Freediving the Pyramids in Amed, Indonesia

History

In the early 1990s, a local project was established to build and sink around 30 hollow concrete pyramid structures onto the black volcanic sand floor west of Amed Bay. Three decades later, those structures are one of the most visited dive sites in Indonesia.

Bathymetry

The first set of pyramids in the western part of the dive site sit as shallow as 5 metres depth in open sand. Moving eastwards the pyramids start descending deeper. If you're on the ocean, look towards the beach and see "the purple door." This is the beachfront access door of Kembali Beach Bungalows. It's where the coral reef starts and the pyramids descend deeper to 15-24 metres depth.

The rest of the dive site (after the purple door) is a gradual slope that runs parallel to the shoreline. The first section of the slope starts at 5 metres, and descends to around 18 metres at a consistent 45 degrees. Then the bottom levels out again and there are some deeper pyramids that can be observed. Northwards, and deeper, another slope starts at 22-25 metres and can descend very aggressively to 45+ metres in some sections.

At the most westward part of the site there's also a special cave around 20 metres depth that usually has a small school of trevallies circulating it.

Eastward, after the pyramids end, there is a wall starting at 24 metres depth frequented by scuba divers. This at the start of one of the second descending slopes.

Species

Every surface is completely colonized. Hard coral, soft coral, gorgonian fans, encrusting sponge. The structures are spread across a wide area, providing natural orientation points and a clear circuit to work at any pace. The site works best on an incoming tide when visibility clears and fish activity increases.

Schools of Snappers and Fusiliers orbit the structures in constant rotation. Ghost Pipefish shelter in the sea fans. Pygmy Seahorses for those who look carefully enough. The suction of current from the topography of Jemeluk bay results in pelagic fish casually being spotted here.

Timing and Crowds

All experience levels are welcome here. This is a popular spot that local snorkelling operations bring their customers. The pyramids start shallow and get gradually deeper. It is accessible for all freedivers. Morning dives are best for this spot. The early light shining onto the sloping reef make this a genuinely different experience.