Bali, or the Island of the Gods as it is often called, is famous for its unique culture and beautiful landscapes, but it also offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. This tropical paradise is a diver’s dream come true with its variety of marine life and underwater topography that includes vibrant coral reefs, steep drop-offs as well as interesting wrecks and calm bays.
The seas surrounding Bali are home to many different species of fish including bright colored reef fish such as clownfish or butterflyfishes, big animals like manta rays or even sunfish – mola mola which are very rare elsewhere in the world. The dive sites around the island cater to all levels from beginners who want easy dives with no current and good visibility up to advanced divers looking for strong currents where they can drift along walls or over reefs at high speed.
It is important to choose a reliable dive center if you want to have safe and enjoyable experience underwater. In Bali there are plenty of places where you can learn how to dive or improve your skills under professional guidance while having fun exploring amazing spots beneath the surface of blue oceanic waters. Therefore we have prepared for you this list containing twenty highest rated Bali-based Dive Centers which were selected based on reviews left by satisfied customers who had used their services before.
No matter whether this will be your first attempt at scuba diving ever or if you’re already an experienced diver eager for new adventures in unfamiliar environments these centers will provide necessary training support alongside necessary equipment rentals so that every single minute spent beneath waves becomes unforgettable lifetime memory worth sharing with friends back home. So don’t hesitate – check out our list now and make informed decisions about where exactly should one go diving next time he/she visits Bali!
Top 20 Dive Centers in Bali
Bali is a tropical paradise that offers an exceptional diving experience with its diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, Bali has something for everyone. Here is a list of the top 20 dive centers in Bali, selected based on their high ratings and substantial number of positive reviews.
- Bali Fun Diving
- Rating: 5.0
- Reviews: 636
- Website: balifundiving.com
- Score: 9.8
- Dune Atlantis Bali
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 483
- Website: atlantis-bali-diving.com
- Score: 9.6
- Bali Diving
- Rating: 4.7
- Reviews: 146
- Website: balidiving.com
- Score: 9.5
- Neptune Scuba Diving Bali
- Rating: 4.7
- Reviews: 135
- Website: neptunescubadiving.com
- Score: 9.4
- Bali Coral Dive Center
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 92
- Website: balicoraldivecenter.com
- Score: 9.3
- Planet Bali Dive
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 48
- Website: planetbalidive.com
- Score: 9.2
- Nusa Dua Dive Centre
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 193
- Website: nusaduadive.com
- Score: 9.1
- S.E.A. Diving Bali
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 211
- Website: seadivingbali.com
- Score: 9.1
- Bali Aqua Dive Center
- Rating: 4.7
- Reviews: 158
- Website: baliaqua.com
- Score: 9.0
- Crystal Divers – PADI IDC Center
- Rating: 4.7
- Reviews: 58
- Website: crystal-divers.com
- Score: 8.9
- Dive Concepts Pemuteran
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 205
- Website: diveconcepts.com
- Score: 8.9
- Scuba Duba Doo Dive Center Bali
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 37
- Website: scubadubadoo.com
- Score: 8.8
- Nautica BALI DIVE CENTER & COURSE
- Rating: 4.0
- Reviews: 16
- Website: nauticabali.com
- Score: 8.7
- Scubacrewbali diving centre
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 13
- Website: scubacrewbali.com
- Score: 8.6
- Plongée BALI | BALI BREIZH DIVERS | Scuba Diving PADI 5 STAR IDC
- Rating: 4.7
- Reviews: 58
- Website: balibreizhdivers.com
- Score: 8.5
- Bali International Diving Professionals (BIDP)
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 8
- Website: bidp-balidiving.com
- Score: 8.4
- Bali Bubbles Dive Center
- Rating: 4.9
- Reviews: 17
- Website: bali-bubbles.com
- Score: 8.4
- Noah Bali Divecenter (PT Yoniso Manasikara)
- Rating: 4.8
- Reviews: 56
- Website: noahbalidivecenter.com
- Score: 8.3
- Bali View Dive Center バリ・ビュー・ダイブセンター
- Rating: 4.6
- Reviews: 14
- Website: baliviewdive.com
- Score: 8.2
- Manta Bali Dive Center
- Rating: 4.3
- Reviews: 6
- Website: mantabalidivecenter.com
- Score: 8.1
These top-rated dive centers in Bali are renowned for their exceptional service, high safety standards, and the unforgettable experiences they offer to divers. Whether you are a novice looking to explore the underwater world for the first time or an experienced diver seeking new adventures, these dive centers will provide the expertise and support needed for an amazing diving experience. Dive into the beautiful waters of Bali and discover the vibrant marine life, stunning coral reefs, and unique diving opportunities that make this island a must-visit destination for scuba divers worldwide.
