Gili Air vs. Gili Trawangan: Which Island Is Better for Learning to Dive?

Leave a reply

Learning to Dive

If you are planning a scuba diving holiday in the Gili Islands, one of the first questions is often: Where should I stay—Gili Air or Gili Trawangan?

Search online and you will find plenty of dive centers advertising access to around 20 dive sites across the Gili Islands. Technically, that describes the wider diving area. But there is another question worth asking before choosing a dive center:

How many of those dive sites does the dive center actually visit?

That can make a much bigger difference to your diving holiday than which island your hotel happens to be on.

Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air sit within the Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park, a protected marine area managed under Indonesia’s marine conservation framework [1]. Divers are not restricted to the reefs immediately surrounding the island where they are staying.

So perhaps the real question isn’t simply Gili Air vs. Gili Trawangan.

It is:

Which dive center will actually show you the diversity of the Gili Islands?

Around 20 Dive Sites—But Will You Actually Dive Them?

You will regularly see claims online that there are around 20 dive sites around the Gili Islands.

That is a reasonable description when looking at the complete diving area. Based on the dive sites regularly recognized and used within our local diving operations, they can roughly be divided geographically as follows [2]:

  • Gili Trawangan: around 6 dive sites
  • Gili Meno: around 5 dive sites
  • Gili Air: around 4 dive sites
  • Between the islands: around 3 dive sites
  • Lombok: around 2 dive sites

That gives divers approximately 20 different locations to explore.

However, there is an important difference between having access to 20 dive sites and actually visiting 20 dive sites.

Not every dive center regularly travels throughout the entire area.

If you are doing six, eight or ten dives during your holiday, that difference becomes important. Most divers don’t want to repeatedly visit the same handful of sites simply because they happen to be closest to the dive center.

Gili Trawangan: Sharks, Turtles and Famous Dive Sites

Some of the best-known dive sites in the Gilis are located around Gili Trawangan.

Shark Point is probably one of the first names you will hear. Depending on conditions and luck, divers can encounter reef sharks, turtles and a wide variety of reef life.

Then there is Halik, another popular site offering varied underwater topography and marine life.

Sunset Reef, on the western side of Gili Trawangan, provides yet another type of diving experience.

The waters around the Gili Islands support green and hawksbill turtles, reef fish, sharks and a wide range of other tropical marine species [3].

For many visitors, sharks and turtles are understandably high on their wish list.

Seeing your first reef shark underwater or swimming alongside a turtle can be an unforgettable experience.

But the Gili Islands offer much more than sharks and turtles.

Gili Meno: Turtle Territory

Move across to Gili Meno and the diving changes again.

Two particularly popular sites are Turtle Heaven and Meno Slope.

As the name suggests, Turtle Heaven has become famous among divers for turtle encounters. Green and hawksbill turtles are regularly encountered throughout the Gili Islands, and the reefs around Gili Meno provide important habitat for these animals [3].

Meno Slope combines reef diving with opportunities to encounter turtles and other marine life.

There is also something completely different around Gili Meno.

The Bounty Wreck

The Bounty Wreck is the remains of a former floating platform that sank off Gili Meno. Over time, the structure has become an artificial reef and habitat for marine life.

It provides a completely different diving experience from a traditional coral reef.

For divers who enjoy structures, wrecks and watching how marine organisms colonize artificial surfaces, Bounty Wreck is well worth visiting.

Gili Air: Turtles, Reef Life and Macro

Gili Air adds another dimension to a diving holiday.

Sites such as Hans Reef, Gili Air Wall and Gili Air Harbor can be particularly interesting for divers who enjoy looking for smaller marine life.

Not everyone wants to spend every dive searching for the biggest animal underwater.

Some divers love macro diving.

Instead of constantly looking into the blue for sharks, they look carefully at coral, rubble and sandy areas for the tiny creatures that many other divers swim straight past.

Around Gili Air, patient divers may encounter nudibranchs, pipefish, frogfish, crustaceans and different species of octopus.

The harbor area in particular can provide a completely different experience from the classic turtle-and-reef dives associated with the Gilis.

And that diversity matters.

A great diving holiday doesn’t necessarily mean doing ten dives looking for the same animal.

What About Wreck Diving?

There are also wrecks and artificial structures to explore within the wider Gili diving area.

Around Gili Trawangan you can find Glenn Nusa, while around Gili Meno there is the Bounty Wreck [2].

This means a diving holiday around the Gilis can potentially include:

reef diving, slopes, walls, drift dives, turtle sites, shark encounters, macro diving and wrecks.

But only if your dive operation is willing and able to take you to those different locations.

So Does It Matter Which Gili Island You Stay On?

This is where the Gili Air versus Gili Trawangan discussion becomes interesting.

The three islands are relatively close together.

A diver staying on Gili Air does not have to dive exclusively around Gili Air.

Likewise, someone staying on Gili Trawangan doesn’t technically have to dive only around Gili Trawangan.

The dive sites throughout the marine park can be reached by dive boat.

Therefore, when choosing where to learn to dive or where to spend your diving holiday, the operating philosophy of your dive center can be more important than its island location.

Fuel Prices Can Influence Dive-Site Choices

There is also a practical reality behind running a dive operation.

Boats require fuel.

Travelling from one side of the Gili Islands to another naturally uses more fuel than repeatedly visiting sites close to the dive center.

As fuel and general operating costs increase, there can therefore be a financial incentive for dive operations to concentrate on nearby sites.

That is understandable from a business perspective.

But from the diver’s perspective, it can mean less variety.

A dive center may advertise the diving possibilities of the entire Gili Islands while its regular schedule concentrates on a much smaller selection.

That is why we recommend asking a simple question before booking a multi-day dive package:

“Which dive sites do you actually visit regularly?”

The answer may tell you much more than a map showing 20 different dive sites.

The Oceans 5 Gili Air Philosophy: Dive the Marine Park

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we look at diving as part of hospitality.

Our guests have often travelled thousands of kilometers to visit Indonesia and the Gili Islands. We want them to experience as much of the underwater environment as reasonably possible rather than simply taking them to whichever dive site requires the shortest boat journey.

That is why our normal daily schedule is designed to explore different parts of the marine park [2].

08:30 – Gili Trawangan Area

Our morning departure can take divers toward the sites around Gili Trawangan.

This gives us opportunities to visit famous locations such as Shark Point, Halik and other sites in the area.

11:30 – Gili Meno Area

Our midday departure can concentrate on the Gili Meno area.

Turtle Heaven, Meno Slope, Bounty Wreck and other sites provide very different diving experiences.

14:30 – Gili Air or Lombok Area

Our afternoon dive generally gives us the opportunity to explore sites closer to Gili Air or selected sites toward Lombok.

That means someone doing several dives with Oceans 5 can potentially experience very different parts of the Gili diving area.

We don’t want to advertise approximately 20 dive sites and then repeatedly visit only four or five.

We want our divers to experience the whole area.

Nature Makes the Final Decision

There is one very important qualification.

We can make schedules.

The ocean doesn’t read them.

Currents are an important characteristic of diving around the Gili Islands. Conditions can change depending on tides, weather, wind and other environmental factors. Responsible dive planning therefore requires adapting the dive to the actual conditions and to the abilities of the divers [4].

At Oceans 5, our site selection considers factors including:

  • Current
  • Wind
  • Waves
  • Diver experience
  • Certification level
  • Recent diving experience
  • The interests of our divers

We normally publish the following day’s diving schedule one day in advance.

But that schedule is never more important than the actual conditions.

If nature tells us that another site is the safer or better option, we change the schedule.

That isn’t poor planning.

That is responsible dive planning.

You Can Request a Dive Site

There is another advantage to operating across a wide selection of sites.

You can talk to us.

If you have already been diving for several days and there is a particular dive site you would like to visit, tell the Oceans 5 team.

Maybe you want to search for sharks.

Maybe you haven’t seen enough turtles yet—which can be difficult to imagine around the Gilis!

Maybe you love macro photography and would rather spend an hour searching for tiny creatures than looking for another turtle.

Maybe you want to visit a wreck.

Or perhaps there is simply one dive site on your wish list that you haven’t visited yet.

If conditions, diver experience, certification level and logistics allow it, we can consider your request when creating the schedule.

That is part of hospitality.

What About Learning to Dive?

For beginner divers, this variety can be particularly valuable.

Learning scuba diving isn’t simply about completing a list of skills and receiving a certification card.

You are learning to become a diver.

A modern entry-level scuba course teaches essential knowledge, equipment use, underwater skills, buoyancy control and safe diving practices before certification [5].

But experience also matters.

Different dive sites can introduce a new diver to different situations:

  • Changing currents
  • Different bottom compositions
  • Slopes
  • Reefs
  • Different depths
  • Different marine life
  • Different underwater orientations

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our teaching philosophy focuses strongly on neutral buoyancy and realistic diving techniques[2].

We don’t want students to learn skills in ways that only work during their course.

We want them to develop the buoyancy, awareness and confidence they need when they become independent certified divers.

Experiencing different underwater environments can be part of that development.

Gili Air or Gili Trawangan: Which Is Better?

So which island wins?

There isn’t one answer for everybody.

For nightlife, bars, restaurants and a larger tourism scene, many travellers may prefer Gili Trawangan.

For travellers looking for a somewhat different island atmosphere while still having access to diving throughout the marine park, Gili Air can be an excellent base.

But from a purely diving perspective, we think there is a more important question.

Don’t ask only which island has the best dive sites.

Ask:

“Will my dive center actually take me to them?”

The best dive center for your holiday isn’t necessarily the one closest to Shark Point, Turtle Heaven or Hans Reef.

It is a dive center willing to look at conditions, listen to its divers and explore the wider marine park whenever conditions allow.

One Marine Park, Many Different Dives

Gili Trawangan gives us famous shark and turtle sites.

Gili Meno gives us excellent turtle diving, slopes and the Bounty Wreck.

Gili Air offers reefs, walls, turtles and fascinating macro opportunities.

The areas between the islands and toward Lombok add even more possibilities.

Together, they create the diving destination people know as the Gili Islands.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, that is how we believe the area should be experienced.

Not one island.

Not four dive sites.

The whole marine park.

Because when someone travels halfway around the world for a diving holiday, our job isn’t simply to put them underwater.

Our job is to show them what the Gili Islands have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gili Air or Gili Trawangan better for beginner divers?

Both islands provide access to suitable dive sites, so the quality of the dive center and instructor can be more important than the island itself. Beginners should look for small groups, experienced instructors, good training facilities and a dive center that selects sites according to conditions and student ability.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, beginner training focuses strongly on neutral buoyancy and preparing students for realistic open-water diving rather than simply completing the required skills [2].

Can I dive around Gili Trawangan if I stay on Gili Air?

Yes. Staying on Gili Air doesn’t mean you can only dive around Gili Air. Oceans 5 regularly schedules dives around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air and selected sites toward Lombok, depending on conditions [2].

How many dive sites are there around the Gili Islands?

Around 20 sites are commonly associated with the wider Gili diving area. Oceans 5 roughly divides these into six around Gili Trawangan, five around Gili Meno, four around Gili Air, three between the islands and two toward Lombok [2]. Names and exact classifications can vary between dive operators.

Where is the best place to see turtles?

Turtles can be encountered throughout the Gili Islands, but Turtle Heaven and Meno Slope around Gili Meno are particularly well known for turtle encounters. Green and hawksbill turtles are among the species regularly encountered in the area [3].

Where is the best place to see sharks?

Shark Point around Gili Trawangan is one of the best-known Gili dive sites for the possibility of seeing reef sharks. However, sharks are wild animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed.

Is there macro diving around the Gili Islands?

Yes. The Gilis aren’t only about turtles and sharks. Sites around Gili Air can provide opportunities to search for smaller marine life, including nudibranchs, pipefish, frogfish, crustaceans and octopus. Macro enthusiasts should tell the dive center what they are interested in seeing so guides can take those interests into account.

Are there wreck dives around the Gili Islands?

Yes. Two examples are the Bounty Wreck near Gili Meno and Glenn Nusa around Gili Trawangan [2]. Whether a particular wreck is appropriate depends on conditions, depth and the diver’s certification and experience.

Can I request a specific dive site at Oceans 5 Gili Air?

Yes. Divers are welcome to request particular sites. We cannot guarantee every request because currents, wind, waves, diver experience and logistics must always be considered, but requests are taken into account when planning the schedule [2].

Does Oceans 5 publish its dive schedule?

Yes. Oceans 5 normally publishes the next day’s schedule one day in advance. However, the schedule can change if ocean or weather conditions make another dive site more appropriate [2].

Why doesn’t Oceans 5 guarantee a particular dive site?

Because safety and conditions come first. Currents, waves and wind can change. A dive site that looks perfect when the schedule is prepared may not be the best choice when the boat arrives. Responsible diving means adapting the plan to the actual conditions [4].

Can beginners experience different dive sites during an Open Water course?

Yes, when conditions and course logistics allow. Different underwater environments can help students gain experience while applying the buoyancy, awareness and diving skills learned during their training. The instructor will always select sites appropriate for the student’s level and the conditions [5].

What should I ask a dive center before booking a Gili Islands diving holiday?

Don’t ask only, “How many dive sites are there?”

Ask:

“Which dive sites do you actually visit regularly?”

If you are planning multiple days of diving, also ask whether the center visits sites around all three islands, whether you can request particular sites and how they decide the daily schedule.

References

[1] Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries / BKKPN Kupang – Official information and management framework relating to the Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park and marine conservation areas in Indonesia.

[2] Oceans 5 Gili Air – Operational dive-site knowledge, daily boat scheduling, site distribution, diver-request policy, local diving experience and Oceans 5 training philosophy.

[3] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species – Species information for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), including habitat, distribution and conservation status.

