Bali is one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, attracting divers from beginners to professionals. The island offers warm waters, colorful coral reefs, manta rays, and even the famous Mola Mola in season. From the calm wrecks of Tulamben to the fast drifts of Nusa Penida, there’s a dive site for every level.
With so many dive centers in Bali, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. The best dive shops offer more than just good prices, they provide experienced instructors, safe equipment, flexible dive trips, and a friendly atmosphere.
In this guide, we highlight the Top 10 Dive Centers in Bali for 2025, carefully selected for their professionalism, safety, training quality, and customer satisfaction. Whether you are looking for Open Water courses, advanced certifications, or fun dives in Bali’s top dive sites, these centers are among the most trusted on the island.
Bali is home to a wide variety of dive operators, from small village-based shops to full-service dive centers operating across multiple regions. For our 2025 selection, we focused on professionalism, safety, and the ability to deliver an outstanding diving experience for all levels of divers.
Here are the key factors we considered when choosing the top dive centers:
This approach ensures that every dive center featured here offers a safe, reliable, and enriching experience, whether you’re here for a few fun dives or a complete Bali diving holiday.
After carefully reviewing dozens of operators, we’ve selected 10 dive centers that truly stand out in 2025 for safety, professionalism, and quality of experience. These centers offer everything from beginner-friendly courses to advanced dives at Bali’s most iconic sites, including Tulamben’s Liberty Wreck, Nusa Penida’s manta cleaning stations, and the thrilling currents of Gili Tepekong.
Whether you’re looking for a full Bali dive safari that covers multiple regions or a specialized dive center focused on one area, this list highlights the most reputable operators on the island. Our top choice, Bali Aqua Dive Center, leads the ranking thanks to its island-wide expertise, experienced multilingual instructors, and perfectly organized dive safaris that combine world-class diving with cultural discovery.
Let’s dive into the list of the best dive centers in Bali for 2025.
Bali Aqua Dive Center operates as a PADI 5-Star Dive Center in Sanur and a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) in Nusa Penida, making it one of Bali’s most established and versatile dive operations. Offering a complete range of PADI courses, from beginner Open Water to professional Divemaster and Instructor training. Bali Aqua is an excellent choice whether you are taking your first breaths underwater or aiming for a professional diving career.
Beyond training, Bali Aqua runs daily dive trips across all of Bali’s top regions, including Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai, Menjangan, and Nusa Penida. For those seeking a complete diving holiday, their signature 5-, 7-, 9-, 11-, and 13-day Bali Dive Safaris combine world-class diving with seamless logistics and cultural exploration.
With licensed instructors, multilingual staff (English, Indonesian, French, German, Dutch), and a strong focus on safety, marine conservation, and sustainable tourism, Bali Aqua remains one of the most trusted names in Bali diving.
• Price: 2.900.000 IDR per diver
• Includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off (South Bali), land and sea transfers, full dive equipment, towel, lunch, snacks, drinking water, soft drinks, Bali Marine Protected Area fee (100.000 IDR)
• Transparent rate with no hidden costs
Located in central Sanur, Crystal Divers is a well-established PADI 5-Star Career Development Center. They offer a full range of PADI courses, from beginner levels up to professional training, including Divemaster and Instructor Development.
This dive center is known for its strong commitment to diver safety, marine conservation, and high-quality training. Their modern facilities and multilingual instructor team (including English, Indonesian, Danish and few European languages) create a comfortable and supportive environment for learning.
Crystal Divers is especially convenient for divers based in South Bali, offering easy access to Padang Bai, Nusa Penida, and other nearby dive locations. Whether you’re training or joining a daily dive trip, they are a trusted and experienced provider.
Neptune Scuba Diving is a Sanur-based dive center offering daily trips to popular Bali dive sites such as Nusa Penida, Tulamben, and Padang Bai.
The facility features a private dive pool and well-maintained rental gear, creating a comfortable setup for both beginners and certified divers. The team speaks multiple languages, including Mandarin, and is experienced in handling group bookings, which makes it a convenient option for Chinese-speaking guests and larger groups.
Neptune operates with small group ratios on their trips and provides clear briefings and smooth logistics, aiming to deliver a reliable and enjoyable dive experience for a wide range of divers.
Bali Fun Diving is a successful local dive center based in Sanur, operating under SSI standards and offering professional dive services across East Bali and Nusa Penida.
Run by an nice Indonesian team, the dive center provides a welcoming and flexible environment for both beginner and certified divers. Instruction and guiding are available in Indonesian and English, all SSI Courses and PADI instructors may be brought in for guests requesting PADI certification.
