Nusa Lembongan · Indonesia
Surfing Shipwrecks
A reef break in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia, for advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsMay-Sep
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Shipwrecks is a right on the reef off Nusa Lembongan, named after the old wreck you can still see there. At lower tides it's fast and hollow; with more water it gets longer and easier.
The dry-season trades are offshore, and it's best at 3-8ft of SW swell. Tide makes all the difference: low is barrels over shallow reef for experts, mid is fine for strong intermediates, high makes it softer.
It's a short paddle from Jungutbatu beach or a quick boat ride, and many of the places to stay on the beach look straight at it. Day-trippers from Bali arrive late morning and leave around 4pm. Watch the current in the channel when it's big.
-8.672, 115.443 · SW swell, SE trades · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Shipwrecks
Shipwrecks is at its best from May to September. Conditions it likes: SW swell, SE trades. This is how the year looks across Bali:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May to June | Prime | Pumping SW swell, offshore trades, crowds still civilised |
| July to August | Prime | Peak everything: waves, crowds and prices. Book ahead |
| September to October | Good | Still good waves, fewer people in the water |
| November to March | Shoulder | Wet season: the east coast (Serangan, Keramas, Nusa Dua) takes over |
Waves near Shipwrecks
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playgrounds | Nusa Lembongan | Reef Break | Intermediate | under 1 km |
| Lacerations | Nusa Lembongan | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 1 km |
| Keramas | East Bali | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 14 km |
| Padang Galak | East Bali | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 18 km |
| Sanur Reef | East Bali | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 19 km |
| Serangan | East Bali | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 25 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Nusa Lembongan
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Nusa Lembongan surf guide →
A week here costs from about $781 with flights from Europe, or around $1,432 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Shipwrecks: common questions
When is the best time to surf Shipwrecks?
Shipwrecks works best from May to September. Ideal conditions: SW swell, SE trades.
Is Shipwrecks good for beginners?
No. Shipwrecks is a wave for advanced surfers.
How crowded is Shipwrecks?
Shipwrecks is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Shipwrecks?
Shipwrecks is in Nusa Lembongan, in the Bali region of Indonesia (-8.672, 115.443). The nearest wave we cover is Playgrounds, under 1 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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