Advanced Open Water Course – Advanced Certification in Tulamben

Tulamben’s Advanced Open Water course turns a basic scuba qualification into a broader set of skills, with five underwater sessions and a maximum of five participants. You’ll work toward authorization to descend to 100 feet (30 meters), while practicing navigation and choosing three other specialty sessions with your instructor.

I like the mix of hands-on practice and personal choice: you learn core skills, then select topics such as buoyancy, photography, fish identification, or wreck exploration. I also like that the package includes the full set of equipment, including a wetsuit, so you can travel light.

One thing to consider: this is a skills course, not a casual holiday activity. You need an Open Water certification and moderate fitness, and the deeper session may feel demanding if your basic skills are rusty. Give yourself time to feel comfortable before booking.

• Five sessions, two required skills: Practice at depth and underwater navigation, then choose three additional specialties with your instructor.
• A small teaching group: Enrollment is capped at five, which gives you more room for questions and individual guidance.
• Gear is included: Mask, fins, wetsuit, buoyancy jacket, regulator, instruments, and weights are provided.
• Tulamben’s wrecks and reefs: Depending on the course plan, you may explore sites such as the Liberty wreck, Kuba Wreck, coral garden, or natural wall.
• Plan for two full days: The course includes limited theory plus five training sessions, with time for briefings and preparation between them.

What the two-day course is designed to teach

This course is for people who already hold an Open Water certification and want more confidence, practice, and range. It is designed to take place soon after that first qualification, so you do not necessarily need years of experience before moving on. Still, you should be comfortable with the basic skills you already learned.

The goal is not simply to reach a greater depth. You’ll practice planning, navigation, and other skills under an instructor’s supervision, while trying out specialties that may help you decide what kind of scuba activity suits you. The course is structured learning, but it also leaves room to explore.

You’ll complete five training sessions over about two days. One covers deeper-water planning and the body’s response to depth. One is devoted to navigation. The other three are selected from a list of Adventure Dives, with options such as buoyancy control, underwater photography, fish identification, or wreck exploration.

The details of each day can depend on your choices, conditions, and the sites your instructor selects. Ask about the likely schedule before you start, particularly if you have your heart set on a night session or a particular wreck.

Starting with your instructor and a plan

The course begins at Dive Concepts Tulamben, on Jalan Raya Singaraja in Tulamben. Your instructor will help you choose the three optional specialties and talk through what you’ll work on during each session. That planning matters: this is a chance to focus on skills that are useful to you, not just to collect five check marks.

Instructors named by people who completed the course include Yogi, Theo, Budi, Marlene, and Chocky. That does not mean you can assume a particular instructor will be assigned to you. If you have a preference, ask when you book and confirm again before arrival.

The most useful quality to look for is an instructor who gives a clear briefing, checks your comfort, and adjusts the pace to your ability. Yogi, Theo, and Budi are particularly praised for attentive supervision and calm instruction. A few comments also suggest that a confident grasp of your Open Water basics will help you get more out of the course. If you feel out of practice, say so before the first session.

The group limit of five is a real advantage for training. You are not joining a large class where it may be hard to ask for help or get individual feedback. The instructor still needs to divide attention among the group, of course, but a small cap offers a more personal setting.

The depth session: planning before you descend

The deep Adventure Dive introduces the planning and physiological considerations that come with going farther down. Your instructor will cover how to plan the session and what challenges to watch for, then supervise you as you put that preparation into practice.

The certification is intended to qualify you for depths of up to 100 feet (30 meters). That is a meaningful step beyond Open Water limits, but it is not a target you need to reach on every future outing. Treat the number as a new boundary for properly planned, suitable conditions, not as a reason to chase depth for its own sake.

For some newly certified students, this session can be the most serious part of the course. You may find that comfort and buoyancy require more attention as conditions change. Be direct with your instructor about any concerns, and do not feel pressured to move faster than your skills allow.

Navigation practice that makes future outings easier

The navigation session develops more than compass use. You’ll work on estimating distance with kick cycles, noticing visual landmarks, and using time to keep track of your route. These tools help you make better decisions underwater instead of relying entirely on an instructor to lead the way.

This is one of the course’s most practical elements. Good navigation can make an outing feel less uncertain and help you understand where you are in relation to a reef, wreck, or starting point. It is a skill that takes practice, so do not expect one session to turn you into an expert.

If you are rusty with a compass or unsure how to estimate distance, ask questions during the briefing. The course is meant to help you build experience under supervision, and the value comes from working through the basics rather than pretending you already know them.

Choosing three specialties that fit your interests

The three elective sessions are where you can shape the course around what interests you. Options listed for the experience include photography, buoyancy control, fish identification, and wreck exploration. Ask which choices are available during your dates and what each one involves before you settle on a plan.

