Itinerary Summary
Arrive in Bali and check in with your dive centre. Day two is a Tulamben dive or freedive at the sunken USAT Liberty wreck; day three crosses to Nusa Penida for manta ray sites; day four is a gentler…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Settling Into a Tulamben Dive Base
13:00
3h
Coastal drive from DPS to Tulamben
Head east from Ngurah Rai past Sanur and along the black-sand coast to Tulamben, about 3 hours with stops. Drivers often break the trip near Klungkung; agree the drop-off and waiting time with the operator beforehand.
📍 Ngurah Rai Airport to Tulamben
16:30
1h
Dive medical and certification check
Complete the medical questionnaire with the dive centre and confirm your certification before gear is issued. Bring your logbook and card, and declare asthma, ear surgery or medication, as clearance may be needed.
📍 Tulamben dive centre
17:30
1h
Gear fitting and buoyancy briefing
Try the wetsuit, BCD and fins, then run a short briefing on what to expect at the wreck. Tulamben is a shore entry over stones, so booties make a difference; ask for a weight check in shallow water tomorrow.
📍 Tulamben dive centre
19:00
1.5h
Dinner at a Tulamben beach cafe
Eat grilled fish and rice at one of the simple cafes on the coast road, with the sea a few metres from the table. Kitchens close early in the village, so order by 19:30 and pay in cash as few places take cards.
📍 Tulamben
💡 Pro Tip: Bali is UTC+8, and the drive east to Tulamben takes about 3 hours from the airport. Pick a PADI or SSI certified centre and confirm the instructor-to-student ratio in writing. Never dive on the day you fly, and keep 18 to 24 hours between your last dive and departure. Dive insurance covering evacuation is worth the cost, as standard travel policies often exclude diving.
Days 2-6 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$47035%
Dive-centre-friendly hotels, 5 nights
Food & DiningUS$27020%
Energy bowls, grilled fish and young coconut
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to dive in Bali for visibility?+
April to October, the dry season, brings the clearest water and calmest crossings to Nusa Penida and Lembongan. September and October are especially good, with fewer crowds than July-August. The wet season can still offer decent diving at sheltered Tulamben, but manta trips get cancelled more often.
Do you need a diving certification for the USAT Liberty wreck?+
The USAT Liberty at Tulamben sits in shallow water, so parts are reachable by snorkellers and introductory divers, but the full wreck and deeper sections need an Open Water certification or a guided discover-scuba session. Choose a PADI- or SSI-certified shop and confirm guide ratios before booking.
How do you reach Nusa Penida for manta ray dives from Bali?+
Fast boats leave from Sanur and Padang Bai, taking roughly 30 to 45 minutes to Nusa Penida, and dive shops usually bundle the crossing with tanks, guides and lunch. Book a day or two ahead in high season. Crossings can be rough, so take seasickness precautions and check the operator's safety record.
How long before flying should you stop diving in Bali?+
Allow at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight, and longer if you did multiple dives or went deep. Build the final Kuta surf day as a no-dive buffer, and tell your dive shop your flight time when you book so they can plan the timetable around it.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 6 days
- Budget: Active · approx. $1,050–1,640 (≈ €910–1,430), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Diving & Water Sports
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