Amed Diving with Kids: How to Find Trusted Childcare While You Dive the Liberty Wreck
The USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben, just a short drive from Amed, is one of the world’s most accessible and spectacular wreck dives. For diving parents visiting Bali, it is a non-negotiable bucket-list item.
But the reality of a dive trip—especially a morning two-tank dive—is that you are gone for 3 to 4 hours. More critically, during that time, you are completely unreachable. You cannot answer a phone call from a babysitter if your toddler falls or gets sick.
This “unreachable window” makes standard hotel babysitting services a risky proposition. You don’t just need someone to watch your kids; you need a trusted, capable guardian who can handle a crisis without your immediate input.
Here is the proven strategy for finding trusted childcare in Amed, allowing you to explore the Liberty Wreck guilt-free.
The Challenge: Why Amed Requires a Specific Plan
Amed is not Seminyak. It is a series of quiet fishing villages on Bali’s east coast, about 3 hours from the main tourist hub. You will not find large, drop-in kids’ clubs here.
Finding a reliable, last-minute babysitter in Amed is notoriously difficult. Furthermore, many local village women, while wonderful and warm, may not have the English skills, water safety confidence, or first-aid training that Western parents require when they are hours away underwater.
Therefore, you must arrange your childcare before you arrive in East Bali.
The Solution: The “Live-In Holiday Nanny”
For diving families, the most trusted and popular solution is to hire a professional nanny through a reputable agency based in southern Bali (Seminyak/Canggu) and arrange for them to travel to Amed with you as a “live-in” caregiver.
This is different from a casual babysitter. A professional holiday nanny is accustomed to working with international families, is usually first-aid trained, speaks excellent English, and is capable of independent decision-making.
Why the “Live-In” Model Works for Divers:
- Covers the Early Starts: Dive boats for the Liberty often leave at 7:00 AM or 7:30 AM to beat the crowds. A live-in nanny is already there, ready to take over the breakfast routine while you head out.
- Consistency Builds Trust: Your children bond with one caregiver over several days. They feel secure with a familiar face while mom and dad are gone for the morning.
- Peace of Mind: You aren’t leaving your children with a stranger you just met. By the time you do your first dive, the nanny is already integrated into your family’s routine.
The Vetting Process: 3 Non-Negotiable Questions
When booking an agency nanny for an Amed dive trip, do not just accept whoever is available. You need to vet them specifically for this scenario.
Ask the agency these three questions before confirming:
1. “Is this nanny a confident swimmer?” Amed villas often have pools, and the beach is right there. While you are diving, your kids will want water play. It is vital that the person supervising them is a strong swimmer capable of performing a rescue. Do not assume every Balinese person can swim—many cannot.
2. “Is her First Aid/CPR certification current?” Because you are unreachable, you need a caregiver who knows what to do in a medical emergency before an ambulance arrives.
3. “Is she comfortable being solely in charge for a 4-hour block where parents are unreachable?” An experienced nanny will not be fazed by this. A less experienced one might feel anxious, which kids will sense.
The Logistics & Cost of a Traveling Nanny
This level of peace of mind comes at a premium compared to hiring a local village helper, but for divers, it is an essential trip cost.
- Accommodation: You need to book a villa in Amed with an extra bedroom or “staff room,” or book a simple room in a nearby guesthouse for the nanny.
- Transport: You are responsible for their transport from Denpasar to Amed and back (approx. IDR 800k roundtrip).
- Daily Rate: Most agencies charge a flat daily rate for live-in services (approx. IDR 800,000 – 1,200,000 per 24 hours) plus a small daily food allowance.
Diving the Liberty Wreck is an unforgettable experience. Don’t let parental guilt or anxiety ruin it. By investing in a professional, water-safe, live-in nanny, you ensure your children are having their own safe adventure on the black sand beaches of Amed while you explore the wonders beneath the surface.