Advanced Open Water Course – Advanced Certification in Tulamben

Soak up the skills for 30m comfort.

This Advanced Open Water course in Tulamben focuses on real coaching, not just paperwork. I like that you get five supervised training sessions across your chosen specialties, plus one underwater navigation session and one deeper-depth session to reach 100 feet / 30 meters. I also like that you do not need to invest in gear since the full package covers the basics, including a wetsuit and weight belt. The one drawback to consider: you need a solid foundation from your Open Water course, and instructors can be clearer about that than you might expect, especially if your buoyancy and control are still shaky.

Tulamben is a smart place to level up because the diving world there is built around big sights and repeatable training conditions. In practice, that means wrecks, reef areas, and wildlife chances tend to line up well with advanced skills like compass work and planning for physiological effects as you go deeper. Expect a small group (max 5), lots of instructor feedback before and after each session, and a course pace that fits a true “upgrade my skills” goal over just two days.

Key Things to Know Before You Go (Tulamben AOW)

• Gear is included, including mask, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, wetsuit, and weight belt, so you can travel light.
• Five coached sessions over two days: three specialty modules you select, plus navigation practice and deeper-depth training.
• Max group size is 5, which usually means you get attention when you need it.
• You reach 30 meters / 100 feet as part of the program goals, under instructor supervision.
• Tulamben sites you may hit include the Liberty wreck and the Kubu wreck, plus reef areas and night training opportunities.
• You can add purchase photos/videos later, which is handy if you want keepsakes without paying extra up front.

Entering The Advanced Open Water Program: What You’re Really Buying

This is not a beginner course. It starts with the assumption you already earned your Open Water certification, and then it builds on that with more structure and more depth confidence. The theory component is intentionally lighter than Open Water, but it is still enough to help you understand what changes when you’re lower in the water column and working longer with more variables.

The big value here is the mix of skill practice. You’re not just going along for scenic rides. You do:

• Three specialty sessions based on what you choose from the center’s adventure dive list
• One deeper-depth session focused on planning and the physiological challenges of going deeper
• One underwater navigation session focused on compass skills, kick cycles, visual landmarks, and time

If your goal is to feel more independent and more comfortable planning your own future dives, this course is built for that mindset.

The Two-Day Structure: Theory, Specialty Picks, Then Real Skill Work

Even if your schedule is short, the course is designed to be sequential: you learn, you practice, you get coached, and you adjust. You should expect a small amount of class time first. Think of it as the “mental checklist” so the water work stays productive.

Then the five training sessions take over. The course format is straightforward:

• Three specialties you choose: you’ll pick from a list of adventure options, and the center’s own examples include things like photography, buoyancy control, fish identification, and exploring wrecks.
• One deeper-depth session: this is where you learn how dive planning changes and how the body reacts at depth. The coaching is meant to make 30 meters feel planned, not scary.
• One underwater navigation session: you refine compass navigation and learn practical ways to keep your route on track using kick-cycles, visual landmarks, and time.

No, this is not “learn everything about scuba in two days.” It’s closer to: tighten your technique, add discipline, and leave with better tools for the dives you want next.

Tulamben Water Time: Wrecks, Reefs, Wildlife, and Night Training

Tulamben is famous for wreck diving, and that matters because wreck sites create a perfect playground for advanced skills. You can work navigation and depth habits while also seeing the kinds of underwater scenes that make you want to come back.

Based on the kinds of experiences people talk about with this center, you may see:

• The Liberty wreck
• The Kubu wreck
• Coral garden and underwater natural wall areas
• Night training, which tends to be a favorite because it changes what you notice and how you move

Wildlife sightings also pop up often in feedback: people describe things like turtles, eels, squid, and barracudas. You should not book expecting guarantees, but Tulamben is a place where chances are genuinely good, and the center clearly knows how to match training goals with interesting conditions.

Gear Included So You Don’t Waste Your Trip

One of the simplest wins with this course is what’s inside the package. You get masks, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, other instruments, wetsuit, and a weight belt. That means you can skip the hassle of renting or packing equipment just to level up your license.

It also makes last-minute scheduling easier. If you’re traveling around Bali already, light packing is a real quality-of-life improvement. The course also uses center facilities like Wi-Fi, toilet, shower, locker, and change rooms, which sounds basic until you realize how much it helps between sessions.

