If you already have your Open Water certification and you are wondering what to do with your remaining days in Bali, the PADI Advanced Open Water course in Bali is one of the most rewarding ways to spend them. In two to three days you unlock deeper depths, sharper skills, and access to some of the island's most spectacular dive sites — all without needing any prior dive experience beyond your basic certification.
What the PADI Advanced Open Water Course Actually Involves
Despite the name, the Advanced Open Water course is not an advanced course in the sense that it demands exceptional skill. It is a progression course — designed to make you a more confident, more capable diver. You complete five Adventure Dives, two of which are mandatory: Deep (down to 30 metres) and Underwater Navigation. The remaining three are chosen from a wide menu of specialties, and in Bali that choice matters a great deal because the environment does a lot of the teaching for you.
At Orana Dive Center, your Advanced Open Water course is led by certified PADI Instructors in small groups — never more than four guests per instructor — so you receive genuine attention at every stage. All ScubaPro equipment is provided, and door-to-door transport, lunch, and refreshments are included in your package. There is no administrative scrambling on your end; you simply show up ready to dive.
Why Bali Is an Exceptional Place to Complete This Course
Bali's geography hands you an extraordinary classroom. The sites we use for the Advanced Open Water course are chosen to match your learning objectives while also being genuinely beautiful places to dive. Depending on conditions and your chosen Adventure Dives, you might find yourself exploring the Tulamben area, where the USAT Liberty wreck descends through your new 30-metre depth range and the macro life along the slope rewards a slower, more observant style of diving. Or your sessions may take you to Padangbai, where calm conditions and healthy reefs make for comfortable, confidence-building dives between skills practice.
The combination of warm water, good visibility during the dry season, and varied terrain means that every skill you practice is anchored to a real dive experience rather than a sterile exercise. You are not just ticking boxes; you are building a foundation for a lifetime of diving in destinations like this one.
What You Can Expect After You Certify
Completing your Advanced Open Water certification opens doors immediately — even within the same trip. With a 30-metre depth rating and a stronger skill set, you become eligible for sites and experiences that are simply off-limits to Open Water divers. In practical terms, that might mean:
- Accessing the deeper sections of the USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben
- Joining drift dives at Toyapakeh in Nusa Penida, where currents run strong and the fish life is extraordinary
- Positioning yourself for mola mola sightings at Crystal Bay, roughly July to October (sightings are never guaranteed, but the depth rating is a prerequisite)
- Diving more challenging sites with greater confidence and air efficiency
If any of those experiences are on your Bali wish list, the Advanced Open Water course is the most direct route to them. Explore the full range of Nusa Penida dive sites and see what becomes available to you once you hold that certification.
How to Fit It Into Your Bali Trip
The course typically takes two to three days, which fits comfortably into most Bali itineraries. There is no pool session or lengthy classroom requirement — the PADI eLearning portion can be completed on your phone or laptop before you arrive, so your time in Bali is spent in the water. We recommend booking in advance, particularly during the busier dry-season months, to secure your preferred dates and ensure our small-group format is available.
Ready to go deeper? Book your PADI Advanced Open Water course with Orana Dive Center and our team will be in touch to confirm your dates, answer any questions, and make sure everything is arranged before you arrive. You can also reach us directly on WhatsApp at +6282229993631.