Bali: Tulamben Liberty Wreck Dive for Beginners & Hotel Pickup

Summary

First-time diving in Bali’s Tulamben shipwreck with local guides

You’ll start your Bali diving adventure with pickup from your hotel and basic training at Tulamben’s dive center. Guided by a local dive master, you’ll practice skills in shallow water before exploring Coral Garden and then diving at the famous Liberty Wreck. Lunch is included—plus all equipment—so you can focus on those first underwater moments you’ll always remember.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed the turn for Tulamben — Wayan, our driver, laughed and said it happens to everyone on their first day trip from Ubud. The road was still wet from last night’s rain, and I kept staring out at the green hills thinking about what it’d feel like to breathe underwater for the first time. At the dive center, Made handed me a wetsuit that felt weirdly heavy in my arms. He smiled and said, “You’ll float soon.” I wasn’t sure if he meant literally or just to calm my nerves.

The training part was actually kind of fun. We practiced breathing through the regulator in shallow water—salt stung my lips and I could hear my own heartbeat louder than anything else. My dive master stayed right by me, showing little hand signals (thumbs up means “go up,” not “good job”—I got that wrong). There were a few moments where I forgot what to do with my hands. But Made just waited patiently until I remembered. It felt safe, which surprised me.

The first real dive was at Coral Garden. The water was cooler than I expected and there was this sudden hush as we went under—like all the noise from above just disappeared. Fish darted around us—tiny flashes of yellow and blue—and I swear one clownfish stared straight into my mask before vanishing behind an anemone. My fins kept brushing against soft sand and sometimes bits of old coral. Then we surfaced for tea back at the center (the ginger smell stuck on my fingers), and after a short break we headed out again—this time to the Liberty Wreck itself.

I didn’t expect how eerie it would feel gliding over that old ship, sunlight slicing through broken metal beams. My guide pointed out a turtle resting near some rusted pipes—I tried not to squeal into my mouthpiece. Afterward, lunch was simple nasi campur on a shaded porch; everyone seemed happy but tired in that good way you get after trying something new. On the drive back, I kept replaying that moment with the turtle in my head—you know? Still makes me grin when I think about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beginner scuba diving at Tulamben

• Pick up from hotel
• Basic scuba diving training
• Dive at Coral Garden or Drop Off
• Rest and enjoy coffee and tea
• Dive at Liberty Wreck
• Enjoy traditional Balinese lunch
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

Is this Bali diving tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for beginners with no previous experience required.

Where does the diving take place?

The dives are at Tulamben on Bali’s northeast coast, including Coral Garden and Liberty Wreck.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are available in Tulamben area if requested during booking.

How many dives are included in this day trip?

You get two guided dives: one at Coral Garden or Drop Off, and one at Liberty Wreck.

What is provided during the tour?

Dive equipment, instruction, drinking water (in reusable cups), coffee/tea, towel/shower facilities, WiFi at dive center, and lunch are all included.

Do I need to be able to swim?

You should have adequate swimming skills but no prior scuba experience is needed.

Are there age or health restrictions?

You must be at least 12 years old; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart/lung conditions including asthma.

Is vegetarian food available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if requested, all scuba equipment rental, basic diving instruction with your own certified local dive master, two guided dives at Tulamben (Coral Garden or Drop Off plus Liberty Wreck), use of showers and towels at the dive center, WiFi access while resting between dives, drinking water served in reusable cups instead of plastic bottles, coffee or tea during breaks, and a traditional Balinese lunch—with vegetarian options available before heading back to your hotel if needed.