Instructors: Why Names Like Yogi, Theo, Budi, Chocky, and Marlene Keep Coming Up

Small groups and great results often come down to the coach. In the feedback for this center, instructors named Yogi, Theo, Budi, Chocky, Komang, and Marlene appear repeatedly, and the themes are consistent:

• clear communication before and after each session
• a strong focus on safety
• lots of explanation while you’re fixing technique issues
• confidence-building coaching rather than rushing

One note of caution from feedback: an advanced course is not the place to rely on luck. If your basics are shaky, you may find it harder to get full enjoyment out of the deeper work. If your buoyancy and air control from Open Water are solid, you’ll likely feel more relaxed.

If you want to maximize value, ask the center how they’ll set you up based on your current comfort level. A good instructor will adjust pacing, not just depth targets.

Price and Value: Is $335.99 Worth It?

At $335.99 per person for two days, this is priced as a practical upgrade course rather than a luxury add-on. The value comes from what you get included:

• a certified instructor
• all core equipment (including a wetsuit and weight belt)
• five training sessions with structured skill goals
• a small max group size of five

The key cost you avoid is the “hidden gear tax.” If you’ve ever priced renting wetsuits, regulators, and other gear for short stays, you know those daily charges can add up fast.

What is not included: photos/videos (available to buy afterward), and food and drink at the on-site warung/restaurant, plus accommodation options at the center if you need them.

So the real question is your travel style. If you hate carrying gear and you want coached training instead of DIY practice, the price starts to look very reasonable.

Where You’ll Start and How the Course Runs Day to Day

You begin at Dive Concepts Tulamben, on Jl. Raya Singaraja, Tulamben. The course then ends back at the same meeting point. Typical daily logistics run around morning starts, and the center lists hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, so plan for an early start mindset.

You’re also dealing with one reality of Bali ocean training: conditions matter. The experience notes that it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Day to day, here’s the most useful way to think about your schedule:

• You’ll have short theory time tied to deeper planning and navigation basics.
• You’ll spend the rest of your time practicing skills in the water, under instructor supervision.
• You’ll get feedback after each session, which is where you really improve fast.

If you’re the kind of person who wants to understand what you’re doing wrong as soon as possible, this format tends to work.

Food, Showers, and Staying Near the Center

Food is available at the center’s restaurant/warung, but meals are not included in the price. The good part: you can eat on-site without having to hunt after each water session. Feedback also points to friendly service and good food.

Accommodation is not included in the course price either, but you can stay at the dive center using dormitories or bungalows. People describe it as good value, which matters if you want to reduce transfer time and keep the course pace easy.

Best Fit: Who This Advanced Course Suits

This course makes the most sense if you:

• already finished Open Water
• want to reach deeper limits safely and understand the planning side
• want to practice underwater navigation so you can find your bearings without stress
• care about technique, buoyancy control, and learning how to choose your next specialty
• like the idea of small groups and close instructor attention

You might want to wait or pick a different pace if you:

• are still struggling with core buoyancy/air control from Open Water
• feel uncomfortable at depth even when you know you’re safe
• prefer courses with more time for repetition (this is designed to be compact)

Should You Book Advanced Open Water in Tulamben?

Yes, if your goal is skill improvement with real structure, and you want to do it in a place where the underwater world gives you good practice opportunities. The big reasons to book are the five coached sessions, the small group size, and the fact that gear is included, which keeps your trip simple.

If you’re fairly new to scuba and your basics feel shaky, don’t panic. Instead, be honest with your instructor about what you can comfortably manage right now. This is an advanced step, and the best experience comes when you bring solid control to the deeper work.

FAQ

What certification does this course aim to give?

It’s an Advanced Open Water course that qualifies you to reach 100 feet / 30 meters under the program goals.

Do I need Open Water certification first?

Yes. You need to be Open Water certified before you can start this course.

How long is the course?

It runs for 2 days (approx.).

How many training sessions are included?

You complete five training sessions with an instructor.

What depth does the course train you to?

The course aims to qualify you for dives down to 100 feet (30 meters).

What gear is included?

Included gear covers masks, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, other instruments, wetsuit, and a weight belt.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are available to purchase after your course.

Is accommodation included?

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

Is the group size limited?

Yes. The experience has a maximum of 5 travelers.