In Reply to: diving bali posted by gone_fishin on Thursday, 1. May 2008 at 23:08 Bali Time:
I would suggest the Amed area. I've used Eco divers a lot and are mostly happy with them.
The area has the combination of dive sites at a close range and a lot of hotels has great snorkeling opportunities right off the beach. I also find the area very charming.
Padangbai also has great snorkeling a 10 minutes walk from the town center and the diving is good nearby. This is a good place if you want to go over to Nusa Penida for spotting larger fish, i. e. mantas and Mola mola.
I don't find the town very charming, but the sea food is very good. I have used Geko Dive in Padangbai and I am very satisfied with them.