Diving
Geko Dive
Five star PADI dive resort which has been awarded GoEco operator status by Project Aware. Offer full range of courses and fun dives. Very active in the community and with environmental projects. Maximum of four divers to each divemaster. This ratio is reduced if requested or needed. Dive groups are welcome. Courses taught in English, Dutch, German, Japanese and Indonesian. 2 speedboats, 1 large outrigger boat and a variety of smaller boats used as needed. Also has a cafe called Cafe Deco.
Padangbai is noted for its diving and the friendly dive centres are right on the beach with their own bars for after-diving refreshments.
Blue Lagoon Divers
A PADI diving school.
Q-Dive Bali
A 5 star PADI dive center offering a full range of fun dives and courses from Open Water to Assistant Instructor, as well as a wide range of specialities including NITROX, night, deep, naturalist and wreck dives. Courses are taught in English, Dutch, German, French and Spanish. Maximum of four divers per divemaster, ratios can be reduced upon request.
snorkeling
There is good snorkeling in the bay, though the snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon is much better. Many of the local dive operators organise trips to this spot. If the waves are large, don't bother snorkeling as the current is extremely strong and visibility will be 1 to 3 metres at best. On a calm day expect lots of fish and great visibility. Buoys mark the furthest point snorkelers should go. For even better snorkeling you can charter a boat.
Several places in Padang Bai rent snorkeling equipment.