Try Diving in Tulamben – Shipwreck

Venturing into Tulamben‘s waters is a bucket-list experience for many travelers visiting Bali. Known for the iconic USS Liberty wreck, this 7-hour tour offers an accessible introduction to scuba diving without the need for prior certification. We’ve looked into this guided excursion to see what makes it stand out—and whether it’s worth your time and money.

What we love most is the comprehensive experience it offers: from theory and pool practice to multiple ocean dives, with all equipment and transportation included. Plus, the chance to swim around one of Bali’s most famous wrecks is pretty hard to beat. On the flip side, some might find that the full-day commitment, including early start and long drive, could be a bit tiring. This tour is ideal for absolute beginners who want a safe, guided taste of underwater adventure without needing a dive license.

Key Points

• Beginner-Friendly: No prior certification needed, perfect for newcomers to scuba.
• All-Inclusive Package: Equipment, lunch, insurance, pickup, and drop-off are included, offering great value.
• Stunning Underwater Sites: Famous wreck, coral gardens, and abundant marine life like humphead parrotfish.
• Professional Guides: Experienced instructors like Agus, JoJo, and Adi make safety and comfort a priority.
• Flexible Dives: Depending on your chosen package, you can enjoy 2 or 3 dives.
• Long Day, Well-Organized: From morning pickup to late afternoon return, everything’s planned smoothly, with plenty of time to enjoy.

Introduction to the Experience

If you’re dreaming of seeing Bali’s underwater treasures but don’t have a dive certification, this Discover Scuba Diving tour in Tulamben might be just what you need. It combines beginner-friendly instruction, confidence-building practice, and the chance to explore Bali’s most famous shipwreck—the USS Liberty—all in one day.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its full-service approach. Everything from hotel pickup, comfortable transport, to use of dive gear and lunch is covered, making it a hassle-free adventure. The guides are highly praised for their professionalism and patience, which is crucial for first-timers. As one reviewer shared, Agus was an “awesome instructor” who provided personalized attention, making their first dive memorable and safe.

However, keep in mind that this is a long day, with a departure around 9 am and return around 5-6 pm. The drive from Bali’s popular areas takes about two hours, so this tour is best suited for those willing to spend most of the day on the road and in the water. If you’re after a quick peek or a shorter experience, you might want to explore other options.

Detailed Itinerary and What to Expect

Pickup and Departure

Your adventure starts with hotel pickup in the early morning, typically around 7 am to 8 am, depending on your location. The bus or van is air-conditioned, providing a comfortable ride across Bali’s scenic landscapes. This transfer is an important part of the experience, giving you time to relax, meet your guides, and get excited.

Theoretical and Pool Training

Once at the dive center in Tulamben, you’ll begin with a quick theory session that covers the basics of scuba diving. This is designed for total beginners, so don’t worry if you’ve never even snorkeled before. Afterward, you’ll check your equipment and head into a dedicated pool area to practice breathing, buoyancy, and mask clearing techniques.

Reviewers like Nicole appreciated the pool practice as a confidence booster. She mentioned that her instructor Audi was “wonderful and a lot of fun,” answering all her questions and making her feel comfortable before heading into open water.

Ocean Dives

Depending on your chosen package, you’ll go for 2 or 3 dives. The main attraction is the USS Liberty wreck, a US Army transport ship sunk in 1942 and now a haven for marine life. You’ll explore coral-covered decks and swim among schools of fish, with the wreck providing a fascinating backdrop.

Other sites include the Coral Garden and a few local favorites, each offering vibrant marine ecosystems and relatively calm currents—ideal for beginners. Reviewers have highlighted how little to no current makes these dives more accessible, even for those new to scuba.

Marine Life and Visibility

Expect to see humphead parrotfish, colorful coral, and perhaps some playful reef fish. Some reviewers noted the diverse marine life and the crystal-clear waters that make Tulamben a top snorkeling and diving spot. The wreck itself acts as an artificial reef, teeming with marine creatures, and the coral gardens are equally lively.

