Advanced Open Water Course – Advanced Certification in Tulamben

Getting certified to go deeper.

In Tulamben, you level up fast with an Advanced Open Water course that’s built around five instructor-led underwater training sessions over two days, including one to 30 meters. I like that the group is capped at five, so you get real attention, not a rushed line of students. I also like that everything you need is included, including a wetsuit, so you can travel light and not stress about gear shopping.

One consideration: you must already have Open Water certification, and a lot of the course comfort depends on having strong basic skills before you arrive.

Quick hits on this Advanced Open Water course

• Five supervised underwater training sessions over about two days, with one dedicated to deeper water planning and one to navigation
• Student cap of five, which tends to mean more feedback and fewer waiting turns
• Gear included, including wetsuit and weights, so you do not need to buy or pack scuba basics
• Specialty modules are your choice, letting you focus on skills that match what you want to do next
• Instructor-led navigation practice using kick-cycles, visual landmarks, and time cues
• Extra photo and video souvenirs are available after the course (not included in the main price)

Tulamben, Bali: why this is a smart place to level up

Tulamben is one of those Bali spots where the underwater world stays interesting even when the training gets technical. The big reason is the local mix of wrecks and marine life, and the fact that you can practice skills in real, practical conditions rather than only in calm, shallow settings.

In the course, you are not just chasing certification letters. You are learning how to plan and execute better underwater sessions, handle the added complexity that comes with greater depth, and find your way using real navigation habits. That matters because once you can handle those basics confidently, your future trips feel less like a test and more like vacation.

The structure: what you actually do in two days

This is an Advanced Open Water course in Tulamben with less classroom theory than your first Open Water certification. Instead of hours of sitting, you spend that time where it counts, planning and practicing skills with a certified scuba instructor.

Over the roughly two-day schedule, you complete five supervised training sessions:

• Three sessions tied to specialties you choose
• One deeper-water training session aimed at qualifying you up to 30 meters (100 feet)
• One underwater navigation training session to refine compass skills and movement habits

You also get guidance on building a training path with your instructor. The idea is simple: you pick specialty modules from a list of Adventure-style options, so you can tailor what you work on now, rather than waiting until later when you might not remember what to practice.

Choosing your specialty skills without ending up in a random class

A key part of this course is that you decide what your “other three” sessions focus on. The information provided says your instructor helps you build a learning path by selecting from a list of Adventure modules, and the training can connect to interests like:

• photography
• buoyancy control
• fish identification
• exploring wrecks

That choice is more valuable than it sounds. If you pick the modules that match what you actually want to do on future trips, you leave with skills that transfer immediately, like steadier control for photos, better observation habits for marine life, or a more confident approach to wreck exploration.

Also, because the course is instructor-led and capped at five people, you are less likely to get a one-size-fits-all routine. You should still come in with solid basic buoyancy and calm breathing, but then you can steer the training toward your goals.

The 30-meter qualification part, minus the drama

One of your required sessions is the deeper-water component, designed to qualify you for depth up to 30 meters (100 feet). The course focus here is not just reaching the number. It is about learning the planning side and understanding the physiological effects and challenges that can show up at greater depth.

In practical terms, you can expect your instructor to put emphasis on:

• how to plan deeper underwater sessions
• what changes as depth increases
• how to stay composed when conditions get more demanding

If you have ever had a future trip where you felt a little “behind” on planning, this is the part that helps you catch up. You come away with habits that make your next deeper outings feel less like guessing.

Underwater navigation training that actually teaches a system

The navigation session is one of the most useful parts of Advanced Open Water, because it turns compass use from a gadget into a process. The course is designed to refine your navigation using:

• kick-cycles
• visual landmarks
• time-based cues

That combination matters. Compass-only navigation can be hard when visibility shifts or when you get distracted watching wildlife. Visual landmarks help you connect direction to a real point of reference. Kick-cycles and time help you manage distance, so you are not stuck doing math while also trying to stay calm underwater.

If you want to feel more confident exploring beyond the obvious route, this is the session that tends to pay off later on.

Instructor-led sessions: what the teaching style looks like

Across the course, you work with a certified instructor and go over skills before and after each underwater session. The overall tone from this kind of training is safety-first, with a lot of communication. Many students have praised instructors for being confident and caring, and for clear instructions before and after.

Names that come up in course experiences include Yogi, Theo, Budi, Marlene, and Choky. Even with different teaching personalities, the consistent theme is the same: students feel looked after, and they get help spotting what is in front of them, not just completing tasks.

