Geko Dive Bali

Geko Dive has been operating from the harbour village of Padangbai since 1997, making it one of the longer-established dive businesses on Bali’s east coast. From its base on Jl. Silayukti, a short walk from the beach, the centre reaches a wide spread of sites: Padangbai’s sheltered bays, the islets off Candidasa, the Nusa Penida channel and, by road, the famous wreck at Tulamben.

The team emphasises safety and equipment quality, with its own custom-built boats, on-site tank filling and emergency action plans. The centre teaches PADI courses from beginner to Divemaster and TDI technical courses, and it also runs snorkelling trips. Meals and refreshments are included with dive days.

What to expect

Local dives in Padangbai take in spots such as The Jetty and nearby bays, which suit beginners and macro lovers. Gili Tepekong off Candidasa is more advanced, with currents and dramatic walls. Trips to Manta Point on Nusa Penida target reef mantas, while day trips to Tulamben visit the USAT Liberty wreck, an easy shore entry covered in coral. The centre also arranges pick-up from Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua and Candidasa.

Padangbai is a working harbour town with a laid-back backpacker feel, and the dive boats leave straight from the beach. Because the centre sits between the channel sites and the north-east coast, it is well placed for building a varied dive trip from one base, mixing gentle reef dives with more demanding drift dives.

Packages & prices

Rates are published on the centre’s prices page; these could not be confirmed for this listing, so check the website or ask by WhatsApp. Services include:

• Fun dives – Padangbai, Candidasa, Nusa Penida and Tulamben.
• PADI courses – from Open Water to Divemaster.
• TDI technical courses – for experienced divers.
• Snorkelling – trips for non-divers.
• Included – meals and refreshments on dive days; transfers can be arranged.

Safety & requirements

Sites such as Tepekong and Manta Point can have strong currents and cool water, so the team matches sites to experience. Bring your certification card and logbook; divers who have not dived recently should consider a refresher. Tanks are filled on site, and emergency plans are in place, but insurance that covers diving is still strongly advised.

Tips

• Stay a night in Padangbai to dive early before the day-trippers arrive.
• Combine a Tulamben wreck dive with an Amed stay for a longer east coast trip.
• Tell the team about seasickness; the Penida crossing can be rough.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a light jacket for the boat.
• Padangbai is also the port for ferries to Lombok, making it an easy stop.

Non-divers can relax at Blue Lagoon and Bias Tugel, two small beaches within walking distance of the village, while their companions head out on the boats.