Day Trip certified divers – 3 Dives in Tulamben (pick-up & drop-off included)

Experience the Best of Bali’s Underwater World with a Full-Day Trip to Tulamben

If you’re a certified diver visiting Bali, a trip to Tulamben is a must. This full-day tour, costing around $144 per person, takes you from your hotel in South Bali to the famous coast of Tulamben for three expertly guided dives. The highlight, of course, is the USS Liberty shipwreck, which draws divers from all over the world, but you’ll also get to explore two other sites of your choice, such as the Coral Gardens or the Tulamben Drop Off. The day includes hotel pickup, lunch, and transfers, making it a hassle-free experience that lets you focus on enjoying the underwater sights.

What we love about this tour is the personalized attention you get through private instruction and the fact that the dive center is well-equipped with WiFi, toilets, and gear rental options. Plus, the convenient pickup from South Bali hotels saves hours of driving and guesswork. On the flip side, it is a long day — about 11 hours from pickup to return — so if you’re not used to long travel times, it’s something to consider.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive Bali diving adventure with flexible site choices, professional guides, and a focus on safety and comfort. It’s especially ideal for experienced divers who appreciate good value for money and want to maximize their underwater experience in one shot. If you’re eager to see sea turtles, colorful coral, and the iconic wreck, this is a trip that delivers.

Key Points

• Famous Wreck: Dive the US Army shipwreck USS Liberty, one of Bali’s most renowned underwater attractions.
• Flexible Sites: Choose your preferred two additional dive sites, such as Coral Gardens or Tulamben Drop Off.
• Convenience: Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off included, saving you hours on the road.
• Personalized Guidance: Private instructors ensure tailored attention and safety.
• Value: Three dives, lunch, facilities, and equipment rental included at a competitive price.
• Authentic Experience: Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the incredible marine life sightings.

An In-Depth Look at the Tulamben Dive Day Trip

The Journey Begins: Easy Pickup and Comfort

From your hotel in South Bali—be it Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, or nearby—you’ll be greeted by a driver early in the morning, around 7am. The two-hour drive to Tulamben isn’t just transportation; it’s an opportunity to relax, chat with your guide, and get into the diving mindset. The company, Dive Concepts Bali, prides itself on professional, friendly service, and many reviews highlight how the guides make everyone feel at ease, whether you’re a seasoned pro or coming back after a break.

The Welcoming Dive Center

Arriving at the dive center in Tulamben, you’ll find a well-organized setup with WiFi, lockers, and clean facilities. The staff is praised for being polite and attentive. Here, you’ll gear up with your equipment, which can be rented if needed, and listen to a briefing about the day’s plan. For those who want a quick refresher or a review, the staff is accommodating, as one reviewer mentioned, “Our instructor Rifki was very patient and supportive,” making the whole process smooth and reassuring.

The First Dive: The USS Liberty Wreck

The jewel of the tour is the USS Liberty shipwreck, lying just off the coast. This wreck, sunk during World War II, now hosts a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life. Visibility can be quite good, combining with the wreck’s structure to create an unforgettable underwater landscape. Several reviews highlight the diversity of creatures seen — from sea turtles and clownfish to eels and garden eels. One diver noted, “I was lucky to see sea turtles, clownfish, garden eels, octopus, puffer fish, and electric flame scallops,” illustrating how this site offers a rich variety for underwater photographers and casual snorkelers alike.

Break and Lunch in Tulamben Bay

Between dives, you’ll return to the dive center for a well-earned break. Here, you can relax, enjoy hot drinks, and connect via WiFi. The included lunch is typically served at a local restaurant or warung, giving you a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine. Many reviewers describe the facility as a comfortable, friendly environment, perfect for unwinding before your next dive.

