Bali is one of the dream destinations for many ocean explorers given to its crystal clear water, rich and healthy corals, and lively fishes from all kinds and species. The Island of Gods is a paradise filled with abundance of nature and adventures—both on and below the land. One of the adventures you should try is wreck diving. Unlike any other wreck diving in the other part of the world, wreck diving in Bali is pretty unique. They are generally sit in shallow bed, only 3 to 20 meters below the surface. They are very accessible from the shore and even doable for beginners. One of the wreck that you should try is the Boga wreck diving in Kubu Bali. Among three wrecks in Bali, the Kubu Boga is the only one that was intentionally sunken and it promises great marine exploration!
Before it ended up in the ocean floor, the 1952 Holland-built ship has been living long enough serving as Indonesian Government Patrol Vessel for the Department of Sea Communication. The Boga ship was sunk in 2012 in attempt to create an artificial reef and promote marine growth. As corals, sponges, and gorgonian fans reclaim the ship, more fishes come to live in this wreck.
Where does Kubu Wreck Diving Bali Located?
Nestled in the northern-east coast of Bali, the Kubu village is just a short drive up from Tulamben, a well known dive village in this area. Once you reach the village, you have to sail on a dive boat for about 50 meters off the shores to reach the Boga wreck diving Bali site. The 53 meters long wreck lies at 18 meters to 36 meters below.
What to See in Kubu Boga Wreck
There are a lot of things the Boga wreck offers for divers! The wreck itself is a major attraction. As it was sunk in just 8 years ago, many parts of the wreck is still intact. It even have a VW car, a motorbike, and other objects placed inside the wreck to boost the point of interests. You can also see the iconic steering wheel (not original) at the deck! Don’t forget to take a picture at this impressive spot!
Fishes and other marine life has also start colonising the wreck. In just five minutes exploring this wreck diving Bali site, you might bump into group of barracuda, batfish, and trevally. During the day the wreck is busy with swarming fishes; you can spot lion fish, octopus, and moray eels. Look closer to the coral bommies and the seafloor around the wreck, and you will find various species of nudibranchs, octopus, lobsters, and other fascinating micro life.
More diving and travelling stories:
Diving from A Boat: Techniques for Beginners
Travel Destinations – Best Diving Sites in Indonesia
What do You Need to Dive the Wreck?
Given to the depth of the wreck, you will need at least Advanced Open Water certification to explore the site. Currents are usually light, but sometime stronger currents do come so it might be better to bring a reef hook. Water temperature are warm, so a regular 3mm dive suite would be enough. And just like any other wreck dive, you will need some wreck dive equipments. Prepare a torch or light, a comfort grip gloves to protect you against rusted metal cuts, a dive helmet (ideally), a deep sea bungee mounts, finger spool for emergency exit searches, and a reliable cutting tools.
Are you ready for diving the Kubu wreck in Bali?
Ron Brewer