Scuba Diving for Families in Bali: What Age Can Kids Start?

Bali is a paradise not just for solo adventurers or couples, but also for families looking to share unforgettable moments together. With warm, calm waters and colorful reefs teeming with marine life, it’s the perfect place to introduce children to the magic of the underwater world. But many parents wonder: at what age can kids start scuba diving in Bali, and how safe is it?

The good news is that scuba diving can be a family-friendly activity when done with the right training and instructors. According to PADI, children can start scuba diving from the age of 8 years old through a program called Bubblemaker. This fun and safe introduction to diving takes place in shallow water (maximum 2 meters) and focuses on getting kids comfortable with the equipment while having fun. Bali Aqua offers Bubblemaker sessions with patient, certified instructors who know how to make young divers feel secure and confident.

From age 10 and up, children can enroll in the PADI Junior Open Water Diver course, which is the full entry-level scuba certification—just like adults, but adapted in depth limits and supervision requirements. This allows them to dive up to 12 meters (with a certified adult) and begin exploring real reef environments. Many families opt to do this course together, making it a shared adventure that strengthens trust and builds confidence.

Safety is always the top priority. At Bali Aqua, all gear is sized for younger divers, and every program is conducted by experienced instructors trained in youth diving education. Dive sites are carefully chosen for their conditions—calm waters, good visibility, and minimal current—to ensure a stress-free experience for both parents and kids.

Not every child is ready to dive at 8 or 10, and that’s okay. Some may prefer to start with snorkeling trips to places like Blue Lagoon or Tanjung Jepun, where they can swim with turtles, clownfish, and explore coral gardens from the surface. These trips are often part of Bali Aqua’s family-friendly dive excursions and are a great way to build water confidence.

Scuba diving as a family is more than just an activity—it’s a chance to bond, learn about marine conservation, and create memories that last a lifetime. With the right approach and support from professional dive centers like Bali Aqua, kids can safely begin their underwater journey while having the time of their lives.