Weekly Beach Cleanups at Oceans 5 Gili Air
On a humid Friday afternoon, as the sun dipped lower into the sky and the breeze rustled through palm leaves along the shoreline, a familiar ritual unfolded in the harbor of Gili Air. In front of the iconic Oceans 5 Dive Centre, a group of enthusiastic volunteers began to gather. Among them were tourists, dive instructors, travelers, local residents, and a handful of highly motivated divemaster candidates. Gloves were handed out, rubbish bags distributed, and a short but passionate briefing was delivered. The task? Clean the beach and harbor area—the very entrance where thousands of visitors take their first steps onto Gili Air.
This wasn’t a one-off event or a seasonal marketing campaign. It was part of something much deeper, more consistent, and more meaningful. For the last 15 years, Oceans 5 Gili Air has organized weekly beach cleanups, establishing itself as one of the first dive centers in the Gili Islands to actively incorporate conservation as a core part of its diving philosophy. The cleanup held last Friday was no exception—it was another testament to a dive center that believes diving and environmental responsibility are inseparable.
A Culture of Conservation Since 2010
The Gili Islands are famous for their turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. However, as tourism boomed, so did its footprint. With more boats, more people, and more activity, the islands began facing increasing environmental challenges. Plastic pollution became a growing issue, particularly in the rainy season when rubbish from nearby Lombok rivers floats into the ocean and washes ashore. This made the need for regular, organized cleanups not just desirable—but essential.
In 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air took initiative. Back then, conservation wasn’t yet a buzzword in the local dive industry. The idea of incorporating environmental education and action into dive training was still novel. But Oceans 5 set out to be different—not just a dive center, but a responsible part of the island’s ecosystem and its community.
From that year on, beach cleanups became a weekly event. Not only did it keep the harbor clean, but it also sent a message to arriving tourists: this island cares.
The Harbor: Gili Air’s First Impression
The beach cleanup location isn’t random—it’s strategic. The harbor is Gili Air’s front door. It’s where tourists arrive by boat and step onto the island for the first time. A harbor littered with plastic and debris would send a negative message about the island’s values and its environment. Conversely, a clean, welcoming harbor offers a powerful first impression that resonates with travelers seeking an eco-conscious escape.
By focusing cleanup efforts in this area, Oceans 5 Gili Air ensures that both the natural environment and the island’s reputation are protected. Tourists arriving on Friday—coincidentally during the cleanup—often stop to thank the volunteers or even spontaneously join the effort. What might begin as a casual walk from the pier to a bungalow sometimes turns into a hands-on environmental experience.
Divemaster Candidates Take the Lead
One of the most inspiring elements of the Oceans 5 beach cleanups is how they’re organized—not by management or staff alone, but by the divemaster candidates themselves.
These candidates are not only learning how to become professional divers; they are learning how to be leaders, event organizers, and public speakers. The beach cleanup is integrated into the SSI Divemaster course as a conservation workshop, giving interns the opportunity to:
- Plan and promote the event
- Coordinate with dive shop staff and community members
- Deliver public briefings
- Explain safety protocols and waste sorting procedures
- Motivate and thank volunteers
- Manage the disposal or recycling of collected waste
For many candidates, it’s the first time they’ve had to lead a public event or speak in front of a group. It pushes them out of their comfort zones and strengthens skills that are essential not just in diving, but in life.
“It was a challenge at first to lead the cleanup,” said one recent divemaster candidate. “But once I started talking and saw how everyone listened and joined in, I felt proud. It wasn’t just about picking up trash—it was about taking responsibility for the ocean we love.”
Results That Speak for Themselves
Last Friday’s cleanup was no small effort. A total of 22 volunteers joined, including divemaster candidates, ITC candidates, instructors, and tourists. Together, they collected 66 kilograms of trash—mostly plastic wrappers, bottles, cigarette butts, styrofoam, and discarded fishing lines.
The rubbish was sorted afterward, with plastics and metals separated for recycling, and non-recyclables properly disposed of. This process is not just about cleanup; it’s about education. Volunteers are shown the impact of their actions in real-time and leave the event with a stronger sense of environmental awareness.
