Viking Divers Gili Trawangan

Located in Gili Trawangan, North Lombok, Viking Divers combines a sense of adventure with modern diving expertise. Founded by Emil, a Swedish enthusiast, the centre has established itself through a commitment to safety and a deep understanding of the local marine environment.

The centre is affiliated with SSI and operates with a focus on small groups, ensuring that every diver receives the attention required for a safe and rewarding experience. From the reef flats to the deeper walls, the team provides local knowledge that helps you navigate the best of the Gili Islands.

The team consists of six professional instructors, offering a high level of expertise across various disciplines. Many of the staff members are marine biologists or underwater photographers, which adds a unique educational and scientific dimension to the guided dives.

Communication is never an issue, as the instructors are polyglot, speaking English, Swedish, Indonesian, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, and French. This multilingual approach makes the centre a reliable choice for international divers looking for clear, precise instruction.

The centre provides a full range of SSI training, from initial certifications through to professional levels. You can complete your SSI Instructor course here, working with experienced mentors to reach your career goals.

Instruction is delivered with a focus on safety and conservation, ensuring that students understand both the technical skills and the environmental importance of the reefs they are exploring.

Viking Divers is equipped to support both recreational and technical divers. The centre provides rebreather support on-site, catering to those running more advanced configurations.

For those not bringing their own kit, the centre offers equipment hire to ensure you have the necessary tools for your dives. The focus remains on well-maintained, premium equipment to maintain high safety standards throughout your stay.

The reefs around Gili Trawangan are teeming with large pelagics and colourful reef fish. You will regularly encounter various species of sharks, including reef sharks (Carcharhinus), whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus). Eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari) and various species of turtles, such as the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), are also common sights.

In the mid-water and along the walls, look for schools of jackfish (Carangidae), barracuda (Sphyraena), and various trevallies (Carangidae). You will also see large reef fish like the Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), groupers (Epinephelinae), and various species of snapper (Lutjanidae) patrolling the coral formations.

For those interested in the smaller inhabitants, the macro life is diverse. Keep an eye out for octopus (Octopoda), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various species of scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) or stonefish (Synanceia) hiding in the crevices. You may also find nudibranchs, seahorses (Hippocampus), and various species of shrimp (Caridea) amongst the soft corals and sea fans.

The seabed and reef structures are decorated with a variety of life, including sea anemones, corals, and garden eels (Heterocongrinae). Look closely for crabs (Brachyura), pipefish, and various species of butterflyfish (Chaetodon) navigating the complex reef architecture.

The diving environment in Gili Trawangan varies from the calm, protected waters of Turtle Heaven to the more active drift dives found at sites like Halik. Divers should be prepared for varying current conditions depending on the specific site and tide.