Bali: 2-Day PADI Advanced Open Water Course

Want a smarter way to go deeper? This 2 day PADI Advanced Open Water course in Bali focuses on safety, buoyancy control, and hands on coaching in two famous areas: Padang Bai Blue Lagoon and Tulamben’s USAT Liberty shipwreck. I especially like the small group of just 2 participants and the fact that you get equipment rental plus PADI materials and certifications built into the price. The main catch is the early start, with pickup typically beginning around 7 AM, so you will want a proper morning routine.

What makes the schedule appealing is how it stacks training with scenery. Day 1 is set up for three ocean underwater sessions in Padang Bai Blue Lagoon, with lunch and light refreshments handled back at the training center. Day 2 shifts to Tulamben for two ocean underwater sessions centered on the USAT Liberty, a site that rewards good control and calm technique.

This course works best if you already hold PADI Open Water certification and want to earn the Advanced level course credits fast, without feeling rushed. It is also not for everyone, since it is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems or respiratory issues.

Key highlights worth caring about

• Max 2 participants means more coaching time and less waiting around
• 5 total underwater sessions across Padang Bai Blue Lagoon and the USAT Liberty
• Course structure that covers required Advanced modules like underwater navigation and deeper-water skills
• Pickup from major Bali areas (Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Sanur)
• Real-world training support with equipment rental and marine park entry fees included
• English and Indonesian instruction so you are not stuck figuring things out alone

Two day Advanced Open Water training in Bali, and why the itinerary works

Bali is a great place to level up your underwater skills because conditions are often friendly for practice, and the sites here are varied. This 2 day course is designed to keep you moving from skill work to real site application, instead of spending the whole time in a pool or classroom.

Day 1 in Padang Bai Blue Lagoon is all about foundations for the next level. You start with the admin side at the training center, get your gear ready, and then head out for three ocean underwater sessions. These are not random repeats. They are meant to help you handle new tasks while staying comfortable and controlled.

Day 2 in Tulamben changes the vibe. You go to the USAT Liberty shipwreck, and the course continues with two ocean underwater sessions that focus on wreck-oriented skills and performance in more challenging surroundings. If you want your Advanced certification to feel connected to actual diving environments, this schedule is a strong match.

Price and value: what $339 covers, and what that saves you

At $339 per person for 2 days, the value comes from what is included rather than the headline price. This is not just an instructor paired with a generic boat trip.

Here is what you get for the full price:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Nusa Dua, Jimbaran Beach, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Sanur
• Marine park entry fees
• Boat and porters fees
• Lunch, plus water, tea, and coffee at the training center
• Equipment rental
• An experienced instructor
• PADI materials and the course certification paperwork tied to the program

For you, the biggest practical win is reduced decision fatigue. You are not trying to piece together entry fees, boat logistics, and rental gear on your own. When those costs are included up front, it is easier to budget and easier to compare options.

The other value piece is the small group size. Two participants max can feel like a small detail, but it usually means faster feedback on techniques like buoyancy control and navigation. When you are learning new skills, speed of correction matters as much as the site itself.

Day 1 in Padang Bai Blue Lagoon: training plus three ocean underwater sessions

Your day starts at the training center with course paperwork and registration. You do need to bring your PADI Open Water certification card, since you are required to show it to participate. After that, you will prepare your equipment and load the vehicles.

Then you head to Padang Bai Blue Lagoon for three ocean underwater sessions. This is the part of the itinerary that works as your skill runway. You are practicing Advanced level elements in a place designed for enjoyable open water training.

What you should pay attention to on Day 1:

• Underwater navigation: This is listed as mandatory, and you will likely spend time learning how to keep bearings and move efficiently underwater.
• Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB): Even if you already feel comfortable, PPB is where good habits get sharper. Expect feedback focused on staying steady and conserving effort.
• Boat handling and course discipline: You will be on a schedule with porters and boat logistics, so it is smart to follow your instructor’s cues without improvising.

Lunch and light refreshments are included back at the training center. That sounds basic, but it matters on a two day course. You will get a real break before Day 2, rather than running on whatever snacks you brought.

One practical consideration: the pickup window is early, and you are out all day. If you are prone to morning fog, pack a hat, put sunscreen on before you leave, and plan to eat breakfast.

Day 2 in Tulamben at the USAT Liberty shipwreck: two underwater sessions with wreck focus

On Day 2 you head to Tulamben and shift your attention to the USAT Liberty shipwreck. This is the “memory maker” day for most people, because wreck sites change what you think about underwater. Lines, angles, and structure all affect buoyancy, movement, and how you manage your focus.

You get two ocean underwater sessions at this site. In a well-run Advanced course, wreck training is not just about seeing metal and stories. It is about learning how to control your body position and plan your route while staying calm when the environment becomes visually busy.

This course’s required skill checklist includes wreck related training, so you are not just tagging along. You are using the site as a training platform.