Scuba Diving Conditions in Bali
Scuba diving in Bali means exploring diverse marine life surrounded by stunning coral reefs under favorable conditions most of the year. Knowing what these conditions are can help you plan your dive trips better and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience underwater.
Water Temperature
The water in Bali is warm throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F). As such, divers don’t need to wear thick wetsuits or drysuits when diving here. Many people find wearing a 3mm wetsuit or even just a shorty sufficient for most dives in the region.
Visibility
Visibility in Bali’s waters varies depending on the season and location. On average, visibility ranges from 10 meters to 30 meters (33 feet to 98 feet). The best visibility tends to be experienced during the dry season which runs from April through October when there is less rain causing runoffs into the sea thereby reducing siltation levels thus promoting clear water conditions that are ideal for both photography and exploration purposes.
Currents
Bali has dive sites with mild currents as well as those with strong ones. Some of the popular dive sites such as Nusa Penida Island attract divers because of their exhilarating drift dives that are facilitated by strong currents while other areas like Padang Bai offer protected environments where beginners can do training dives in calm waters. Before selecting any particular dive site it is important to consult with your operator about prevailing current conditions at that specific site so as not to expose oneself unnecessarily under unfavorable situations especially if one lacks adequate experience or skill level needed for dealing with strong currents safely.
Best Times To Dive
Bali is an all year round diving destination, nevertheless the most suitable time for this activity is during the dry season that starts from April and stretches till October. Throughout these months the weather becomes more predictable, seas become calm and visibility reaches its peak. In the course of rainy season which lasts from November to March there may be heavier rainfalls and reduced visibility but it doesn’t prevent divers from visiting dive sites as some of them enjoy quieter dives and meet unique marine life during this period.
Marine Life
The underwater world of Bali can boast by its diversity and wealth. While diving you are likely to come across various species including:
- Manta Rays – often seen at cleaning stations around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
- Mola Mola (Sunfish) – these giants appear occasionally between July and October.
- Turtles – green and hawksbill turtles are common especially around Gili Islands or Amed.
- Reef Sharks – white-tip or black-tip reef sharks frequently cruise reefs.
- Macro Life – Bali is a macro photographer’s paradise where nudibranchs, seahorses or frogfish might be found in Secret Bay, Seraya etc.
- Coral Reefs – healthy vibrant coral reefs teem with colourful fish throughout Bali.
Safety Tips
- Check Conditions: Always check current weather and sea conditions before diving as local operators have most up-to-date information.
- Wear Appropriate Exposure Protection: Even if water is warm wetsuit protects against scrapes, stings or sunburns.
- Dive with a Buddy: Safety first! Follow buddy system so that somebody could help if something happens.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before/after diving because tropical climate may cause dehydration.
- Sun Protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen protecting not only yourself but marine environment too.
Recommended Equipment
- Wetsuit – 3mm wetsuit or shorty is usually enough due to warm water temperature.
- Reef Hook – for keeping position in stronger current areas.
- Underwater Camera – clear waters and diverse marine life offer great possibilities for underwater photography.
Seasonal Variations
- Dry Season (April to October): calm seas, excellent visibility, predictable weather make it the best time for diving.
- Rainy Season (November to March): More rainfall and potentially reduced visibility, but still good diving opportunities, particularly those interested in unique marine life encounters.
Dive Sites and Conditions
There are many different dive sites around Bali suitable for all levels of experience:
- Tulamben: Shore accessible USAT Liberty wreck dive site that suits all levels of divers.
- Nusa Penida: Manta ray cleaning stations and possibility to see mola mola with stronger currents.
- Padang Bai: Several dive sites with calm conditions ideal for beginners or macro enthusiasts.
- Amed: Vibrant reefs and easy diving suitable for all levels.
Knowing about Bali’s diving conditions will help you to plan your dives well for a safe and memorable underwater adventure. Bali never disappoints whether it’s about exploring colourful coral gardens, swimming alongside majestic manta rays or seeking out macro critters.
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