Advanced Open Water Course – Advanced Certification in Lembongan (next to Bali)

Nusa Lembongan is a fine place to move beyond basic scuba skills. In two days, you complete five training sessions, including work near 30 meters, compass practice, and three specialties chosen with your instructor. The course uses a lighter, more practical approach than basic certification.

I like the small maximum of five participants, which gives your instructor room to watch your technique closely. I also like the useful on-site setup: lockers, showers, changing space, Wi-Fi, and a restaurant, so you can spend less time sorting logistics and more time preparing for the next session.

The main consideration is pace. This is a serious certification course, not simply a string of sightseeing outings. You need an Open Water certificate, moderate fitness, and enough comfort underwater to absorb new skills while managing equipment and depth.

Key points to know before booking

• Five sessions in two days: The program covers deep-water procedures, underwater navigation, and three specialties.
• Depth training to 30 meters: The SSI certification prepares you for dives to about 100 feet, within the course limits.
• Small groups: A maximum of five participants should allow close supervision and more direct instruction.
• Five Nusa Lembongan area sites: The schedule includes Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Mangrove Point, Toyapakeh, and Jungut Batu Beach.
• Equipment is supplied: You receive a mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy jacket, regulator, instruments, wetsuit, and weight belt.
• Friendly, hands-on instruction: Instructors named in course feedback include Kaka, Sara, Silvère, Hugo, and Valentin.

Moving from basic certification to advanced skills

This course is meant for the point when basic certification no longer feels like enough. You must already hold an Open Water certificate, but you can begin the advanced course soon after completing it.

That timing can work well. Your basic skills are still fresh, yet you are ready to tackle more demanding tasks. Instead of spending most of the course on classroom theory, you learn through five supervised adventure sessions. You still study the ideas behind each exercise, but the emphasis is on planning, control, observation, and judgment in the water.

The SSI format also lets you shape part of the course around your interests. Everyone completes the deep-water and navigation sessions. You then choose three further areas, such as underwater photography, buoyancy control, fish identification, or wreck exploration.

That choice matters. If you still feel a little tense in the water, buoyancy control may be more useful than photography. If you enjoy studying marine life, fish identification can sharpen your attention. Ask the instructor to help match the specialties to your current ability, not just your wish list.

What the two days are really like

The course takes about two days, with the exact order shaped by local conditions and the selected specialties. You meet at Dive Concepts Lembongan in Jungutbatu, on Nusa Lembongan, and return there at the end of the activity.

Your instructor will guide the planning before each session. This is where the course earns its advanced label. You are not simply following someone else. You learn how to think about depth, time, navigation, equipment, and the physical effects of going farther underwater.

The small group limit is useful here. With no more than five participants, the instructor can pay attention to how you handle each task. That does not remove the need to practice, but it gives you a better chance to correct mistakes before they become habits.

The training center has toilets, showers, lockers, a changing room, and Wi-Fi. A restaurant is available at your own expense, and dormitory and bungalow accommodation can also be found at the center, though lodging is not part of the course price.

The deep-water session to 30 meters

The required deep-water session takes you close to 100 feet, or 30 meters. The goal is not simply to reach a number. You learn how to plan a deeper outing and consider the physical challenges that come with greater depth.

This part is valuable because depth changes how you manage a session. Your instructor covers planning and the physiological effects associated with deeper scuba work, then supervises you as you apply those ideas.

You should treat this as a skills lesson, not a thrill ride. A deeper setting can demand more calm, better air awareness, and more disciplined planning. If you are newly certified, this may feel like the most demanding part of the course.

The certification allows you to descend to up to 30 meters under the SSI training framework. That does not mean every future outing should reach that limit. Your experience, conditions, buddy, and local rules still matter.

Learning to find your way underwater

The navigation session focuses on compass use, but it does not stop there. You work with kick cycles, visual landmarks, and time to improve your sense of direction below the surface.

This is one of the most practical sessions in the program. Good navigation helps you stay oriented, manage your route, and return to a planned point rather than relying entirely on an instructor.

The skills also build confidence. You learn to combine compass information with what you can see around you. That makes navigation more flexible, since underwater visibility and landmarks may not always cooperate.

If your basic course left you uncertain about using a compass, tell your instructor early. This is a good place to slow down and repeat an exercise until the process feels natural.

Choosing your three specialties

The remaining three sessions are selected from a list of adventure options. The available examples include photography, buoyancy control, fish identification, and wreck exploration.

Buoyancy control is a sensible choice for almost anyone. Better control helps you move efficiently, protect the bottom, and stay relaxed while handling other tasks. It also supports the deep-water and navigation sessions.

Underwater photography suits you if you want to learn how to manage a camera without losing track of position, air, or your buddy. The course can help you think about photography as a practical underwater skill rather than simply pointing a camera at fish.

Fish identification adds purpose to your sightseeing. Instead of noticing only large or colorful animals, you learn to pay attention to shapes, markings, and behavior.

Wreck exploration is available as an example of a specialty, but the supplied information does not promise a particular wreck site. Ask the instructor what can be offered during your dates and what experience is needed.

Digital photos and videos are not included. You can purchase souvenir images separately if they are available.

Crystal Bay and Manta Point

The listed itinerary includes Crystal Bay and Manta Point, two of the better-known locations around Nusa Lembongan and nearby Nusa Penida. Their presence gives the course a strong sightseeing element alongside the technical work.

