If scuba diving in Bali has been a personal milestone for far too long, 2025 might just be your year.
Not everyone dives in headfirst, and that’s perfectly normal. Maybe it’s the fear of the unknown, not being a strong swimmer, or just not finding the right instructor, that’s held you back.
But that’s exactly what we’re here for . To help you feel safe, supported, and excited every step of the way. Plus, what better place than Bali to explore the great, big, beautiful ocean? It is, after all, one of the most accessible and diverse diving destinations in Southeast Asia.
With Nico Dives Cool, getting certified is just the beginning. Our Open Water Diving Course is crafted to make you feel relaxed and confident in the water, sure of yourself, and excited for everything the ocean has in store.
Why Choose Bali for Your Open Water Diving Course?
Bali is one of the world’s most rewarding places to learn how to dive, with underwater landscapes that feel right out of a nature documentary.
With year-round warm water (averaging 27–30°C), excellent visibility, and a wide range of dive sites all within easy reach, it’s an ideal playground for new and experienced divers alike.
The island offers safe, accessible, and incredibly diverse underwater experiences. You’ll encounter everything from vibrant coral reefs and macro critters to turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, and even the elusive Mola Mola (in season).
Add to that a multi-cultural diving community, experienced local instructors, and a laid-back island pace, and you’ve got the perfect setting to relax and learn new skills.
What Is the Open Water Diver Certification?
This internationally recognised certification (via SSI, PADI, or other reputable agency) qualifies you to dive independently, with a buddy, up to 18 meters, anywhere in the world.
Think of it as your coral-lined pathway to exploring 70% of our planet.
At Nico Dives Cool, the course is taught with flexibility, top-tier safety, and a personal touch that’s sometimes rare to find in Bali’s crowded dive scene.
Prerequisites:
- Minimum age: 10 years old.
- Ability to swim and float comfortably.
- Overall good health.
What Makes Nico Dives Cool Different?
Nico Dives Cool isn’t your average dive center, and that’s exactly why you’ll love learning here.
We are one of Bali’s highest customer-rated, environmentally responsible, and fun eco dive shops, focusing on:
Ultra-small groups: Most courses are taught 1:1 or 2:1. That means more attention, more practice underwater, and personalised teaching.
Top-tier instructors: Multilingual (English, French, Bahasa Indonesia), experienced, knowledgeable, passionate, and patient.
Legendary dive sites: Instead of doing all your dives at the same location, NDC takes you to two very different dive destinations: Padang Bai, with its blue lagoon, coral bommies, and critters galore, where you’ll experience boat diving, and Tulamben (home of the famous USAT Liberty Wreck), where you’ll have the chance to practice shore diving.
What’s Included in the Course?
The Open Water Course with Nico Dives Cool is your first step into the world of autonomous diving, open to anyone who’s comfortable in the water and can swim 200 meters continuously.
In just 3 days, you’ll complete your theoretical learning, pool practice, and 4 ocean dives to earn your internationally recognized certification (via SSI or PADI), allowing you to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world, with a buddy, of course.
Before we dive in, you’ll need to brush up on some basic dive theory. We recommend completing the e-learning, including the theory exam, before the course begins. Ideally, before you land in Bali. On course days, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and go over the theory again en route, just to make sure you’re clear with all the theoretical concepts.
Inclusives:
- Learning materials (digital kit)
- Diving logbook
- Open Water certification
- Transport in an air-conditioned bus to and from the training site(s)
- Full set of diving equipment (Apeks and Aqualung)
- Experienced instructor speaking English, French, or Bahasa Indonesia
- Theoretical course
- Skills practice in the pool with an experienced instructor
- Four open water dives with an experienced instructor
- Porter available to carry equipment/tanks to and from the dive site
- Toilet, shower, and changing rooms
- Diving insurance (decompression chamber only)
- Oxygen kit and first aid available on-site
- Free Wi-Fi at the dive shop
What’s the Process Like?
Diving is like a meditation practice. Underwater, you are calm, you surrender to the moment, and simply flow! It is quiet (you only hear the sound of your own breath), peaceful, and deeply relaxing.
But before you can feel confident underwater, you need to master certain skills, and that’s exactly what we’ll teach you during your open water course.
Here’s a quick rundown of the process from start to finish, so you’ll know exactly what’s ahead.
Day 1: Theory + pool sessions in Sanur
Day 2: Two boat dives in Padang Bai (Blue Lagoon + Jepun Reef)
Day 3: Two shore dives in Tulamben (including the Liberty Wreck!)
Please note: If you are staying in the Tulamben-Amed, area we can adapt the program and dive locations accordingly.
Pricing:
Whether you prefer the SSI or PADI program, both options include eLearning and certification.
So, just pick what suits you best.
The price per person for the SSI 3-day Open Water course is 6,950,000 IDR, including the e-learning and SSI certification fees.
The price per person for the PADI 3-day Open Water Course is 7,550,000 IDR, including the e-learning and PADI certification fees.
Extra Services:
You can now discover more with our valuable add-ons.
Add photo/video coverage (IDR 900K/day), a private instructor (IDR 500K/day), or rent a prescription mask (IDR 120K/day).
Why Book Early?
With diving growing more popular each year, spots fill up fast, especially at boutique centers like Nico Dives Cool that limit class sizes and offer personalised attention.
Booking early also helps you plan your Bali itinerary better and gives you ample time to complete your e-learning at your own pace.
To confirm your spot, we ask for a 50% deposit. The rest can be paid on Day 1 (cash, bank transfer, or card, with a 3% fee for cards).
Final Thoughts
Getting certified is great, but we hope you also find comfort underwater, discover what you’re capable of, and experience the ocean in a way you never thought possible.
And the people you do it with? That makes all the difference!
At Nico Dives Cool, we’re not here to rush you through an open water diving course.
We’re here because we love scuba diving in Bali, and we want you to love it too.
