Looking for Candidasa dive op...

[Sideways]

I have never seen a dive shop in Bali that asks guests to carry gear to/ from the boat including in Padangbai, so wouldnt worry about that...

I emailed 2 shops in Padang Bai saying pretty much what I said in the opening post of this thread. One response I got, which we'll just say was from one of, if not the biggest Padang Bai shop, told me I'd be better off going to Candidasa, and that they tended to cater more to backpackers than resort divers. Quite frankly, I thank them for their honesty Saved me a BIG hassle. We went to Utila and Roatan 2 years ago. While in Roatan we had an excellent dive experience with West End Divers. The shop that we chose through recommendations in Utila was a nightmare for us. The majority of the divers there were 18-25 doing rescue and DM courses, and because of that, we were treated like them, boot camp recruits...LOL. Never again, that's why I ask Dive Ops ahead of time. We're not dive snobs...lol, we've just learned we need to ask ahead of time. Bali Bubbles sounds like a great option, as does Gannga. We'll shoot them both an email Thanks everyone for the assistance, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[gekodivebali]

Dear Sideways,
I'm horrified at the answer you had from a Padang Bai dive centre... We cater for all types of divers, not just backpackers. Many divers choose to dive from Padang Bai as you can easily walk from your hotel to the dive shops, boats are on the beach just in front of the shops and it makes for a very relaxed atmosphere.
Most dive centres don't offer accommodation directly but are happy to help you out with that if you need. There are hotels for all budgets in Padang Bai and even private villas are available. Prices range from 10$ to 140$. You can find a nice hotel literally 10m from the dive centre!
The great thing about diving here in April is that it is not too busy and you can enjoy even smaller groups than usual, sometimes even private guiding. Dive centres are usually very accommodating and you can choose where to dive one day from the next.
Please drop me an email if you're still considering Padang Bai... if not, I'd still love to know who was irresponsible enough to say what they said to you (I did have a check through all our emails just in case ;-)
Best regards