Advanced Open Water Course – Advanced Certification in Tulamben

If you’re already certified as an Open Water diver and looking to push your boundaries, the Advanced Open Water Course in Tulamben might just be the perfect next step. This two-day program promises to elevate your diving skills, introduce you to new underwater adventures, and give you confidence to explore depths up to 100 feet (30 meters). With small groups capped at five, expert instructors, and inclusive gear, it’s designed to deliver a personalized, hassle-free experience. But is it worth the cost? And what are the real highlights? We’ve gathered detailed insights to help you decide.

One of the things we love most about this course is personalized attention. With a maximum of five students per group, you won’t get lost in the crowd. Plus, everything you need — from wetsuits to underwater navigation tools — is included, so you can travel light and focus on the experience. The variety of dive sites, from wrecks to coral gardens, keeps the adventure exciting. A possible consideration is that this is a somewhat intense course for those with weak basics, since reviewers mentioned that strong fundamentals are beneficial, especially for the more advanced dives like night and wreck exploration. Overall, if you’re eager to develop confident, professional-level diving skills with high-quality instruction, this course suits motivated travelers wanting authentic, memorable underwater moments.

Key Points

• Small group size enhances personalized guidance and safety
• Includes all gear, making it budget-friendly and convenient
• Five dives over two days cover deep, navigation, and specialty skills
• Experienced guides, particularly Yogi and Theo, earn high praise
• Stunning dive sites like shipwrecks and coral gardens provide epic scenery
• Post-course photos/videos available to purchase for souvenirs
• Excellent value considering the inclusiveness and quality of instruction
• Ideal for certified divers wanting to expand their underwater repertoire

A Closer Look at the Tulamben Experience

What the Course Entails: A Well-Rounded Dive Adventure

This program is designed for certified Open Water divers who want to build on their existing skills. It’s a perfect blend of theoryless learning — meaning most of the knowledge is gained during the dives themselves — and hands-on practice. The five dives include one deep dive to explore the depths of 30 meters (roughly 100 feet), which is crucial for those looking to expand their comfort zone. You’ll also undertake an underwater navigation exercise, refining your ability to find your way using compass skills, visual landmarks, and timing.

Beyond the technical skills, you get to choose your specialties among options like photography, fish identification, wreck exploration, buoyancy control, or natural reef exploration. This flexibility allows you to tailor the course to your interests, making each dive engaging and personal. Reviewers frequently mention their enjoyment of the wrecks, especially the Liberty Shipwreck, which is iconic in Tulamben.

The Dive Sites and Scenery

Tulamben’s marine environment is a showstopper. The shipwreck, lying just off the coast, is a must-see for many divers, often described as a playground for eels, turtles, and abundant fish. One reviewer called the wreck “great,” noting that although it’s crowded with other divers, the visibility and marine life make up for it. Coral gardens and natural walls add to the diversity, giving each dive a fresh feel. Expect calm, clear waters, with most dives suitable for all levels of certified divers.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Caring

Throughout our research, guides like Yogi and Theo received high praise. Yogi, in particular, seems to be a standout, with reviewers calling him “super experienced,” “caring,” and “funny.” One diver mentioned that Yogi expertly helped spot many creatures, including eels and turtles, which made the dives even more memorable. Theo was also noted for his confidence and attentiveness, making sure everyone feels safe and informed.

The Logistics: Seamless and Comfortable

The dive center, Dive Concepts Bali, offers facilities with Wi-Fi, toilets, showers, lockers, and a changing room — all important for post-dive comfort and convenience. The entire experience runs smoothly, with reviews emphasizing how easy booking and communication were, often via email. The meeting point is conveniently located in Tulamben, with open hours from early morning to evening, giving flexibility to your schedule.

All gear, including masks, snorkels, fins, buoyancy jackets, regulators, wetsuits, and weights, is provided, eliminating the need for travelers to pack their own. The course price, at $335.99, includes all these essentials, making it a strong value proposition considering the quality of instruction and variety of dive sites.

What’s Not Included?

Post-course photos and videos are available for purchase, so if you want souvenirs of your underwater adventures, be prepared for that extra expense. Accommodation is also not included, but dive center options like dormitories and bungalows are available at the site, making overnight logistics straightforward.

Why Travelers Keep Coming Back

Based on numerous glowing reviews, it’s clear that this course is highly favored. Guests rave about the professionalism and friendliness of guides like Yogi and Theo, and many mention their excitement about upcoming dives after completing the course. One reviewer shared that they loved night dives, wreck explorations, and spotting wildlife like squid and barracudas, all with the guidance of expert instructors.

Others appreciated the value for money — especially since gear is included, and the group size means more personalized interaction. Several reviews mention how the course helped boost their confidence underwater, opening doors to more challenging or adventurous dives.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Best For?

This advanced course is particularly suited for certified divers who want to elevate their skills in a supportive, friendly environment. It’s ideal for those with a moderate physical fitness level who enjoy marine life, wrecks, and underwater exploration. If you’re after professional guidance, a relaxed pace, and high-quality sites, this experience delivers.

However, beginners who have just earned their Open Water certification might find this course a bit intense without prior experience, especially for the deeper and wreck dives. Those with a strong interest in specific specialties like photography or wreck exploration will benefit most from the course’s flexibility.

Final Summary

The Advanced Open Water Course in Tulamben offers a comprehensive, well-structured dive learning experience that’s hard to beat in terms of personalization and value. With expert guides like Yogi and Theo and iconic dive sites like the Liberty Shipwreck, it’s a perfect choice for certified divers eager to deepen their underwater knowledge and confidence. The inclusiveness of gear, the small group size, and the variety of dive sites make it a standout in Bali. Whether you’re aiming to extend your diving adventures or simply want to enjoy some of the best marine scenery in Indonesia, this course delivers a rewarding and authentic experience.

FAQs

Is the gear included in the course?
Yes, all necessary equipment such as masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, and regulators are included, so you don’t need to bring your own.

How many dives are included in the course?
You will undertake five dives over two days: one deep dive, one navigation dive, and three specialty dives based on your interests.

What dive sites will I visit?
Most likely, you’ll explore the famous Liberty Shipwreck, coral gardens, and natural walls, providing a diverse underwater experience.

Are the guides experienced?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise guides like Yogi and Theo for their professionalism, attention, and ability to spot marine life, making dives both safe and exciting.

Can I purchase photos or videos afterward?
Yes, these souvenirs are available for purchase, allowing you to relive your underwater exploration.

What’s the price for this course?
The cost is $335.99 per person, which includes all equipment, instruction, and dive site fees.

Is accommodation included?
No, accommodation is not included, but the dive center offers options like dormitories and bungalows nearby.

Who should take this course?
It’s ideal for certified divers looking to build confidence, learn advanced techniques, and explore Bali’s remarkable underwater world.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means no refund, but the experience is weather-dependent and can be rescheduled or refunded if canceled due to poor conditions.