Diving with Bali Scuba
Is Bali a good place for scuba diving?
It sure is! There is something for everyone here in Bali. Beginner divers can visit more gentle sites such as Tulamben, Amed and Padang Bai. More advanced divers can visit sites with stronger currents like Nusa Penida or Tepekong. Many divers come back to Bali again and again because of the wide variety of dive sites. You can dive steel or wooden shipwrecks, vertical walls, gentle slopes, and lagoons. You can dive in sheltered bays or in wild currents. You can dive over pure white sand, volcanic black sand, rich coral beds or limestone reefs. Dive in sea grass, mangrove or wide open ocean sites. Whatever kind of diving you love, you can probably find it in Bali.
What are the popular dive locations around the island?
Without doubt the two most popular places for diving are Tulamben and Nusa Penida. At Tulamben all levels of diver can enjoy the USAT Liberty WWII shipwreck. Guns still intact, the wreck is covered in coral and home to an amazing 400 species of reef fish. It’s not to be missed! Nusa Penida is more suitable for experienced divers because of the sometimes strong currents there. Nusa Penida’s most famous marine life are manta (found at Manta Point, obviously) and the huge sunfish (most commonly seen at Crystal Bay).
What marine life will I see?
We are so lucky to have hundreds of different species of coral, reef fish and shoals of pelagic fish (silver ocean-dwelling fish such as tuna), Sharks, and Manta. Don’t forget Bali’s most famous underwater visitor – the amazing sunfish, also known as ‘moonfish’ and ‘Mola’. You can read more about this enormous fish in this article.
When is the best time to dive in Bali?
There is great diving all year round. That’s why many divers head to Bali when nearby countries (such as Thailand and Malaysia) are closed for monsoon season. Rain from mid-December to mid-February can reduce visibility but this is also when the sea temperatures are at their warmest. Cold thermoclines from July to October bring phenomenally clear water to sites such as Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida and Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai. The Manta rays are at Nusa Penida all year round. If you are hoping to see Mola the best months are from July to October. For macro fans and photographers any time of year promises a wonderful range of critters!
General diving questions (for beginners)
What is PADI?
PADI is the world’s leading scuba diver training organization: Professional Association of Diving Instructors. More than 20 million beginner divers just like you have earned their PADI diving licence by taking the PADI Open Water diver course. It’s by far the world’s most widely recognised scuba diving licence.
Can I run out of air?
It’s possible but very unlikely. You and your Instructor can easily check your air supply. It’s like reading the petrol gauge on a car. For extra safety we always end a scuba dive with at least 25% in the tank (that’s enough spare air for about 15 minutes dive time).
What happens if I feel claustrophobic?
As a beginner you will always be close to your instructor. If you feel claustrophobic just signal to your Instructor and you will go together to the surface. Bali Scuba have Instructors that have managed all types of situations for thousands of students. You will be guided underwater in the safest and most comfortable way dependent on your own level of confidence. You are in great hands and this is your chance to overcome any prospective adversity.
Can I dive if I wear glasses?
You can wear soft contact lenses while you are diving. Another option is to purchase your own prescription mask or you can rent one from us.