Crystal Bay is included as one of the stops, but the course information does not promise a particular animal sighting or visibility level. Conditions can shape what you see, so treat the site as a training location with marine-life potential, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Manta Point brings the same balance of expectation and caution. It is an appealing name on the schedule, but no specific encounter is guaranteed. Your instructor still needs to put safety and conditions first, and the session may be adjusted if the sea is unsuitable.

These locations can make the course feel more memorable than a pool-based progression. At the same time, you should remember that the certification tasks remain the priority. You may spend part of the session concentrating on navigation, buoyancy, or procedures rather than watching the scenery.

Mangrove Point, Toyapakeh, and Jungut Batu Beach

The remaining listed stops are Mangrove Point at Nusa Lembongan, Toyapakeh, and Jungut Batu Beach. Together, they show the course uses several sites rather than repeating one small training area.

Mangrove Point gives you another setting for applying basic control and awareness. Toyapakeh is also included in the schedule, adding variety to the course’s underwater environments. Jungut Batu Beach serves as both the local base area and one of the listed stops, keeping the experience closely tied to the island where you stay and train.

The itinerary does not provide exact session times or guarantee which skill will be taught at each site. That is normal for a program affected by sea conditions, tide, weather, and your selected specialties. The useful question to ask at check-in is which sessions are planned for which locations and what might change.

Instructors and the value of close supervision

Instructor quality is especially important in an advanced course. Names connected with this program include Kaka, Sara, Silvère, Hugo, and Valentin. You may not be assigned to a specific one, so ask when booking if you have a strong preference.

The strongest pattern in the course feedback is personal attention. Kaka is described as warm, professional, and detailed in teaching. Sara is noted for making the course both fun and practical. Silvère is praised for patience and for helping new participants feel safe and confident. Hugo is described as patient, passionate, and careful with foundations, while Valentin is associated with calm, professional support.

Those qualities matter more than a flashy personality. You want an instructor who watches your position, explains corrections clearly, and lets you repeat a task when needed. The small group size helps make that possible, though your own preparation and willingness to ask questions still count.

The center’s staff and boat crews have also been described as organized and friendly, with equipment reported to be in good condition. Still, inspect your kit before leaving shore and speak up at once if anything feels wrong.

Equipment, comfort, and daily practicalities

The course price includes the main equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, other instruments, wetsuit, and weight belt. You also receive instruction from a certified professional.

That package makes the $431.28 price easier to assess. You are paying for two days, five supervised sessions, certification training, equipment, and use of the training center. It is not a cheap recreational outing, but it bundles the costly parts of progression into one booking.

The facilities add practical value. Lockers give you a place for personal belongings, while showers and changing rooms make it easier to manage a full training day. Wi-Fi is a minor perk, but useful if you need to contact family, check plans, or handle travel arrangements.

Food and accommodation cost extra. Dormitories and bungalows are available at the center, but compare those rates separately before assuming the package covers your stay.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. The course involves repeated water sessions, equipment, and the demands of moving around a marine setting. If you have concerns about health or stamina, discuss them with the operator before booking.

Weather, scheduling, and cancellation

The course requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.

For your own planning, leave some flexibility around the two-day schedule. The stated duration is approximate, and sea conditions can affect which site or session comes next. A rushed connection immediately after the course would be unwise.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The center is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the activity starts and ends at Dive Concepts Lembongan in Jungutbatu.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this course?

This is a good fit if you already hold basic certification and want structured practice rather than simply collecting a card. It suits you if you like learning through repeated practical sessions, want to try several specialties, and appreciate close instructor supervision.

It is also useful for someone who has completed basic training but still wants more confidence with navigation or buoyancy. The course lets you work on those skills in a supervised setting before taking them into future outings.

It may not suit you if you want a relaxed sightseeing day with little instruction. The deep-water and navigation sessions require attention, and the two-day format leaves limited time for casual exploration.

You should also be comfortable with the basic requirements of scuba training. The course does not replace Open Water certification, and the operator expects moderate physical fitness.

Should you book the Advanced Open Water course in Lembongan?

I would book this if you want a compact, practical step after Open Water certification. The strongest reasons are the five-session format, small group limit, supplied equipment, and chance to choose specialties that match your interests.

The $431.28 cost represents fair value if you need both the training and the gear. It is less compelling if you already own equipment and want only informal sightseeing, since the certification structure is the point of the experience.

Ask about your instructor, specialty choices, site order, and accommodation costs before paying. If you can allow weather flexibility and are ready to work on real skills, this Nusa Lembongan course offers a sensible way to become a more capable and confident scuba participant.

FAQ

Do I need an Open Water certification first?

Yes. You must already be Open Water certified before taking this Advanced Open Water course.

How long does the course take?

The course lasts approximately two days and includes five training sessions.

How deep can I train during the course?

The SSI certification covers depths up to about 100 feet, or 30 meters. One required session takes you close to that depth.

What skills are included?

The required sessions cover deeper-water planning and challenges, plus underwater compass navigation. You then choose three specialties based on your interests.

What equipment is provided?

The course provides a mask, snorkel, fins, buoyancy control jacket, regulator, other instruments, wetsuit, and weight belt.

Where does the activity start and finish?

You meet at Dive Concepts Lembongan in Jungutbatu, Nusa Lembongan. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a full refund or select another date.