Advanced Open Water Course – Advanced Certification in Lembongan (next to Bali)

Exploring the Advanced Open Water Course in Nusa Lembongan: A Deep Dive into Possibility

If you’re looking to elevate your underwater adventures beyond the basics, the Advanced Open Water Certification in Nusa Lembongan offers a compelling blend of education, exploration, and fun. As one of the most highly rated courses on the island, boasting a perfect 5.0 from 172 reviews, it’s clear that many divers have found this experience enriching and memorable.

What sets this course apart is its focus on practical skills, confidence-building, and access to incredible marine environments. Unlike more theory-heavy programs, this one emphasizes hands-on experience with five adventure dives, including some that push your limits—like diving close to 100 feet (30 meters)—and honing navigation skills with a compass.

A potential concern? While the course is designed to be less theory-centered, it still requires a prior Open Water certification, so this isn’t the starting point for absolute beginners. This course suits travelers who already love diving and want to expand their skillset in a relaxed, professional setting with beautiful surroundings.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Skill Development: Five adventure dives covering depth, navigation, and specialties like photography or wreck exploration.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised instructors like Laurena, Kaka, and Yasmin, known for patience and deep knowledge.
• Relaxed Learning Style: Less theory-focused than initial courses, making it more approachable for those with some experience.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Wetsuits, masks, fins, and gear are provided, making it easy to focus on the dive itself.
• Stunning Marine Life: Potential sightings include manta rays, various fish species, turtles, and other marine wonders.
• Ideal for Confident Divers: The course boosts confidence and introduces more technical skills, perfect for those with open water experience.

The Itinerary and What To Expect

Day 1: Introduction and First Adventure Dives
Your journey begins at Dive Concepts Lembongan, a well-equipped dive center offering Wi-Fi, lockers, and a restaurant (not included in the price). Upon arrival, you’ll meet your instructor and receive a briefing about the day’s activities. Expect a mix of theory refreshers and practical preparations before heading out on the boat.

The first dive usually involves a Deep Adventure Dive, which is as thrilling as it sounds. You’ll learn how to plan dives at depth, understand physiological effects, and practice safety procedures. Reviewers like Kaka and Yasmin have been praised for their patience in helping students master buoyancy and air consumption, making these dives both educational and enjoyable.

Day 2: Navigation and Specialty Dives
The second day is dedicated to underwater navigation with a compass, refining your ability to find your way using visual landmarks and kick-cycles. This skill is invaluable for more independent diving in the future.

The remaining three dives are tailored according to your interests and goals—ranging from wreck exploration to underwater photography or marine identification. Many reviewers, such as Laurena and Sara, are noted for their engaging teaching style and ability to make complex techniques feel manageable.

Throughout both days, the focus is on building confidence and expanding your underwater repertoire. Expect the group size to be small—generally around five participants—allowing for personalized guidance and close attention from your instructor.

Post-Dive Experience:
After each dive, you’ll have adequate time to debrief, review your footage or photos (optional and available for purchase), and relax at the dive center. Facilities like Wi-Fi and lockers ensure comfort and convenience.

The Value of the Experience

This course is priced at about $413.61 per person, which might seem steep at first glance. However, considering it includes all equipment, instruction from top-rated guides, and access to some of the best dive sites in Indonesia, the value is clear.

Many reviewers emphasize the quality of instruction. For example, Sara, Yasmin, and Laurena are repeatedly praised for their professionalism and ability to make diving educational yet fun. One reviewer noted that their instructor, Laurena, explained Nitrox very well, indicating a high standard of teaching.

On top of that, the course’s structure—small groups, personalized attention, practical dives at iconic sites—enhances the learning experience and maximizes your underwater time. Many swear by the quality of marine life sightings: manta rays at Manta Point, colorful reef fish, and even turtles, turning every dive into a memorable adventure.

Plus, the comfortable dive center with amenities like Wi-Fi, lockers, and a restaurant (paying on your own) make the whole process smooth and enjoyable. You won’t feel rushed or crowded, just relaxed and focused on learning and exploring.

Why This Course Is Perfect for You

If you’ve already completed your Open Water certification and are eager to broaden your diving capabilities, this course is ideal. It’s perfect for travelers who want to gain more independence and technical skills in a setting known for its marine biodiversity.