[4] Divers Alert Network (DAN) – General diving safety guidance concerning environmental conditions, currents, dive planning and matching dives to diver experience.

[5] Scuba Schools International (SSI) – Open Water Diver training standards and educational framework covering entry-level scuba knowledge, skills, buoyancy, equipment and safe diving practices.

How Much Does Scuba Diving Cost on Gili Air in 2026?

Leave a reply
Scuba Diving Cost | Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air

Scuba Diving Costs

If you are planning a diving holiday to the Gili Islands, one of the first things you will probably search online is:

How much does scuba diving cost on Gili Air?

It is a perfectly reasonable question.

There are several dive centers on Gili Air, and when people compare them, price is often one of the first things they look at. One shop charges one amount, another shop is slightly cheaper, and another might be more expensive.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we are very open about something:

We are not trying to be the cheapest dive center on Gili Air.

And there are good reasons for that.

Oceans 5 is an SSI Instructor Training Center with purpose-built training facilities, two large training pools and three dive boats.[1][2] We are also strongly involved in marine conservation and work with organizations and institutions including BKKPN and the University of Mataram.[3][4]

For us, the price of a dive is not simply the cost of putting a tank on your back and taking you underwater.

Behind every dive are instructors, Divemasters, boats, compressors, equipment maintenance, swimming pools, training facilities, safety procedures, staff salaries and conservation activities.

So instead of only asking:

“How much does diving cost?”

We think divers should also ask:

“Where does my money go?”

Scuba Diving Prices at Oceans 5 Gili Air in 2026

Let’s start with the numbers.

Three of our main diving prices in 2026 are:

Diving Activity2026 Price
Guided Fun DiveIDR 700,000 per dive
Introduction DiveIDR 1,500,000
SSI Open Water Diver CourseIDR 7,000,000

Looking only at this table makes comparing dive centers easy.

But it doesn’t tell you the whole story.

What kind of facilities will you use?

How many people will be in your group?

Who will guide you?

How well is the equipment maintained?

Who fills your tank?

How are the employees treated?

Does the dive center invest in the local community?

Does some of your money go back into protecting the marine environment where you are diving?

Those questions are much more difficult to put into a price-comparison table.

Fun Diving on Gili Air – IDR 700,000 per Dive

A guided fun dive at Oceans 5 Gili Air costs IDR 700,000 per dive in 2026.

Of course, you can look around Gili Air and compare that price with other dive centers.

But what are you comparing?

A fun dive isn’t simply 50 minutes underwater.

You need a properly maintained BCD and regulator. You need a cylinder containing quality breathing gas. You need a qualified guide. You need a boat, captain and crew. You need safety equipment. You need people behind the scenes maintaining the equipment, filling cylinders and organizing the dive operation.

And importantly, you need a group size that allows your Divemaster to actually guide you.

At Oceans 5, we deliberately employ and train local SSI Divemasters so we can keep our diving groups small.

That costs more than putting a large number of customers behind one guide.

But that isn’t how we want to dive.

Introduction Dive – IDR 1,500,000

Never been scuba diving before?

Our Introduction Dive costs IDR 1,500,000.

For somebody breathing underwater for the first time, we believe the environment is incredibly important.

You shouldn’t feel rushed.

You shouldn’t feel like another number.

You shouldn’t have to squeeze into an overcrowded pool while several other groups are trying to conduct their training around you.

Oceans 5 has two large training pools, giving our instructors and students plenty of space.[2]

Why does that matter?

Because learning to scuba dive is largely about becoming comfortable.

Your first breaths underwater can feel strange. Your equipment feels different. You have to learn how to move, equalize your ears and communicate underwater.

A relaxed environment gives you time to adapt.

We don’t want to treat divers like cattle being moved through a production line.

We want to know your name.

SSI Open Water Diver Course – IDR 7,000,000

The SSI Open Water Diver Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air costs IDR 7,000,000 in 2026.

This is perhaps where price comparison becomes even more misleading.

An Open Water course can have the same certification at two different dive centers but provide two completely different learning experiences.

Ask yourself:

How many students will be in my group?

How much pool space will I have?

Will my instructor have time for me if I struggle with a skill?

Can we spend another 20 minutes practising if necessary?

Or does the instructor have to finish because another group needs the pool?

At Oceans 5, our goal isn’t simply to produce another certification card.

Our goal is to produce a comfortable, safe and confident diver.

Oceans 5 is an SSI Instructor Training Center, meaning we don’t only teach beginners—we also train the professionals who will teach future generations of divers.[1]

That creates a responsibility to practise the same standards we teach.

Why Does Oceans 5 Have Two Large Swimming Pools?

Space costs money.

Swimming pools cost money to build.

They cost money to maintain.

So why have two?

Because a spacious training environment makes a difference.

Our two large pools allow different courses to operate without everybody competing for the same small training area.[2]

A beginner can practise comfortably.

An Open Water student can repeat skills.

A Rescue course can work in another section.

Divemasters can develop their skills.

Instructor candidates can practise teaching.

Nobody benefits when a pool becomes an underwater traffic jam.

A calm environment helps students relax, and relaxed students generally learn better.

That is part of what you are paying for.

Three Dive Boats Give Us Flexibility

Oceans 5 operates three dive boats, another part of our purpose-built diving infrastructure.[2]

Again, operating several boats isn’t the cheapest way to run a dive center.

Boats require engines, fuel, maintenance, captains, crew and permits.

But several boats give us flexibility.

We can organize divers according to experience, courses and dive plans instead of simply asking:

“How many divers can we put on one boat?”

We prefer to ask:

“How can we organize today’s diving properly?”

There is a big difference between those two approaches.

Small Groups Need More Dive Professionals

Keeping groups small sounds great.

But small groups have a financial consequence.

You need more Divemasters.

If one Divemaster guides eight or ten customers, the cost per customer is lower than when groups are kept small.

Oceans 5 has deliberately trained and employed local SSI Divemasters so we don’t need to create oversized groups.

A Divemaster with a small group can pay attention to the divers.

They can monitor air consumption.

They can watch buoyancy.

They can see whether somebody is uncomfortable.

They can spend more time looking for turtles, sharks, nudibranchs and other marine life instead of constantly counting heads.

For us, that is what guiding should be.

Supporting Local Dive Professionals

There is another reason why we invest in Indonesian Divemasters.

Oceans 5 is part of Gili Air.

Tourism should create opportunities for the people living in the destination.

We don’t want our guiding operation to depend on foreign visitors effectively working in exchange for free dives.

We invest in local people.

We train them.

We employ them.

We pay them.

We help them develop careers in the Indonesian diving industry.

That costs more.

We think it is money well spent.

When you pay IDR 700,000 for a fun dive, part of that money is supporting professional local employment.

Good Instructors Need to Be Paid Properly

The same principle applies to our instructors.

Oceans 5 doesn’t believe the solution to busy periods is simply having a huge rotating collection of instructors.

We prefer a smaller professional team that knows our operation, understands our philosophy and stays with us.

Our employees are among the most important assets of Oceans 5.

And good employees should be paid properly.

Why does that matter to you as a customer?

Because there can be consequences when dive professionals are underpaid or forced to maximize the number of courses they teach.

Courses can become rushed.

Extra pool time becomes inconvenient.

Briefings become shorter.

Standards can come under pressure.

The student who needs additional practice becomes a problem because another course starts tomorrow.

We don’t want that environment.

As an SSI Instructor Training Center, Oceans 5 teaches future instructors that standards matter and that becoming an instructor involves far more than simply passing an evaluation.[1][5]

We therefore need to demonstrate that philosophy in our own daily operation.

Professional Equipment Maintenance Costs Money

Rental scuba equipment spends its life in a difficult environment.

Salt water is not friendly to equipment.

Regulators, BCD inflators, alternate air sources, gauges, hoses and valves all need inspection and maintenance.

At Oceans 5, equipment maintenance isn’t simply something somebody does when they have spare time.

We have a dedicated person responsible for our equipment who has received specialized training to maintain the Aqualung equipment we use.

Customers normally don’t see this work.

And ideally, you shouldn’t notice it.

You put on your equipment, conduct your safety check and go diving.

But behind that simple experience are many hours of inspection, cleaning, servicing and maintenance.

That is also part of your IDR 700,000 dive.

What About the Air Inside Your Tank?

This might be one of the least considered parts of choosing a dive center.

People look at boats.

They look at swimming pools.

They look at equipment.

But how many people ask:

“How is my tank filled?”

At Oceans 5, our compressor team operates a modern system including a membrane system for Nitrox production, a Nitrox filling station and a specialized cooling system.

Every tank is filled with attention.

Our team checks the air quality daily.

Producing good breathing gas requires investment in compressors, filters, cooling systems, maintenance, testing and trained staff.

You probably won’t see any of this when you arrive for your dive.

Your cylinder will simply be ready.

But it is another example of what sits behind the price you pay.

We Also Take Care of the People Taking Care of You

Our Divemasters and instructors dive a lot more than the average holiday diver.

You might make six or eight dives during your holiday.

A dive professional can be underwater almost every working day.

That repeated exposure matters.

At Oceans 5, we therefore pay attention to our staff’s dive profiles.

Our professionals aren’t allowed to make unnecessary reverse profiles simply because it makes the daily schedule easier—for example, doing a 12-meter dive in the morning and then planning a 30-meter dive in the afternoon.

Our regularly diving instructors and Divemasters are Nitrox certified and use Nitrox for their working dives according to our operational requirements.

That is an additional cost for Oceans 5.

But our staff aren’t machines.

If we expect them to take care of our customers every day, we should also take care of them.

Free Coffee, Tea and Water

Not everything has to be about complicated diving systems.

Sometimes little things matter.

At Oceans 5, coffee, tea and drinking water are available free of charge.

Have a coffee during your briefing.

Refill your water bottle.

Sit down while you’re waiting for your guide.

Talk to your instructor after the dive.

Stay for a while.

We don’t want Oceans 5 to feel like a bus station where you arrive, receive your equipment, dive and disappear.

Diving is social.

Many friendships in diving start with a conversation before or after a dive.

Conservation Is Part of Where Your Money Goes

Oceans 5 doesn’t see conservation as a fashionable marketing word.

Our business depends on the ocean.

If the reefs disappear, marine life declines and the Gili Matra Marine Park deteriorates, eventually there will be much less reason for tourists to come here to dive.

That is why Oceans 5 invests in conservation.

Our conservation activities include environmental education, cleanups and marine-science collaboration.[3] Oceans 5 has also established a partnership with the University of Mataram, supporting marine science students and research around the Gili Islands.[4]

Oceans 5 also works with BKKPN in relation to conservation and protection of the Gili Matra Marine Park.[3]

We don’t believe every conservation project should have to wait for a grant.

Oceans 5 invests its own money in conservation activities and research partnerships.

That money ultimately has to come from running a sustainable business.

So part of what you spend diving with us helps us continue supporting the environment that makes diving around the Gili Islands possible.

Why Being an SSI Instructor Training Center Matters

Oceans 5 isn’t simply a place where tourists arrive for a fun dive.

We are an SSI Instructor Training Center.[1]

We train Divemasters.

We train instructors.

We train the people who will eventually be responsible for teaching other people how to dive.

That means our Instructor Candidates are watching what happens around them.

We can’t teach:

“Keep your groups small.”

…and then put huge groups behind our own guides.

We can’t say:

“Respect training standards.”

…and then rush our own students.

We can’t teach:

“Protect the marine environment.”

…and then ignore conservation ourselves.

And we can’t tell future instructors:

“Look after your students and staff.”

…while treating our own employees badly.

Oceans 5’s SSI Instructor Training philosophy emphasizes small groups, individual feedback, realistic teaching and developing confident professionals rather than simply teaching candidates how to pass an evaluation.[1][5]

Our daily dive operation should demonstrate the same philosophy.

Cheap Diving and Good-Value Diving Are Not the Same Thing

There is absolutely nothing wrong with comparing prices.

Everybody has a holiday budget.

And we aren’t saying that another dive center charging less is automatically a bad dive center.

It isn’t.

Different businesses have different structures, facilities, staff and priorities.

Likewise, a more expensive dive center isn’t automatically better simply because it charges more.

Price alone doesn’t tell you enough.

What Oceans 5 can do is explain why our prices are what they are.

When you pay:

IDR 700,000 for a fun dive

IDR 1,500,000 for an Introduction Dive

or

IDR 7,000,000 for your SSI Open Water Diver Course

your money contributes to much more than the minutes you spend underwater.

It helps us invest in:

  • Two large training pools
  • Three dive boats
  • Small diving groups
  • Qualified local SSI Divemasters
  • Professional instructors
  • Fair staff salaries
  • Professional equipment maintenance
  • Compressor and Nitrox infrastructure
  • Daily attention to breathing-gas quality
  • Nitrox for regularly diving professional staff
  • Responsible staff dive profiles
  • Free coffee, tea and drinking water
  • SSI professional education
  • Conservation activities
  • Scientific research partnerships
  • The local Gili Air community

Those things cost money.

And we are happy to explain why we spend it.

Before Choosing a Dive Center on Gili Air, Ask Questions

When you arrive on Gili Air and start comparing diving prices, don’t only ask:

“How much is a dive?”

Ask:

  • How many divers will be in my group?
  • How many students are there per instructor?
  • Who will guide me?
  • Are the guides qualified dive professionals?
  • How is the rental equipment maintained?
  • Who services the regulators and BCDs?
  • How are the cylinders filled?
  • How is breathing-gas quality checked?
  • What training facilities are available?
  • How crowded are the pools?
  • How crowded are the boats?
  • Does the dive center invest in its employees?
  • Does it employ local dive professionals?
  • Does it support conservation?
  • Does it contribute to the local community?
  • And most importantly, will I be treated as a person or simply as another number?

Then compare prices.

Where Does Your Diving Money Go?

Perhaps this is the question we should ask more often.

