Snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan: Beginner dives with 2 ocean dives

Two ocean dives in clear water with manta rays and colorful reefs

A beginner diving experience in Nusa Lembongan and Penida with an English-speaking instructor, pool training, two guided ocean dives, and lunch on the boat. No prior diving skill is required. The day runs about eight hours from the dive shop, with a one-hour surface interval between dives where tea, coffee and lunch are served on board.

The experience

Nusa Lembongan sits on the southeast coast of Bali and holds twelve dive sites known for manta rays year-round and Mola Molas during July through October, depending on conditions and which site the day's weather favors. You start at the dive shop with paperwork and gear fitting, then move to a pool session where an experienced instructor teaches you the basics of breathing underwater and moving through water with a tank. That foundation matters: it is what lets a complete beginner walk into the ocean with confidence.

After the pool work, you make your first dive guided by the instructor, exploring the underwater landscape at whatever pace feels right. The boat returns to the surface for a one-hour break where tea, coffee and a lunch box arrive. Then you descend for a second dive, this time with more ease in the water and a clearer sense of what to look for. The sites around the islands hold colorful and healthy coral reefs. What swims past depends on the day, the location and the season, but manta bay, crystal bay and gamat bay are among the named spots where larger animals show up.

You return to the dive shop by mid-afternoon. The operator has run this since 1991 and holds a 100% safety record. Every guide is certified and insured, and groups stay small. Lunch, all SCUBA equipment, fees and taxes are included.

What’s included

• Pool training session with an English-speaking certified instructor.
• two guided ocean dives at sites around Nusa Lembongan and Penida.
• all SCUBA equipment.
• lunch box, tea and coffee on the boat.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 75 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bali Diving Academy

Is this one for you?The eight-hour day leaves the afternoon free for other activities in Bali, making this a half-day commitment that fits alongside island exploration or beach time. If you want to continue diving after this, the operator offers a three-day Open Water Course to earn full certification.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I learn in the pool session before the ocean dives?

The pool session covers the basics of diving: how to breathe underwater, how to move with the equipment, and how to stay calm and in control. An experienced instructor walks you through it step by step so you feel ready for the ocean.

Can I see manta rays when I dive in Nusa Lembongan?

Manta rays can be seen year-round around the islands, though sightings depend on the dive site and daily weather conditions. Mola Molas appear during July through October. Seeing any particular animal is not guaranteed, but the reefs themselves are colorful and healthy.

How long is the whole day, and what time does it end?

The day runs about eight hours total. You meet at the dive shop at 8 am for paperwork and gear, do the pool session, make your first dive at 10 am, take a one-hour break on the boat with lunch, make your second dive, and return to the shop by 3 to 3:30 pm.

What's included in the lunch on the boat?

A lunch box is provided on the boat during the surface interval between dives, along with tea and coffee. You can choose from the options available.

Do I need any diving experience or certification to join?

No prior diving skill or certification is required. This experience is designed for beginners from zero. You learn everything you need in the pool session before entering the ocean.

What is the minimum age to dive?

The minimum age is 12 years old. Divers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.