Try Scuba Diving at Tulamben Shipwreck

Trying scuba diving for the first time can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially when it involves exploring one of Bali’s most iconic sites—the USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben. This tour promises a safe, beginner-friendly introduction to underwater adventure, offering two guided dives, all necessary equipment, and a scenic journey from Bali’s popular beaches. We’ve gathered insights from real travelers to help you understand what to expect and how to make the most of this experience.

One of the standout features of this tour is the small group size and personal instruction—each instructor accompanies only two divers, which makes safety and personalized guidance a priority. The price of around $105 per person offers significant value considering all included services, from transportation to gear and lunch. However, it’s worth noting that the long drive (approximately 2-3 hours from Kuta or Sanur) might be a consideration for those with tight schedules or looking for shorter trips.

This experience is perfect for beginners or those curious about scuba but not yet certified. If you’re comfortable in water and eager to see a historic wreck in a safe setting, this tour could be just right. That said, travelers should be confident in their water skills, as a health questionnaire is required and some medical conditions might prevent participation.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: No previous license or certification needed; suitable for first-timers.
• Personalized Instruction: Each instructor guides only two divers, ensuring safety and attention.
• All-Inclusive Price: Gear, insurance, reef tax, lunch, and transport included.
• Long Journey but Worth It: About 2-3 hours’ drive from Kuta or Sanur—expect a scenic ride.
• Well-Reviewed Guides: Known for knowledgeable and patient instructors, like Fifi and Soubon.
• Authentic Experience: Explore the historic USAT Liberty wreck, pushed into the ocean after WWII by a volcanic eruption.

Overview of the Experience

The day kicks off early—around 7 am—with pickup from your hotel, whether in Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, or Sanur. The transport is smooth, with shuttle buses making the journey to Tulamben, located on Bali’s east coast. The drive itself is part of the adventure; reviewers mention the trip is about 2-3 hours, but many agree it’s well worth the scenic ride.

Once at Bali Diving’s base at Tulamben, you’ll start with some tea or coffee, giving you a chance to settle in before heading to the water. The company provides all the necessary diving and safety equipment, so you won’t need to worry about bringing your own gear. The professional instructors will give a briefing on safety protocols and what to expect at the wreck—an essential step for making sure beginners feel comfortable.

The Two Shore Dives

The core of this experience is two guided dives at the USAT Liberty—an American WWII cargo ship that was torpedoed and then displaced into the ocean by a volcanic eruption. It’s now one of Bali’s most famous dive sites. Each dive explores a different section of the wreck, allowing you to see the ship’s bow, stern, and the surrounding coral reef teeming with marine life.

Reviewers praise the personal attention from guides like Fifi and Soubon, who are praised for their patience and professionalism. One reviewer highlights that the equipment is good but could benefit from renewal, which is a useful note for those sensitive to gear comfort. The dives are conducted as shore (beach) dives, making them accessible and straightforward for beginners.

The Lunch and Return

After the first dive, there’s a lunch break—a simple, light meal that provides energy for the second exploration. Many travelers mention the beachside lunch as a relaxing part of the day, with some reviewers specifically appreciating the round-trip transport that takes care of the logistics.

The day wraps up around 5 pm, with the shuttle returning you to your hotel. While long, reviewers say the scenic ride back and the thrill of the dives make it worth the time.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Safety and Personal Attention: The fact that each instructor guides only two divers ensures you’re in safe hands, especially important for first-timers. Many reviewers mention the patience and kindness of guides like Fifi, who made nervous participants feel comfortable and confident.

Value for Money: The $104.90 price includes all gear, insurance, reef tax, lunch, and transport, which adds up to a well-rounded and hassle-free experience. For those wanting a guided, all-inclusive introduction to scuba diving without the certification commitment, this is a solid choice.

Authentic Underwater Encounter: Exploring the USAT Liberty wreck is a unique experience—many reviewers describe it as “unforgettable” and “great for first-timers.” The site is rich with marine life, and the wreck itself offers a fascinating glimpse into history, with coral encrusting the ship and schools of fish swimming through its structure.

Long Drive, But Scenic: The drive from major Bali beaches is a downside for some, but many feel it’s part of the adventure. The scenery en route offers a glimpse of Bali’s countryside, and the destination’s remote location means less boat traffic and more pristine visibility.

What You Need to Know Before Booking

• Minimum Age: 10 years old, making it accessible for families.
• Confidence in Water: Participants should be comfortable swimming; no previous experience required.
• Health and Medical Conditions: All participants fill out a health questionnaire. Conditions like asthma or heart issues might prevent diving—check with your doctor if unsure.
• Bringing Extras: Sunscreen and towels are not included, so pack these if you want to avoid sunburn or need a quick dry-off.
• Timing: The tour runs from 7 am to around 5 pm, so plan accordingly.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalised experience.
• Additional Notes: A light lunch and round-trip transportation are included, simplifying logistics.

Authenticity and Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that guides like Fifi and Soubon make a difference. One traveler mentions “kind and patient” instruction, which is crucial for nervous first-timers. Another highlights how bookings were handled efficiently and professionally, giving peace of mind.

Many say that the scenic drive and remote location add a sense of adventure, and the quality of marine life at the wreck makes it a memorable outing. Even those who felt equipment could be renewed generally appreciated the friendly service and organization.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

This try scuba diving experience at Tulamben’s USAT Liberty wreck is best suited for beginners, families, or curious travelers wanting a safe, guided introduction to underwater exploration. It provides excellent value, with comprehensive inclusions, professional instructors, and access to one of Bali’s most iconic sites.

If you’re comfortable in water and seeking a well-organized, authentic way to see a historic wreck, this tour will likely exceed expectations. But if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer shorter excursions, the long drive might be a consideration.

Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for those eager to see Bali from a different perspective—an unforgettable day of discovery, marine life, and history.

FAQ

Do I need a dive certification for this tour?
No, you don’t need any certification. This experience is designed for beginners and does not require prior training.

How many dives are included?
You get two guided dives at the Tulamben wreck, each exploring different sections of the ship.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickup at 7 am.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from Nusa Dua, Kuta, Seminyak, and Sanur is included in the price.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, and possibly a camera or GoPro to capture underwater moments.

Can I do this if I’m not confident in water?
Participants should be confident swimmers; all you will fill out a health questionnaire, and some medical conditions may prevent participation.

How long is the drive?
The journey from Bali’s popular beaches takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic.

What is the group size?
Maximum of 8 travelers, allowing for personalized attention.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-paced, beginner-friendly dive into Bali’s underwater history with knowledgeable guides, all logistics taken care of, and plenty of opportunity for awe-inspiring views. It’s perfect for those new to scuba and eager to experience Bali’s rich marine environment without the fuss of certification or complicated arrangements.