One review theme to take seriously: if your basics are not strong yet, you should expect a more hands-on correction. This is not a course where sloppy fundamentals get ignored. It is a course where you learn faster because the instructor can build on what you already have.

Gear is included, so you can focus on breathing and skills

This is one of the strongest value points. The course includes a full set of rental gear, including:

• mask, snorkel, and fins
• buoyancy control jacket
• regulator and other instruments
• wetsuit
• weight belt

It also says the center has facilities like WiFi, toilet, shower, and lockers or change rooms. That stuff sounds boring until you are trying to shower off saltwater, dry gear, and stay comfortable between sessions.

Because you do not need to buy or pack your own wetsuit and weights, you can also travel with fewer bags. That matters because Bali is already good at tempting you to pack light, eat well, and then forget you still need equipment.

What you might see: wrecks, marine life, and night sessions

Tulamben has a reputation for interesting underwater locations, and this course leans into that. From course experiences, you may encounter:

• wreck environments, including the Liberty wreck and mentions of the Kuba wreck
• natural underwater walls and areas like coral gardens
• a night session option during the overall Advanced training experience

In terms of wildlife, many people describe spotting things like turtles, eels, squid, and barracudas. Your exact sightings depend on the day, conditions, and how each instructor plans the route, but the training setting is clearly designed to let you practice while also enjoying what is living there.

Price and value: is $335.99 a good deal?

At $335.99 per person for about two days, the best way to judge value is what you get for that money:

• five instructor-led supervised sessions
• gear included, including a wetsuit and weights
• small group size (maximum five people)
• certification training that builds toward deeper capability up to 30 meters

If you have ever rented gear for multiple days, you know that “included equipment” can quietly save you a lot. Here, it is not just a little discount on rentals, it is a full package of the essential items you would otherwise have to source and test yourself.

The only clear extra cost mentioned is the digital souvenir photos and videos, which you can purchase after the course. Accommodation is also not included in the price, but the center does offer dormitory and bungalow options if you want to stay close.

Logistics that affect comfort: where you meet and how the day feels

You start at a meeting point in Tulamben at Jl. Raya Singaraja. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The center operates daily from about 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, which generally means you are likely to have an early start on training days. Plan your other Bali activities accordingly. Even if the course is only two days, the underwater sessions can leave you tired in a good, sleepy way, the kind that makes a warung meal taste like a reward.

Food and drink at the center are available, but meal costs are not included. That is standard for many training operators, but it is good to know so you do not expect every lunch to be covered in the price.

Who should book this course (and who should wait)

This Advanced Open Water course is a great fit if:

• you already have Open Water certification
• you want deeper capability and better planning habits
• you care about navigation skills using compass plus real-world cues
• you want to choose specialty modules that match your interests, like buoyancy control, photography, fish ID, or wreck exploration
• you prefer a small group where instructors can coach you closely

You should think twice or at least prepare well if:

• your basic skills feel shaky. If your buoyancy control and calm breathing are not consistent, ask yourself what practice you can do before heading over.
• you are not comfortable with the physical demands of scuba training, even though the course only asks for moderate physical fitness.

If you are the kind of person who likes checklists, planning, and getting better quickly with guided repetition, you will probably love this format.

Should you book the Advanced Open Water course in Tulamben?

I would book it if you want real skill building, not just a bucket-list weekend. The biggest reasons are the five supervised sessions, the 30-meter qualification focus, the navigation training system, and the fact that gear is included so the course does not become a shopping project.

If you are already Open Water certified and you want your next step to come with coaching, small group attention, and a practical skill upgrade, this is a solid choice.

One last practical tip: come in with strong basics, then let your instructor tailor the specialty sessions to what you want most. That combination is what turns a certification course into a foundation for your future underwater adventures.

FAQ

Do I need Open Water certification before this course?

Yes. To obtain Advanced Open Water certification, you need to be Open Water certified first.

How many training sessions are included?

The course includes five instructor-led training sessions over about two days, including three sessions in your chosen specialties, one deeper-water session, and one underwater navigation session.

What depth does this course qualify me for?

The course is designed to qualify you for depths up to 30 meters (100 feet).

Is scuba gear included?

Yes. The package includes masks, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, other instruments, wetsuit, and a weight belt.

Is accommodation included?

No. Accommodation is not included, but dormitory and bungalow options are available at the dive center.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Digital souvenir photos and videos are available to purchase after your course.

What happens if weather is poor?

This activity requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.