Salty Finns Diving Bali

Located in the Candi Dasa and Padangbai areas, Salty Finns Diving Bali serves as a gateway to some of the most diverse marine environments in Indonesia. The centre is positioned to provide access to both the calm, macro-rich reefs of Padangbai and the more challenging, current-swept sites around Nusa Penida.

Whether you are looking to complete your initial certifications or are an experienced diver seeking Mola Mola encounters, the centre provides a structured approach to diving. They combine professional PADI instruction with a commitment to protecting the local ecosystem through education and responsible dive management.

The centre is run by a team of experienced PADI instructors who prioritise a small-group approach to ensure better individual attention and safety. They operate with a professional yet welcoming atmosphere, aiming to build a community of divers who share a respect for the ocean.

Instruction is available in English, Korean, Dutch, and Indonesian. This multilingual capability makes the centre a practical choice for international divers looking for clear communication during technical or specialty training.

A full suite of PADI courses is available, catering to every stage of a diver's progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, with Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver training also offered.

For those looking to specialise, the centre provides PADI Deep Diver Specialty, PADI Wreck Specialty, and PADI Enriched Air (Nitrox) courses. They also offer the PADI Divemaster Course for those pursuing a professional path, alongside EFR (Emergency First Responder) training and Scuba Refresher courses.

Dives are conducted using traditional Jukung outrigger boats, which provide an authentic local experience while navigating the waters between Candi Dasa and the nearby reefs. These vessels are used for local explorations, night dives, and trips to further destinations like Nusa Penida or Amed.

On full-day trips, lunch, refreshments, tea, and towels are provided on board. Nitrox is available for divers who require enriched air for their excursions.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes regulators, BCDs, and other essential components needed for a comfortable dive.

Nitrox is available on-site, allowing divers to extend their bottom times on multi-dive days. The centre also offers accommodation in a boutique hotel and spa in Candidasa, featuring cottages and private water terraces for those wishing to stay close to the dive operations.

The reefs around Candi Dasa and Padangbai are home to a diverse array of fish, including various species of butterflyfish, reef fish, and schools of fish. You will frequently encounter whitetip reef sharks and various pelagics passing through the area.

Between August and December, the region becomes a prime location for spotting Mola Mola. This seasonal window also provides opportunities to see manta rays at specific cleaning stations in Nusa Penida.

For macro enthusiasts, the sites in Padangbai and Amed offer a treasure trove of smaller creatures. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs, seahorses, ghost pipefish, frogfish, and various species of shrimp and crabs. You may also find octopus, small octopuses, and various species of snails or small crustaceans tucked into the reef structure.

The hard and soft coral cover is extensive, featuring vibrant gardens of corals, sponges, and large acropora. In the deeper sections and on the walls, you will find various sea fans and gorgonians providing habitat for the local inhabitants.

Diving in this region is defined by varying current profiles. The sites around Candidasa and Nusa Penida are known for moderate to strong currents, which are often responsible for the abundance of pelagic life, whereas the waters around Padangbai, Tulamben, and Amed tend to offer much calmer, low-current conditions.

Seasonal patterns play a role in wildlife sightings, particularly for Mola Mola, which are most commonly observed between August and December.