Bali Hai – PADI Advance Open Water Course in Lembongan

Taking a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course in Bali’s Nusa Lembongan is a fantastic way to boost your confidence beneath the waves while exploring some of the most beautiful underwater scenery in Indonesia. This particular offering from Bali Hai Cruises, rated a perfect 5.0 based on two reviews, combines professional instruction with the adventure of five total dives, including the must-do Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation. It’s a well-rounded package for certified divers looking to expand their skills or simply take their diving to the next level—all within a manageable two-day span.

What I love about this experience is the expert guidance from experienced PADI instructors—many of whom have been diving in Nusa Lembongan since 1992—delivering safety, fun, and practical knowledge. Plus, the inclusion of all equipment, boat transfers, and a free T-shirt adds a nice touch of convenience and value. A potential downside? It’s a pretty compact schedule with quite a packed itinerary, so if you’re craving a more leisurely pace, it might feel a bit full-on. However, it’s ideal for those who want a structured, high-quality course in a beautiful setting that’s perfect for both beginners and more experienced divers looking to refine their skills.

This tour is best suited for certified divers (minimum age 10) who want to gain a world-recognized certification without the hassle of longer courses. It’s also perfect for travelers staying in Seminyak who want a seamless, all-in-one diving experience with high safety standards and excellent service.

Key Points

• Expert Instructors: The course is led by highly experienced PADI professionals committed to safety and quality.
• All-Inclusive: Full equipment, boat transfers, and meals are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Flexible Diving Options: Besides the mandatory Deep Dive and Navigation, you can choose three specialty dives to tailor your experience.
• No Exam Stress: The course involves studying from the manual and completing knowledge reviews—no stressful final exam.
• Stunning Underwater Environment: The dives include some of the best scenery Bali and Lembongan have to offer.
• Great Value: Despite the $507 fee, the package offers five dives, training, equipment, meals, and certification—good bang for your buck.

First Impressions: Professionalism and Convenience

From the moment you book, the focus is on smooth, professional service. Meeting point is at Bali Hai Cruises’ office in Benoa, and pickup transportation is offered, which simplifies logistics after a long flight or busy day. The tour starts at 1:00 pm, giving you ample time to settle in and prepare for the adventure ahead. We appreciate the full equipment rental included—no need to worry about lugging gear around or additional costs.

The team at Bali Hai is proud of their reputation as a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, a badge of quality that promises top-notch instruction and safety. With a safety record dating back to 1992, you can be confident that you’re diving with seasoned professionals who prioritize your well-being.

The Dives: What You Can Expect

During this two-day course, you will complete five dives, which are carefully structured to build your confidence and knowledge. The Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation are mandatory, serving as essential skills for all divers. The optional dives—such as Digital Underwater Photography, Fish ID, Night Dive, and others—allow you to personalize your experience based on your interests.

Reviewing feedback from past participants reveals that guides like Asri stand out for being friendly and welcoming, making newcomers feel comfortable right away. The small group ratio of 4:1 ensures personalized support during each dive, which makes a significant difference in both learning and enjoyment.

The Underwater Environment

You’ll love the clear waters and vibrant coral reefs that Lembongan is famous for. Reviewers mention the “beautiful island” and “blue water,” which suggests that visibility is excellent and the scenery is stunning. The dives are conducted in a safe, relaxed manner, with the instructors guiding you through navigation and other skills.

Many find the underwater naturalist dives fascinating—they get to observe marine life closely and learn to identify different species. For photography enthusiasts, the Digital Underwater Photography specialty is a bonus, offering tips on capturing vivid marine images.

The Food and Comfort

Meals and drinks are included on training days—lunch, coffee, tea, and water—adding to the overall value. Guests have described the food as delicious, with some reviewers noting the “delicious lunch” served during the trip. This makes the whole experience more enjoyable, especially after a morning of diving.

The Experience Beyond the Water

The boat transfers are smooth, with a boat ride adding a sense of adventure—being out on the water, with views of the island, and spotting marine life along the way. The tour’s small group size and attentive staff create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for first-timers or those looking to polish their skills in a supportive setting.

Authenticity and Value

What sets this course apart is the combination of professional instruction, safety focus, and the beautiful environment. The price of $507 covers everything you need: equipment, five dives, instruction, certification, and meals. Considering that five dives are included along with the PADI Advanced Certification, this represents good value—especially given the high safety standards and experienced guides.

The reviews underscore the quality of customer service and the enjoyable atmosphere. One reviewer said, “All the staff onboard were very friendly, good service,” confirming that the experience is as pleasant as it is educational.

Who Should Book This?

This course is ideal for certified divers who want to expand their skills and explore more advanced diving without committing to a long or expensive course. It’s also suitable for travelers in Bali’s Seminyak area, seeking a convenient, high-quality diving adventure with minimal fuss. If you value professionalism, safety, and a scenic underwater experience, this tour will meet your expectations.

Final Thoughts

The Bali Hai PADI Advanced Open Water Course in Lembongan offers a balance of education, adventure, and comfort. It’s perfect for divers ready to grow their skills and explore Bali’s underwater treasures with knowledgeable guides in a safe, friendly environment.

The inclusion of specialty dives allows you to tailor your experience—whether you’re into underwater photography, naturalist observation, or night diving. The all-inclusive package offers great value, especially considering the quality of instruction, safety record, and the gorgeous setting.

For anyone with a certification looking to take their diving further or even curious travelers who want a structured, safe, and scenic underwater experience, this tour is hard to beat. It promises a memorable way to deepen your diving skills while soaking in the natural beauty of Bali’s underwater world.

Do I need to be an experienced diver to join this course?
No, you need to be a certified PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. The course is designed to build on your existing skills, not to teach basic diving.

What equipment is included?
All full equipment rental is included in the price, so you don’t need to bring or rent gear separately.

Are meals provided?
Yes, lunch, drinking water, coffee, and tea are included on training days, making the experience more comfortable and convenient.

What dives are mandatory?
The Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation are compulsory. You can select three other specialties based on your interests.

Is there an exam?
No, there’s no exam for the Advanced course. You’ll need to study the manual and complete five knowledge reviews, but these are straightforward.

How long does the course last?
The course runs over approximately two days, with the first day starting at 1:00 pm and including three dives, and the second day covering the remaining dives.

What is the group size?
Maximum of four guests per qualified PADI instructor, ensuring personalized attention.

What if I can’t complete the course or don’t get certified?
If you don’t meet the minimum standards, you can receive a referral to continue elsewhere. Refunds are not available for non-certification.

Can I do this course if I am a beginner?
You must already be certified as an Open Water Diver. If you’re new to diving, you’ll need to complete the basic course first.

This Bali Hai course provides a solid, enjoyable, and enriching diving experience in one of Bali’s most stunning locations. The combination of professional guides, flexible options, and a scenic environment makes it a superb choice for divers eager to grow their skills or explore Bali’s underwater marvels with confidence. Whether you’re in Bali for a short trip or a longer stay, this course offers a meaningful way to take your diving—literally—to new depths.