Reviewed · NUSA LEMBONGAN
Open Water + Advanced Course – Premium Certifications Package in Nusa Lembongan
This package is interesting because it stacks Open Water and Advanced Open Water back-to-back in Nusa Lembongan, so you go from first-timer to more confident underwater training fast. You learn the basics for your first certification, then move straight into the advanced skills that make you feel steadier at depth.
What I like most is how much support you get from the instructors, with names like Sara, Raymond, Laurene, Jhoe, Imi, Kaka, Yasmin, Silvere, and Bagia showing up across different courses. I also love that the essentials are handled for you, with mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator and other instruments, plus a wetsuit and weight belt included.
The main consideration is weather. This experience requires good conditions, and if it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.
Key highlights you should care about

- Two certifications in one 4-day rhythm so you don’t spend your vacation doing a single, partial step
- Deep and underwater navigation training are built in because those skills matter for confidence
- You choose three additional adventure skills based on what you want to practice (like photography, buoyancy control, or fish ID)
- Gear is included, including wetsuit and weight belt, which reduces the hassle and cost
- Instructors set the tone for comfort and safety, with many mentions of patience and calm guidance
- Private group setup means you learn with just your group, not a mixed crowd
Why Nusa Lembongan works so well for Open Water plus Advanced

Nusa Lembongan is a common pick for scuba education for one big reason: it’s set up for this exact activity. The whole island vibe is practical. You’re not hunting for gear shops at the last minute, and you’re not spending your days shuttling across half of Bali. You meet at the training center area in Jungutbatu and then you focus on the water time.
I also like that the package is structured so your progress is continuous. You start your Open Water course first, then you begin Advanced Open Water right after earning your Open Water certification. That matters more than people think. When the basics are fresh, the advanced skills land better, and you’re less likely to get rusty between stages.
Finally, the “real world” bonus here is comfort. Lots of people go into Open Water worried about what to do with their hands, their breathing, or their buoyancy. This package pushes you to learn those fundamentals, then apply them again in advanced sessions where you practice being calm at depth and while navigating.
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Price and value: what $811 includes (and what you need to plan for)
At $811 per person for about 4 days, this is a premium certifications package. The good news is you are not paying “extra” for the stuff most first-time students end up renting or buying anyway.
Here’s what’s included:
- A certified instructor
- Training center facilities with Wi-Fi, toilet, shower, locker, and change room
- Full equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, and other instruments
- Wetsuit and weight belt
The cost sting, if you feel it, is usually what’s not included. You’ll pay for digital souvenir photos or videos if you want them, and accommodation is not included in the price. Dormitory and bungalows are available at the training center, but the package does not automatically include where you sleep.
Is it good value? For me, yes, because you’re buying two certifications across a short trip window. If you tried to do Open Water first and then come back later for Advanced, you’d likely pay for more days, more logistics, and more equipment rental time. This format compresses the learning and keeps your vacation simpler.
The 4-day flow: Open Water first, then Advanced right away

The package is designed as a straight learning line. You do your Open Water course first, which teaches you the basics and leads to your first certification. Then, you immediately start the Advanced Open Water course right after.
That structure is valuable because it reduces the gap between “I learned it” and “I can actually do it.” If you’re the type who wants to finish things while the details are still in your head, this course order fits you.
Across the Advanced portion, you’re not just repeating basic buoyancy drills. You’ll build toward being more confident and using more professional techniques. The format also gives you a way to steer your training. Your instructor helps you plan your learning path by choosing from a long list of adventure options.
One practical note: the course is set for a minimum age of 12, and it expects moderate physical fitness. That does not mean you need to be an athlete. It just means you should be comfortable with the physical demands of getting suited up, entering the water, and staying focused for training sessions.
Open Water: what you’re actually learning under the hood

The Open Water portion is the foundation step. The package description is clear that you’ll learn the basics and receive your first scuba certification. In practice, this is where you learn how your gear works as a system, how breathing and buoyancy connect, and how to follow instructions without panic.
What I really like is the way Open Water is treated as a lifestyle entry point. You’re not just passing a test. The course is built to get you into the scuba community mindset, and you’ll feel that in the way instructors talk to you about comfort and safety.
And you’ll likely appreciate the teaching tone if you’ve seen names like Sara and Laurene come up. Multiple instructors are described as patient and attentive, and that matters for first-time students. When you feel safe and understood, you can focus on the skills instead of your fear level.
The best way to prepare for Open Water is boring, but it works: sleep, eat something sensible, and be ready to listen. The course moves best when you’re not rushing your body into stress.
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Advanced Open Water: why deep and underwater navigation are the core
This is the “confidence builder” part. The package specifically notes that the Deep and Underwater Navigation adventure dives are essential to the certification.
Deep training matters because it teaches you how to stay calm when things feel bigger and more unfamiliar. Many people assume depth is the scary part. What usually scares them is not depth itself, it’s losing control of buoyancy, timing, and attention. Deep training in a guided certification format is meant to keep that under control while you build skill.
Underwater navigation matters because real underwater exploration is not just about looking. It’s about knowing where you are, where you’re going, and how to manage the route without panic. If you want to feel independent later, navigation is the skill that starts giving you that sense of direction.
The most encouraging thing here is the instructor style that comes through in the coaching. Names like Imi and Jhoe show up often, with descriptions emphasizing calm competence and comfort underwater. That’s exactly the kind of temperament you want when you’re learning skills that feel harder than day one.
Choosing your adventure options: personalize the skills you care about