Buoyancy is a strong choice if you want more control and comfort in the water. Photography may appeal if you already use an underwater camera or want to learn how to work with one. Fish identification gives you a reason to pay closer attention to the life around you, while wreck exploration can add context to Tulamben’s well-known wreck sites.

Night practice and wreck sessions have been especially popular with people who completed the course, but they are not guaranteed parts of every itinerary. The five-session format includes three choices, and the day’s plan can vary. If night practice is a priority, check that it is available and suitable for your course dates.

Tulamben’s wrecks, reefs, and possible sites

Tulamben is a useful base for this kind of course because the local underwater sites offer variety. The Liberty wreck and Kuba Wreck appear among the locations people have enjoyed, along with a coral garden and a natural wall. The wrecks can be rewarding places to explore, though they can also be busy with other groups.

Site selection is not something to take for granted. Your instructor will determine what fits the training goals and conditions, and the listed places are examples rather than a promise that you will visit each one. Ask which sites are likely to be used for your chosen specialties.

The wildlife is another pleasure. People have spotted eels, turtles, squid, barracuda, and other marine life, but nature does not work to a timetable. Look around carefully, follow your instructor’s guidance, and enjoy what appears rather than judging a session by a checklist of animals.

Gear, facilities, and the cost of the course

At $335.99 per person, the course includes the instructor, all required scuba equipment, and access to the center’s facilities. The equipment list covers a mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, other instruments, wetsuit, and weight belt. You do not need to buy or bring your own full set of gear.

That makes the price easier to assess: you are paying for five supervised training sessions, instruction, equipment, and a small class limit across two days. For someone who wants certification and structured practice in a location with wreck and reef options, that is a substantial package rather than just a few hours in the water. It is not a bargain if you only want one easy recreational outing, because the course requires focus and time.

The center has Wi-Fi, toilets, showers, lockers, and a changing room. A restaurant or warung is available on site, but meals and drinks cost extra. Accommodation is also not part of the price, though dormitory beds and bungalows are available at the center.

Digital photos and videos are optional purchases. They can be a nice record of the course, but they are not included, so ask about the price before deciding. If you are keeping costs down, bring your own camera only if you already have one suitable for underwater use.

Preparing for two focused days

Set aside about two days for the course, and arrive ready for active instruction rather than a loose schedule of sightseeing. You’ll have some theory, but less than you did for Open Water certification. The main work happens during the five underwater sessions, with briefings and preparation around them.

Moderate physical fitness is recommended. You should also have your Open Water certification before starting. The course is described as suitable soon after that first certification, but you will benefit most if your core skills still feel familiar and you are comfortable following instructions in the water.

The meeting point is Dive Concepts Tulamben, and the activity ends back there. The center’s stated operating hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Confirmation is subject to availability, and weather can affect the course; if poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a refund. Cancellations made at least 24 hours ahead qualify for a full refund.

Who will get the most from this course

This course suits you if you already have Open Water certification and want to build confidence before taking on more varied underwater activities. It is particularly useful if you want practice with depth planning and navigation, or if you are curious about trying specialties before choosing a longer-term path.

It also works well for someone who wants a compact, instructor-led course with equipment included. The five-person limit, full gear package, and access to the center’s facilities make the logistics fairly straightforward. You can focus on learning instead of arranging separate gear rental.

It may not suit you if you are uncomfortable with your basic skills, looking only for a casual outing, or unwilling to spend two days on training. You can still talk with the instructor about your experience before booking, but do not treat the advanced qualification as a shortcut around the fundamentals.

Should you book the Tulamben course?

I’d consider booking if you are already Open Water certified, feel steady with your basic skills, and want a structured next step with a choice of specialties. The strongest reasons are the five-session format, small group cap, included equipment, and access to Tulamben’s wreck and reef sites.

Before paying, ask which instructor is expected, which three specialties are available, and whether a night or wreck session can fit your schedule. If you want focused learning rather than an easy holiday activity, this course offers a practical way to gain experience under supervision. If your fundamentals need a refresh, spend time rebuilding confidence first.

FAQ

Do I need an Open Water certification first?

Yes. You must already be Open Water certified before starting the Advanced Open Water course.

How long does the course take?

The course takes about two days and includes five training sessions.

What skills are covered?

One session focuses on deeper-water planning and related physiological effects. Another develops underwater navigation, including compass use, kick cycles, visual landmarks, and time. You choose three other specialties with your instructor.

What equipment is included?

The course provides a mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, other instruments, wetsuit, and weight belt.

Is accommodation included?

No. Accommodation is not included, though dormitory rooms and bungalows are available at the dive center.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Digital photos and videos are available to purchase after the course.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.