Regular day trips are organized to Bali’s most popular dive sites including Tulamben, Amed, Padang Bai, and Nusa Penida, with small group sizes for safety and comfort. This dive center is a good choice for travelers looking to support local operators while enjoying quality diving and attentive service.
Bali Scuba is a long-established dive center in Sanur, recognized as a PADI 5-Star Career Development Center (CDC). They offer a complete range of PADI courses, from beginner to pro, making it a reliable choice for divers who value structured learning and international standards.
The dive center is led by a team of experienced instructors with global teaching experience. Daily trips are available to sites such as Padang Bai, Tulamben, and Nusa Penida, with a focus on safety, clear instruction, and skill development.
Bali Scuba also participates in reef cleanups and marine education initiatives, adding an environmental focus to its dive training and fun diving programs.
Bali Diving Academy has established locations in Tulamben, Pemuteran, and Nusa Lembongan, giving divers access to Bali’s diverse marine regions.
In Tulamben, guests can dive the iconic USS Liberty wreck, while Pemuteran offers tranquil reef diving and Lembongan presents encounters with larger pelagics.
The academy focuses on community-led conservation and collaborates with environmental NGOs. Their team provide detailed dive briefings and eco-awareness, making them a trusted name among conscious divers.
Situated in Seminyak, AquaMarine Diving is one of Bali’s earliest British-owned dive shops and has built a strong reputation for high-quality, tailor-made diving safaris. Their itineraries often include multiple regions such as Padang Bai, Tulamben, Menjangan, and other top destinations, making them popular with divers who want a personalized trip covering different parts of the island.
For daily trips to Nusa Penida, guests travel to Padang Bai to board the dive boat, which adds about 70 minutes’ drive compared to Sanur-based dive centers.
Known for their well-organized services, good support for underwater photographers, and experienced team, AquaMarine caters to divers seeking comfort and premium service. Their safaris are among the most comprehensive on the island, and their price range reflects this high level of customization and service quality.
Part of the internationally recognized Dune network, Dune Atlantis is a trusted name in Bali’s dive scene, with dive centers in both Sanur and Nusa Penida. Well-known for their training quality and safety standards, they are particularly popular among French-speaking divers but cater to an international audience, specially chinese market. Dune Atlantis offers the full range of PADI courses, from beginner programs like Discover Scuba Diving to advanced certifications and specialties.
They also organize daily fun dives to Bali’s most famous dive sites, including Nusa Penida, Tulamben, and Padang Bai. With professional instructors and well-structured programs, they provide a reliable and welcoming environment for divers of all levels.
Sanctum Exploration is a newer dive school based in Sanur, with a strong focus on technical diving and professional-level courses. The center is also expanding toward the local and Chinese markets, offering services in multiple languages to meet growing demand. While specialized in advanced training with course director Chong Soon Fuat, Sanctum has recently introduced daily fun diving trips, giving guests the opportunity to explore popular sites like Nusa Penida, Amed, and Padang Bai.
Their approach emphasizes flexibility and smaller groups, making them a suitable choice for divers who value personalized guidance and a more community-oriented atmosphere.
OK Divers, located in Padang Bai, stands out as the only dive center on this list based outside of South Bali. As a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, it combines a professional dive center with the convenience of onsite accommodation, offering divers a seamless experience just steps away from Bali’s eastern dive sites. Originally popular with Czech and Slovak divers, OK Divers has long since grown into a fully international dive resort, welcoming travelers from all over the world.
Its location means no additional transport is required for dive trips, making it particularly convenient for those who prefer to stay and dive directly from Padang Bai.
| Dive Center | Location | Agency | Price (3 dives Penida – all included) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali Aqua Dive Center | Sanur | PADI 5-Star | 2.900.000 IDR |
| OK Divers Resort | Padang Bai | PADI 5-Star | 2.980.000 IDR (transport not included) |
| Dune Atlantis | Sanur | PADI 5-Star IDC | 3.140.000 IDR |
| Bali Fun Diving | Sanur | SSI | 3.150.000 IDR |
| Sanctum Exploration | Sanur | PADI / Tech | 3.150.000 IDR |
| Crystal Divers | Sanur | PADI 5-Star CDC | 3.200.000 IDR |
| Bali Scuba | Sanur | PADI 5-Star CDC | 3.200.000 IDR |
| AquaMarine Diving | Seminyak / Padang Bai | PADI 5-Star | 3.200.000 IDR |
| Bali Diving Academy | Sanur | PADI 5-Star | 3.350.000 IDR |
| Neptune Scuba Diving | Sanur | PADI 5-Star IDC | 3.400.000 IDR |
Choosing the right dive center in Bali depends on your diving goals, experience level, and budget. Sanur-based dive shops are the most convenient for quick access to Nusa Penida and daily trips, while Padang Bai or Tulamben centers place you closer to Bali’s famous wrecks and reef dives. Prices for a 3-dive trip to Manta Point and Nusa Penida generally range from IDR 2.900.000 to 3.400.000, depending on inclusions such as transport, equipment, and marine park fees.