The Second and Third Dives: Your Choice of Sites

After lunch, it’s time for your remaining two dives at sites of your choosing. Popular options include Coral Gardens, famous for vibrant coral formations and diverse fish, or the Tulamben Drop Off, where sheer walls descend into the blue, attracting pelagic species. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility: “We loved the way the guides highlighted marine life and kept us safe,” says one, emphasizing the importance of knowledgeable supervision.

The End of the Day: Return to Your Hotel

The day wraps up with a drive back to your hotel, arriving around 6 or 7 pm. You’ll be tired but satisfied, with hours of underwater exploration behind you. Many guests mention how the long journey is a small price to pay for the extraordinary marine encounters they experience. The driver is often commended for being friendly and helpful, making the trip feel personal rather than commercial.

Authenticity and Value of the Tour

What sets this tour apart is the focus on quality and safety. Private instruction and small group sizes mean more personalized attention. The reviews consistently praise guides like Rifki and Komang for their patience, knowledge, and ability to point out marine life, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best sights.

In terms of value for money, this trip offers three dives, equipment rental, lunch, and transfers for just over $140. Considering the price of individual dive trips in many places, this is a solid deal—especially given the high standards reported by guests.

What You Need to Know

• Duration: About 11 hours from hotel pickup to return, making it a full-day commitment.
• Transport: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from various South Bali locations.
• Group Size: This is a private tour, so it’s just your group with guides, providing a more relaxed, tailored experience.
• Equipment: The dive center provides gear, and rental options are available if you don’t have your own.
• Weather Dependence: Cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable or can be rescheduled, ensuring peace of mind.

Highlights Based on Guest Feedback

Many reviewers mention that their guides went above and beyond, with one noting, “Yoko was the best dive master and very helpful.” Visibility and marine life sightings tend to be excellent, with multiple reports of turtles, rays, and an abundance of colorful fish. The shipwreck itself is a highlight — “worth every penny,” said one guest, for the chance to explore a WWII relic now serving as an underwater coral city.

Considerations for Travelers

This trip is ideal for certified divers comfortable with multiple dives in a day. The long drive might be tiring for some, especially if you’re not used to extensive travel. It’s recommended to plan for an early start and possibly an overnight in Tulamben if you’d prefer a more relaxed experience. Also, if underwater photography or videos are important, the dive center offers rental underwater cameras, which many guests found valuable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This full-day adventure is perfect for experienced divers seeking a comprehensive Bali underwater experience without the hassle of organizing multiple excursions. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate personalized guidance and want to see the iconic wreck and vibrant coral sites in one day. If marine life and wreck exploration top your list, this trip hits the mark.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, all-inclusive experience—from hotel pickup to a delicious local lunch. However, if you’re prone to travel fatigue or prefer shorter outings, consider staying overnight in Tulamben or choosing a shorter trip.

FAQs

How many dives are included?
You’ll enjoy three dives during this full-day trip, including the famous USS Liberty wreck and two site choices of your preference.

Are transfers included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in South Bali—such as Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Jimbaran, or Nusa Dua—is included, making the day more convenient.

What is the duration of the tour?
The whole experience lasts about 11 hours, from early pickup to return in the evening, so it’s quite a long day but packed with underwater adventure.

Is the tour suitable for beginner divers?
No, this is a certified divers only trip, meaning you need to have previous dive experience and certification.

Can I rent equipment?
Yes, dive equipment is provided, and you can rent underwater cameras if you want to capture your marine encounters.

What should I bring?
Bring your certification card, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and possibly a waterproof camera. Some guests also recommend bringing a light snack, as you’ll be out for many hours.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations closer to the date are not refunded, so plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this Tulamben day trip offers certified divers a well-organized, immersive underwater experience in Bali’s renowned wreck and coral sites. The combination of professional guides, flexible site choices, and hassle-free transfers makes it a great value for those wanting to maximize their diving time without the stress of logistics. Whether you’re after colorful reefs, encounters with sea turtles, or exploring a WWII shipwreck, this tour delivers a memorable, authentic Bali underwater adventure.