Advanced Open Water Course – Advanced Certification in Lembongan (next to Bali)

If you’re already certified as an Open Water diver and looking to take your underwater adventures to the next level, the Advanced Open Water Course in Nusa Lembongan is an excellent choice. Situated just off Bali’s coast, this course offers a relaxed, supportive environment to expand your skills, explore new underwater realms, and boost your confidence—all in the company of knowledgeable instructors and a vibrant marine setting.

One of the things we love about this program is how it balances theory and hands-on experience. It’s designed to be less intense than the initial Open Water course, giving you space to enjoy the dives and learn practical skills at a comfortable pace. Plus, the stunning locations and marine life sightings—including manta rays at Manta Point—make every moment memorable.

The only consideration? The course spans just two days, which might mean some travelers prefer to extend their stay or combine it with other activities on the island. Overall, it’s best suited for those eager to deepen their diving knowledge without a lengthy commitment, especially if you’re passionate about exploring Bali’s underwater treasures.

Key Points

• Certification Upgrade: Qualify as an Advanced Open Water Diver after five adventure dives.
• Depth Limit: Dive confidently up to 100 feet (30 meters) with SSI certification.
• Relaxed Learning: Less theory-heavy than initial open water courses; more practical.
• Expert Instructors: Highly praised guides like Laurena, Kaka, and Sara make learning fun and safe.
• Excellent Facilities: Dive center offers Wi-Fi, lockers, a restaurant (own expense), and comfortable amenities.
• Flexible & Convenient: Two-day format with a small group size (max 5), ensuring personalized attention.

The two-day course is structured around five adventure dives, each offering something unique and tailored to boosting your underwater skills and confidence. We’ll break down what you can expect at each stage and why it matters.

Day 1: Setting the Foundation & First Dives

Your adventure begins at Dive Concepts Lembongan, a well-organized dive center located in Jungutbatu. From the start, the atmosphere feels professional yet laid-back—ideal for those who appreciate a friendly environment. All equipment—from wetsuits to regulators—is provided, meaning you can focus solely on learning and exploring.

You’ll start with some pre-dive briefing and safety review, which is less burdensome than the open water course, according to reviewers. Then, the first adventure dive takes you into familiar waters with your instructor, where you’ll practice buoyancy control and navigation techniques. Many travelers find that having comprehensive, attentive guidance helps them relax and enjoy their time underwater.

Day 2: Deeper and More Specialized Dives

The second day is where things get exciting. The Deep Adventure Dive allows you to reach near 100 feet (30 meters), teaching you how to plan for dives at greater depths and handle physiological effects safely. One reviewer mentions feeling supported and learning how to manage air consumption and buoyancy better, thanks to their instructor Kaka.

The Underwater Navigation Dive refines your compass skills—vital for exploring solo or in unfamiliar areas. Using landmarks, kick cycles, and timed navigation, you’ll learn to find your way back to the boat confidently. Several reviews highlight how instructors like Laurena and Sara are excellent at explaining these skills clearly and patiently.

The remaining three dives are specialty-focused—based on your interests. Whether you’re drawn to fish identification, photography, wreck exploration, or other specialties, you and your instructor can tailor the dives accordingly. This flexibility is a big plus for those seeking a personalized experience.

What Makes the Locations Special?

You’ll explore some of Nusa Lembongan’s iconic sites, like Manta Point, where gentle giants glide past you—an experience admired by many reviewers. They describe the reef as vibrant with marine life, including turtles, lionfish, and marenes, making each dive visually rewarding.

The dive center’s proximity to these sites means short boat rides, maximizing your time in the water. The boat crew receives praise for their friendly, attentive service, ensuring safety and comfort throughout.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are all essential diving equipment—masks, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, wetsuits, regulator, and weights—so you don’t need to worry about extra gear costs. The course fee covers the professional instruction as well as use of the facilities, which feature Wi-Fi, lockers, showers, and a restaurant (although you pay for food separately).

Not included are digital photos or videos, which are available for purchase, and accommodation options, which range from dormitories to bungalows on-site. For many travelers, this is a good way to keep costs manageable and focus on the dives.

Meeting Points, Schedule, and Practicalities

Meet at the Dive Concepts Lembongan center in Jungutbatu, a convenient hub with easy access to the main dive sites. The center operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, offering flexibility for your schedule.

The course is designed for a maximum of 5 travelers, allowing for personalized instruction. Once you sign up, you’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours, and cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Participants should have moderate physical fitness—the underwater activities are manageable but do require some mobility and comfort in water. Service animals are allowed, and the process is straightforward for travelers with special needs.

Why This Course Offers Great Value

At $413.61 per person, the course may seem like an investment, but considering it includes five guided adventure dives and all necessary equipment, it offers fair value. The small class size, combined with experienced instructors, enhances safety and learning quality, making it worthwhile for those serious about expanding their skills.

Most reviews praise the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, especially highlighting instructors like Laurena, Kaka, Sara, and Valentin. Many mention their newfound confidence and enjoyment after completing the course, citing manta sightings and vibrant reefs as highlights.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

From enthusiastic reviews, it’s clear that the instructors are a major highlight—people feel safe, supported, and motivated. Comments like “Laurena explained Nitrox very well” or “Kaka made me feel safe at all times” show the importance of excellent guides.

Beyond the training, travelers rave about marine life sightings, especially the chance to see mantas at Manta Point, which is a rare and treasured experience for divers. Many find that the small group setting and personalized attention help them to learn faster and enjoy the process.

The Advanced Open Water Course in Nusa Lembongan is an excellent choice for those who already love diving and want to sharpen their skills in a relaxed, friendly setting. The combination of expert instructors, beautiful underwater sites, and a manageable two-day schedule makes it a practical choice for travelers wanting to deepen their underwater experience without a lengthy commitment.

It’s particularly well-suited for divers seeking to expand their depth limits, improve navigation, or explore specialties like photography or wrecks. The small group size and high level of professionalism ensure you’re well-supported every step of the way.

While the price might be a consideration, the value of personalized guidance, stunning sights, and new skills makes this course stand out. If you’re ready for a step up in your diving journey, Nusa Lembongan’s expert team will help you make the most of every minute under the waves.

FAQ

Do I need to be certified before taking this course? Yes, you must be Open Water certified to participate.

How many dives are included? There are five adventure dives, covering different skills and specialties.

What equipment is provided? All essential gear—masks, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, buoyancy jacket, regulator, and weights—are included in the cost.

Can I do this course in just two days? Yes, the course is designed to be completed in approximately two days.

Is this suitable for beginners in diving? No, you need to be an Open Water diver already; this course is for advancing your skills.

What’s the maximum depth I’ll reach? You can dive up to 100 feet (30 meters) with SSI certification.

Are the small group sizes safe and comfortable? Yes, maximum 5 travelers, which allows for personalized attention and better safety.

Will I see marine life? Many travelers report sightings of manta rays, turtles, lionfish, and other colorful reef species.

Can I purchase photos or videos of my dives? Yes, digital souvenirs are available for purchase, though they are not included in the standard package.

Ready to elevate your diving adventures? The Nusa Lembongan Advanced Open Water course offers a perfect blend of professional guidance, exciting sights, and real skill-building in a beautiful setting.