Snorkeling a Padang Bai

In short: great snorkeling, lots of fish, nice coral, good equipment. But: we swam away from the crowds and plastic mass as we're good swimmers. In depth: We were staying one night at Absolute Scuba in Padang Bai. Had heard mixed reviews of the snorkeling nearby. After a leisurely start to the day we were heading out to consider our options for the day. Directly across from hotel was a sign advertising snorkeling. Being late, after crowds had departed we got our own boat. Had heard mixed reviews about Blue Lagoon so we asked to go first to Amuk Bay. Lots of other boats when we got there but we're strong swimmers and comfortable in the water so chose to swim, away from the boat and crowds. At first there was a lot of plastic debris in water and the custom of feeding bread to fish brought clouds of little fish. But as we headed back towards Padang Bai direction the water quality improved and we saw a really good range of fish both large and small, singular and in schools. The water was both warm and clear so we happily passed at least an hour watching fish. There was a slight current running which made for good fish activity. Next we got our captain to drop us off before point to Blue Lagoon. Swam around a drop off/wall into the lagoon area. The reports I'd read online we're correct, Blue Lagoon is full of plastic and fish life was nothing compared to first site. We continued to swim back towards Padang Bai, over some really good coral formations. Saw barracuda, various trigger fish, unicorn fish, sweep, various angel fish and countless other varieties. We were really impressed and glad we'd done the trip.

A very professional crew, felt very safe and looked after, we have two smaller kids who haven't done a lot of snorkeling before. Kids, and parents, had a great time, saw loads of fish, had lots of fun and everyone slept on the way home. Greeted by lovely warm doughnuts when we got back. Really professional from the moment we made contact, would definitely recommend.

Wow! What an awesome experience. It started with a hotel pick up and finished with delicious donuts. But what happened in the middle is what really counts. Communication was made easy over WhatsApp and we were completely taken care of during our day snorkeling. We were briefed in the morning and then headed out towards the coast where we sailed out on a little boat to a bay just around the corner where we got to see some amazing wild life and even a sea turtle. I cant wait to come back. Thanks Julian and the team at Neptune Scuba Diving

I am really impressed with organization of Neptune dive center, their flexibility to accommodate our last minutes changes due to delayed flights, professionalism and cordiality is simply something really great. Pandang Bai is just beautiful coral reef, I had a feeling that I am diving in aquarium :-) If you want to go diving or snorkeling, if you have any specific needs, Neptune will make it happen for sure!