Nico Dives Cool Bali

Nico Dives Cool Bali is situated in Sanur, serving as a gateway to some of Indonesia's most diverse marine environments. The centre has established itself as a leader in sustainable marine tourism, earning recognition for its commitment to protecting the local ecosystem.

Whether you are looking to explore the drift dives of Nusa Penida or the wreck of the USAT Liberty in Tulamben, the centre provides access to a vast range of dive locations. They organise everything from single day trips to multi-day safaris, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to your specific interests.

As an SSI Diamond centre, Nico Dives Cool maintains high standards of instruction and safety. They operate with a low diver-to-guide ratio, typically ensuring a 2:1 or even a 1:1 ratio for training courses to provide attentive, personalised guidance.

The team is experienced and focused on professional development, offering training from entry-level certifications through to Divemaster and SSI Instructor courses. Their approach is built on hospitality and a deep understanding of the local waters.

The training programme is extensive, covering all levels of the SSI and PADI systems. Beginners can start with courses such as Basic Diver, Scuba Diver, or Open Water Diver, while those looking to progress can take Advanced Open Water, Deep Diving, or Underwater Navigation.

For technical divers, the centre offers specialised training including Sidemount Diving, Decompression Diving, SSI XR Twinset Foundations, SSI XR Sidemount Foundations, and Extended Range 40 and 45. They also provide niche specialties such as Wreck Diving, Drift and Current, Search and Recovery, and DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) courses.

The centre utilises traditional Jukungs and outboard motorboats to reach local dive sites. These vessels are used for various trip types, including day dives and night dives, providing access to the diverse reefs and wrecks around the coast.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment, including high-quality brands such as Apeks regulators, Suunto computers, and Aqualung BCDs. This ensures that even if you are not bringing your own kit, you are diving with reliable, premium gear.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre is also deeply committed to reducing plastic waste, providing water refills and homemade snacks on board to support their eco-friendly mission.

The marine life in this region is incredibly diverse. You can expect to encounter large pelagics such as manta rays (from March to October) and Mola Mola (from June to October). Reef sharks, including blacktip and whitetip varieties, are also frequently seen patrolling the walls and reefs.

The reefs are teeming with colourful life, including various species of turtles, groupers, lionfish, and barracuda. You will also find octopus, moray eels, and various types of reef fish like clownfish and snapper.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove. Keep a close eye on the coral and rubble for nudibranchs, shrimps, and various species of seahorses. The muck diving sites are particularly famous for finding specialised creatures like frogfish, ghost pipefish, and even the elusive red pygmy seahorse.

Diving conditions in Bali vary significantly depending on the site. In areas like Tulamben and Amed, you can expect calm waters and minimal currents, making them suitable for almost all levels. In contrast, sites around Nusa Penida and Candidasa can experience strong and unpredictable currents, particularly around the full and new moon.

The best time to visit for specific sightings is between June and October for the Mola Mola, and between March and October for manta rays.