Bali Hai - PADI Advance Open Water Course in Lembongan

If you’re already certified and craving more from your diving adventures, the Bali Hai PADI Advanced Open Water Course in Lembongan offers a fantastic way to level up your skills while enjoying some of Bali’s most beautiful underwater scenery. This 2-day program combines professional instruction, exhilarating dives, and memorable island experiences—perfect for divers seeking confidence and versatility without the hassle of complicated logistics.

What truly sets this course apart are three things we love: the experienced instructors who foster a relaxed learning environment, the variety of specialty dives that tailor the experience to your interests, and the stunning backdrop of Lembongan’s vibrant marine life and clear waters. Plus, the inclusion of full equipment, boat transfers, and a free T-shirt makes it a good deal for the price. That said, some travelers might find the $507 fee a bit steep if they’re on a tight budget, but considering what’s included, it’s fair value.

This program is best suited for certified divers eager to expand their skills, explore new underwater environments, and gain a globally recognized certification. If you’re comfortable in the water and ready for the next step, this course will elevate your confidence and open up more diving opportunities worldwide.

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Key Points

Comprehensive 2-day program designed for certified divers wanting to enhance their skills.
Includes 5 dives, covering essential skills like depth and navigation, plus three specialty dives.
All equipment and boat transfers included, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Expert instructors with a perfect safety record and personalized attention, with a maximum of 4:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
No exam required, only knowledge reviews and practical skills.
Stunning setting with clear waters and vibrant marine life in Nusa Lembongan.

What Makes This Course Special?

The Bali Hai PADI Advanced Open Water Course isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about building your confidence in the water while exploring some of Bali’s most gorgeous dive sites. The course is designed to be flexible, offering the opportunity to choose three specialty dives from options like Digital Underwater Photography, Fish ID, or Night Diving. This customization means you can tailor your experience to what excites you most, whether that’s capturing stunning visuals or honing navigation skills.

The core dives—Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation—are mandatory, and they set the foundation for safer, more enjoyable diving. The Deep Dive allows you to comfortably reach depths of 30 meters, opening up more challenging and rewarding sites. The Navigation dive hones your ability to find your way underwater, which is invaluable for exploring spots independently or in less obvious conditions.

The course’s strength lies in the quality of instruction and the local setting. Bali Hai’s team has been operating in Nusa Lembongan since 1992, with a spotless safety record that reassures even the most cautious divers. The instructors are known for their friendly, approachable manner—reviewers have mentioned how helpful and welcoming they are, making even nervous first-timers feel at ease.

Looking for more options in Seminyak? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Introduction and First Dives
The course begins at 1:00 pm at Bali Hai Cruises’ meeting point in Benoa, Denpasar. The day kicks off with a briefing led by experienced instructors, who go over your manual and explain what to expect during the dives. You’ll be fitted with full gear—regardless of your previous experience, everything is included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs or logistics.

Once onboard the boat, the first dives focus on practicing essential skills in a relaxed environment. Expect to do the Deep Dive and Underwater Navigation, both of which are designed to boost your confidence in handling different underwater situations. Reviewers point out the professionalism of the guides, with one mentioning how “Asri was very nice and welcoming” and the staff offered excellent service.

Lunch and refreshments are provided on the boat, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views between dives. The boat ride itself offers stunning vistas of the island’s cliffs and turquoise waters—ideal for snapping memorable photos.

Day 2: Specialty Dives and Wrap-up
The second day is all about exploring your chosen specialties. Depending on your interests, you might opt for Fish ID, Night Dive, or Underwater Naturalist among others. These dives are not only fun but also practical, giving you skills to identify marine creatures, navigate in low visibility, or appreciate the underwater ecosystem in a more meaningful way.

Throughout the course, you’re supported by a PADI-certified instructor, ensuring safety and personalized guidance. Reviewers describe the experience as “lots of fun” and praise the “good service” and friendly crew that make the trips memorable.

Additional perks include the Bali Hai Diving Adventures Log Book to record your dives, the online manual to study at your own pace, and a PADI Advanced Certification card upon completion—your ticket to diving deeper worldwide.

The Value of the Experience

At $507 per person, this course offers a comprehensive package—covering five dives, equipment, boat transfers, and certification—all in one of Bali’s most beautiful diving locations. When you compare this to the cost of renting gear and organizing trips independently, the value becomes clear. Plus, the inclusion of a free T-shirt and lunch adds a little extra to your experience.

The small group size (max 4:1 ratio) ensures you get ample attention. Many reviews highlight the instructors’ expertise and friendly approach, which makes learning more engaging and less intimidating. These personalized touches can be the difference between a good experience and a memorable one.

The convenience of pickup and the straightforward booking process also add to the appeal. You simply meet at the designated spot in Benoa, and everything else is taken care of—reducing hassle and letting you focus on enjoying your dives.

Who Should Consider This Course?

This program is ideal for divers with a PADI Open Water certification looking to expand their skills and explore new underwater environments. It suits those wanting a mix of structured learning and flexible specialty options in a relaxed setting. The course is not suitable for complete beginners, but if you’re comfortable in the water and eager to learn more, this is a great choice.

If you dream of diving to 30 meters, navigating confidently, or capturing underwater photos, you’ll find this experience both educational and rewarding. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a high-quality, all-inclusive package with professional guidance and a beautiful backdrop.

Final Thoughts

The Bali Hai PADI Advanced Open Water Course in Lembongan combines expert instruction, flexible dive options, and a stunning setting that makes learning enjoyable. Its focus on safety, personalized attention, and high standards of service have earned glowing reviews from past participants.

For certified divers eager to build confidence and explore deeper waters, this course offers excellent value. You’ll leave with new skills, a coveted certification, and plenty of stories to share—plus the chance to see some of Bali’s most vibrant marine life.

If you’re ready to take your diving to the next level, this experience is a smart, well-organized choice. Just remember to bring your enthusiasm, a moderate physical fitness level, and a sense of adventure.

There's plenty more to explore in Seminyak

FAQ

Is this course suitable for beginners?
No, you need to be a certified PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent. It’s designed to build on your existing skills and confidence.

How many dives are included?
You’ll do a total of five dives, including the mandatory Deep and Navigation dives, plus three specialty dives of your choice.

Are equipment and transfers included?
Yes, full equipment rental and all boat transfers are included in the price.

Is there an exam?
No, the course doesn’t involve an exam. You will complete knowledge reviews and practical skills assessments instead.

When does the course start?
The activity begins at 1:00 pm at the Bali Hai Cruises meeting point in Benoa, Denpasar.

What’s the maximum group size?
The instructor-to-student ratio is a maximum of 4:1, ensuring personalized guidance.

Can I choose my specialty dives?
Yes, you can select three from options like Fish ID, Night Dive, Naturalist, and others, depending on your interests.

What if I can’t complete the course?
You can receive a PADI referral or reschedule, but refunds aren’t issued if you do not meet the minimum standards.

To sum it up, this course offers an excellent way to deepen your diving skills in a beautiful setting, with expert support and great value. It’s particularly suited for those who want to explore more of the underwater world with confidence, all while enjoying the relaxed vibe of Bali’s diving scene.