Expedition overview
Join us on a 9-day adventure through Bali and Nusa Penida, two of Indonesia’s most spectacular diving destinations. Partnering with Scuba Junkie, renowned for their eco-conscious approach, and supporting conservation nonprofits Ocean Gardener and Blue Corner Marine Research, this expedition combines world-class diving with meaningful conservation action.
Experience the beauty of Bali’s Tulamben region, with access to top dive sites like Tulamben, Seraya, Kubu, and the famous USAT Liberty Wreck. These colorful reefs are home to an incredible variety of marine life, from tiny macro critters to larger species like sea turtles, reef sharks, and octopuses. In Nusa Penida, encounter majestic manta rays and explore the island’s pristine coral gardens.
Led by Matthew David Kaplan, this unique expedition offers opportunities to learn underwater filmmaking and storytelling while actively participating in coral restoration. Whether your passion lies in diving, marine conservation, or creating compelling underwater stories, this experience blends purpose with adventure.
Make a difference, gain valuable skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Total package:
Early bird price: $2,945 USD
Regular price: $3,345 USD
Note: $825 USD deposit to book a spot, fully refundable 90 days prior to the trip.
Includes:
- All dives (estimated number: 18 - 20)
- Accomodation (9 days / 8 nights)
- 7 days of diving
- All meals, snacks & (non-alcoholic) drinks
- All transfers during expedition including speed boat between Bali and Nusa Penida
- Filming, editing and storytelling masterclass by Matthew David Kaplan
- Your footage will be featured on Oceans Nation's Instagram community, reaching an audience of more than 2.8 million followers
- Volunteering activities
Does not Include:
- Flights
- Airport transfers (we'll help you coordinate)
- Gear rental
Gratuity for drivers, dive guides, crew, captains and cooks (8% of expedition cost, cash collected upon arrival).
9 days / 8 nights
8 Divers + Expedition leader
- Travel & dive insurance
- 18 years of age
Trip Program
9 Days / 8 Nights (April 28th – May 6th, 2025)
April 28th: Arrive in Sanur (Bali) and Transfer to Tulamben
We begin our journey in Sanur (Bali) at 11:00 AM with a scenic drive to Tulamben. This beautiful route sets the tone for your diving experience in one of Bali’s top diving regions.
April 29th-30th: Diving in Tulamben, Seraya, and Kubu
We’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant underwater world of Tulamben, spending the next two days at top dive sites like Tulamben, Seraya, Kubu, and the iconic USAT Liberty Wreck. Each day, we'll enjoy four 70-minute shore dives, including a thrilling night dive. The Liberty Wreck, teeming with vibrant coral and abundant marine life, promises an unforgettable experience. Along the way, we'll encounter colorful coral gardens, tiny macro critters, and larger species such as reef sharks, sea turtles, and octopuses.
May 1st: Morning Dives and Transfer to Nusa Penida
We start the day with two morning dives in Tulamben and Seraya before leaving at noon. Afterward, we head to Kusamba Harbor to board a speed boat bound for Nusa Penida. We’ll arrive at Scuba Junkie Resort in the evening, ready for the next chapter of this diving expedition.
May 2nd-5th: Diving in Nusa Penida
We dive into the stunning waters of Nusa Penida for the next four days, completing 10–12 dives in total. Our dives will include encounters with majestic manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, and thrilling drift dives. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in coral restoration effort, making this experience both adventurous and impactful.
May 6th: Return to Sanur, Bali.
On the final day, we’ll enjoy a farewell breakfast together before heading back to Sanur via speedboat, wrapping up an unforgettable journey through Bali and Nusa Penida.
Note: All diving and activities are weather-dependent. In the unlikely event of severe weather or unsuitable diving conditions, the itinerary may be adjusted to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Matthew David Kaplan
- @Discovery ocean contributor
- Only One ambassador
- Ocean Culture Life Storyteller
- 20+ years of diving across 6 continents
- IG @matthewunderwater / www.matthewunderwater.com
Accommodation
Scuba Junkie Penida Dive Resort
During the Nusa Penida portion of your expedition, you’ll stay at the Scuba Junkie Penida Dive Resort, nestled in the peaceful Banjar Nyuh village. Just a short walk from the beach and the harbor, the resort offers a prime spot for enjoying stunning sunsets after a day of diving.
Designed specifically for divers, the resort is both welcoming and comfortable. Each room comes equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, Wi-Fi, and a private balcony, perfect for unwinding after your dives. The rooms blend modern design with traditional materials, such as custom-made teak furniture and stone bathroom sinks, providing a unique touch to your stay.
For added privacy, the rooms are set about 50 meters back from the reception area. After diving, you can relax with a swim in the resort’s pool or simply take in the tranquil surroundings.
FAQs
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring your GoPro or any other underwater camera to document your adventure. Bali and Nusa Penida offer exceptional photo and video opportunities, from fascinating macro critters to majestic manta rays and breathtaking underwater landscapes. Be sure to use proper waterproof housing to keep your gear safe.
Matthew will be available throughout the trip to assist with all aspects of underwater filming, photography, and editing as part of a dedicated masterclass. He’ll provide expert guidance to help you capture incredible footage—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter. Your best shots and videos will be proudly featured on Oceans Nation, reaching an audience of over 2.8 million followers.
During your Bali and Nusa Penida diving adventure, you’ll encounter a diverse array of marine life. In Tulamben, Seraya, and Kubu, look out for macro critters like seahorses, frogfish, and nudibranchs, along with larger species such as turtles, reef sharks, and octopuses. In Nusa Penida, you’ll have the opportunity to see majestic manta rays, vibrant coral reefs, massive schools of fish, and more. The underwater ecosystem here is truly spectacular!
The nearest airport to the expedition starting point is Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar, DPS) in Bali. It’s the main international airport and is about an hour’s drive from Sanur, where the trip begins. We recommend booking a flight that arrives before 8:00 AM on the day of departure or the prior day so that you can join the group transfer without issue.
Water temperatures in Bali and Nusa Penida typically range from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), making the conditions comfortable and ideal for diving. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for most divers, though some may prefer a thicker or thinner suit depending on their personal comfort.
The local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). We recommend exchanging your currency for Rupiah once you arrive in Bali. Credit cards are widely accepted at most dive resorts and hotels, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand for smaller purchases or remote locations. You can exchange currency at the airport or local money changers in Sanur.
As a reference, 1 USD is approximately 16,000 IDR.
Yes, both travel and diving insurance are mandatory for all participants. These policies ensure you’re covered for scuba diving activities, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen items.
For diving insurance, we recommend DAN (Divers Alert Network) or DAN Europe, depending on your location. These organizations specialize in dive-related coverage and offer comprehensive plans for divers.
For travel insurance, World Nomads is a great option, as it’s designed for adventurous travelers and provides broad coverage for unforeseen issues during your trip.
Be sure to check with your chosen providers to confirm that their plans meet your needs and include the necessary coverage for your trip.
A basic level of fitness is required for this trip. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable swimming and able to handle short walks to dive sites. Some sites may require climbing or walking short distances. Diving itself can be physically demanding, so a moderate level of fitness will help ensure you enjoy the experience safely and comfortably.
In partnership with:
