Bali: 3-Days PADI Open Water Diving Course

Getting your scuba certification in Bali sounds like a dream. With the 3-day PADI Open Water course offered by Bali Diving, that dream becomes a very real possibility. Imagine learning the basics of scuba, exploring colorful coral reefs, and ticking off a bucket list item—all in just three days. It’s a great way to turn Bali from a tropical paradise into an adventure playground for underwater explorers.

What we love about this course is its well-rounded structure—combining classroom theory, pool skills, and actual ocean dives. Plus, the small group size (limited to four participants) means you’ll get personalized attention, which makes all the difference when you’re just starting out. The expert guides are both professional and friendly, often praised for their patience and knowledge. The third highlight? The spectacular dive sites like the Blue Lagoon and Tulamben wreck, which give an authentic taste of Bali’s marine biodiversity.

One thing to keep in mind is the timing of the activity, especially regarding flights—participants need at least 18 hours of rest before flying after their last dive, which is standard for safety. Also, remote pickup locations incur extra charges, so planning your transport in advance is advisable. This course suits travelers who want an efficient, safe, and incredibly scenic way to become certified divers without breaking the bank.

Good To Know

• Fast Certification: Complete your PADI Open Water in just 3 days, ideal for time-sensitive travelers.
• Authentic Marine Experience: Dive in Bali’s Coral Triangle, home to diverse marine life and stunning coral formations.
• Personalized Instruction: Small groups ensure tailored guidance suited for beginners.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Includes theory, pool training, and ocean dives, covering all essentials.
• Spectacular Dive Sites: Experience the Blue Lagoon and Tulamben wreck, two of Bali’s most popular diving spots.
• Transport & Convenience: Pickup from major areas; includes lunch and equipment, making it a hassle-free experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Classroom & Pool Skills

The journey begins at the Bali Diving center with registration, paperwork, and an introduction to scuba through videos and quizzes. This is where you’ll get the basics down—understanding how your equipment works, safety procedures, and diving signals. Review sessions are designed to be engaging rather than overwhelming, with plenty of opportunities for questions.

Afterward, you’ll head to the pool for practical skills training, a critical step in building confidence. Review from reviews highlight the patience and clarity of instructors like Ari and Tunas, who are praised for making beginners feel safe and comfortable. Expect to practice breathing, mask clearing, regulator use, and buoyancy control in a controlled environment before heading out to open water the next day.

Day 2: First Ocean Dives at Blue Lagoon

The second day kicks off early with a scenic boat ride to the Blue Lagoon at Padang Bai. This site is prized for its calm waters, vibrant fish, and clear visibility—perfect for open water beginners. You’ll load and prepare your gear on the boat, with guides helping ensure everything is set up properly.

The first open water dive is a transformative moment—many mention feeling a mix of nervousness and awe. One reviewer said, “Our guide Eka was so professional and made everything fun.” The lagoon’s calm conditions and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal setting to get comfortable with diving in the ocean.

After the first dive, there’s a relaxing break on the boat, with time to swim or just soak in the scenery. The second dive follows, often described as exhilarating, with abundant sea life and excellent visibility. Post-dive, you’ll return to Padang Bai for lunch, often at Billabong Restaurant—where reviews note the food is hearty enough to recharge you for the afternoon.

Day 3: Wreck Diving at Tulamben

The final day moves farther east to Tulamben, home to the famous USAT Liberty wreck. This site is often regarded as a must-see, providing an impressive backdrop for your final dives. The wreck is accessible in shallow waters, so it’s perfect for training and exploration without the need for advanced skills.

Before the dives, you’ll review and prepare your gear once more. The dives here are the culmination of everything learned—the wreck offers a fascinating glimpse into history and marine life, with many reviewers describing it as “absolutely stunning” and “like swimming in an underwater museum.” Between dives, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch, and at the end of the day, your instructor will sign off your certification paperwork.

More Great Tours Nearby

Transfer & Logistics

Transportation is a key part of this experience. Pickup is included from major South Bali areas like Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Seminyak, and Kuta, with timings around 07:00 to 07:45 AM. For more remote locations like Uluwatu, additional fees apply, but the highly-rated transport ensures a smooth start to your day.

The small group setting not only enhances safety but also creates a more relaxed atmosphere. Many reviewers specifically mention the professionalism of guides like Eka and Ketut, who are known for their patient, friendly approach and deep knowledge of local dive sites.