At the end of the event, Oceans 5 Gili Air offered all participants a free drink and gathered them for a group photo—a tradition that underscores the social and community aspect of the event. Friendships are formed, conversations sparked, and a shared commitment to the ocean celebrated.
A Model for the Region
Oceans 5 Gili Air’s beach cleanups are now widely recognized across Indonesia’s diving community. The dive center is known not just for its top-tier training programs but also for its unwavering dedication to conservation. The beach cleanup initiative is one of several environmentally-focused efforts spearheaded by Oceans 5, making it a role model for other dive shops in the region.
In 2023, Oceans 5 partnered with BKKPN Kupang—the regional marine park authority—and the University of Mataram, to take its conservation work even further. These collaborations support marine research, reef health monitoring, coral disease tracking, and training for future Indonesian marine scientists.
Additionally, Oceans 5 gives back to the community by offering divemaster internships to 15 local Indonesian candidates this year. These free or subsidized internships open the door to professional diving careers for young Indonesians, providing not only skills but also job opportunities and a deeper understanding of marine protection.
Conservation as a Core Philosophy
At Oceans 5, conservation isn’t a weekend hobby—it’s woven into the very fabric of the dive center’s philosophy. From the way courses are taught (with neutral buoyancy, no kneeling on the reef) to weekly cleanups, and from partnerships with government and academic institutions to the empowerment of Indonesian youth, every decision reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability.
This focus has earned Oceans 5 numerous accolades and a reputation as a true “conservation dive center.” It’s a term that means something here, not just branding. It defines how the staff live, work, and dive.
The dive shop doesn’t sell itself on being the cheapest, nor does it compromise on quality. Instead, it builds its identity around responsibility—to students, to the ocean, and to the local community.
Small Acts, Big Impact
Some may wonder: does a 42-kilogram cleanup really make a difference? The answer is a resounding yes—not just for the immediate impact, but for the ripple effect it causes.
- It inspires tourists to rethink their plastic use.
- It teaches dive professionals to integrate environmental messages into their teaching.
- It improves the harbor, the first impression of Gili Air.
- It builds confidence in future dive leaders who will carry these values around the world.
- It fosters collaboration between foreigners and locals, building bridges through shared goals.
Every week, this impact grows. Every Friday, new stories are created. And every cleanup reinforces the simple yet powerful message: protect what you love.
Looking Ahead
As Oceans 5 Gili Air celebrates 15 years of conservation leadership, the dive center isn’t slowing down. In fact, it’s expanding its conservation programs in 2025 to include:
- Coral monitoring courses in collaboration with the University of Mataram
- Additional beach and underwater cleanups in deeper harbor zones
- New educational materials for dive students about marine debris and its impact
With growing support from locals, government officials, and divers from all over the world, Oceans 5 continues to show that diving and conservation can go hand in hand—and that even a small island dive shop can make waves of change.
Conclusion
The beach cleanup organized last Friday at Oceans 5 Gili Air was more than just a routine event. It was a celebration of responsibility, a training ground for future dive leaders, a gesture of love for the ocean, and a visible reminder that every action counts.
In a world where marine ecosystems face constant threats—from plastic pollution to coral bleaching—initiatives like this are not optional; they are essential.
Fifteen years after the first cleanup, Oceans 5 Gili Air continues to lead by example. Through partnerships, education, community involvement, and the unwavering dedication of its staff and students, it reminds us that change doesn’t start with grand gestures. It starts with people showing up, rolling up their sleeves, and picking up one piece of trash at a time.
If you’re planning a visit to the Gili Islands, come on a Friday. Join the cleanup. Meet the team. And become part of a growing community of divers who believe the ocean is not just a place to explore—it’s a place to protect.
Want to get involved?
📍 Beach cleanups every Friday at 17:00, in front of Oceans 5 Gili Air.
🧤 Gloves and bags provided | 🥤 Free drinks after | 📸 Group photo tradition
For more information, contact: info@oceans5dive.com or WhatsApp +62 853 3339 7823.