alcyonacea), hard corals (Scleractinia), sea fans (Gorgoniidae), and barrel sponges (Porifera). These structures provide a home for colourful reef fish, including angelfish (Pomacanthidae), butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and various species of wrasse.

For macro enthusiasts, the volcanic sands and rubble offer a treasure trove of smaller creatures. Keep an eye out for pygmy seahorses (Hippocampus bargibanti), ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), and various nudibranchs. The area is also a prime location for spotting garden eels (Gorgasia), shrimp (Caridea), crabs (Brachyura), and various species of octopus and cuttlefish (Sepiidae).

Seasonality plays a role in certain sightings, particularly at Cristal Bay, where Mola-molas are regularly observed from July to October.

Diving conditions in the Amed and Tulamben areas vary significantly depending on the specific site. While many reef flats and shallow bays offer very low currents and minimal swell, sites like Gili Selang and Tepekong are known for moderate to very strong currents.

Some locations, such as Cristal Bay and Manta Point, can be subject to frequent waves and significant swell. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions, including potential downcurrents on certain deep walls.