The Gili Islands are one of the best places in Southeast Asia to learn to dive and to build serious diving experience. The combination of warm, calm, clear water, abundant marine life, and affordable prices draws divers of every level from around the world. Whether you are taking your first breath underwater or working toward your Instructor certification, the Gilis deliver.
Why dive the Gilis
- Water temperature: 27-29°C year-round — no wetsuit needed
- Visibility: Often 20-30 metres, best April-October
- Currents: Mostly gentle, suitable for beginners
- Marine life: Sea turtles virtually guaranteed on every dive, plus reef sharks, cuttlefish, octopus, rays, and hundreds of reef fish species
- Dive sites: 25+ sites within 20 minutes of the islands
- Cost: Among the most affordable PADI certifications in the world
Best dive sites
Shark Point (Trawangan)
One of the most popular sites in the Gilis, on the north side of Trawangan. Whitetip reef sharks are regularly seen resting on the sandy floor between coral outcrops. Suitable for Advanced Open Water divers. Depth 18-30 metres.
Turtle Heaven (Meno)
As the name suggests, this site off Gili Meno offers near-guaranteed turtle encounters. A gentle slope with mixed hard and soft coral, perfect for Open Water divers. Depth 5-18 metres.
Meno Wall
A dramatic coral wall dropping from 5 to 18+ metres, with varied life on every level. Good for both divers and snorkellers. Regular turtle and reef fish sightings.
Nest (Underwater Statue Circle)
Created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, this is a ring of 48 life-sized human figures placed on the seabed near Gili Meno. The sculptures are gradually being colonised by coral and marine life, making for a hauntingly beautiful dive. Best visited in morning light. Depth 5-7 metres.
Halik (Trawangan/Meno channel)
A classic drift dive between Trawangan and Meno. Strong currents require an Advanced certification. Rewards with turtles, schooling fish, and occasional reef sharks.
Deep Halik
The deeper extension of Halik, reaching 30+ metres. Advanced divers only. Eagle rays, larger sharks, and pelagic species occasionally pass through.
Bounty Wreck
A small wooden boat wreck in shallow water, covered in coral and home to schools of fish. Great for Open Water divers and underwater photography.
Courses available
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
A half-day introduction for complete beginners. No certification needed. You do a confined water session and one shallow dive with an instructor. Cost: around $85-120 USD.
PADI Open Water Diver
The standard entry-level certification, letting you dive independently to 18 metres. Takes 3-4 days and includes classroom sessions, confined water skills, and four open water dives. Cost: around $350-450 USD including equipment, manuals, and certification.
PADI Advanced Open Water
A 2-3 day course extending your training with 5 adventure dives including deep (to 30m) and navigation dives. Opens up more dive sites around the Gilis. Cost: around $290-350 USD.
PADI Rescue Diver
A 3-4 day course focused on safety, emergency response, and diver care. Essential for anyone serious about diving. Cost: around $380-450 USD.
Divemaster
The first professional level. Takes 3-8 weeks depending on the shop. Cost: $900-1500 USD for the full package.
Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Multiple dive centres on Trawangan and Air are PADI 5-Star IDC centres or Career Development Centres, meaning they can train divers all the way to instructor level. Duration 2-3 weeks. Cost: $1800-3000+ USD depending on inclusions.
Fun dives for certified divers
If you are already certified, you can book fun dives individually or in packages:
- Single dive: around $38-52 USD
- 3-dive package: around $105-140 USD
- 10-dive package: around $330-450 USD
Most shops organise two dives per day, with a surface interval in between. Nitrox is available at most dive shops for divers certified to use it.
Choosing a dive shop
There are dozens of dive shops across the three islands. All the major ones are PADI 5-Star centres with solid reputations. Things to consider when choosing:
- Group size. Smaller is generally better. Look for shops with maximum 4 students per instructor.
- Language. Most shops offer instruction in English, plus various European languages. Check they have your language if needed.
- Equipment quality. Modern, well-maintained gear matters for both comfort and safety.
- Location. Choose a shop near your accommodation to minimise transport.
- Atmosphere. Visit the shop before booking to get a feel for the vibe and staff.
Well-regarded shops include Blue Marlin Dive, Trawangan Dive Centre, Manta Dive, Big Bubble, and Evolution Dive on Trawangan; Divine Divers and Blue Marlin on Meno; and Oceans 5, Manta Dive Gili Air, and Blue Marlin on Gili Air.
What to bring
Dive shops provide everything you need: BCD, regulator, tank, weights, mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit if desired. However, consider bringing your own:
- Mask (best fit, no rental roulette)
- Dive computer (rental adds up over multiple days)
- Certification cards (physical or digital)
- Logbook (if you keep one)
- Reef-safe sunscreen
Safety and insurance
Always dive with a certified centre. Be honest about your experience level. Don't dive beyond your certification. Don't dive with a hangover. Don't fly for 18-24 hours after your last dive to avoid decompression sickness.
Travel insurance that covers scuba diving is essential. Not all policies include it — check specifically. The nearest recompression chamber is in Mataram, Lombok, with established emergency procedures in place via the dive shops.
Best time for diving
Diving is possible year-round, but April to October offers the best visibility (20-30m) and calmest seas. The wet season (November to March) brings plankton blooms that reduce visibility to 10-15m but also attract more large marine life including occasional manta rays and whale sharks.
Book in advance during peak season (July-August) as popular courses fill up quickly.