Day Trip certified divers – 3 Dives in Tulamben (pick-up & drop-off included)

If you’re a certified diver craving a full day of underwater adventure in Bali, this day trip to Tulamben might just be your perfect escape. Priced at around $143.66 per person, the tour offers three dives at iconic sites like the USS Liberty wreck, along with personalized guidance, hassle-free pickup, and all the essentials to make your underwater experience memorable. It’s a popular choice, booked on average 26 days in advance, and boasts a flawless 5-star rating from 175 reviews.

What we really love about this tour is the quality of guides and the flexibility to choose your second and third dive sites. Plus, the convenience of being picked up directly from your hotel in South Bali means no stress about transport logistics. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the long drive—about two hours each way—which might be a consideration if you’re not a fan of lengthy travel days.

This trip is best suited for certified divers who want a comprehensive day of diving with expert supervision and the chance to explore some of Bali’s most renowned underwater spots. Whether you’re returning to diving after a break or simply want to tick off the underwater landmark of the USS Liberty, this tour offers a good blend of adventure, comfort, and value.

Key Points

Comfortable logistics: Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a smooth start and end to your day.
Expert guidance: Knowledgeable instructors and dive masters are praised for their patience and ability to highlight marine life.
Variety of sites: Besides the famous USS Liberty, you can pick your other two sites from local favorites like Coral Gardens and Tulamben Drop Off.
Quality facilities: Dive center amenities include WIFI, lockers, showers, and a restaurant, making downtime between dives comfortable.
Excellent value: For the price, you get three dives, lunch, equipment use, and personalized attention—making it a worthwhile investment.
Authentic experiences: From reviews, many guests appreciated the chance to see sea turtles, clownfish, eels, and even electric scallops, with guides often taking photos for keepsakes.

The Full Experience Breakdown

The Itinerary: What to Expect from Sunrise to Sunset

Your day begins early at 7 am with a pickup from your hotel, whether you’re in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or surrounding areas. A comfortable drive of around two hours takes you to Dive Concepts Tulamben, where the real adventure begins. The early start is worth it for beating potential crowds and getting the best underwater visibility—many guests noted the clarity and marine life activity were excellent, even if the weather was occasionally overcast.

Once at the dive center, you’ll be greeted by a team renowned for their professionalism and friendliness. After administrative checks, you’ll get fitted with your gear—diving equipment, wetsuits, and any rental underwater cameras you might opt for. This process is smooth and well-organized, with some reviewers mentioning their instructors were particularly patient, especially for those doing refresher courses after a break.

The First Dive: The USS Liberty Wreck

The highlight of this trip is definitely the USS Liberty shipwreck, which lies approximately 30 meters offshore. This wreck is renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity and the opportunity to see large schools of fish, sea turtles, and even occasional barracudas. Reviewers like Helen praised the great visibility and the abundance of marine life, saying they felt lucky to spot octopuses, garden eels, and electric flame scallops.

Our guides are praised for their knowledge—Yoko, for example, was singled out for pointing out a wide array of sea creatures and capturing great underwater photos. Many reviews mention that guides highlight marine life and keep guests engaged without overwhelming them. Komang, another instructor, was especially appreciated for his pre-dive briefs and during-dive attentiveness, often giving tips on how to photograph sea turtles or spot a shy octopus.

Choosing Your Other Dives

After the wreck, you’ll return to the center for a well-deserved lunch and a chance to relax. The included meal is served at the dive center’s restaurant, with options and hot drinks available. Guests like Aleksandar appreciated the great staff and the overall relaxed vibe during the break.

The second and third dive sites are flexible, allowing you to pick among Tulamben’s most famous spots like Coral Gardens or the Drop Off. The ability to customize your experience is a big plus, as it caters to your underwater interests—whether you’re keen to see coral reefs, more wrecks, or specific marine creatures. The reviews show that many divers loved seeing sea turtles, clownfish, and eels on their second and third dives, with guides making sure everyone gets plenty of time to explore.

