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Dive Review of Tamarind Divers in
Indonesia/Nusa Lembongan

Tamarind Divers: "Superb Operation; we will return!", Aug, 2019,

by Eileen J Councill, xx, China (Contributor Contributor 14 reports with 7 Helpful votes). Report 11047.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations N/A Food 5 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 2 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Tamarind was fabulous from the start to the end! They are a classy operation! They are totally organized in every way; Evy, the manager, is a gem as is every other staff member at the dive center. You just feel like you are "home" with the experience. They are just lovely; you never feel rushed and always feel well cared for. Upon arrival on the first day, our gear was taken to the boat and assembled. We were responsible for our wetsuit (donned) and booties (also donned) and personal items. The boat rests in the water so you wade in over rocks to get to the boat...and sometimes you get very wet...if you fall! Bring a dry bag or give your items to one of the locals who seem to walk on water. Their balance is incredible. The largest group we dove with was 4 and the smallest was just the two of us. We had 3 different guides in our 4 days of diving and they were all excellent.

The main purpose in diving this time of year is manta and mola mola so that was the main attraction. We were ill prepared in bringing warmer water wetsuits, but Evy and the team hooked us up with 5mm suits to keep us warmer (I wore the 5mm over my 3mm + 3mm chicken vest and hood and I was just warm enough!). Nothing but a dry suit will keep you warm in 18 degree water temps! FREEZING! The routine on the boat is simple and organized. There is a boat briefing then a dive briefing at the site. There is a large water tank on board for drinking, all safety equipment needed, a dry net space under the roof of the boat as well. Between dives you can have tea or coffee and a lunch with 4-5 options; you are served this by the DMs and crew. They really take care of you. The lunch was fabulous and appreciated. I loved the chicken and rice and had it every day. The wind temps were quite chilly and Pepe, one of the instructors, gave me his fleece black windbreaker till my lips returned to normal pink color. They are so sweet and kind to the guests. The next day I was better prepared with more clothing and a windbreaker.

We loved the diving - very chill, all safety conscious, but fun! Getting off the boat was a challenge at high tide, but the locals really helped us get onto the beach. I fell once in the waves due to the uneven rocky bottom and they came to help me up. It's wise to give all of your stuff, even dry bags to the locals and just focus on walking on uneven ground to the shore.

After the dive, the guide/instructor sits with you and the sea creature/fish life books and points out all the of the things you saw on the dive. They are not rushed...they spend a lot of time with you and encourage you to complete your dive log, which is great! They also rinse and store your gear overnight. We were given a ride back to our hotel whenever we wanted it...sooner or later. They accommodated. I cannot recommend this dive organization highly enough. Don't miss out!
Websites Tamarind Divers   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Red Sea, Galapagos, Bali, Egypt, Philippines, Indonesia, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mozambique, South Africa, Hawaii, Pacific, Palau, Guam, Yap, Maldives, Lembeh Strait, Kenya, UAE, Oman
Closest Airport Denpasar Getting There Fly into DPS, take a ferry to the island (30 minute ferry)

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, windy Seas choppy, surge, currents
Water Temp 59-75°F / 15-24°C Wetsuit Thickness 5
Water Visibility 30-70 Ft/ 9-21 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Stay with DM at all times.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available?

What I Saw

Sharks 1 or 2 Mantas Squadrons
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 3 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 4 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 5 stars Boat Facilities 1 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 2 stars Shore Facilities 1 stars
UW Photo Comments There is no accommodation for photographer equipment on board. I just tried to put my camera (small) in the dry netting on the roof. That was the safest place as the ride to any site is bumpy. There is no rinse bucket, no storage area. If you had a big rig, it would be a challenge though I have no doubt the crew would be ever so helpful.

Back at the shop, there is a rinse tank but it's combined with masks...not good on the O-rings.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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