Imagine another dive center charges IDR 50,000 or IDR 100,000 less for a dive.

The immediate reaction might be:

“That’s cheaper. Let’s go there.”

But when you are spending millions of rupiah on flights, hotels, restaurants and a holiday in Indonesia, perhaps saving a relatively small amount shouldn’t automatically be the deciding factor for an activity where equipment, training, professional supervision and safety matter.

Instead, ask:

Where does my money go?

Does it create jobs for local people?

Does it help retain experienced instructors?

Does it maintain equipment?

Does it produce quality breathing gas?

Does it keep groups small?

Does it provide spacious training facilities?

Does it maintain boats?

Does it support conservation?

Does it contribute to marine research?

Does it allow instructors to spend additional time with a student who needs it?

Those are things you don’t necessarily see on a price board outside a dive shop.

But they can make a huge difference to your diving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a fun dive on Gili Air in 2026?

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, a guided fun dive costs IDR 700,000 per dive in 2026.

When comparing fun-dive prices, we recommend looking beyond the price itself and considering group size, guide qualifications, equipment maintenance, boats, breathing-gas systems and the overall quality of the operation.

How much does an Introduction Dive cost at Oceans 5 Gili Air?

An Introduction Dive costs IDR 1,500,000.

It is designed for people who have never dived before and want to experience scuba diving in a controlled environment before entering the ocean.

How much does the SSI Open Water Diver Course cost on Gili Air?

The SSI Open Water Diver Course at Oceans 5 Gili Air costs IDR 7,000,000 in 2026.

The course is about much more than receiving a certification card. We focus on creating comfortable and confident divers in a spacious training environment.

Is Oceans 5 the cheapest dive center on Gili Air?

No.

Oceans 5 isn’t trying to be the cheapest dive center on Gili Air.

Our prices reflect investments in staff, small groups, two large pools, three boats, equipment maintenance, compressor systems, Nitrox, professional education and conservation.

Why can diving prices differ between dive centers?

Every dive center has a different cost structure.

Group sizes, staff salaries, facilities, equipment, maintenance procedures, boats, compressor systems, training philosophy and conservation programs can all influence the final price.

That is why comparing only the headline price doesn’t necessarily tell you which dive center offers the best value.

Does Oceans 5 use local Divemasters?

Yes.

Oceans 5 invests in training and employing Indonesian dive professionals. Supporting local employment and creating professional opportunities for Indonesians is an important part of our philosophy.

Why are small dive groups important?

Small groups allow the Divemaster to pay more attention to individual divers.

It becomes easier to monitor air consumption, buoyancy and comfort, while also giving the guide more opportunity to find and point out marine life.

Why does Oceans 5 have two swimming pools?

Our two large training pools give students and instructors space to practise without several courses being crowded into the same small area.[2]

We believe a relaxed learning environment is particularly important for beginner divers.

Is Oceans 5 an SSI Instructor Training Center?

Yes.

Oceans 5 Gili Air is an SSI Instructor Training Center offering training from beginner through professional instructor level.[1] The center’s professional training philosophy focuses on small groups, individual feedback and preparing instructors for real-world teaching.[1][5]

Does Oceans 5 support marine conservation?

Yes.

Conservation is integrated into Oceans 5’s activities and diver education.[3] Oceans 5 has a marine-science partnership with the University of Mataram and supports research and educational opportunities for Indonesian students.[4]

Should I choose a dive center based on price?

Price is worth considering, but it shouldn’t be the only factor.

Consider safety, group size, instructor and guide qualifications, facilities, equipment maintenance, breathing-gas quality, boats, staff welfare, local employment and environmental responsibility.

Compare value, not just price.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Compare Prices—Compare Dive Centers

Gili Air is an amazing place to learn how to dive and an equally fantastic destination for certified divers.

Having several dive centers to choose from is a good thing.

But when comparing them, look further than the number written on the price board.

Visit the dive center.

Look at the swimming pool.

Look at the boats.

Look at the equipment.

Meet the instructors.

Talk to the Divemasters.

Ask about group sizes.

Ask who maintains the equipment.

Ask how the tanks are filled.

Ask about safety.

Ask about conservation.

And see how the staff and customers are treated.

Then make your decision.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we know we aren’t the cheapest dive center.

But we can explain where the money goes.

Into our people.

Into our facilities.

Into our equipment.

Into safety.

Into professional training.

Into the local community.

Into conservation and marine research.

And back into the ocean that makes our entire diving industry possible.

So next time you come to Gili Air and want to dive, don’t only look at the price.

Look at what is behind it.

References

[1] Oceans 5 Gili Air – SSI Instructor Training Course
Oceans 5’s SSI Instructor Training information describes the center’s professional training program, small candidate groups, realistic teaching methods and environmental-awareness philosophy.

[2] Oceans 5 Gili Air – Purpose-Built Training Facilities
Oceans 5 describes its training infrastructure as including two large training pools, spacious training areas and three dive boats.

[3] Oceans 5 Gili Air – Conservation and Gili Matra Marine Park
Oceans 5 describes conservation as part of its daily operations and its ongoing involvement with BKKPN and protection of the Gili Matra Marine Park.

[4] Oceans 5 Gili Air & University of Mataram – Marine Conservation Partnership
Oceans 5’s partnership with the University of Mataram supports marine surveys, research around the Gili Islands and practical opportunities for Indonesian marine-science students.

[5] Oceans 5 Gili Air – Modern SSI Instructor Training in Indonesia
Oceans 5’s instructor-training philosophy emphasizes teaching quality, realistic training, environmental awareness and preparing candidates to become confident dive professionals rather than simply passing an evaluation.

The History of Gili Air

Leave a reply
Gili Air | Holiday Destination Asia | Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air
Gili Air | Holiday Destination Asia | Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air

From a Small Fishing Community to an International Island Destination

Today, Gili Air is known around the world as a tropical holiday destination. Travellers come here to scuba dive, snorkel with turtles, relax on white-sand beaches, practice yoga and enjoy an island without conventional cars or motorbikes.

But Gili Air did not start as a tourist destination.

Long before dive centres, hotels, restaurants and beach bars appeared, life on the island was shaped by the sea, the land and one especially valuable resource: water.

The earliest communities were connected closely with Lombok and other parts of the Indonesian archipelago. Fishing, coconut cultivation, small-scale agriculture, livestock and trading were much more important than tourism.

Understanding this history is important because modern Gili Air did not simply appear when foreign travellers discovered it. The island already had its own community, traditions and relationship with the ocean.

Where Is Gili Air?

Gili Air is the easternmost of the three well-known Gili Islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The islands lie off the northwest coast of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.

The word “gili” means small island in the Sasak language used on Lombok. There are therefore many islands around Lombok whose names contain the word Gili.

Gili Air is the closest of the three islands to mainland Lombok.

That geographical position played an important role in its development.

For people travelling by traditional boat, the relatively short crossing from Lombok made Gili Air accessible for fishing, collecting resources, trading and eventually permanent settlement.

Who Were the First People of Gili Air?

The earliest history of Gili Air is not documented in the same way as the history of a large Indonesian town or city.

There is no single historical record telling us that one particular person arrived on one particular date and founded Gili Air.

Much of the island’s early story has therefore been passed down through oral history and has to be understood within the wider history of Lombok and eastern Indonesia.

The population of the Gili Islands has historically been associated particularly with Sasak communities from Lombok, together with connections to Bugis and other maritime communities from elsewhere in Indonesia.[1]

This makes sense geographically.

The Sasak are the majority ethnic group on Lombok, only a short boat ride away. Fishing families could travel between the mainland and the islands relatively easily.

Bugis communities also have a long maritime tradition throughout Indonesia. Bugis sailors, fishermen and traders travelled widely across the Indonesian archipelago and established communities far from their original homeland in South Sulawesi.

The early population of Gili Air should therefore not be seen as one isolated group.

Like many small Indonesian islands, the community developed through migration, fishing, trade, marriage and movement between islands.

Why Did People Stay on Gili Air?

To understand why people stayed permanently on Gili Air, we have to imagine the island before tourism.

There were no luxury villas.

There were no dive centres.

There were no international restaurants.

There were no fast boats carrying hundreds of tourists every day.

People needed very basic things to survive: food, shelter and, most importantly, water.

This is where Gili Air had an important advantage.

The island was known for having accessible groundwater. For fishermen and families travelling between Lombok and the small offshore islands, the possibility of obtaining relatively fresh water made Gili Air more suitable for permanent settlement.

This connection with water is also traditionally associated with the island’s name.

In the Sasak language, “gili” means small island, while in Bahasa Indonesia “air” means water.

Gili Air can therefore be understood as “Water Island.”

For people considering permanent life on a small tropical island, access to water was essential.

Excellent fishing grounds were useful, but fishing alone was not enough to create a permanent settlement. Families needed water for drinking, cooking, washing, livestock and agriculture.

Gili Air had groundwater that could be reached through wells.

This water should not necessarily be compared with modern bottled drinking water. Groundwater on small coral islands can contain minerals and some salt, and saltwater intrusion is an ongoing issue.

However, historically, the availability of relatively fresh groundwater made an enormous difference.

Instead of fishermen only travelling to the island temporarily and then returning to Lombok, people could stay.

And staying changed everything.

Water, Fishing and Proximity to Lombok

Gili Air offered a valuable combination of three things: water, productive fishing grounds and proximity to Lombok.

The island lies closer to mainland Lombok than either Gili Meno or Gili Trawangan.

For Sasak fishermen and families from the northwest coast of Lombok, the crossing was manageable using traditional boats.

The surrounding seas provided fish.

The island provided land where people could grow coconuts, keep animals and establish homes.

And the groundwater provided the resource that made more permanent life possible.

Over time, temporary use became settlement.

Settlement became community.

And Gili Air became home.

This may also help explain why Gili Air developed as a more established local community compared with the other two islands.

Even today, the name of the island reminds us of one of the most basic reasons people could live here.

Water.

Life as a Fishing Community

For generations, the ocean was effectively Gili Air’s workplace.

Fishing was not a tourist attraction.

It was food, income and survival.

Fishermen depended on their knowledge of currents, seasons, weather, reefs and fish behaviour.

This knowledge was not learned through apps or online weather reports. It was passed from one generation to another.

Traditional boats were essential.

They allowed fishermen to reach different fishing grounds, but they also connected Gili Air with Lombok.

Supplies could be brought to the island, while fish, coconuts and other products could be transported to markets on the mainland.

This is something easily forgotten today.

The people of Gili Air had an economic relationship with the ocean long before tourists came here to snorkel or scuba dive.

Farming and Coconut Cultivation

Fishing was important, but it was not the only activity.

Older Gili Air looked very different from the island visitors see today.

Large parts of the interior were covered with coconut palms and relatively open land.

Families grew coconuts, maintained small gardens and kept livestock.

Before hotels and villas occupied much of the island, the landscape was much more rural.

Coconuts were especially valuable.

They could be consumed locally, traded or sold, and coconut trees became an important part of the traditional landscape throughout Lombok and the Gili Islands.

The combination of fishing, farming, livestock and trade allowed families to survive without tourism.

Life was simpler, but also physically demanding.

Everything depended on local resources and boat connections with Lombok.

A Quiet Island Before Tourism

For most of its history, Gili Air was certainly not internationally famous.

There was no airport bringing international travellers directly to Lombok.

There were no daily fast boats from Bali.

There were no online booking platforms.

There was no Instagram.

Life revolved around the local community.

People knew their neighbours.

Fishing families were connected to one another.

Lombok remained economically, culturally and socially important.

Visitors looking at Gili Air today can find it difficult to imagine just how limited development once was.

Electricity, fresh water distribution, communications, accommodation and transportation were all very different from today.

Then travellers started discovering Lombok and the Gili Islands.

When Did Tourism Start on Gili Air?

Tourism around Lombok and the Gili Islands began developing significantly during the 1970s and especially the 1980s and 1990s.

The earliest international visitors were generally not luxury travellers.

Many were backpackers.

Indonesia was becoming an important part of the Southeast Asian backpacking route.

Bali was already internationally famous, and more adventurous travellers began moving eastwards toward Lombok.

The Gili Islands offered something very different.

There were beautiful beaches, clear water, coral reefs, cheap accommodation and a relaxed village atmosphere.

Early accommodation was simple.

Instead of swimming pools, air-conditioned villas and boutique resorts, visitors stayed in basic locally operated bungalows and homestays.

Tourism grew gradually.

Gili Trawangan developed a strong backpacker and nightlife reputation.

Gili Meno became known as the quietest of the three.

Gili Air developed its own identity somewhere between the two.

It maintained a strong local population while also becoming increasingly popular with tourists.

Lombok itself has been part of the international backpacking route since at least the 1980s, with tourism expanding substantially afterwards.[3]

Scuba Diving Changes the Islands

One of the biggest transformations came with scuba diving.

The same reefs that had supported fishing families also proved extremely attractive to recreational divers.

Warm tropical water, turtles, sharks, coral reefs and relatively short boat rides between dive sites made the Gili Islands an excellent diving destination.

Dive centres started to appear and gradually became a major part of the islands’ economies.

This created an entirely new form of employment.

A young person growing up on Gili Air or Lombok no longer necessarily had to become a fisherman.

He or she could become a boat crew member, compressor operator, divemaster, dive instructor, hotel employee, restaurant worker or tourism entrepreneur.

The sea was still providing income.

But the economic model had changed.

Instead of catching a fish and selling it once, tourism created value from keeping marine life alive and allowing thousands of visitors to see it.

That transformation would eventually become closely linked with conservation.

The Creation of the Gili Matra Protected Area

As tourism increased, so did awareness that the marine environment required protection.

In 1993, the waters surrounding Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan received formal protected-area status through Indonesian government regulation.[4]

The conservation area eventually became what is now known as the Gili Matra Marine Conservation Area.

