Amed Snorkeling Spot
Japanese Shipwreck Amed Snorkeling
A shallow coral-covered wreck site off Banyuning, commonly called the Japanese Shipwreck and usually the first stop on our snorkeling route.
The Japanese Shipwreck is a shallow snorkeling site off Banyuning in the Amed area, with wreck remains and coral in roughly 3 to 10 metres of water. Its exact vessel identity and history are not clearly documented in publicly available records. Visitors can approach from shore or reach the site by jukung with a local captain.
What you'll see
Marine life and reef at Japanese Shipwreck
- The wreck's hull and beams, now encrusted with soft coral
- Reef fish sheltering in and around the structure
- Schools of glassfish drifting through the wreck's frame
- Occasional nudibranchs and small reef creatures on the hull
Because the wreck sits in shallow, calm water close to shore, it's a comfortable first stop even for guests who have never snorkeled a wreck before. Your captain will point out the safest way to approach and swim around the structure.
History & practical info
Japanese Shipwreck Amed history: what is known?
The site is widely called the Japanese Shipwreck or Japanese Wreck Point. Stories often connect it with the Second World War, but a definitive public record confirming the vessel's name, origin and sinking date is difficult to verify. We therefore treat that history as local attribution rather than established fact.
What visitors can clearly see today is a compact wreck structure that has become part of the reef. Coral and marine life now cover much of the remains, making the site valuable as both a snorkeling stop and a living habitat.
It sits close to Banyuning beach, a short swim from shore, so it is technically reachable independently without a boat — but the entry point can be tricky to find without local knowledge, and there's no gear rental directly at the site. Most visitors reach it by boat, either as part of a jukung trip like ours or with a local guide from the beach.
- Best time: Morning, before the wind picks up and while the water is at its clearest.
- Facilities: A few small warungs along the main road in Banyuning; no facilities directly at the wreck site.
- Access: Shore entry exists but is easiest with a local guide or captain who knows the exact spot.
Gallery
Photos from the Japanese Shipwreck
Other stops on the route
Every trip visits three spots
Japanese Shipwreck is one stop on the Amed Snorkeling Tour by Jukung, Golden Sunset Tour, and Custom Trip — all three trips cover the same three reefs in one outing.
Before you book
Questions about Japanese Shipwreck
How deep is the Japanese Shipwreck?
The wreck sits in roughly 3 to 10 metres of water, shallow enough to see clearly from the surface while snorkeling.
Is the shipwreck safe for beginners?
Yes. The site is sheltered and shallow, and it's usually the first stop on every trip, giving guests time to get comfortable in the water before moving to the next spot.
Which trips include the Japanese Shipwreck?
All three trips — the Amed Snorkeling Tour by Jukung, Golden Sunset Tour, and Custom Trip — include the Japanese Shipwreck as a stop.
Can I snorkel the Japanese Shipwreck without a tour?
The wreck is technically reachable by shore entry from Banyuning beach, but the exact spot can be hard to find without local knowledge, and there's no gear rental at the site itself. Most visitors go with a boat and local captain or guide.
What is the history of the Japanese Shipwreck in Amed?
The site is widely known as the Japanese Shipwreck, but a definitive public record identifying the vessel is difficult to verify. Today the remains form a coral-covered reef in shallow water off Banyuning.
Snorkel Japanese Shipwreck on your next trip out
Message us your preferred date and morning or sunset, and we'll confirm the pickup time.
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