Advanced Open Water in this package is not one-size-fits-all. Your instructor helps you choose from a long list of adventure options, and three additional skill areas connect to your preferences.
The training description gives examples of what those preferences can look like:
- photography
- buoyancy control
- fish identification
This is a huge practical advantage. If you love the idea of photographing underwater life, you can structure part of your course around that. If you care more about staying stable and comfortable, you can prioritize buoyancy control. If you’re more of a life-on-the-reef person, you’ll get practice tied to fish identification.
The tradeoff is you should think ahead about what you want. If you wait until you’re already tired and overwhelmed underwater, it’s harder to make good choices. Spend a few minutes before the first session figuring out which of those directions you’re most excited about, so your instructor can tailor the training.
Gear and facilities: the comfort details that make training easier

One reason this package scores well for value is the equipment list is complete for training. You’re not stuck figuring out what to rent. The essentials are included:
- mask and snorkel
- fins
- buoyancy control jacket
- regulator and other instruments
You also get a wetsuit and weight belt, which matters because correct fit and appropriate setup help you stay comfortable and buoyant.
On top of that, the training center includes real everyday comforts: Wi-Fi, toilet, shower, locker, and change room. Those might sound minor, but after a full day of fitting gear and getting in and out of the water, having a place to rinse, change, and reset makes the next session easier.
If you hate waiting around, the facilities help. If you get cold and want to dry off quickly, the shower and change room make you a happier student.
How the instruction feels: calm, fun, and safety-first

The vibe you want in Open Water is not hype. It’s clarity plus patience. That’s what comes through when instructors are described as super chill, fun, and attentive, while still teaching technical details.
I especially like how different instructors are singled out for different strengths:
- Some are praised for technical clarity paired with a relaxed approach, like Laurene and Sara.
- Others are described as making students feel comfortable and safe, like Jhoe and Imi.
- Several names come up with “patient and attentive” style teaching, like Silvere, Kaka, and Yasmin.
If you’re worried about feeling awkward, this is a good sign. A patient instructor helps you learn without rushing. A calm instructor helps you practice skills correctly. And a fun instructor helps you keep your energy up, which is key when you’re doing repeated sessions over four days.
My practical advice: listen to the instructor the first time, then ask one short follow-up question. If you ask too much in one burst, you can overload yourself. If you ask one targeted thing, the coaching lands faster.
Making the most of your underwater experience without overdoing it
This package is about education and certifications, but it’s also about seeing the ocean. The training description and experiences tied to it point to great exposure to sea animals and enjoyable underwater time.
Here are a few ways to get more out of it:
- Show up early enough to suit up without rushing.
- Tell your instructor what you want to get better at, like buoyancy control or photography.
- Focus on staying relaxed. When you relax, your skills improve and your experience gets better.
One more thing. Open Water to Advanced is not a “try it once and forget it” plan. It’s the start of a longer learning curve. If you finish both certifications and then immediately plan another underwater outing, you keep the skills fresh and you’ll feel noticeably more confident.
Who should book this package, and who should think twice
This is a strong fit if:
- you’re at least 12 years old
- you want Open Water + Advanced done together rather than stretched across multiple trips
- you want an education program that includes deep and underwater navigation
- you care about personalizing at least part of the training, like photography or fish identification
- you prefer a private setup where it’s just your group
Think twice if:
- you know your schedule cannot flex due to weather. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can change dates.
- you are not comfortable with moderate physical activity, since the training involves being in and out of the water and staying engaged for multiple sessions.
If you like structure, clear coaching, and learning that builds confidence step by step, this package fits your style.
Should you book it?
If you want the best value path to get both Open Water and Advanced Open Water in one short stay, I’d book it. The pricing makes sense because equipment and key training components are included, and the instruction approach sounds genuinely supportive and safety-first.
The main reason not to book is schedule rigidity. Weather can impact water-based training, so you’ll want a buffer day or at least flexibility.
If you can be flexible and you want certifications that actually move you forward, this is the kind of course package that pays off quickly.
FAQ
What certifications are included in this package?
You get Open Water and Advanced Open Water back-to-back in about 4 days.
How long is the experience?
It runs for 4 days (approx.).
Where is the meeting point?
You start at Dive Concepts Lembongan, in Jungutbatu, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
What time does the training center operate?
The opening hours listed are 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.
What equipment is included?
Included equipment is mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, and other instruments, plus a wetsuit and weight belt.
Is accommodation included?
Accommodation is not included, though dormitory and bungalows are available at the dive center.
Is there a minimum age requirement?
Yes, the minimum age is 12 years.
What is required for physical readiness?
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
Are digital photos or videos included?
No. Digital souvenir photos/videos are not included, but they are available to purchase.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you won’t get a refund.
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