What Makes This Course Stand Out

Value for Money: The 3-day structure packs in classroom theory, pool skills, and ocean dives. Many reviewers note that the overall cost is quite competitive compared to similar courses elsewhere, especially considering the inclusion of transport, equipment, and lunch. One reviewer from the UK mentioned, “In just three days, we became PADI certified, and this would have cost four times as much back home.”

Spectacular Dives: The Blue Lagoon offers a calm, colorful introduction to Bali’s underwater world, while Tulamben’s wreck dive adds an element of adventure and history. Multiple reviewers, including those from Australia and the UK, describe the dives as “breathtaking” and “absolutely worth it,” emphasizing the diversity of marine life and the clarity of the water.

Expert, Caring Guides: The instructors are repeatedly praised for their professionalism, patience, and sense of humor. Reviews mention guides like Eka and Ari by name, highlighting how their responsible attitude, clear instructions, and friendly personalities made participants feel safe and confident.

Personalized Experience: The limited group size (max four) ensures plenty of individual attention. This setup is perfect for first-timers who want a more tailored learning experience, leading to a high success rate—94 reviews giving an overall rating of 4.8/5.

Practical Considerations

Timing & Rest: Participants are advised to have at least 18 hours of rest before flying after completing dives, ensuring safety from nitrogen buildup. The exact pickup time is confirmed via WhatsApp a day prior, so travelers should keep their phones handy.

Gear & Packing: You should bring swimwear, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a towel. Equipment is provided, but many reviewers recommend bringing your own mask or fins if you have preferences.

Age & Health: Minimum age for participants is 10 years old, making it accessible for families. The course isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart or respiratory issues, or wheelchair users.

Cancellation & Flexibility: With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, booking is low risk. The “reserve now, pay later” option adds flexibility for travelers unsure of their schedule.

The Authentic Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently mention the professionalism of the instructors, especially highlighting guides like Eka, Ketut, Ari, and Tunas. One said, “He was a fantastic teacher and a great guide in the ocean,” emphasizing the importance of having knowledgeable, friendly guides for such an involved activity.

The diverse dive sites and excellent visibility are often praised—many mention seeing a variety of fish, the historic wreck, and even the chance to swim through or near the shipwreck. The feedback also highlights the value of the package, with many pointing out that this course is a fraction of the price they’d pay at home for comparable training.

Participants also appreciate the smooth logistics, from pickup to lunch, which mean less stress and more focus on learning and exploring. The small group sizes foster a relaxed, supportive environment. Several reviews note that the experience leaves them eager to continue diving and explore Bali’s underwater treasures further.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day PADI Open Water course in Bali offers a comprehensive, well-organized, and genuinely enjoyable way to start your scuba journey. The combination of expert guides, stunning dive sites, and all-inclusive logistics makes it a fantastic value for those eager to explore Bali’s underwater world quickly and safely.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a short, immersive course with personalized instruction, especially if they’re new to scuba or short on time. The ability to earn your certification while witnessing Bali’s beautiful marine habitats makes this experience both rewarding and memorable.

If you’re someone who dreams of swimming alongside colorful fish and exploring historic wrecks, this course might just be your gateway into a new hobby. With the positive reviews and high safety standards, it’s a trusted choice for anyone looking to take their first step into scuba diving in Bali.

FAQ

How long does the certification take?
The course is designed to be completed in 3 days, including classroom learning, pool skills, and ocean dives.

What sites will I dive at?
The first ocean dive is at the Blue Lagoon in Padang Bai, and the final dives are at Tulamben, where the USAT Liberty wreck is located.

Are the dive guides experienced?
Yes, guides like Eka, Ari, Ketut, and Tunas are highly praised for their professionalism, patience, and knowledge, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

What is included in the price?
The package covers all equipment, instruction, boat transfers, and lunch. Pickup from major south Bali areas is also included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and a towel are recommended.

Is this course suitable for kids?
Yes, participants must be at least 10 years old to join.

Will I be able to dive if I have health concerns?
The course isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, respiratory issues, or wheelchair users.

How do I know my pickup time?
Your exact pickup time is confirmed via WhatsApp one day before your scheduled start.

Is this experience good value?
Absolutely. Many reviewers mention that the overall cost is quite reasonable considering the comprehensive training and gorgeous dive sites.

This Bali PADI course blends education, adventure, and scenery perfectly—making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of diving in a tropical paradise.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby