Ferry Channel dive site

Padang Bai

Ferry Channel Diving

Tide-dependent and sometimes strong in the active ferry channel. The guide selects the route and profile for the group, tide and surface conditions.

Depth range
5–30 m
Access
Boat
Environment
Channel, Steep slope, Crevices, Reef, and Drift
Experience level
Intermediate to Advanced

About Ferry Channel

Ferry Channel is a channel, steep slope, crevices dive in Padang Bai, with a working depth range of approximately 5–30 m. The site is known for whitetip reef sharks, lobsters, giant moray eels, nudibranchs, and turtles. Conditions remain variable, so the route, maximum depth and suitability are confirmed by the local guide on the day.

Availability notice

Conditions-dependent dive. Final operation and diver suitability are determined after the day-of-dive current, weather and experience assessment.

Site highlights

  • Channel, Steep slope, Crevices, Reef, and Drift profile
  • Usable depth range from approximately 5 to 30 m
  • Potential encounters include whitetip reef sharks, lobsters, giant moray eels, and nudibranchs
  • Tide-dependent and sometimes strong in the active ferry channel

Before you dive

Recommended certification

Advanced Open Water or equivalent with confident buoyancy and drift procedures

Local guide recommended

Explore with a local guide familiar with the site and its entry and exit points.

Diving conditions & best time to visit

Water temperature
24–29 °C
Visibility
10–25 m

Tide-dependent and sometimes strong in the active ferry channel

Best months to dive

April–November often provides drier weather and good visibility; diving remains possible year-round when daily conditions permit.

Diveable year-round. April–November often brings drier conditions, while tide, swell, harbour traffic and localized current remain the deciding factors each day.

Conditions may change

Typical conditions can vary on the day of your dive. Confirm current conditions with the dive team before entering the water.

Marine life & activities

  • Whitetip reef sharks
  • Lobsters
  • Giant moray eels
  • Nudibranchs
  • Turtles
  • Reef fish

Access & safety

Entry & Exit

Short boat ride from Padang Bai harbour

Boat departure point
Padang Bai harbour
Boat travel time
5–15 min

Safety notes

This site is adjacent to an active ferry route. Dive only with local surface coordination, stay close to the guide and never make an unplanned ascent into vessel traffic.

Dive tips

  • Follow the local guide’s site- and tide-specific briefing.
  • Agree a maximum depth within certification limits; the published site range is 5–30 m.
  • Maintain neutral buoyancy and avoid contact with coral, artificial structures and the seabed.
  • This site is adjacent to an active ferry route. Dive only with local surface coordination, stay close to the guide and never make an unplanned ascent into vessel traffic.
  • Treat wildlife encounters as possible, never guaranteed, and give animals space.

Underwater photography

Wide-angle equipment suits the reef structure and larger marine life. Set exposure before entering current, keep the rig streamlined and secured, and prioritise depth, gas, buoyancy and buddy contact over the photograph.

Site map & location

Ferry Channel dive site planning map

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