Management responsibilities later developed under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, with BKKPN Kupang involved in managing the area.[4]

This represented an important change.

The reefs were no longer seen only as fishing grounds or tourism attractions.

They were formally recognized as ecosystems requiring protection and management.

Today, the Gili Matra area contains important coral reef and seagrass habitats and supports species such as sea turtles, reef sharks and many other marine animals.[5]

Tourism Becomes the Main Economy

During the 2000s and 2010s, development accelerated dramatically.

More dive centres opened.

Simple bungalows became resorts.

Restaurants became more sophisticated.

Internet access improved.

Fast boats connected the islands directly with Bali.

Online booking platforms allowed someone sitting in Amsterdam, London, Sydney or New York to reserve accommodation on Gili Air within minutes.

Land that had once had relatively little commercial value became extremely valuable.

For many local families, this created enormous opportunities.

Families opened homestays, restaurants, shops, transport businesses and tourism services.

Others rented or sold land to Indonesian or foreign investors.

Within only a few generations, the economic structure of Gili Air had changed completely.

Are There Still Fishing Families on Gili Air?

Yes.

This is an important part of the island’s story.

Fishing has not completely disappeared.

There are still families on Gili Air with strong fishing traditions, and some residents continue to fish.

Boats and fishing remain part of local island life.

But fishing no longer holds the dominant economic position it once did.

Tourism has created many other options.

A son or daughter of a fisherman may choose to become a divemaster.

Another family member may work in a hotel.

Someone else may own a restaurant, operate a boat, work in construction or rent rooms to tourists.

The fishing families did not necessarily disappear.

Their occupations changed.

This distinction is important.

When visitors meet a divemaster, boat captain, restaurant owner or hotel worker today, they may not realize that the person’s father or grandfather could have spent his life fishing the same waters where tourists now dive.

From Fishing to Conservation

One of the most interesting changes in Gili Air’s history is how the economic value of the reef has changed.

Originally, the reef was primarily viewed as a source of food and other resources.

Today, a healthy reef has enormous value precisely because it remains alive.

Healthy coral attracts divers and snorkellers.

Turtles attract visitors.

Sharks have become animals that divers travel thousands of kilometres to see.

Healthy seagrass and coral ecosystems support biodiversity, fisheries and tourism simultaneously.

This has encouraged cooperation between government agencies, local communities and tourism businesses.

The Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has highlighted cooperation between communities and businesses in protecting biodiversity in Gili Matra.[2]

In 2024 and 2025, BKKPN Kupang and Oceans 5 Gili Air signed a conservation partnership involving ecosystem rehabilitation, biodiversity monitoring and community participation. Oceans 5 Gili Air became in 2021 the first Foreigner Investment Company (PMA) in Indonesia with a conservation status in her company papers.

The relationship between local people and the ocean therefore continues to evolve.

Gili Air Today

Modern Gili Air would be almost unrecognizable to someone who had known the island many decades ago.

International tourists now walk along paths that were once surrounded mainly by coconut trees and simple homes.

Dive boats leave every morning carrying divers from countries around the world.

Restaurants serve Indonesian, Italian, French, Mexican and many other cuisines.

Hotels can be booked online from the other side of the world.

Yet underneath this international tourism industry remains a local Indonesian island community.

That community is essential to Gili Air’s identity.

The island is not simply a holiday resort built for tourists.

It is a living community whose history existed long before tourism and whose families helped shape the island visitors enjoy today.

The Importance of Water Today

There is also an interesting connection between Gili Air’s past and its present.

Water may have been one of the reasons people were able to settle permanently on the island, but water remains one of the island’s biggest challenges today.

The population has grown.

Tourism has increased water demand dramatically.

Hotels, swimming pools, restaurants, gardens and thousands of visitors require much more water than the original fishing and farming community ever did.

At the same time, small islands have fragile groundwater systems.

Excessive groundwater extraction can increase saltwater intrusion, making wells increasingly salty.

This means the resource that may have helped create Gili Air’s first permanent community must still be managed carefully today.

The name Gili Air — Water Island — therefore remains remarkably relevant.

The Next Chapter of Gili Air’s History

The biggest historical question is now what happens next.

Gili Air has already experienced several major transformations.

It developed from a small island used by fishing and farming communities into a permanent settlement.

It later became a backpacker destination.

Then it developed into an internationally recognized tourism and diving destination.

The challenge now is ensuring that development does not destroy the very things that made Gili Air successful.

Coral reefs need protection.

Fresh water needs responsible management.

Waste needs to be controlled.

Construction needs to respect the limitations of a very small island.

And development needs to continue providing opportunities for the local community.

Gili Air’s history teaches us something important.

The island has always depended on its natural environment.

The fishermen depended on the sea.

The farmers depended on the land and groundwater.

Today’s divemasters, instructors, hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses depend on exactly the same environment.

The occupations may have changed.

The fundamental relationship has not.

Without a healthy island, a healthy ocean and responsible access to water, there can be no sustainable future for Gili Air.

Frequently Asked Questions About the History of Gili Air

1. Who were the original inhabitants of Gili Air?

The early population was strongly connected to Lombok, particularly Sasak communities, while the wider Gili Islands also have historical connections with Bugis and other Indonesian maritime communities.[1] Precise details of the earliest permanent settlement are difficult to establish because much of the island’s early history was passed down orally rather than recorded in detailed written documents.

2. Why did people originally settle on Gili Air?

One of the most important reasons was access to water. Gili Air was known for accessible groundwater, which made permanent settlement more practical. Combined with productive fishing grounds, land for coconuts and livestock, and its short distance from Lombok, this made Gili Air an attractive place for families to live rather than simply visit for fishing.

3. Is Gili Air named after water?

The name is commonly associated with water. “Gili” means small island in Sasak, while “air” means water in Bahasa Indonesia. Gili Air can therefore be understood as “Water Island.” Local explanations traditionally connect the name to the presence of groundwater, which was extremely important for permanent settlement.

4. Where did the people of Gili Air come from?

Many families have roots on mainland Lombok, particularly among Sasak communities. There are also historical connections with Bugis and other groups from elsewhere in Indonesia. Migration and intermarriage mean the island’s population should not be viewed as coming from one single group.

5. What did people do before tourism?

Fishing was extremely important, alongside coconut cultivation, small-scale farming, livestock, trading and boat transport. The economy depended much more directly on local natural resources than it does today.

6. When did tourists start visiting Gili Air?

Small numbers of adventurous travellers began discovering Lombok and the Gili Islands before mass tourism developed, with backpacker tourism becoming increasingly important from around the 1980s onwards.[3] Tourism expanded significantly during the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.

7. When did scuba diving become important?

Scuba diving grew alongside tourism and eventually became one of the most important industries on the three Gili Islands. Warm water, turtles, coral reefs and numerous dive sites helped turn the islands into an internationally recognized diving destination.

8. Are there still fishermen on Gili Air?

Yes. Fishing has not disappeared, and there are still local families with strong fishing traditions. However, tourism now provides many alternative sources of employment, so younger generations may instead work as divemasters, boat captains, hotel employees, restaurant owners or in other tourism-related professions.

9. Is Gili Air inside a marine protected area?

Yes. Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan are surrounded by the Gili Matra Marine Conservation Area. Formal protected status dates back to 1993, although its designation and management structure have developed since then.[4]

10. Why is conservation so important to Gili Air?

Coral reefs, seagrass beds and marine animals support biodiversity, fisheries and tourism. The same ecosystem that once primarily supported fishermen now also supports dive centres, hotels, restaurants, boat operators and many tourism-related jobs.[2][5]

11. Has tourism been good or bad for Gili Air?

Tourism has created major economic opportunities, businesses and jobs for local families. At the same time, rapid development increases pressure on land, water, reefs and waste-management systems. The long-term challenge is balancing economic development with environmental protection and the interests of the local community.

12. Is freshwater still important on Gili Air today?

Yes. Water remains one of the island’s most important resources. Tourism has dramatically increased demand, while groundwater on small islands is vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. Responsible water management is therefore just as important for Gili Air’s future as access to water may have been for its earliest permanent residents.

References

[1] International Parks – Gili Matra, Indonesia: Human History. Historical overview discussing traditional use of the Gili Islands by Sasak and Bugis communities and their later development as tourism destinations.

[2] Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Indonesia (KKP), 2023 – Kolaborasi KKP-Masyarakat Jaga Keanekaragaman Hayati Gili Matra. Information on community livelihoods, biodiversity and collaboration between government, communities and tourism businesses in the Gili Matra area.

[3] Historical and tourism accounts of Lombok and the Gili Islands describing the growth of backpacker tourism during the 1980s and its expansion during subsequent decades.

[4] Government of Indonesia – Decree No. 85/Kpts-II/1993, dated 16 February 1993, concerning the protected status of the marine area surrounding Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan, together with subsequent management arrangements under the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries and BKKPN Kupang.

How to Do a Pre-Dive Safety Check

Leave a reply
Pre-Dive Safety Check | Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air

The Habit That Makes Every Dive Safer

For many people who have never tried scuba diving, one of the biggest concerns is safety. They often imagine that once they enter the water, they are completely dependent on their equipment. The reality is very different. Modern scuba equipment is extremely reliable when it is properly maintained and correctly assembled. Even more importantly, every certified diver is taught to check that equipment before every single dive.[1][2]

One of the very first safety habits taught during the SSI Open Water Diver Course is the Pre-Dive Safety Check. This simple procedure takes only a few minutes but dramatically reduces the chance of equipment-related problems underwater.[1]

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, this check is never skipped. Before every boat dive, our instructors and dive guides perform the pre-dive safety check together with their students and certified divers. It has become part of our diving culture because good diving starts before entering the water.

Why Is a Pre-Dive Safety Check Important?

A surprising number of diving incidents are not caused by equipment failures but by equipment that was assembled incorrectly or simply not checked before entering the water.[3]

Examples include:

  • An air cylinder valve that is still partially closed
  • Forgotten weight systems
  • Loose tank straps
  • Regulators connected incorrectly
  • Low cylinder pressure
  • Forgotten mask or fins
  • Loose hoses

Nearly all of these issues can be discovered in less than two minutes during a proper buddy check.

Professional divers perform these checks every day. New divers should develop exactly the same habit from their very first dive.

Safety Starts During the SSI Open Water Course

During the SSI Open Water Diver Course, students don’t simply learn how to breathe underwater.

Book Your Open Water Course Now!

They learn how to become responsible divers.

Throughout the course, instructors repeatedly explain:

  • Equipment assembly
  • Equipment inspection
  • Emergency procedures
  • Buddy communication
  • Safe entries
  • Safe ascents
  • Air management
  • Pre-dive planning
  • Buddy checks

The goal is simple: after certification, divers should be able to prepare themselves safely for every recreational dive.[1]

One of the most important habits learned during the course is performing a pre-dive safety check before entering the water.

The Buddy Check

Scuba diving is a buddy activity.

Your buddy may notice something that you overlooked.

Likewise, you might spot a small issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

The buddy check is not about distrusting your own preparation.

It is about having a second pair of eyes.

Professional pilots use checklists before every flight—even after thousands of flying hours. Divers do exactly the same.

Remembering the Buddy Check: BWRAF

Different diving organizations use slightly different memory aids, but one of the most well-known worldwide is BWRAF.

Many divers remember it with funny phrases such as:

Begin With Review And Friend

or

Breakfast With Rice And Fish

The words are not important.

Remembering the order is.

B – BCD

The first step is checking the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD).

Make sure:

  • The cylinder is securely fastened.
  • The inflator hose is connected.
  • The BCD inflates normally.
  • The BCD deflates correctly.
  • Dump valves operate properly.
  • Nothing is twisted.

Proper buoyancy control is one of the most important skills in recreational diving.[2]

W – Weights

Next comes the weight system.

Check that:

  • The correct amount of weight is installed.
  • Weight pockets are properly secured.
  • Quick-release mechanisms work correctly.
  • The buddy knows how to release your weights in an emergency.

Incorrect weighting can make buoyancy difficult and increase air consumption.

R – Releases

Now inspect every buckle and release.

This includes:

  • Shoulder buckles
  • Waist buckle
  • Chest strap
  • Tank strap
  • Weight releases

Loose straps can become uncomfortable or dangerous during the dive.

A – Air

The air check is one of the most important parts of the inspection.

Confirm that:

  • The cylinder valve is fully open.
  • The pressure gauge shows sufficient air.
  • Both divers know each other’s starting pressure.
  • The primary regulator breathes easily.
  • The alternate air source also works.
  • The pressure gauge does not fluctuate while breathing.

Never assume the air is on.

Always test it.

F – Final Check

Before entering the water, complete one final inspection.

Ask yourself:

  • Mask ready?
  • Fins ready?
  • Computer activated?
  • Compass attached?
  • Camera secure?
  • Surface marker buoy attached?
  • Nothing hanging loose?
  • Buddy ready?
  • Entry procedure understood?

Only after everything has been checked should you enter the water.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, Every Dive Starts with a Buddy Check

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, every boat dive follows a structured routine.

Once everyone is comfortably seated on the boat, our instructors or dive guides give a detailed dive briefing explaining:

  • The dive site
  • Expected currents
  • Maximum depth
  • Marine life
  • Entry procedure
  • Exit procedure
  • Communication signals
  • Safety procedures

Immediately after the briefing, every diver performs the pre-dive safety check with their buddy.

We always conduct this check on the boat before entering the water. This ensures there is enough space, enough time, and assistance is available if any equipment adjustments are needed.

By making the buddy check part of every dive, it becomes a natural habit that stays with divers throughout their diving careers.

Developing Good Diving Habits

One of the biggest differences between experienced divers and beginners is not confidence.

It is routine.

Experienced divers perform many safety procedures automatically because they have repeated them hundreds of times.

