Gili Scuba Diving

Located in the heart of the Gili Islands, Indonesia, Gili Scuba Diving offers a dedicated space for divers seeking a more personal connection to the ocean. The centre is situated on Gili Trawangan, making it a central hub for those exploring the volcanic and coral landscapes of this archipelago.

Rather than catering to large crowds, the resort operates on a philosophy of quality over quantity. This approach ensures that every diver, from the first-time student to the seasoned professional, receives the specific attention required to enjoy the local reefs safely and comfortably.

Founded by Emir, the centre is built on a foundation of high safety standards and individualised teaching. The team follows a consistent philosophy across all levels of instruction, ensuring that the transition from student to diver is handled with care.

The centre is a PADI Dive Resort, offering a professional environment for both recreational diving and formal training. The staff is multilingual, speaking English and several other languages to assist international divers.

Instruction is kept strictly small to maintain safety and control. For training, the centre limits groups to a maximum of two students per instructor, while for fun dives, you will find a maximum of three divers per guide.

As a PADI centre, the curriculum covers the full spectrum of diver training. You can begin your journey with the PADI Open Water Diver course and progress through to the Advanced Open Water Diver certification.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers several PADI Specialty courses, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, and Wreck Diver. They also provide training for the Rescue Diver and Divemaster levels, alongside EFR (Emergency First Response) courses.

More niche skills are also taught, such as Search & Recovery Diver and Underwater Photography, catering to divers looking to refine specific technical or creative abilities.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes everything required for a complete setup, from regulators to BCDs and fins.

For those looking to extend their bottom time or enhance their safety margins, Nitrox is available on-site. The centre is well-equipped to support divers who prefer enriched air for their reef explorations.

The reefs around the Gili Islands are home to a diverse array of marine life. You will regularly encounter various species of sea turtles, including the Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). Large numbers of reef fish, such as colourful tropical fish, snapper (Lutjanus), and various species of damselfish (Chromis chromis), populate the coral structures.

For those watching the water column, pelagic visitors are common. You may see sharks, including blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), and reef sharks (Carcharhinus), alongside rays (Batoidea) and various species of stingrays. Schools of fusilier (Caesio) and jacks (Carangidae) often move in large groups through the currents.

Macro divers will find plenty to investigate on the reef flats and near the corals. The area supports a wide range of invertebrates, including various octopuses (Octopus vulgaris), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and shrimp (Caridea). Look closely for more specialised creatures like the Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), various species of frogfish, and nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani).

Diving in the Gili Islands is conducted through a regular schedule of morning, midday, and afternoon departures. The centre also offers night dives, allowing you to experience the reef as the nocturnal species become active.

Access to the islands is well-established, with fast boats running from Bali (Padang Bai, Sanur, or Serangan) and public or private transfers available from Lombok.