Try Scuba Diving
SSI Basic Diver
Your First Breath Underwater — Privately, at Your Pace
Discover the underwater world in a single day. The SSI Basic Diver program is perfect for anyone who wants to try scuba diving for the first time — whether you are a couple looking for an unforgettable adventure, a family creating memories together, or an individual curious about what lies beneath the surface. No experience needed. Just curiosity and a sense of wonder.
The Experience
What is the SSI Basic Diver programme?
The SSI Basic Diver programme is a single-day private scuba experience for complete beginners aged 10 and up. It includes one digital theory session, one confined-water session, and one open-water dive to a maximum of 12 metres — all credits count toward full Open Water certification within six months.
The SSI Basic Diver program teaches you the essential knowledge and skills to dive to 12 metres under the direct supervision of an SSI Professional. You will learn to breathe underwater, control your buoyancy, communicate with hand signals, and move through the water with confidence. And the best part — everything you learn counts as credit toward full Open Water Diver certification if you decide to continue.
Whether you have a single day in Bali and want to make it extraordinary, or you want to test the waters before committing to a full certification course, this is the experience that lets you discover diving the right way — privately, safely, and at your own pace.
The Program
What happens on your Basic Diver day?
| Time | Phase | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Digital theory session | Short SSI knowledge module — diving basics, safety, equipment |
| Late morning | Confined-water session | Pool or shallow protected water — basic skills, breathing, buoyancy |
| Afternoon | Open-water dive | Real ocean dive in Tulamben, max depth 12 m, with Dominic personally |
| Total | 10–12 hours | All transport, equipment, lunch, and SSI digital materials included |
Digital Theory
Start with a private theory session using SSI's digital learning materials. You will learn about diving equipment, underwater physics, safety procedures, and hand signals. Dominic explains everything in plain language — no jargon, no exams, just understanding what you need to know to be safe and comfortable underwater.
Confined Water
Practise essential skills in a pool or shallow, calm water. You will learn to breathe from a regulator, clear your mask, equalise your ears, and control your buoyancy. This is where you build real confidence before your open water dive. Dominic guides you through each skill one-on-one until you feel completely comfortable.
Open Water Dive
The moment you have been waiting for — your first real dive in the ocean. At one of Tulamben's beautiful dive sites, you will descend to a maximum of 12 metres and experience the underwater world firsthand. Coral gardens, tropical fish, and the thrill of weightlessness. Dominic stays right by your side throughout the entire dive.
What's Included
Everything You Need
SSI Digital Materials
Complete SSI Basic Diver digital learning kit included — study at your own pace before or during your visit to Bali.
Private Experience
No strangers. Just you and your group (up to 4 people) with Dominic as your personal diving companion all day.
Full Equipment
All diving equipment provided and personally fitted by Dominic — mask, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tank, weights.
World-Class Dive Site
Your open water dive takes place at one of Tulamben's stunning dive sites — home to colourful reefs and the famous USAT Liberty wreck.
Full Day Program
Approximately 10 to 12 hours of training and diving — no rushing, no cutting corners. Everything done at your pace.
Pathway to Certification
Everything counts as credit toward SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification within 6 months. Nothing is wasted.
Who Is This For
Perfect For
Couples
Share an unforgettable underwater adventure together. The Basic Diver experience is one of the most unique things you can do as a couple in Bali — intimate, exciting, and completely private.
Families
Give your family an experience they will talk about for years. Children from age 10 can participate, and Dominic adapts everything to each family member's comfort level. Up to 4 people per session.
First-Time Adventurers
Curious about diving but not sure if it is for you? The Basic Diver lets you try properly — with real training and a real dive — before committing to a full certification course.
Short-Stay Visitors
Only have one day for diving? The Basic Diver program fits into a single day and gives you a complete, meaningful experience — not a rushed tourist activity.
Future Divers
Thinking about getting certified but want to test the waters first? Everything you complete in the Basic Diver counts toward your Open Water certification. Start here, continue later.
Group Adventures
Travelling with friends? The Basic Diver experience accommodates up to 4 people, making it perfect for small groups who want to share the adventure.
Common Questions
Everything You Need to Know
No experience at all. The SSI Basic Diver program is designed specifically for complete beginners. The only prerequisite is that you are comfortable in the water and able to swim. Dominic guides you through every step — from your first breath underwater to your open water dive.
The maximum depth for the Basic Diver program is 12 metres (40 feet). This is the perfect depth to experience the underwater world — you will see colourful coral, tropical fish, and marine life while staying within a safe and comfortable range for a first-time diver.
Absolutely. The Basic Diver experience is ideal for couples and families. Dominic guides small groups of up to 4 people, so you share the adventure together while still receiving personal attention. Children from age 10 can participate.
The complete program takes approximately 10 to 12 hours spread across a single day. This includes a theory session, a confined water (pool or shallow) session to practise essential skills, and an open water dive at one of Bali's beautiful dive sites. Everything is done at your pace — no rushing.
Yes — this is one of the best features of the SSI Basic Diver program. Everything you complete counts as credit toward the SSI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification within 6 months. If you discover that diving is your thing, you can pick up right where you left off without repeating anything.
Your experience includes the complete SSI Basic Diver digital learning materials, a private theory session, a confined water session, an open water dive, all diving equipment, and Dominic as your personal diving companion throughout the entire day. No hidden costs, no group strangers.
The home base for the Basic Diver experience is Tulamben on Bali's northeast coast. Tulamben offers calm, clear waters and stunning marine life — including the famous USAT Liberty wreck — making it one of the best locations in Bali for a first dive. Alternative sites can be arranged based on your preferences and accommodation.
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Start Your Adventure
Ready to Try Scuba Diving?
Tell Dominic about your travel dates, your group, and any questions you have. He will design the perfect Basic Diver experience for you.
Or email directly: [email protected]