Diving in Bali is safe when you follow proper procedures and dive within your limits. Here are 10 essential safety tips for every diver visiting Bali.
1. Equalize early and often. Bali's clear water can make you descend faster than you realize. Start equalizing before you feel pressure, and never force it -- ascend slightly if you cannot equalize.
2. Respect the currents. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan can have very strong currents. Always carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) and know how to deploy it. Follow your guide's instructions about current management.
3. Do not touch anything. Many marine creatures in Bali can sting, bite, or cause allergic reactions: scorpionfish, lionfish, fire coral, blue-ring octopus, sea urchins. Look with your eyes, not your hands.
4. Monitor your air consumption. Bali's exciting marine life can distract you from checking your gauge. Make air checks a habit every 5 minutes.
5. Stay with your buddy and guide. Bali's dive sites can have limited visibility in places. Maintain visual contact and know the lost buddy procedure.
6. Plan your dive, dive your plan. Agree on maximum depth, dive time, and air reserves before entering the water. Stick to the plan.
7. Surface interval matters. Take adequate surface intervals between dives (minimum 1 hour for recreational diving). Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol between dives.
8. No flying after diving. Wait at least 18 hours after your last dive before flying. If doing multiple dives over several days, wait 24 hours.
9. Know your limits. If conditions look too challenging, it is okay to sit out a dive. There is no shame in choosing safety over adventure.
10. Carry insurance. We include basic dive insurance with all our trips, but we strongly recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) travel insurance for the duration of your trip.