When comparing Bali dive centers, always check:
Whether you’re planning your first scuba diving course, a fun dive day trip, or a full multi-day dive safari, Bali has options to fit every diver. For a seamless, all-inclusive experience that combines daily trips and dive safaris across the island, Bali Aqua Dive Center is one of the most versatile and trusted choices.
Many dive shops in Bali offer beginner-friendly courses like PADI Open Water Diver. Bali Aqua, Neptune Scuba Diving, and OK Divers are great starting points with patient instructors and well-structured training programs.
You can find PADI-certified dive centers throughout Bali, especially in Sanur, Padang Bai, Nusa Penida, and Tulamben. Examples include Bali Aqua (Sanur & Nusa Penida), Crystal Divers, and OK Divers in Padang Bai.
Diving in Bali is possible year-round, but the dry season (April to October) offers more sun. Sea condition and visibility can change all year long. For sites like Nusa Penida, tide timing is key to avoid strong currents and enjoy sightings like manta rays or mola-mola.
Eco-conscious dive shops help protect Bali’s reefs by promoting responsible diving, avoiding plastic waste, and educating divers. Choosing one supports long-term conservation and a healthier marine environment.
For experienced divers seeking advanced courses or deep dives, Bali Aqua Nusa Penida (a PADI 5-Star IDC), Bali Scuba, and AquaMarine Diving are strong options. These shops offer courses like Rescue Diver and Divemaster, plus challenging dive sites.
Consider location, language options, course availability, group sizes, and eco-credentials. Read reviews and look for dive centers that are PADI certified and offer safety-focused practices and multilingual staff. Check their staff or about us section on their website. Also being transparent about pricing is key of reliable dive center.
Prices vary based on the dive site, number of dives, and your certification level. On average, fun dives start from 1.800.000 IDR – 3.600.000 IDR, and open water certification courses range from 6.400.000 IDR – 8.600.000 IDR. For updated pricing, visit each dive center’s official website or check the trip pricing page here for more details.
PADI-certified dive centers follow globally recognized safety and training standards. A 5-Star rating means the dive center maintains top-tier facilities, professional staff, and a solid educational track record, of course essential for both beginners and advanced divers.
Yes, most Bali dive shops offer high-quality gear rental, often included in their dive packages. Equipment typically includes BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, and mask. Some shops also offer computer and underwater camera rentals.
Absolutely. Many dive centers, including Bali Aqua, Crystal Divers, and Sanctum Exploration, actively support reef cleanups, marine education, and sustainable diving practices. Look for shops that promote conservation partnerships or include eco-briefings in their dives.
You can usually book directly via the dive center’s official website or contact them through email and WhatsApp. It’s best to reserve in advance during peak season (July to October). To book your dive trips, click here.
Bali, occasionally raises concerns about shark attacks among ocean enthusiasts. While the island’s waters are home to various shark species, incidents involving humans are exceedingly rare. This article delves into…
Bali and its surrounding islands offer scuba divers the thrill of encountering a surprising variety of shark species. From tranquil coral reefs patrolled by reef sharks to rare appearances of…
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course The advanced open water diver course has 5 dive specialties to choose. Two are chosen for you, Deep and Navigation, the other three are…
The Nusa Penida MPA has an official Manta Ray Code of Conduct outlining how divers and snorkelers should behave around these gentle giants. By following this code, you not only…
Great white sharks are strong ocean predators, and seeing one in Nusa Penida dive site is really cool. These facts, based on scientific research, explain what makes great white sharks…
Mastering a range of finning styles is crucial for all levels of divers, from beginners to seasoned instructors. Using the appropriate kick for a given situation can greatly improve your…
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course The advanced open water diver course has 5 dive specialties to choose. Two are chosen for you, Deep and Navigation, the other three are…
The coral reefs and marine life of Bali are breathtaking and the reason why the region is loved for scuba diving. The warm waters and high visibility enhance the underwater…
The USAT Liberty Wreck isn’t just old metal underwater but a giant playground of steel and corals waiting to be explored. Stretching 120 meters long, it sits right by Tulamben’s…