Good habits include:

  • Checking equipment every dive
  • Monitoring air regularly
  • Staying close to your buddy
  • Equalizing early
  • Maintaining neutral buoyancy
  • Respecting no-decompression limits
  • Performing a slow ascent
  • Completing a safety stop

Every one of these habits begins during the Open Water course.[1][2]

Why the SSI Open Water Course Is the Perfect Way to Discover the Gili Islands

The SSI Open Water Diver Course is much more than earning a certification card—it is your gateway to exploring one of Indonesia’s most famous underwater destinations.

The waters around Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan are known for their warm temperatures, excellent visibility, and incredible variety of marine life.[4]

During your training dives, you may encounter:

  • Green sea turtles
  • Hawksbill turtles
  • Reef fish
  • Clownfish
  • Blue-spotted stingrays
  • Moray eels
  • Garden eels
  • Octopus
  • Nudibranchs
  • Healthy coral reefs

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, students learn in small groups, allowing instructors to spend more time helping each diver build confidence, improve buoyancy, and enjoy the underwater world at a comfortable pace.

Our training begins in purpose-built swimming pools before progressing to carefully selected open-water dive sites that match the students’ experience level. This gradual approach allows new divers to focus on learning while safely discovering the beautiful reefs surrounding the Gili Islands.

By the end of the course, you won’t just know how to dive—you’ll understand how to dive safely, responsibly, and confidently, ready to explore the oceans anywhere in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a pre-dive safety check so important?

A pre-dive safety check helps identify equipment problems before entering the water. Most common equipment issues can be detected and corrected during this simple inspection.[3]

What does BWRAF stand for?

BWRAF stands for BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final Check, providing an easy way to remember the key steps of a buddy inspection.

Do experienced divers still perform buddy checks?

Yes. Professional instructors, divemasters, and experienced recreational divers perform buddy checks before every dive because safety habits never become unnecessary.

How long does a buddy check take?

Usually less than two minutes, but those two minutes can prevent many common diving problems.

Where does Oceans 5 Gili Air perform the buddy check?

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, every pre-dive safety check is carried out on the dive boat immediately after the dive briefing and before entering the water.

Will I learn this during the SSI Open Water Course?

Absolutely. Performing a proper pre-dive safety check is one of the essential skills taught and practiced throughout the SSI Open Water Diver Course.

Is the Open Water Course suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. The SSI Open Water Diver Course is specifically designed for people with no previous diving experience and teaches all the essential skills needed to become a safe and confident recreational diver.

References

[1] Scuba Schools International (SSI). Open Water Diver Program Standards and Training Philosophy.

[2] World Recreational Scuba Training Council. Minimum Training Standards for Entry-Level Recreational Divers.

[3] Divers Alert Network. Annual Diving Incident Reports and Safe Diving Practices.

[4] BKKPN Kupang. Management information and conservation guidance for the Gili Matra Marine Protected Area.

Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?

Leave a reply
Diving Gili Air | SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 | Scuba Diving Indonesia
Diving Gili Air | SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 | Scuba Diving Indonesia

The Truth About Learning to Dive Safely

For many people, the idea of breathing underwater sounds exciting—but also a little frightening. One of the first questions beginners ask is:

“Is scuba diving dangerous?”

It is a fair question. If you have never been scuba diving before, it is easy to imagine that diving is an extreme sport where one small mistake could have serious consequences. Movies, television, and dramatic news stories often reinforce this image.

The reality, however, is very different.

Modern recreational scuba diving is one of the safest adventure activities in the world when divers receive proper training, use well-maintained equipment, and dive within their certification limits. During an SSI Open Water Diver course, you don’t just learn how to explore coral reefs—you learn how to prevent problems before they happen and how to respond calmly if something unexpected occurs.[1][2]

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, safety is the foundation of every course. Our instructors believe that confident divers are safe divers, and every lesson is designed to build the skills and confidence needed to enjoy diving for many years to come.

Why People Think Scuba Diving Is Dangerous

Scuba diving is different from everyday life.

Humans aren’t naturally designed to breathe underwater, so the idea of carrying your own air supply can seem intimidating. Many first-time students imagine scenarios where equipment fails, they run out of air, or they become lost underwater.

Fortunately, modern scuba equipment is extremely reliable, and divers are trained to deal with exactly these situations long before they become certified.[1]

In fact, recreational scuba diving has developed over decades with an enormous focus on safety. Equipment has become increasingly dependable, certification agencies have standardized training worldwide, and dive operators follow strict procedures to reduce risks.

Just because diving takes place underwater does not automatically make it dangerous.

Risk Versus Danger

It is important to understand the difference between risk and danger.

Every activity carries some degree of risk.

Driving a car.

Cycling to work.

Crossing a busy street.

Playing football.

Even climbing a ladder at home.

The goal is not to eliminate all risk—it is to manage it intelligently.

Scuba diving follows exactly the same principle.

Rather than hoping nothing goes wrong, divers are trained to prevent problems and solve them calmly if they occur.[2]

That is exactly why an Open Water course includes so many practical exercises.

What You Learn During an Open Water Course

Many people believe an Open Water course simply teaches you how to swim underwater.

In reality, a large part of the course focuses on safety.

During your training, you will learn how to:

  • Assemble and inspect your equipment correctly.
  • Perform buddy safety checks before every dive.
  • Control your buoyancy.
  • Equalize pressure safely.
  • Share air with another diver.
  • Recover a lost regulator.
  • Recover and clear a flooded mask.
  • Perform controlled emergency swimming ascents.
  • Handle out-of-air situations calmly.
  • Ascend safely.
  • Communicate underwater.
  • Recognize potential problems before they develop.[1][3]

By the time you receive your certification, these skills have become second nature through repeated practice.

This is why certified divers often appear so relaxed underwater—they know exactly what to do.

Safety Starts Before You Enter the Water

One of the biggest misconceptions is that safety only matters underwater.

Professional dive operations spend considerable time preparing before every dive.

This includes:

  • Checking equipment.
  • Reviewing dive plans.
  • Discussing maximum depth.
  • Confirming air pressures.
  • Assigning buddy teams.
  • Reviewing emergency procedures.
  • Evaluating weather and sea conditions.
  • Choosing dive sites appropriate for the experience level of the divers.

Good planning prevents most problems before they happen.

Modern Dive Equipment Is Built With Safety in Mind

Today’s scuba equipment includes multiple layers of redundancy.

For example:

Every diver carries:

  • A primary regulator.
  • An alternate air source (octopus).
  • A buoyancy control device (BCD).
  • Pressure gauge or dive computer.
  • Depth monitoring.
  • Weight-release systems.

These systems are designed so that even if one component has a problem, divers still have safe alternatives available.[1]

Equipment today is far more reliable than many people imagine.

Diving Is a Buddy Sport

Unlike many sports, recreational scuba diving is not done alone.

Divers always dive with a buddy.

Your buddy checks your equipment before entering the water.

You check theirs.

If one diver experiences a problem, the other diver is trained to assist.

This simple system significantly improves safety and confidence.

Statistics May Surprise You

People often assume scuba diving is one of the most dangerous recreational sports.

Research suggests otherwise.

When divers are properly trained and follow accepted diving practices, the rate of serious incidents is relatively low compared with many other recreational activities.[2][4]

Some activities with higher injury rates include:

  • Horse riding
  • Downhill skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Mountain biking
  • Rugby
  • American football
  • Motorcycling

Even everyday driving generally exposes people to more overall risk simply because they do it far more often.[5]

This doesn’t mean scuba diving is risk-free.

It means that proper education and responsible diving make a tremendous difference.

Experience Makes Diving Even Safer

Like learning to drive a car, confidence grows with experience.

The more dives you complete, the more comfortable your skills become.

Tasks that initially require concentration—such as buoyancy control or underwater communication—become automatic.

Experienced divers spend less energy thinking about basic skills and more time enjoying the underwater world.

Why Training Quality Matters

Not every dive course is taught the same way.

A quality instructor doesn’t just help you pass the course.

They help you become a confident diver.

Good instructors encourage questions.

They repeat skills until students feel comfortable.

They create a calm learning environment where students never feel rushed.

The goal is not simply certification.

The goal is creating safe divers.

Why Oceans 5 Gili Air Is the Perfect Place to Learn

Choosing the right dive center is one of the most important decisions you make as a new diver.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, safety is built into every aspect of training.

Two Large Training Pools

Unlike many dive centres with small pools or confined areas, Oceans 5 has two purpose-built training pools.

This gives students plenty of room to practice skills comfortably before entering the ocean.

Repeating skills in a relaxed environment builds confidence that carries into the open water dives.

Small Groups

We deliberately keep student-to-instructor ratios low.

This allows instructors to spend more time with every student.

Questions are encouraged.

Skills can be repeated whenever necessary.

Nobody feels rushed.

Experienced SSI Professionals

Our instructors teach beginners throughout the year.

Because Oceans 5 is an SSI Instructor Training Center, teaching standards are continuously maintained at a professional level.

Future instructors are trained here, meaning education and safety are central to everything we do.

Calm Conditions Around Gili Air

The waters surrounding Gili Air are among Indonesia’s most beginner-friendly dive environments.

Many dive sites feature:

  • Gentle slopes
  • Excellent visibility
  • Warm tropical water
  • Calm conditions during much of the year
  • Incredible marine life, including turtles

Students can focus on learning rather than battling difficult conditions.

Well-Maintained Equipment

All equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.

Reliable equipment allows students to focus on developing their diving skills instead of worrying about their gear.

A Relaxed Learning Atmosphere

Learning should be enjoyable.

Many students arrive feeling nervous.

By the end of the first day, those nerves have usually been replaced by excitement.

Watching new divers discover turtles, colourful reefs and tropical fish for the first time is one of the most rewarding parts of our job.

Confidence Comes From Knowledge

Fear usually comes from not knowing what to expect.

That is exactly what an Open Water course changes.

You learn.

You practice.

You repeat.

You build confidence.

Instead of hoping everything goes well, you know exactly what to do.

That confidence is what makes scuba diving both enjoyable and safe.

So… Is Scuba Diving Dangerous?

Like any adventure activity, scuba diving carries some inherent risk.

However, when divers receive proper training, use well-maintained equipment, follow established procedures, and stay within their certification limits, recreational scuba diving has an excellent safety record.[1][2]

The purpose of an Open Water course is not only to teach you how to dive—it is to teach you how to dive safely.

Once certified, you will have the knowledge and practical skills needed to protect yourself, assist your buddy, and enjoy one of the world’s most incredible adventures with confidence.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, that journey starts with patient instructors, excellent facilities, small groups, and a strong commitment to safety from your very first breath underwater.

If you’ve always wondered whether diving is for you, perhaps the better question isn’t “Is scuba diving dangerous?”

It’s “What incredible underwater world have I been missing?”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is scuba diving safe for beginners?

Yes. Recreational scuba diving is specifically designed for beginners. During an SSI Open Water Diver course, you learn the skills and emergency procedures needed to dive safely under instructor supervision before becoming certified.

What happens if I run out of air?

This is one of the first emergency skills taught during training. Every diver carries an alternate air source, and students practice sharing air with a buddy in a controlled environment before certification.

Can I learn to dive if I cannot swim very well?

You should be comfortable in the water and meet the swimming requirements of the certification agency. You do not need to be an Olympic swimmer, but basic water confidence is essential.

Is scuba diving safer than skydiving?

Both activities have strong safety records when conducted properly, but recreational scuba diving generally has a very low accident rate thanks to structured training, conservative dive planning, and standardized procedures.[2]

Why is Gili Air a good place to learn?

Warm water, excellent visibility, diverse marine life, and generally calm conditions make Gili Air one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations for beginner divers.

Why choose Oceans 5 Gili Air?

Oceans 5 offers two dedicated training pools, small student groups, experienced SSI professionals, meticulously maintained equipment, and access to beginner-friendly dive sites. Our focus is not just helping you earn a certification, but helping you become a confident and safe diver.

References

[1] SSI International. Open Water Diver Standards and Training Materials.

[2] Divers Alert Network. Annual Diving Report and recreational diving safety research.

[3] World Recreational Scuba Training Council. Minimum Training Standards for Recreational Scuba Diving.

[4] Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Publications on diving medicine and recreational diving safety.

[5] World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Road Safety (for comparison of everyday transportation risks).

Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 Gili Air

Leave a reply
SSI Divemaster Internship Indonesia | Divemaster Course Gili Islands | Oceans 5 Gili Air
SSI Divemaster Internship Indonesia | Divemaster Course Gili Islands | Oceans 5 Gili Air

Why This Is More Than Just Another Internship

Every year, thousands of divers decide to take the next step in their diving career by enrolling in a Divemaster Internship. Indonesia has become one of the world’s most popular destinations for professional dive training, offering warm water, incredible marine life, and affordable living. However, not every Divemaster Internship provides the same experience.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the goal is not simply to certify another divemaster. The goal is to create confident, knowledgeable, and highly employable dive professionals who understand every aspect of operating a professional dive centre. From real-world guiding experience to conservation activities and instructor-level exposure, the internship at Oceans 5 is designed to prepare candidates for a long career in the diving industry, not just for passing an evaluation. 

A Professional Environment from Day One

One of the biggest differences between Oceans 5 and many other dive centres is that Oceans 5 is an SSI Instructor Training Centre (ITC). This means that every day you are working in an environment where professional standards are continuously applied.

Instead of only observing recreational courses, Divemaster candidates witness every level of diver education—from Introduction Dives and Open Water Courses to Instructor Training Courses. This creates a learning atmosphere where professionalism is part of everyday life rather than something only discussed during theory sessions. 

Because instructor candidates are regularly trained at Oceans 5, the entire team follows the same procedures and standards. As a Divemaster Intern, you quickly learn that consistency is one of the most valuable qualities in professional diving.

You Learn by Doing

Many internships advertise “hands-on experience,” but in reality candidates spend large portions of their time cleaning equipment or performing repetitive tasks.

At Oceans 5, practical education comes first.

During your 6 to 8-week internship you become part of the daily operation. You will gradually learn how to:

  • Guide certified divers
  • Assist instructors during training
  • Prepare dive boats
  • Organise dive logistics
  • Conduct professional dive briefings
  • Help with equipment preparation
  • Supervise safety procedures
  • Improve buoyancy demonstrations
  • Manage customer service
  • Develop leadership underwater

Every day brings new experiences because every group of divers is different. Some days you assist beginner students; other days you guide experienced divers looking for turtles, reef sharks or macro life around the Gili Islands.

Real experience creates real confidence.

Small Groups Mean Better Training

At Oceans 5, education has always been more important than numbers.

Instead of processing as many candidates as possible, instructors spend time coaching every Divemaster Intern individually.

Constructive feedback after dives becomes part of your daily routine. Rather than simply hearing “good job,” you’ll receive detailed advice on buoyancy, positioning, communication, navigation, problem-solving and leadership.

This personalised coaching helps candidates improve much faster than simply accumulating dives.

Learning Inside a Busy Dive Centre

One of the greatest advantages of training at Oceans 5 is that you experience the operation of a busy, professional dive centre.

You’ll see how:

  • daily dive schedules are organised
  • boats are prepared
  • instructors coordinate multiple courses
  • dive guides are assigned
  • equipment maintenance is managed
  • customer bookings are handled
  • safety standards are maintained
  • emergency procedures are practised

These operational skills are often overlooked during Divemaster training but become essential once you begin working professionally.

Conservation Is Part of Your Education

Being a professional diver means more than leading dives.

It also means protecting the underwater world that provides your future career.

Oceans 5 has built a strong reputation for marine conservation through initiatives including beach clean-ups, reef conservation activities and marine ecology education. Candidates learn that protecting coral reefs is not an optional extra—it is part of being a responsible dive professional. 

Throughout your internship you will gain a better understanding of:

  • coral reef ecology
  • responsible diver behaviour
  • reef-friendly diving techniques
  • environmental awareness
  • sustainable tourism

These experiences make you a better ambassador for the oceans wherever your future career takes you.

Diving Around the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are famous for offering excellent conditions for professional training.

Warm tropical water allows year-round diving, while short boat rides mean more time underwater and less time travelling.

During your internship you are likely to encounter:

  • Green sea turtles
  • Hawksbill turtles
  • Juvenile white-tip reef sharks
  • Black-tip reef sharks
  • Moray eels
  • Octopus
  • Nudibranchs
  • Healthy coral reefs
  • Schools of reef fish
  • Beautiful drift dives

Because Oceans 5 offers up to three scheduled dives each day, candidates quickly build valuable underwater experience in a wide variety of conditions.

A Clear Path Towards Becoming an Instructor

Many Divemaster candidates already dream about becoming instructors.

Completing your internship at an SSI Instructor Training Centre offers a significant advantage.

You’ll already become familiar with:

  • teaching techniques
  • instructor standards
  • course organisation
  • student management
  • evaluation procedures
  • classroom presentations

When the time comes to join the SSI Instructor Training Course, much of the professional environment already feels familiar.

Instead of starting from zero, you’re building on months of real experience.

Life on Gili Air

A Divemaster Internship is not only about diving.

You’ll spend six to eight weeks living on one of Indonesia’s most relaxed tropical islands.

Unlike Bali, Gili Air has no cars or motorbikes. Transportation is by bicycle, walking or horse cart, creating a peaceful atmosphere that allows you to fully enjoy island life. 

What Can You Do Besides Your Internship?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Gili Air is that life outside diving is just as enjoyable.

Relax on Beautiful Beaches

After a morning of diving, many interns spend the afternoon relaxing on white-sand beaches or watching spectacular sunsets over neighbouring Bali.

Snorkelling

Even on your days off, the reefs remain accessible from the beach. Sea turtles are regularly seen while snorkelling only a short distance from shore.

Cycling Around the Island

The entire island can be explored by bicycle in around 30 minutes.

You’ll discover quiet beaches, local villages, beach cafés and hidden viewpoints.

Sunset Bars

Gili Air has a relaxed nightlife with beach bars offering live music, acoustic performances and sunset cocktails without the crowds found on larger islands.

Yoga and Wellness

Several yoga studios offer daily classes, making it easy to balance professional training with physical and mental recovery.

Fitness

Maintaining good fitness is important for professional divers. Gili Air has gyms where interns can continue strength and endurance training throughout their stay.

Explore Lombok

During days off you can take a short boat ride to Lombok and visit:

  • Senaru Waterfalls
  • Tetebatu rice terraces
  • Kuta Lombok
  • Mount Rinjani viewpoints
  • Traditional Sasak villages

This allows you to experience much more of Indonesia while completing your internship.

Join an International Community

Perhaps the greatest memory many candidates take home isn’t their certification.

It’s the friendships.

Every internship brings together divers from different countries, backgrounds and cultures who all share the same passion for the underwater world.

Many former interns continue travelling together, working together or meeting again at dive centres around the world.

Build a Career Instead of Collecting a Certification

Anyone can earn a Divemaster certification.

Not everyone leaves truly prepared to work professionally.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the internship focuses on building competence rather than simply completing requirements.

By combining professional education, real operational experience, conservation, personalised coaching, instructor-level exposure and the relaxed lifestyle of Gili Air, candidates leave with something much more valuable than a certification card.

They leave with confidence.

And confidence is exactly what future employers are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Divemaster Internship at Oceans 5 take?

Most candidates complete the internship in 6 to 8 weeks, depending on their previous experience and logged dives.[1]

Do I need to be Rescue Diver certified?

Yes. You must hold an SSI Diver Stress & Rescue certification or an equivalent certification from another recognised agency before starting the Divemaster programme.[2]

Can I continue directly to the SSI Instructor Training Course?

Yes. Since Oceans 5 is an SSI Instructor Training Centre, many Divemaster candidates continue into the Instructor Training Course once they meet the prerequisites.[3]

What marine life will I see?

The Gili Islands are famous for sea turtles, reef sharks, healthy coral reefs, nudibranchs, octopus, reef fish and excellent drift diving opportunities.[2]

What makes Oceans 5 different from many other internships?

The combination of an SSI Instructor Training Centre, personalised coaching, real operational experience, conservation involvement, small training groups and a clear pathway toward becoming an instructor makes Oceans 5 stand out from many traditional Divemaster internships.[1][2]

Is there enough to do outside diving?

Absolutely. Gili Air offers beaches, snorkelling, cycling, yoga, fitness facilities, cafés, sunset bars and easy day trips to Lombok’s waterfalls, mountains and cultural attractions.

References

[1] Oceans 5 Gili Air. Divemaster Internship Indonesia at Oceans 5 Gili Air. April 2026. 

[2] Oceans 5 Gili Air. SSI Divemaster Course & Internship – Gili Islands.

[3] Oceans 5 Gili Air. SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC).

[4] SSI. Professional Training Standards and Divemaster Programme. (Background information on professional diver development and standards.) 

Why Gili Air Is the Perfect Diving Destination

Leave a reply
Muck Diving Gili Islands | Scuba Diving Indonesia | SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air
Muck Diving Gili Islands | Scuba Diving Indonesia | SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air

Even If Diving Isn’t Your Main Holiday Activity

When people think about a diving holiday, they often imagine spending every waking hour on a dive boat. Wake up, dive, surface interval, dive again, return late in the afternoon, eat dinner, sleep, and repeat. That is exactly what many divers are looking for—but not everyone.

What if you are travelling with a partner who doesn’t dive? What if you want to explore tropical islands, relax in a hammock, cycle around the island, enjoy sunset cocktails, or simply spend time on the beach? What if diving is only part of your perfect holiday instead of the entire holiday?

That is exactly where Gili Air stands out from many other diving destinations around the world. Here, diving fits around your holiday—not the other way around.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we have designed our diving schedule specifically for visitors who want flexibility. Whether you want one dive every few days or three dives in a single day, you decide how much diving becomes part of your holiday.[1]

A Tropical Island That Doesn’t Revolve Around Diving

Gili Air is often described as the perfect balance between the lively atmosphere of Gili Trawangan and the peaceful nature of Gili Meno.[2]

The island is small enough to walk around in about 90 minutes or cycle around in less than an hour. There are no cars or motorbikes, creating a peaceful atmosphere that many visitors instantly fall in love with.[2]

Instead of traffic, you’ll hear bicycles, horse carts, birds and the gentle sound of the ocean.

That means your holiday can easily include:

  • Morning scuba diving
  • Lunch at a beachfront restaurant
  • Afternoon swimming in the pool
  • Cycling around the island
  • Sunset cocktails
  • Yoga classes
  • Snorkelling
  • Massage and spa treatments
  • Paddleboarding
  • Watching turtles from the beach

You never feel like you’re “stuck” at a dive centre all day.

Diving Around Your Holiday

This is where Oceans 5 does things differently.

Many dive centres leave early in the morning and only return after completing two or three dives. While this works well for dedicated divers, it doesn’t offer much flexibility.

At Oceans 5, every dive is scheduled separately.

Every day we offer three boat departures:

  • Morning dive
  • Late morning dive
  • Afternoon dive

The unique part is that after every dive, the boat returns to Oceans 5.

That means you can decide exactly how much diving you want.

Perhaps today you only feel like one dive before spending the afternoon exploring Gili Air.

Tomorrow you may decide to join two dives.

The following day you might skip diving altogether.

Or perhaps you’re a passionate diver who wants all three dives.

The choice is entirely yours.[1]

This flexibility makes Oceans 5 particularly popular among couples, families and travellers whose partners have different holiday interests.

Dive Sites Chosen Daily

One question we often hear is:

“Which dive sites will we visit?”

The honest answer is:

We decide the day before.

Why?

Because conditions around the Gili Islands change every day.

Our experienced team evaluates:

  • Currents
  • Wind direction
  • Wave conditions
  • Visibility
  • Diver experience levels

Only then do we select the most suitable dive sites for the following day.[3]

Rather than following a fixed weekly schedule, we choose the locations that will provide the safest and most enjoyable dives.

That means every day offers something different.

What Can You See Around Gili Air?

One of the biggest reasons divers return to Gili Air year after year is the incredible variety of marine life.

Sea Turtles

The Gili Islands are famous for their healthy turtle population.[4]

Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are seen on almost every dive.

Unlike many destinations where spotting a turtle is considered lucky, around Gili Air it is often the opposite—you’re surprised if you don’t see one.

Juvenile White-tip Reef Sharks

Many visitors dream of seeing sharks.

Around the Gili Islands, you have a very good chance of finding juvenile white-tip reef sharks resting beneath coral ledges during the daytime.[5]

These beautiful animals are shy and harmless to divers.

Watching one glide effortlessly through the reef is always a highlight.

Colourful Coral Reefs

Healthy hard corals cover many of the local reefs.

You’ll find:

  • Table corals
  • Staghorn corals
  • Brain corals
  • Soft corals
  • Sea fans

These reefs provide habitat for thousands of marine species.[6]

Reef Fish Everywhere

Even first-time divers are amazed by the sheer number of fish.

Expect to see:

  • Clownfish (Nemo!)
  • Blue tangs (Dory!)
  • Butterflyfish
  • Angelfish
  • Triggerfish
  • Sweetlips
  • Batfish
  • Surgeonfish
  • Parrotfish
  • Moorish idols

The reefs are constantly full of life.

Macro Life

If you enjoy underwater photography, the Gili Islands offer plenty of smaller creatures as well.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Nudibranchs
  • Pipefish
  • Frogfish
  • Leaf scorpionfish
  • Octopus
  • Cuttlefish
  • Seahorses (occasionally)
  • Shrimps and crabs

Sometimes the smallest discoveries become the most memorable.

Drift Diving

The Gili Islands are also known for gentle drift dives.

Many dive sites allow divers to simply drift along the reef while enjoying the scenery.

Our guides carefully select dive sites based on current strength to match the experience level of the group.[3]

Who Are the Dive Guides?

One of the biggest differences between dive centres is not the boats or the equipment.

It is the people.

At Oceans 5, our dive team consists of experienced SSI Professionals from several different countries.

Because we keep our groups small, guides have plenty of opportunity to point out marine life and help divers improve their buoyancy and underwater skills.

We don’t believe in rushing through dives.

Instead, our guides focus on creating relaxed, enjoyable underwater experiences where everyone feels comfortable, whether you have 20 dives or 2,000 dives.

Safety always comes first, but fun comes a very close second.

Perfect for Families and Couples

Not everyone in a family wants to dive every day.

At Oceans 5 this isn’t a problem.

While one person joins a dive, another might:

  • Relax beside the pool
  • Read a book
  • Visit a beachfront café
  • Go snorkelling
  • Cycle around Gili Air
  • Enjoy a massage

Because every dive returns to the dive centre, you’re never separated for an entire day.

It makes planning your holiday much easier.

More Than Just Diving

One of the greatest strengths of Gili Air is that it offers everything needed for a tropical island holiday.

You can dive in the morning.

Have lunch overlooking the sea.

Watch turtles while snorkelling in the afternoon.

Enjoy fresh seafood in the evening.

Finish the day watching one of Indonesia’s most beautiful sunsets.

Diving becomes one wonderful part of your holiday—not the only activity.

That balance is exactly why so many visitors arrive planning to stay for three days and end up staying for a week.

Why Oceans 5 Is Different

At Oceans 5 Gili Air we believe your holiday should fit your lifestyle.

That’s why we offer:

  • Three dive departures every day for certified divers.
  • Return to the dive centre after every dive.
  • Join one, two or three dives—it’s entirely your choice.
  • Daily dive site selection based on conditions, not a fixed timetable.
  • Small diving groups with experienced SSI dive professionals.
  • Relaxed atmosphere with two large swimming pools.
  • Convenient location just a short walk from Gili Air harbour.

Whether diving is the highlight of your holiday or simply one of many memorable experiences, Oceans 5 gives you the flexibility to enjoy Gili Air your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I join just one dive per day?

Absolutely. At Oceans 5 you are free to join one, two or all three scheduled dives. There is no obligation to dive all day.

2. Why don’t you stay on the boat between dives?

We believe returning to the dive centre after every dive gives guests maximum flexibility. You can relax, meet friends or family, have lunch or simply decide later whether you’d like to join another dive.

3. How are dive sites selected?

Our instructors choose the dive sites each day after evaluating currents, wind, waves, visibility and the experience level of the divers.

4. What marine life can I expect to see?

Common sightings include green turtles, hawksbill turtles, juvenile white-tip reef sharks, colourful reef fish, nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish and healthy coral reefs.

5. Are the dives suitable for newly certified divers?

Yes. Many dive sites around Gili Air feature gentle slopes, good visibility and generally mild conditions, making them ideal for recently certified divers. Dive site selection is always matched to the group’s experience.

6. Can non-divers still enjoy Gili Air?

Definitely. Gili Air offers beaches, snorkelling, cycling, yoga, restaurants, cafés, spas, paddleboarding and spectacular sunsets, making it an excellent destination for mixed groups.

7. Are your dive groups large?

No. Oceans 5 is known for small dive groups, allowing guides to provide more personal attention and create a relaxed diving experience.

8. Do you announce tomorrow’s dive sites in advance?

Yes. We announce the next day’s dive sites after assessing weather and sea conditions, ensuring we choose the safest and most enjoyable locations available.

References

[1] Oceans 5 Gili Air. Operational procedures and certified diver boat schedule.

[2] Gili Indah Tourism & North Lombok Tourism Office. Visitor information for Gili Air.

[3] SSI International. Open Water Diver Instructor Manual and Dive Planning Standards.

[4] Gili Eco Trust. Sea turtle conservation and monitoring programmes in the Gili Islands.

[5] Sharks of the World (Compagno, Dando & Fowler). Species information on the white-tip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus).

[6] Veron, J.E.N. Corals of the World. Australian Institute of Marine Science. Coral reef ecology and Indo-Pacific coral identification.

Why Do the Gili Islands Have So Many Turtles?

1 Reply
Green Sea Turtle Gili islands | SSI ITC Center Oceans 5 Gili Air
Green Sea Turtle Gili islands | SSI ITC Center Oceans 5 Gili Air

Discover the Secret Behind Indonesia’s Turtle Paradise

If you’ve ever spoken to divers who have visited the Gili Islands, you’ve probably heard the same sentence over and over again:

“I saw turtles on every dive!”

For many divers, seeing a sea turtle is a bucket-list experience. Around the world, divers often need several dives—or even several trips—to encounter one. Yet around Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, seeing multiple turtles during a single dive is completely normal.

So what makes the Gili Islands one of the best places in the world to dive with sea turtles?

The answer is a combination of geography, healthy feeding grounds, suitable habitats, conservation efforts, and a little bit of luck. Here is why the Gili Islands have become known as one of Indonesia’s true turtle capitals.

Two Species Call the Gili Islands Home

The two turtle species most commonly encountered around the Gili Islands are:

  • Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)[1]
  • Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)[2]

Both species are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered in many parts of their range, making every healthy population incredibly valuable.[1][2]

Fortunately, the reefs surrounding the Gili Islands provide exactly what these animals need to thrive.

The Perfect Underwater Restaurant

One of the biggest reasons turtles remain around the Gili Islands is simple:

There is plenty of food.

Green turtles are mainly herbivores as adults. They feed on:

  • Seagrass
  • Marine algae
  • Soft seaweed

The shallow lagoons surrounding the islands contain extensive seagrass meadows that provide an endless buffet.[3]

Hawksbill turtles have a different diet. They specialise in eating:

  • Marine sponges
  • Soft corals
  • Tunicates
  • Small invertebrates

Healthy coral reefs around the Gilis provide exactly these food sources.[4]

With abundant food available year-round, turtles have little reason to migrate elsewhere.

Warm Tropical Water All Year

Sea turtles love warm water.

Around the Gili Islands, sea temperatures generally remain between 27°C and 30°C throughout the year.[5]

These stable temperatures allow turtles to:

  • Feed efficiently
  • Conserve energy
  • Grow throughout the year
  • Avoid seasonal migrations required in colder regions

Unlike destinations where turtles appear only during certain seasons, the Gili Islands offer turtle encounters every month of the year.

Calm, Shallow Reefs

Another major reason turtles thrive here is the reef structure.

Many dive sites consist of:

  • Gentle coral slopes
  • Sandy patches
  • Coral gardens
  • Shallow reef tops

These areas allow turtles to:

  • Rest between feeding sessions
  • Sleep under coral ledges
  • Surface easily for air
  • Feed without fighting strong currents

Some favourite turtle resting locations include:

  • Turtle Heaven
  • Simon’s Reef
  • Hans Reef
  • Meno Wall
  • Halik
  • Shark Point

Many turtles even develop favourite sleeping spots, returning to the same coral bommies night after night.[6]

Plenty of Cleaning Stations

One fascinating behaviour divers regularly witness is turtles visiting cleaning stations.

Small reef fish such as wrasses remove:

  • Algae
  • Dead skin
  • Parasites

The turtle remains almost motionless while the cleaner fish do their work.

This natural “spa treatment” helps keep turtles healthy and is one of the reasons they continue visiting the same reefs repeatedly.[7]

Protection Through Marine Conservation

The Gili Islands are part of the Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park, a protected marine area managed to conserve coral reefs and marine biodiversity.[8]

Over the years, local stakeholders—including dive centres, conservation organisations, government agencies, and the community—have worked together to:

  • Reduce destructive fishing
  • Improve mooring systems
  • Promote reef conservation
  • Remove marine debris
  • Educate visitors
  • Support sustainable tourism

Although challenges remain, these efforts have helped maintain habitat quality for turtles and many other marine species.[8]

Healthy Coral Reefs Support Healthy Turtles

Sea turtles depend on coral reefs far more than many people realise.

Healthy reefs provide:

  • Shelter
  • Food
  • Protection
  • Cleaning stations
  • Navigation landmarks

Although coral bleaching and climate change continue to threaten reefs worldwide, many reefs around the Gili Islands still support high biodiversity compared with many other locations in the region.[9]

Protecting coral reefs also means protecting turtles.

Fewer Natural Predators

Adult sea turtles have relatively few natural predators.

Young hatchlings face dangers from:

  • Birds
  • Crabs
  • Fish
  • Reef sharks

However, once turtles reach adulthood, very few animals are capable of hunting them.

This allows adult turtles to remain on the reefs for decades.

Some green turtles may live well over 70 years.[10]

They Remember Good Feeding Areas

Sea turtles possess remarkable navigation abilities.

Research has shown they can remember productive feeding grounds and return repeatedly over many years.[11]

Many turtles around the Gili Islands appear to have established home ranges around favourite dive sites.

This explains why experienced dive guides often recognise individual turtles by:

  • Shell markings
  • Missing scales
  • Scars
  • Shape of the carapace

Some turtles have been observed on the same reefs for many years.

Responsible Diving Helps

The Gili Islands welcome thousands of divers every year.

Fortunately, responsible dive practices can minimise disturbance to turtles.

Good dive operators encourage divers to:

  • Keep a respectful distance.
  • Never touch or ride turtles.
  • Avoid blocking their path to the surface.
  • Maintain good buoyancy.
  • Never chase turtles for photographs.
  • Avoid using bright flashes directly in their eyes.

These simple actions reduce stress and allow turtles to continue behaving naturally.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, divers are briefed before every dive on responsible interactions with marine life. Small dive groups—typically a maximum of four certified divers per guide—also help reduce pressure on the reefs and create a calmer experience for both divers and wildlife.

Why Divers Love the Gili Islands

Many dive destinations advertise turtle encounters.

The Gili Islands consistently deliver them.

Whether you are:

  • Trying scuba diving for the first time
  • Completing your Open Water course
  • Joining fun dives
  • Becoming a Divemaster
  • Training as an SSI Instructor

there is a good chance turtles will become one of the highlights of your underwater adventure.

For underwater photographers, turtles provide incredible opportunities to capture graceful images in crystal-clear tropical water.

For children, swimming alongside a turtle often becomes the moment that inspires a lifelong passion for marine conservation.

For experienced divers, watching turtles calmly feed or rest on the reef is a reminder of how healthy marine ecosystems should look.

Every Turtle Encounter Is a Privilege

Although turtles are commonly seen around the Gili Islands, it is important to remember that they remain threatened globally.

Plastic pollution, ghost nets, habitat destruction, climate change, boat strikes, and illegal harvesting continue to impact turtle populations across the world’s oceans.[1][2]

Every turtle seen while diving around the Gili Islands is part of an important conservation success story—but also a reminder that these magnificent animals still need our protection.

By diving responsibly, supporting environmentally conscious dive centres, and respecting marine life, every visitor can help ensure that future generations continue to enjoy unforgettable turtle encounters around this tropical paradise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there so many turtles around the Gili Islands?

The Gili Islands provide ideal conditions for turtles, including warm water, abundant seagrass, healthy coral reefs, plentiful food, cleaning stations, and protected marine habitats. These factors encourage turtles to stay year-round.

Which turtle species can I see?

The two most common species are the Green Sea Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle.

Can beginners see turtles?

Absolutely. Many beginner dive sites and even some snorkelling locations regularly have turtle sightings, making the Gili Islands one of the best places for first-time underwater encounters.

Is it safe to dive with turtles?

Yes. Sea turtles are peaceful animals and pose no danger to divers. The most important rule is to observe them respectfully without touching or chasing them.

What should I do if I see a turtle while diving?

Stay calm, maintain neutral buoyancy, keep a respectful distance, avoid blocking its path to the surface, and enjoy the encounter without disturbing its natural behaviour.

References

[1] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle) Red List Assessment.

[2] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill Turtle) Red List Assessment.

[3] NOAA Fisheries. Green Sea Turtle Biology and Feeding Ecology.

[4] NOAA Fisheries. Hawksbill Sea Turtle Species Guide.

[5] Coral Triangle Initiative. Marine Environment of Indonesia.

[6] Schofield, G. et al. Studies on sea turtle home ranges and resting behaviour.

[7] Bshary, R. Cleaning Mutualisms in Marine Ecosystems.

[8] Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) & BKKPN Kupang. Management of Gili Matra Marine Tourism Park.

[9] Reef Check Foundation. Coral Reef Health Monitoring and Coral Triangle Reports.

[10] NOAA Fisheries. Sea Turtle Life History.

[11] Lohmann, K. J., Putman, N. F., & colleagues. Sea Turtle Navigation and Long-Distance Orientation.

Why Diving Around the Gili Islands Is One of the World’s Most Exciting Underwater Adventures

Leave a reply
Gili Air Turtle | Diving in the Gili Islands | SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air
Gili Air Turtle | Diving in the Gili Islands | SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air

Diving Around the Gili Islands

Imagine floating effortlessly through warm tropical water while a green sea turtle glides silently beneath you. Schools of colourful reef fish surround vibrant coral gardens, a juvenile white-tip reef shark rests peacefully beneath a coral overhang, and the current gently carries you across one of Indonesia’s healthiest reef systems. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience—it is an ordinary day of scuba diving around the Gili Islands [3][4].

Located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan have earned an international reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s premier diving destinations. Every year thousands of divers travel here because the islands offer something that few places can: spectacular marine life combined with conditions suitable for every level of diver, from complete beginners to experienced professionals [1][4].

Whether you want to learn scuba diving, complete your SSI Open Water certification, photograph turtles, experience exciting drift dives or simply enjoy warm crystal-clear water, the Gili Islands deliver unforgettable underwater experiences.

Why Are the Gili Islands So Famous for Diving?

Many dive destinations are known for either exceptional marine life or easy diving conditions. The Gili Islands are famous because they combine both [4][6].

The islands sit inside the Gili Matra Marine Recreation Reserve, a protected marine park established to conserve coral reefs, endangered marine species and the surrounding ecosystem [3][4]. Protection has helped create healthy reef habitats that support hundreds of species of fish, turtles and invertebrates.

Unlike many destinations where long boat journeys are necessary, almost every dive site is only a few minutes from shore. This means divers spend less time travelling and more time underwater exploring the reefs.

The result is simple:

More diving.

More marine life.

More unforgettable moments.

Warm Tropical Water All Year Round

One of the greatest attractions of diving around the Gili Islands is the consistently pleasant conditions.

Water temperatures generally range between 27°C and 30°C throughout the year [4][6]. Most divers are perfectly comfortable wearing only a 3 mm wetsuit, while some experienced divers prefer even thinner exposure protection.

Visibility during the dry season regularly exceeds 25–30 metres, allowing divers to fully appreciate the colourful coral reefs stretching into the distance [6].

These conditions make the islands particularly attractive for new divers who may feel nervous about learning in cold or rough water.

Warm water helps people relax.

Relaxed divers learn faster.

That is one of the reasons why the Gili Islands have become one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations to learn scuba diving [1].

The Turtle Capital of the World

If the Gili Islands are famous for one thing underwater, it is turtles.

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are seen on almost every dive around the islands. In many other parts of the world divers celebrate seeing a single turtle. Around the Gili Islands, it is unusual not to see one [5].

Watching a turtle peacefully grazing on seagrass or swimming effortlessly across the reef is an experience that never loses its magic.

Many local turtles have become accustomed to respectful divers and often continue feeding while divers observe them from an appropriate distance.

Both species are listed by the IUCN Red List, making responsible diving practices essential [5].

Good divers never:

  • Touch turtles.
  • Chase turtles.
  • Block their path.
  • Ride or hold turtles for photographs.

These recommendations are supported by Green Fins, an internationally recognised environmental initiative promoting sustainable diving practices [2].

Healthy Coral Reefs Create Incredible Diving

Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the ocean because they support extraordinary biodiversity [6].

The reefs around the Gili Islands provide food and shelter for hundreds of marine species, including:

  • Butterflyfish
  • Angelfish
  • Sweetlips
  • Batfish
  • Triggerfish
  • Parrotfish
  • Clownfish
  • Moray eels
  • Blue-spotted stingrays
  • Giant trevallies
  • Barracuda
  • Octopus
  • Cuttlefish
  • Frogfish
  • Pipefish
  • Nudibranchs

For underwater photographers this diversity means every dive offers new opportunities.

Wide-angle photographers capture turtles swimming over colourful reefs.

Macro photographers search patiently for tiny nudibranchs, shrimp and frogfish hidden among the coral.

No matter your experience level, every dive feels different.

Exciting Drift Diving

One of the highlights of diving around the Gili Islands is drift diving.

Many people hear the word “current” and immediately become nervous.

In reality, currents often make diving easier.

Instead of swimming long distances, divers allow the current to gently transport them across the reef while they simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Imagine flying underwater.

That is exactly what drift diving feels like.

Professional dive centres carefully monitor tidal movements and current strength before selecting dive sites suitable for each group’s experience level [1].

For experienced divers, drift diving is often one of the most memorable parts of visiting the islands.

Every Dive Site Offers Something Different

One reason divers keep returning to the Gili Islands is the incredible variety of dive sites.

Some of the most famous include:

Shark Point

Known for juvenile white-tip reef sharks, turtles and large schools of reef fish.

Halik

Beautiful hard coral gardens with excellent visibility and frequent turtle encounters.

Deep Turbo

An exciting deeper dive where larger pelagic fish occasionally appear.

Sunset Reef

A colourful drift dive covered in healthy coral and reef fish.

Meno Slope

One of the island’s most popular turtle dive sites with gentle sandy slopes perfect for newer divers.

Bounty Wreck

A shallow artificial reef that has become home to countless reef species.

Every tide changes the dive.

Every season changes the reef.

No two dives are ever exactly the same.

Juvenile Reef Sharks—A Favourite Encounter

Many divers dream about seeing sharks.

Around the Gili Islands they often get that opportunity.

Juvenile white-tip reef sharks regularly rest beneath coral ledges at sites such as Shark Point and Halik.

Despite their impressive appearance, white-tip reef sharks are shy animals that rarely show aggression towards divers [6].

The best encounter is always one where the shark chooses to remain relaxed while divers quietly observe from a respectful distance.

Responsible wildlife interactions create better experiences for both sharks and divers.

One of Indonesia’s Best Places to Learn Scuba Diving

The Gili Islands have become internationally recognised as one of Indonesia’s best destinations for beginner divers.

There are several reasons.

Boat rides are short.

The water is warm.

Visibility is excellent.

Many dive sites have gentle sandy slopes.

Marine life is abundant.

These factors help students focus on learning rather than battling difficult conditions.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we offer SSI Try Scuba experiences and SSI Open Water Diver Courses every day.

Our courses follow internationally recognised SSI training standards [1].

Students first develop confidence in our large training pools before progressing into the ocean.

Because we teach in small groups of no more than four students per instructor, every diver receives personal attention throughout the course.

For many students, their first ocean dive already includes turtles.

That first underwater breath often becomes the beginning of a lifelong passion.

Experienced Divers Will Never Be Bored

The Gili Islands are not only for beginners.

Experienced divers appreciate:

  • Drift dives.
  • Nitrox diving.
  • Night dives.
  • Underwater photography.
  • Macro life.
  • Reef shark encounters.
  • Turtle cleaning stations.
  • Excellent buoyancy diving.

Many professional dive instructors living on the islands still dive these sites several times every week despite having logged thousands of dives worldwide.

That says everything about the quality of diving available.

Diving Responsibly Protects the Future

Healthy reefs require responsible divers.

International programmes such as Green Fins encourage environmentally friendly diving by promoting excellent buoyancy, avoiding contact with coral, reducing marine pollution and respecting marine wildlife [2].

At Oceans 5 Gili Air we believe conservation begins with education.

Every dive briefing includes reminders about protecting coral reefs and respecting marine life.

Small actions from every diver make a significant difference over time.

Why Choose Oceans 5 Gili Air?

There are many dive centres around the Gili Islands.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air we have built our reputation on quality rather than quantity.

As an SSI Instructor Training Centre, we focus on:

  • Small diving groups.
  • Experienced instructors.
  • Modern facilities.
  • Two large training pools.
  • High safety standards.
  • Environmental responsibility.
  • Personal attention.

Whether you are joining your very first Try Scuba programme, completing your Open Water certification or training to become a professional dive instructor, our goal remains the same:

To make every dive enjoyable, safe and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gili Islands suitable for beginner divers?

Yes. Warm water, excellent visibility, gentle dive sites and abundant marine life make the Gili Islands one of the easiest and most enjoyable places in Indonesia to learn scuba diving [1].

What marine life will I see?

Most divers encounter green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, reef fish, moray eels, octopus, cuttlefish, rays and often juvenile white-tip reef sharks.

When is the best time to dive?

The Gili Islands offer year-round diving. The dry season generally provides the best visibility, while marine life remains excellent throughout the year.

Can I learn scuba diving if I cannot swim very well?

To become certified, SSI requires students to complete a swimming assessment. However, people who are not yet ready for certification can still experience breathing underwater by joining an SSI Try Scuba programme under the direct supervision of an instructor [1].

Are reef sharks dangerous?

No. White-tip reef sharks are naturally shy animals and are generally more interested in resting or hunting small fish than interacting with divers [6].

Why should I choose Oceans 5 Gili Air?

Oceans 5 combines experienced SSI instructors, small teaching groups, excellent facilities, two spacious training pools, high safety standards and a strong commitment to marine conservation.

References

[1] SSI (Scuba Schools International). Open Water Diver Standards and Recreational Diving Program Information.https://www.divessi.com

[2] Green Fins. Environmental Best Practices for Dive Operators. https://www.greenfins.net

[3] Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional (BKKPN) Kupang. Gili Matra Marine Recreation Reserve.

[4] Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP). Marine Conservation Areas in Indonesia.https://kkp.go.id

[5] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Chelonia mydasand Eretmochelys imbricata. https://www.iucnredlist.org

[6] NOAA Ocean Service. Coral Reef Ecosystems and Marine Biodiversity. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov

Why Thousands of Travellers Are Skipping Bali’s Beaches for This Tiny Island…

Leave a reply
SSI Open Water Course | Dive Resort Oceans 5 | Bali

And It Has Everything to Do with What’s Underwater

Imagine taking your very first breath underwater.

At first, it feels impossible. Then, within seconds, you realise you’re floating effortlessly over colourful coral reefs, a sea turtle slowly swims past, schools of tropical fish surround you, and suddenly you’ve entered a world that most people on Earth will never experience.

It sounds like something reserved for experienced adventurers.

The truth?

It couldn’t be further from reality.

Every day, complete beginners discover scuba diving on the Gili Islands, and many of them have never even worn a mask before.

So why do so many people travel halfway around the world to learn to dive here?

The answer is simple.

The Gili Islands Were Almost Designed for Beginner Divers

Learning to dive isn’t just about putting on scuba equipment and jumping into the ocean. The environment plays an enormous role in how comfortable, relaxed and confident you’ll feel.

And this is where the Gili Islands truly stand out.

Located just off the coast of Lombok, the three islands—Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan—are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs with some of the most beginner-friendly dive sites you’ll find anywhere in the world.

Unlike many famous diving destinations that are known for strong currents, deep walls or challenging conditions, the Gili Islands offer an underwater environment that makes learning enjoyable rather than intimidating.

Many of the reefs begin in shallow water with gentle sandy slopes, allowing new divers to descend slowly and comfortably.

The water is warm throughout the year, visibility is often excellent, and many dive sites experience only mild currents, creating ideal conditions for people taking their very first breaths underwater.

Instead of worrying about difficult conditions, you can simply enjoy the experience.

And that’s exactly how learning to dive should feel.

There’s One Thing You’re Almost Guaranteed to See

Ask anyone who has dived around the Gili Islands what they remember most.

The answer is usually the same.

Sea turtles.

The Gili Islands have earned the nickname “The Turtle Capital of the World,” and for good reason.

Green turtles and Hawksbill turtles are seen on an almost daily basis around the islands.

For many first-time divers, seeing a turtle isn’t something that happens after years of diving.

It happens on their very first dive.

Imagine kneeling on the sandy bottom while practising a simple skill, looking up, and seeing a turtle glide effortlessly past only a few metres away.

Moments like these create memories that last forever.

Of course, turtles aren’t the only residents of these reefs.

Expect to see colourful reef fish, clownfish hiding in anemones, blue-spotted stingrays, moray eels, reef octopus, schools of snapper and countless other fascinating marine creatures.

Every dive feels like swimming inside a nature documentary.

“I’ve Never Dived Before…”

Perfect.

In fact, that’s exactly who the Gili Islands are for.

One of the biggest misconceptions about scuba diving is that you need to be adventurous, extremely fit or already have experience in the ocean.

You don’t.

Every certified diver once had a first dive.

The question isn’t whether you’ve dived before.

The question is simply how you want to start.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we offer two different ways to begin your underwater adventure.

Option One: Try an Introduction Dive

If you’ve always wondered what scuba diving feels like but aren’t yet ready to commit to a full certification course, an Introduction Dive is the perfect choice.

This experience is specifically designed for people with absolutely no diving experience.

Your day begins with a relaxed briefing where your instructor explains the equipment, basic underwater communication and the simple safety procedures you’ll use during your dive.

Afterwards, you’ll enter our spacious training pool.

Here you’ll become comfortable breathing underwater, clearing your mask, using your regulator and moving around with scuba equipment—all under the direct supervision of your instructor.

Once everyone feels relaxed and confident, it’s time for the best part.

You’ll head to one of the beautiful reefs surrounding Gili Air for your very first ocean dive.

Throughout the dive, your instructor stays with you every step of the way, allowing you to focus on enjoying the incredible marine life rather than worrying about the equipment.

For many people, it’s the moment they completely fall in love with scuba diving.

However, it’s important to understand one thing.

An Introduction Dive is not a scuba certification.

It is a discovery experience that lets you safely explore the underwater world and find out whether diving is something you’d like to continue in the future.

If you decide afterwards that you want to become a certified diver, you’ll already have a fantastic first experience behind you.

Option Two: Become an SSI Open Water Diver

If you’ve already decided that you want to learn scuba diving properly, the SSI Open Water Diver Course is the perfect place to start.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, our Open Water Course starts every single day, so you don’t have to organise your holiday around fixed course dates.

Over three enjoyable days, you’ll gradually build your confidence and skills.

The course combines classroom learning, practical pool sessions and four open water dives around the beautiful reefs of the Gili Islands.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Assemble and use scuba equipment correctly.
  • Communicate underwater.
  • Control your buoyancy effortlessly.
  • Plan safe dives.
  • Handle common diving situations calmly and confidently.
  • Respect and protect the marine environment.

Because we teach in small groups with a maximum of four students per instructor, you’ll receive plenty of personal attention throughout the course.

Our instructors are experienced professionals who understand that everyone learns at a different pace.

There’s no pressure.

No rushing.

Just relaxed, enjoyable learning.

Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll earn your internationally recognised SSI Open Water Diver certification, allowing you to dive anywhere in the world to a maximum depth of 18 metres.

For many people, this certificate becomes the beginning of a lifelong passion for exploring the oceans.

Why Oceans 5 Gili Air?

Choosing where you learn to dive is just as important as deciding to learn.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we’ve built our reputation around one simple philosophy:

Quality over quantity.

Rather than teaching huge groups, we keep our student-to-instructor ratio low.

This means more individual coaching, more time underwater and a much more relaxed learning experience.

Our two large training pools allow students to practise comfortably before entering the ocean, while our experienced multilingual instructors ensure every student receives the attention they deserve.

Safety, comfort and enjoyment always come first.

After all, learning to dive should be one of the highlights of your holiday—not something stressful.

The Best Part Starts After the Diving

Here’s something many people don’t think about before arriving.

Learning to dive isn’t just about the hours you spend underwater.

It’s also about everything that happens afterwards.

Once the diving is finished for the day, Gili Air transforms into one of Indonesia’s most relaxed tropical islands.

There are no cars.

No motorbikes.

Just bicycles, horse carts and sandy pathways leading to beachfront cafés, cosy restaurants and laid-back bars.

Spend your afternoon relaxing beside the pool.

Enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset over Bali.

Share stories from your dives with new friends from around the world.

Or simply sit on the beach with a cold drink, listening to the waves while planning tomorrow’s underwater adventure.

Many visitors arrive for a few days.

Quite a few end up staying much longer than planned.

It’s easy to understand why.

Your Underwater Adventure Starts Today

Millions of people visit tropical islands every year.

Most never discover what’s waiting just a few metres beneath the surface.

Don’t be one of them.

Whether you choose an Introduction Dive to experience scuba diving for the first time or decide to earn your SSI Open Water Diver certification, there’s no better place to begin than the Gili Islands.

With warm water, gentle dive sites, colourful coral reefs, incredible visibility and more sea turtles than you ever imagined, you’ll quickly discover why divers from all over the world keep coming back.

At Oceans 5 Gili Air, Introduction Dives and SSI Open Water Courses start every day.

Who knows?

Your first breath underwater might just become the moment that changes the way you see the world forever.