Tulamben: Beginner Scuba Dive at Coral Garden & USAT Liberty

Summary

First-time scuba in Bali—Coral Garden colors and Liberty wreck stories

You’ll start your first scuba dive in Tulamben with a gentle intro at Coral Garden before exploring the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck alongside a patient local guide. Expect new underwater sensations, colorful fish close-up, all gear included—and moments that stick with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous walking into the dive center in Tulamben. There’s something about wetsuits hanging up and that faint salty smell — it makes things feel real fast. Our instructor, Wayan, greeted us with this easy smile and a “No worries, we go slow.” That helped. We went through the basics (I forgot half immediately) but he was patient, even when I fumbled with the mask strap. The morning air was sticky and warm; you could hear scooters somewhere out on the road but mostly it was just our group and the quiet hum of people getting ready.

We started at Coral Garden. I remember my heart thumping as I knelt in shallow water, trying to breathe through the regulator without sounding like Darth Vader. It’s weird at first — breathing underwater — but after a few minutes it felt… almost peaceful? Wayan pointed out these tiny clownfish darting around anemones (I tried to say their name in Bahasa but he just laughed). The sunlight made everything look brighter down there than I expected. Sometimes you catch your own reflection in a fish’s eye — that surprised me.

After a quick break back at the dive center (and honestly, I needed it), we headed for the USAT Liberty shipwreck. The idea of swimming over a sunken ship felt huge — like something only “real” divers do — but Wayan kept close and checked on us every few minutes. The ship is massive up close, all shadows and rusted shapes with little flashes of color where coral has taken over. Fish everywhere; some bold enough to come right up if you stay still. At one point I just floated there watching light ripple across metal beams, feeling small but kind of lucky too. Hard to explain unless you’ve done it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Discover scuba diving in Tulamben

• Attend short diving briefing
• Practice exercises in shallow water
• Dive at Coral Garden site
• Rest and refuel at dive center
• Dive at USAT Liberty shipwreck

Top questions

Is this scuba diving tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, this is designed for first-time divers with no prior experience required.

How deep will we go during the dives?

The maximum depth is 12 meters (40 feet).

Is hotel pickup included for this Tulamben diving tour?

Pickup and drop-off are included for Amed/Tulamben surroundings.

What sites do we visit on this day trip?

You’ll dive at Coral Garden and then explore the USAT Liberty shipwreck.

Are meals or drinks included?

No, but there’s a restaurant/warung available at the dive center if you want to buy food or drinks.

Is all scuba equipment provided?

Yes, all necessary equipment including wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator and more are included.

How long does the Discover Scuba Diving course take?

You’ll need about half a day for this activity.

What is the minimum age for this diving initiation?

The minimum age required is 10 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes certified instructor guidance throughout both dives, full use of all scuba equipment like wetsuit and fins, plus pickup and drop-off if you’re staying near Amed or Tulamben. There’s also access to showers, lockers and changing rooms at the dive center—and if you get hungry after diving, there’s a local warung right on site (meals not included).