Pilgrim Divers

Based in the coastal town of Sanur, Pilgrim Divers operates as a PADI centre founded by divers for divers. The centre focuses on providing tailored underwater experiences that cater to individual skill levels and personal diving objectives across the Indonesian archipelago.

Their operations cover the most significant diving regions of Bali, including the high-energy waters of Nusa Penida, the wreck sites of Tulamben, and the diverse reefs of Padang Bai. Whether you are looking for macro photography opportunities or pelagic encounters, the centre organises trips to meet those specific interests.

The team is composed of professional divers and travel experts who provide guidance in English, French, and Arabic. This multilingual approach ensures clear communication regarding dive plans, safety protocols, and site-specific conditions.

Safety and personalised attention are central to their operation, with a guide-to-diver ratio of two divers per guide. This ensures that even in more challenging environments, such as the strong currents of Nusa Penida, you receive close supervision and support.

Pilgrim Divers offers a comprehensive curriculum of PADI courses for all stages of progression. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the Open Water Diver course, with the Advanced Open Water Diver course available to build further skills.

For those looking to professionalise their diving, the centre provides training for Rescue Diver and Divemaster levels. They also offer the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox course and Emergency First Response training to ensure your safety and technical proficiency.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment for those not travelling with their own kit. They also offer GoPro cameras for hire if you wish to document your dives.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom times. All excursions include water and lunch, ensuring you are well-supplied throughout the day.

The region is renowned for its large pelagics, particularly during the season from June to October when the Mola Mola visit Crystal Bay and Gili Tepekong. You can also encounter Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) at various cleaning stations and reef sharks, including Whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), throughout the year.

On the reefs and walls, look for a diverse array of fish including Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), Jacks (Carangidae), and various species of Grouper (Epinephelus). You will often see sea turtles (Cheloniidae), blue-spotted stingrays, and barracudas cruising the currents.

For macro photographers, the sites around Amed and Tulamben offer incredible variety. You can find Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), various Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), and several types of shrimp, including harlequin shrimps and mantis shrimp. Other small treasures include Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), leaf scorpionfish, and garden eels.

Diving conditions in Bali vary significantly by location. Nusa Penida is known for strong currents, particularly at sites like SD and Gili Biaha, which can be unpredictable. Mangrove Point offers more moderate drift conditions.

In Padang Bai, sites like Blue Lagoon are generally calm with clear visibility, though surface swell can occasionally influence diving at The Jetty. In Tulamben, the waters are typically calm, making it an ideal area for relaxed reef exploration.