For those who enjoy a less intense, more experience-based approach, the focus on adventure dives rather than exhausting theory sessions will appeal. Plus, the small-group environment means you’ll benefit from tailored guidance, whether your interest lies in photography, wrecks, or simply exploring more confidently.

And if you’re someone who loves marine encounters like manta rays or turtles, this course offers opportunities to see them in their natural habitat, making the experience much more than just certification.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Transportation & Timing:
The tour starts at 8:00 AM and runs until around 8:00 PM, giving ample time to cover all dives and theory refreshers comfortably. The boat rides between the dive center and sites are typically smooth, and small group sizes reduce waiting time and boat congestion—a common complaint in larger tours.

Group Size & Instructors:
With a maximum of five travelers per group, the sessions are intimate. Reviewers like Kaka and Laurena are highlighted for their professionalism and friendly approach, ensuring questions are answered thoroughly and safety is prioritized.

Diving Sites & Marine Life:
The highlight for many is Manta Point, where manta rays frequently glide past, as highlighted in reviews praising sightings of these magnificent creatures. Other popular sites include mangroves, wrecks, and reefs teeming with colorful fish. The instructors are experienced at pointing out the best wildlife and ensuring everyone gets good chances for photos.

Course Content & Skills:
– Deep Adventure Dive: Planning dives at depths near 100 feet, understanding physiological effects.
– Underwater Navigation: Using compasses and landmarks to find your way.
– Specialty Dives: Options like photography, wreck exploration, or fish ID, chosen based on your interests.
– Safety & Confidence: Learn to manage air consumption, buoyancy, and dive planning effectively, gaining trust and independence underwater.

Review Insights:
Many reviews emphasize how instructors like Laurena and Yasmin made learning approachable and fun. One reviewer noted that Kaka’s patience was exceptional, especially when learning buoyancy and air management. Another mentioned how the course felt very professional and well-organized, with small groups and attentive guides.

Post-Dive & Facilities:
Relaxing at the dive center post-dive is part of the experience, with Wi-Fi and lockers ensuring comfort. The availability of souvenir photos and videos is appreciated, though they are an extra cost.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This Advanced Open Water Course in Nusa Lembongan represents a fantastic investment for divers wanting to push their limits and explore more of what the ocean has to offer. While the cost is on the higher side, the quality of instruction, the small-group setting, and the chance to encounter legendary marine creatures make it worthwhile.

It’s especially suited for travelers with some diving experience who are ready to learn new skills and gain confidence. The course’s flexible structure allows for customized dives in various specialties, ensuring each diver can tailor the experience to their preferences.

If your goal is to become a more competent, adventurous diver in a friendly and professional environment, this program delivers on all fronts. Plus, with the stunning scenery of Nusa Lembongan as your backdrop, you’re guaranteed a memorable journey beneath the waves.

FAQs

Do I need to be Open Water certified before taking this course?
Yes, prior Open Water certification is required to enroll in the Advanced Open Water course.

What’s included in the price?
All diving equipment, including masks, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, buoyancy jacket, regulator, and other instruments, are provided.

Are the guides experienced?
Absolutely. Reviewers praise instructors like Laurena, Kaka, Yasmin, and Sara for their professionalism, patience, and deep knowledge, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Can I choose my specialty dives?
Yes, the course allows you to plan your learning path with your instructor by selecting from a list of available Adventure Dives, based on your interests.

Is transportation arranged?
The tour starts at the Dive Concepts Lembongan center, and the boat rides to dive sites are included in the experience.

What about photos or videos?
Souvenir photos and videos are available for purchase, offering the chance to capture your underwater memories.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds available if canceled on time. Weather-related cancellations are fully refunded or rescheduled.

To sum it up, this course is a valuable opportunity for those wanting to deepen their diving knowledge in an environment renowned for marine beauty and professional instruction. Whether you’re eager to see manta rays, improve your navigation, or explore wrecks, the instructors’ dedication and the stunning surroundings make it a worthwhile investment. Perfect for confident Open Water divers ready for the next challenge, this program promises not just certification but a memorable chapter in your underwater adventures.