Trawangan Stingray Divers

Trawangan Stingray Divers is situated on Gili Trawangan, the largest of the Gili Islands in Indonesia. Established in 2022, the centre was founded by Putu Sudiartana, an experienced instructor who also founded Bali Stingray Diver in 2012, bringing over a decade of regional expertise to the island.

The centre is positioned on the calmer side of the island, providing a more relaxed environment for your pre-dive preparations. It serves as a dedicated hub for divers looking to explore the diverse marine ecosystems surrounding the Gilis, from shallow coral gardens to deeper, more challenging sites.

The team is led by manager Ahmed and is composed of professional, friendly, and relaxed instructors and crew. The centre is known for its personalised approach, focusing on small groups to ensure that each diver receives individual attention and guidance.

Instruction is available in both English and French, making it an accessible choice for international divers. The staff's deep local knowledge helps in selecting the best sites based on current conditions and your specific experience level.

As a PADI affiliated centre, the range of courses covers the entire spectrum of diver progression. Beginners can start with the PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme, followed by the PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to refine their skills or move into professional territory, the centre offers PADI Rescue Diver, EFR, and Divemaster courses. Specialist training is also available, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Drift Diver, Night Diving, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigation, and Altitude Diving. The centre also provides training in Digital Underwater Imaging and Fish Identification.

The centre provides a complete range of rental equipment that is well-maintained and kept in very good condition, including BCDs and wings. This allows you to arrive with minimal kit and still dive with reliable, modern equipment.

On-site facilities include a large training pool, which is ideal for practicing skills or completing course requirements. For those on boat trips, the centre provides snacks, biscuits, tea, coffee, mineral water, and towels to ensure you are comfortable between dives.

The reefs are teeming with life, including large schools of fish, groupers (Epinephelus), and various species of snapper (Lutjanus). You will frequently encounter sea turtles, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), and various reef sharks such as Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus) and blacktip reef sharks.

Pelagic visitors include Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and hammerhead sharks, which can be seen around the more open sites. You may also spot eagle rays (Aetobatus), unicornfish (Naso), and various species of triggerfish (Balistidae) patrolling the reef.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is a treasure trove. Look closely for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti). The sandy areas and coral heads also host octopus (Octopus vulgaris), coconut octopus, various cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae).

The seabed and coral structures are decorated with vibrant life, from gorgonians and barrel sponges to various corals and anemones. You will also find garden eels (Gorgasia), anemonefish (Amphiprion), and a variety of crustaceans and marine invertebrates throughout the sites.

Diving conditions vary across the islands, with currents ranging from low to strong depending on the specific site. Some locations, such as Deep Turbo and Air Wall, are known for strong currents and are best suited for experienced divers or drift diving.

The best time to visit for optimal conditions is during the dry season from March to October. During this period, you can expect reliable weather for exploring the various reefs and walls.