Return Journey & Overall Comfort

After your final dive, you’ll return to the Tulamben center for some tea, coffee, or WiFi, giving you a moment to reflect and share photos. The drive back to your hotel in South Bali is about two hours, which some found a bit lengthy—reviewers like Mark expressed that the long drive made the day feel exhausting, especially for those not accustomed to such trips.

However, most guests agree that the value of the experience outweighs the travel time, especially considering the quality of guides and the diversity of sites visited. The entire adventure spans roughly 11 hours, so packing some snacks and patience is recommended.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert, Friendly Guides

Guests consistently mention how guides like Rifki, Komang, and Yoko make a difference through their patience, knowledge, and ability to highlight marine life. Many reviewers note that guides take photos and videos, helping diversify the experience beyond just the diving. This personal attention adds a heartfelt touch that enhances the overall value.

Iconic Dive Sites in Bali

The USS Liberty wreck is a bucket-list item for many divers, with its fascinating history and abundant marine life. The other sites, like Coral Gardens and Tulamben Drop Off, are equally stunning, offering vibrant coral reefs, chances to see turtles, and a variety of colorful fish.

Comfort and Convenience

From pickup at your hotel to the facilities at the dive center, everything is designed to make your day as seamless as possible. The provision of lockers, showers, and WiFi means you can unwind comfortably between dives. Many reviewers appreciated the included lunch and hot drinks, making the long day more enjoyable.

Value for Money

Given that you receive three dives, equipment, a guided experience, lunch, and transportation, the price tag is attractive. Considering the quality of guides and the chance to see iconic sites, most guests feel they receive excellent value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for certified divers seeking a full-day adventure in Bali’s best underwater spots. It’s ideal for those who want a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides or want to tick off the legendary USS Liberty wreck. If you’re comfortable with long drives and prefer a hassle-free, all-inclusive day, this tour will serve you well.

However, if you’re new to diving or prefer shorter, more local excursions, this might be a bit too extensive or tiring. Also, keep in mind the drive—if you prefer to stay closer to your accommodation or want a more relaxed pace, consider staying overnight in Tulamben instead of doing a day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dives are included?
You get three dives in total, including the famous USS Liberty wreck, plus two other sites of your choice within Tulamben’s top dive spots.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from South Bali hotels such as Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, and surroundings are included at no extra cost.

What facilities are available at the dive center?
You’ll find WiFi, lockers, showers, a toilet, and a change room. There’s also a restaurant/warung on-site for meals and refreshments.

Can I rent underwater cameras?
Yes, underwater digital cameras are available for rent, which many guests appreciated for capturing their marine encounters.

What’s the typical duration of this tour?
The full day lasts around 11 hours, from early pickup at 7 am to return in the evening, making it a comprehensive but long experience.

Are there any age or fitness restrictions?
Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, and service animals are allowed. The tour is private for your group, and you will dive with certified instructors.

What if I want to cancel?
Cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. The tour operates rain or shine, and poor weather might lead to rescheduling or a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
No, it’s designed for certified divers. If you’re not certified or haven’t dived in a while, consider doing a refresher course before booking.

This Tulamben day trip offers an impressive blend of adventure, convenience, and expert guidance. It’s especially appealing for divers looking to explore Bali’s most iconic underwater sites without the hassle of planning logistics or worrying about equipment. The inclusion of three dives, combined with good facilities and a knowledgeable team, makes it excellent value for money.

While the long drive might be a downside for some, most guests agree that the quality of the experience—seeing the USS Liberty, the marine biodiversity, and having guides who genuinely care—makes it worth the time. This tour suits those eager for a fully guided, memorable diving experience in Bali’s most famous underwater location.

If you’re after a reliable, well-reviewed, and comprehensive diving day in Bali, this trip will likely meet your expectations and leave you with fantastic memories of Bali’s vibrant underwater world.

Note: Always confirm availability and weather conditions before booking, and consider whether a full day of diving suits your physical stamina.