
Absolute Scuba Bali Dive Resort
★★★
★ 8.3/10 (2,005 reviews)
less than 1 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Padang Bai · Indonesia
4.7310 Google reviewsExperience the legendary USAT Liberty wreck and the seasonal Mola-Mola of Nusa Penida from a dedicated beachfront resort in Padang Bai.
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Located in the heart of Padang Bai, Absolute Scuba Bali has been a fixture of the local diving community since 2005. What began as a small shop has evolved into a comprehensive seaside resort, allowing you to transition from your accommodation to the dive boat with ease. The centre's position provides direct access to the diverse marine environments of East Bali, from shallow reef flats to significant wreck sites.
The centre is designed for divers seeking a structured and reliable base for their explorations. Whether you are looking to complete your initial certifications or are planning advanced drift dives around Nusa Penida, the facility integrates diving with comfortable beachfront living. It serves as a central hub for those wanting to explore the varied topography of the region, including the famous Tulamben area.
As a PADI 5 Star dive centre, the operation is built on professional standards and experienced local knowledge. The team is organised to maintain a high level of attention, with a maximum of four divers per guide to ensure safety and personalised instruction during every excursion.
The instructors are equipped to handle everything from beginner Discover Scuba Diving sessions to professional-level training. For those looking to advance their careers, the centre provides the necessary pathways through the Divemaster programme. The staff's commitment to environmental stewardship is a core part of their operational philosophy, ensuring that the local reefs are respected during every dive.
The training programme covers the entire PADI spectrum, catering to divers at every stage of their development. Beginners can start with Try Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to expand their skills can progress through the Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver certifications.
For more specialised training, the centre offers the Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) course, as well as various Adventure Dives. Professional divers can also utilise the centre for Divemaster training. The curriculum is designed to build confidence and technical proficiency in a variety of marine environments.
The centre operates its own fleet of dive boats to service the various sites around Bali. For trips to the Nusa Penida area, including Manta Point and Crystal Bay, the boats are equipped to provide a full day of service. You will find refreshments such as fruit, water, coffee, and tea available on board, with lunch served on the speedboat for these longer excursions.
For local dives in Padang Bai or trips to the Tulamben wreck, the boats provide all necessary essentials, including towels and refreshments. Nitrox is available for those who require it, allowing for extended bottom times on repetitive or deeper dives.
The shore-based facilities are designed to support both training and recreational diving. A full range of equipment is available for hire, covering everything from regulators and BCDs to wetsuits and fins. This allows you to travel light, knowing that well-maintained kit is ready for your use.
Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to optimise their nitrogen loading. The centre is also equipped to facilitate night dives, providing the necessary support for exploring the reefs after sunset.
The USAT Liberty Wreck in Tulamben is one of the world's most iconic sites. This wreck is heavily encrusted in coral and is accessible from the Open Water Diver level, offering a rich environment for seeing groupers and turtles.
Manta Point and Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida offer spectacular opportunities for drift diving. These sites are famous for regular manta ray sightings and, between July and November, the chance to encounter Mola-Mola.
The Boga Wreck in Kubu is a Dutch patrol boat resting at depths between 16 and 38 metres. This site is suited for Advanced Open Water Diver level and features interesting swim-throughs and eagle ray sightings.
Local reefs in Padang Bai provide diverse options within easy reach. You can choose between the coral formations at Blue Lagoon, the spectacular wall at Drop Off, or the muck diving opportunities at Jepun.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
The marine life in this region is exceptionally diverse, ranging from large pelagics to intricate macro life. On the reefs and walls, you will regularly encounter sea turtles, groupers, and eagle rays. During the months of July to November, the area becomes a prime location for spotting Mola-Mola.
For those interested in the smaller details, the sandy bottoms and reef crevices host a variety of fascinating creatures. You can find various nudibranchs, frogfish, and octopus throughout the area, making it a rewarding destination for macro photography.
The reef structures themselves are vibrant, providing a home for many species. You will see plenty of life amongst the corals, including various species of turtles and a constant presence of reef fish.
Diving conditions in the area vary significantly depending on the specific site and the local tides. The Padang Bai reefs are generally accessible, while the sites around Nusa Penida often involve drift diving where currents must be managed.
Visibility across the region typically ranges between 10 and 30 metres. While the water is generally warm, divers should be prepared for varying conditions depending on whether they are diving the shallow reef flats or deeper wreck sites.
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