What I think you will feel as a student on Day 2:

• More emphasis on body position and control, because wreck exploration punishes sloppy technique
• A stronger connection between planning and execution, especially for skills tied to searching and recovery style tasks
• More instructor cues, since a shipwreck environment can make it easier to get distracted

If you enjoy structured learning and want your Advanced certification to feel meaningful, the USAT Liberty is a great place to finish.

The Advanced skills checklist: what you complete by the end

The course is built around specific Advanced modules. By the end, you will have completed the following items tied to your PADI Advanced Open Water certification requirements:

• A mandatory deeper-water training module
• Underwater Navigation (mandatory)
• Boat-based underwater session training
• Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB)
• Underwater Naturalist
• Search and Recovery
• Wreck training

Here is why this matters for your money and your time. An Advanced course can feel like it is either very theory-heavy or very sight-seeing heavy. This one is clearly aiming at practical credit for real skills, with the ocean sites used as the classroom.

For you, the most useful part of the checklist is that navigation, buoyancy control, and structured wreck skills are included. Those are the components that tend to make future trips more relaxing, because you spend less energy and more time enjoying what you see.

The small group of 2: what that means in real coaching

You have a small group, limited to 2 participants. That setup is not just a comfort perk. It changes the training rhythm.

With fewer students:

• You get clearer, faster feedback
• Instructor attention is easier to maintain across multiple skills
• You spend less time waiting between tasks

The reviews for this course highlight service and communication. Even without naming specific staff, the pattern is consistent: the team is responsive and flexible when requests come up. That is exactly what you want in a short course, because you do not want last minute confusion eating up your learning time.

Also, instruction is available in English and Indonesian, which helps if you want to ask questions without guessing at meaning.

Pickup, timing, and how to plan your day without stress

Pickup is included from key Bali areas:

• Between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM for Nusa Dua, Jimbaran Beach, Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak
• Between 7:30 AM and 7:45 AM for Sanur

You are asked to wait in the hotel lobby about 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Drop-off is at 5:30 PM.

This timing affects how you plan meals and energy. I recommend you do two things:

• Keep your breakfast simple and early. You are going out fast.
• Avoid booking a late night activity the day before. Your brain and body need to be ready for training.

If you are coming from outside the pickup zones, you would need another plan, since the included pickup list is specific to those areas.

What to bring for a smooth 2 day course

At minimum, bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• A hat

Also, bring your PADI Open Water certification card, since it is required for participation. That is not optional admin. It is the key to getting started.

One small but useful tip: if you are the type who likes to keep gear organized, bring a dry bag or a sealed bag for your towel and spare clothes. The course includes water, tea, and coffee at the training center, and lunch is included, but you will still want your personal items easy to grab between sessions.

Who should book this 2 day Advanced Open Water course

Book this course if:

• You already have PADI Open Water certification and want the Advanced level skills completed in 2 days
• You want 5 underwater sessions across two well-known Bali areas, including the USAT Liberty shipwreck
• You prefer a small group and more direct coaching

Consider a different option if:

• You have health conditions that make underwater training unsafe. This program is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people with respiratory issues
• You do not want early mornings, because pickup starts around 7 AM
• You are unsure you can follow safety steps. Advanced skills require calm, consistent technique

The course is for participants at least 12 years old, which makes it a potential family option depending on your child’s experience level and comfort. Just keep safety constraints in mind.

Should you book this course or skip it

I would book it if your goal is straightforward: complete PADI Advanced Open Water requirements with real ocean practice, in a small group, with most of the logistics already handled. The value is strongest if you would otherwise have to pay separately for equipment rental, marine park fees, and boat costs.

I would skip it if you need a slower pace, you cannot do early pickup schedules, or your health history makes underwater activity a bad idea. In those cases, you will save money by choosing a more suitable course format.

If you are ready to bring your Open Water skills up a notch, and you want the USAT Liberty wreck to be part of your training, this 2 day plan is a solid choice in Bali.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my PADI Open Water certification?

Yes. You must bring your PADI Open Water certification with you to participate.

Where are the underwater sessions held during the course?

You complete three underwater sessions at Padang Bai Blue Lagoon on Day 1, and two underwater sessions at the USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben on Day 2.

How many participants are in the group?

This course is limited to 2 participants.

What time does pickup happen, and when is drop-off?

Pickup is included from select areas between 7:00 AM and 7:15 AM, or between 7:30 AM and 7:45 AM for Sanur. Drop-off is at 5:30 PM.

What skills and modules are completed by the end?

By the end, you complete the mandatory deeper-water module, underwater navigation, boat session training, Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB), underwater naturalist, search and recovery, and wreck training.

What is included in the price of $339?

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, marine park entry fees, boat and porters fees, lunch, water plus tea and coffee at the training center, an experienced instructor, equipment rental, and PADI materials and certifications.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, your own towel, and change of clothes.

Who is the course not suitable for?

It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people with respiratory issues. Participants must be at least 12 years old.