Post-Dive and Return

After the final dive, you’ll be brought back to the dive center for a well-earned lunch and some snacks. This is also a good time to review your experience, ask questions, or just relax and share stories. Many reviewers like Timothy expressed appreciation for the friendly staff, saying that the service was like no other.

The return trip to your hotel wraps up around 5-6 pm, and you’ll leave with plenty of photos, memories, and the satisfaction of having experienced Bali’s underwater world.

What’s Included and What to Consider

This tour is priced at around $240 per person, which covers almost everything. You get all taxes and handling fees, scuba insurance, dive gear, lunch, snacks, bottled water, and hotel transfers—which makes it a solid value for a full-day experience.

Some reviewers noted that additional equipment like GoPro rentals or extra wetsuits aren’t included, so if you’re planning to document your dives extensively, you might want to bring your own or inquire about rentals beforehand.

One aspect to consider is the long drive from some parts of Bali, which could be tiring for some travelers, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or long bus rides. Also, the tour is not recommended for travelers with active asthma, which is an important safety point.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Guests consistently praise the professional guides such as Agus, JoJo, and Adi, for their patience and in-depth knowledge. One reviewer shared that JoJo’s patience reassured her as a nervous first-timer, emphasizing the importance of having supportive guides.

The quality of instruction received was also a highlight, with many saying they felt safe and well cared for despite being beginners. Another positive point was the beautiful drive to Tulamben, providing a scenic backdrop to the underwater adventure.

The value for money was often highlighted, with travelers appreciating that gear, meals, and transportation were included in the price. The homemade donuts at the end of the day became a fun, memorable detail for many, adding a touch of local charm.

Practical Tips

• Arrive early in the morning for a relaxed start and to maximize your diving time.
• Communicate any dietary requirements beforehand—vegetarian options are available.
• Advise your height, weight, and shoe size during booking for proper equipment setup.
• Bring a waterproof camera or rent a GoPro if you want photos of your dives.
• Hydrate well and wear comfortable clothing for the transfer.
• If you’re nervous or unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your guide questions—they’re experienced and eager to help.

The Sum Up

This Try Diving in Tulamben tour offers a comprehensive, beginner-friendly introduction to scuba diving that balances safety, fun, and value. It’s perfect for those new to diving who want to experience Bali’s legendary shipwreck and coral gardens with knowledgeable guides in a well-organized setting. The inclusive package minimizes surprises and ensures you’re well cared for throughout the day.

Travelers who appreciate authentic experiences—with professional instruction, scenic drives, and marine life encounters—will find this tour rewarding. It’s particularly suited for adventurous travelers eager to see Bali from a new perspective without the need for prior certification.

If you’re after a safe, friendly, and value-packed way to explore Bali’s underwater world, this tour checks all the boxes. Just be prepared for a full day’s commitment, and you’ll likely leave with unforgettable memories and maybe even a new hobby.

FAQ

Is prior dive certification required for this tour?
No, this is a Discover Scuba Diving experience, which does not require any previous certification. It’s designed for complete beginners.

What’s the maximum depth during the dives?
While the tour involves multiple dives, the maximum depth is approximately 12 meters, making it suitable for those new to diving.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes lunch and beverages. Many reviewers enjoyed the homemade donuts at the end of the day, which has become a popular highlight.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided from select areas of Bali, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to your day.

What marine life can I expect to see?
Expect to encounter humphead parrotfish, colorful coral, and abundant reef fish. The wreck itself is home to diverse marine creatures, making for great underwater photography.

Who should avoid this tour?
It’s not recommended for travelers with active asthma or those with certain health issues. Also, be prepared for a long day if you’re staying far from Tulamben.

This tour strikes a great balance between adventure, safety, and value, making it a perfect choice for Bali visitors eager to explore its famous underwater sights without diving experience.