Diving around Bali - magical tropical colours

diving CANDIDASA - FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – ANSWERS AT A GLIMPSE

CERTIFICATION

For safety reasons, we will only take divers who are certified by an acknowledged diving organisation (SSI, PADI, CMAS,…) for dives. Please ensure to bring your certification card and your medical statement with you to make check-in easier and quicker.

BOAT DIVES

Depending on the distance to the dive spot, there might be a minimum required number of divers for our boat dives. This number is stated on the respective list. Signing in early for the dives does not only help us in planning and organising, it might also animate others to join and thus also increases the probability to meet the required numbers.

BUOYANCY

You probably remember from your Open Water Course that good buoyancy is the most important skill in diving. This is one of the reasons why we insist on doing a check dive with each diver, during which we also check and allocate the right amount of weights to each diver.

In case you would like to work on your buoyancy skills, we are happy to organise an adventure dive - or even the full specialty "Perfect Buoyancy" - with an experienced instructor for you. You will see and agree - it adds a lot of confidence to your diving.

 

WELCOME DIVE

The welcome-dive is obligatory for all divers except for divemasters and instructors in teaching status who have dived within the last 12 months. During your first dive with us, our divemasters will assess your skills in two basic skills: removing, replacing and clearing your mask and regulator recovery. This is a matter of minutes and you will spend the rest of your time and air exploring our magnificent underwater world. During your safety stop at the end of the dive, you also demonstrate your ability to apply the obligatory SMB.
NOTE: Only divers who demonstrated sufficiency in these skills are able to dive safely and enjoy. The welcome-dive is thus for your own safety and well-being. 

CURIER-SERVICE

Even though we are able to buy most things that we need here on Bali, every now and then there is something we might not get hold of - be it diving gear or some food-goodies from home. So in case you would like to support us and have some space left in your luggage, we would appreciate it if you would send us a quick mail, asking if we need anything. Occurring costs will be refunded, of course.

DIVE SPOTS

Dive spots are plentiful around Bali and the variety of the dive sites is nearly endless and therefore we offer our customers both, regular tours as well as tours upon special request. Most of the dive sites on the “Island of Gods” are shore dives, thus we use air-conditioned vehicles for transportation. This offers us a maximum of flexibility and comfort. 

For the decent number of boat dives we use – depending on the distance and spot – either the local boat (jukung, as they are called) or a fast speedboat. Depending on the weather conditions and/or currents we might be forced to switch to other, better protected dive sites. Safety first!

GLOVES

Like in all diving.DE dive centres, we do not allow divers to wear gloves during the dives at diving CANDIDASA. It is our aim to preserve the reefs and avoid any damages so that future divers and generations will also be able to enjoy their beauty. Please be supportive – the waters are warm enough.

JEEP-TOURS

The best way to reach a more distant dive site is by car. Depending on the distance, the transport might take between 10 minutes and three hours. Most of our dive sites, however, are located within about one hour driving. Your equipment will either be transported in the same car or in separate pic-ups. Upon arrival, we unload the gear from the cars so that you can prepare yourself for your dive. The entrance to the dive site is usually only metres away from where we get ready.

Most of our tours are 2-tank dives, where you will be able to rest and relax after the first dive. After a surface interval of about one hour, we will prepare for the second dive. On all our tours, there are either warungs – local restaurants – where you can enjoy an authentic Indonesian lunch, or our guides will have tasty lunch boxes ready. Both are already included in the price for the dive.

KNIVES

We kindly ask our divers to refrain from carrying diving knives (diving scissors are ok). Just like with the gloves, we regard that as a small contribution of all divers to protecting the reefs.

MEDICAL CLEARANCE

The medical confirms that the examining doctor has no objections against you taking part in diving activities. Thus it should be in your own best interest to get this sort of clearance prior to your diving and take a copy of it with you. 

In case you have no medical clearance, you can simply fill out the respective SSI- or PADI-form at the dive centre. Please bear in mind that any question answered with “YES” will require further examination and clearance by a doctor. This examination can be done at the hotel’s doctor (approx. 50.00 €). Attention: We will not be able to take you diving while the clearance is not given.

PLEASE NOTE: The medical clearance must not be older than one year.

OBLIGATORY SMB

As currents can be unpredictable and rather strong – water masses have to flow through the Indonesian islands between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean – diving CANDIDASA requires all its divers to carry a surface marker buoy (SMB) on all dives. That means that not only your dive guide will carry a SMB, but even you yourself.

All our rental BCDs are equipped with SMBs and whistles. Divers, who do not own a SMB yet, may rent or buy one at our shop. Please do let us know in case you would like to know how to apply a SMB and we will be happy to demonstrate and practice it with you.

PAYMENT

The final dive bill will be issued by the diving centre and can conveniently be paid in either cash (in Indonesian Rupiah) or with credit card (MasterCard & Visa). Please note that there is a 2% surcharge for Credit Card payments.
Please also note that due to Indonesian law, we are not allowed to accept any other currency than IDR for cash payments. Thank you.

RAINY SEASON

According to most travel guides the time between end of November till mid of March is considered to be the rainy season on Bali. But of course the rain does not stick to a given time frame, so you might experience some rain before or after these dates, too. However, even during the rainy period most days start sunny, the clouds develop during the day and usually rain falls in the later afternoon or at night only. So at times when most of our dive- and snorkeling-trips are already finished. Usually it is showers or thunder-storms that last for about 30 minutes and bring a nice and refreshing air.

TORCHES

As the regulations regarding torches may vary from airline to airline, please check with your carrier or travel agent prior to packing. In general it is safe to say that torches belong into your hand luggage during flights, and it might be a good idea to remove the batteries as this might be required at some airports. In case you prefer not to bring your own torch, we have rental torches at our dive centre, of course.

VALVES

Although all our tanks (we use 12l aluminum as standard, but also have 10l and 15l tanks) are equipped for DIN-valves, we have plenty of adapters at hand and take them to our tours, too. Therefore there is no need for you to bring own adapters.

WETSUIT

In general, it depends on your body’s constitution which wetsuit suits you best. The water temperature around Bali is usually between 25 – 28° C, but depending on currents waters can be somewhat colder on some dive sites. We have experienced a chilling 18° C at Manta Point and Crystal Bay, for example. Usually, temperatures on the north side (Amed, Tulamben etc.) are slightly higher than on the east coast (Candidasa, Gili Tepekong & Gili Mimpang, Padang Bai, Nusa Lembongan). For most divers and dives, however, a 3-mm long-suit or even a shorty will do. 

diving CANDIDASA -
diving the coral triangle

diving CANDIDASA
c/o Candi Beach Resort & Spa
Mendira Beach, Sengkidu
Candidasa, Karangasem
Bali 80871 Indonesia
Tel: 0062 812 367 702 81
Email: candidasa (at) diving.de