Scuba Diving in Tulamben: 1:1 Private Guide & USS Liberty Wreck

A single guide stays with you the entire time, not rotating between divers.

This is a private scuba diving experience in Tulamben with a 1:1 guide-to-diver ratio, two shore dives to the USS Liberty Wreck, and basic training included. You receive a safety briefing and instruction from a certified dive guide, then explore the shipwreck and coral reefs at your own pace with undivided attention. The package covers all equipment, a local lunch, underwater photos, and hotel pickup in the Tulamben area. Minimum age is 12, and a high level of physical fitness is required.

The experience

Four hours total, starting with a safety briefing and basic scuba training from a certified instructor. Then you do two dives from shore, both to the USS Liberty Wreck: a sunken military transport ship that has become a reef. Your guide stays with you the entire time, watching your breathing and positioning, which matters most if you've never dived before or you're not a strong swimmer. The wreck sits in shallow water off Tulamben's black sand beach, so you're not fighting depth or current to see it.

The dives themselves are the point: you move through the wreck's structure, see the coral that has grown over the hull, and watch the fish that live there now. Your guide points out details and makes sure you're comfortable the whole way. Between dives you rest on the beach, eat a local lunch, and drink coffee or tea. The dive center provides showers, towels and WiFi if you need to dry off or check your phone.

All equipment is included: mask, fins, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, weights and belt. The center handles the gear setup so you're not figuring out how to assemble a regulator or balance a weight belt. You also get underwater photos and video taken during the dives, and hotel pickup and drop-off in the Tulamben area, so transport is arranged.

What’s included

• Private 1:1 guide dedicated to you for the full experience.
• two shore dives to the USS Liberty Wreck.
• basic scuba training and safety briefing from a certified instructor.
• full diving equipment (mask, fins, BCD, regulator, wetsuit, tank, weights and belt).
• local lunch with mineral water, coffee and tea.
• free underwater photos and video.
• dive center facilities including shower, towel and WiFi.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in the Tulamben area.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00, 13:00 and 13:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 45 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Malay

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.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Paradise Dive Tulamben

Is this one for you?Book this if you want one guide's full attention the entire time: beginners and non-swimmers especially benefit from the 1:1 ratio, since your guide watches your breathing and positioning without managing other divers. If you're already certified and comfortable in the water, a shared group dive might suit you better.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Malay.

What is the USS Liberty Wreck and why is it in Tulamben?

The USS Liberty is a U.S. military transport ship that sank off Tulamben in 1963. It now sits in shallow water and has become a reef: coral and fish have colonized the wreck, making it a popular dive site where you can explore the ship's structure and see the marine life living on it.

Do I need diving certification to book this?

No. This experience includes basic scuba training from a certified instructor, so beginners and non-swimmers can participate. You receive a safety briefing and instruction before the dives begin.

How deep do the dives go?

The USS Liberty Wreck in Tulamben sits in shallow water accessible from shore, so depth is manageable for beginners. Your guide controls the pace and stays with you throughout both dives.

What happens if I'm not comfortable underwater?

Your guide is with you one-on-one the entire time. If you need to surface, slow down or stop, your guide responds immediately. The 1:1 ratio means you're never managing multiple divers or competing for attention.

Are photos included, or do I have to pay extra?

Free underwater photos and video are included. Your guide or the dive center captures images during the dives so you have a record of what you saw.

What's included in the local lunch?

A local lunch is provided between dives, along with mineral water, coffee and tea. The dive center serves the meal on-site.