Blow Bubbles Divers, Diving South Gilis

Located in the village of Desa Sekotong Barat in Lombok, Blow Bubbles Divers provides access to the pristine, less-trodden waters of the South Gilis. This area offers a significant alternative to the more crowded diving hubs, focusing on the rich biodiversity found within the Secret Gilis and the surrounding Sekotong reefs.

The centre is built on a foundation of marine biology and technical expertise, run by a family with over 25 years of experience in the industry. This background ensures that every excursion is not just a dive, but an opportunity to engage with the local ecology in a meaningful way.

The team is led by Barbara Bertot, an SSI instructor and marine biologist with over 5,000 dives, and Jean-Marie Bertot, a technical director and instructor with 4,000 dives and a background in FFESSM and subaquatic biology. They are joined by Nathalie Bertot, who provides additional support for the centre's operations.

Instruction is delivered in English, French, Spanish, Indonesian, Sasak, and Creole. The centre maintains a strict ratio of no more than four divers per guide, ensuring that whether you are a beginner on a Discovery Dive or an experienced diver on an exploration, you receive dedicated attention.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they also provide training through PADI and FFESSM frameworks via their experienced instructors. Their commitment to conservation is central to their operation, driven by their professional background in marine science.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of SSI training programmes. Beginners can start with a Discovery Dive or work towards their Open Water Diver certification, while those looking to progress can enrol in the Advanced Adventurer or Rescue Diver courses.

For those pursuing a professional path, Divemaster training is available. The centre also provides Refresh Dive sessions for those returning to the water after a break, and React Right training to enhance safety skills.

The centre operates a custom dive boat designed specifically for comfort and safety during trips to the surrounding reefs. The vessel is equipped to handle the local conditions while providing a stable platform for divers to prepare and relax.

On board, you will find refreshments including water, coffee, tea, and snacks, with lunch provided during full-day trips (vegetarian and vegan options available). For safety, the boat is equipped with a first aid kit and oxygen.

Full equipment hire is available on-site, allowing you to dive with a complete kit if you are not travelling with your own. The centre maintains a high standard of equipment to ensure reliability for both training and exploration dives.

Safety is a priority, with oxygen and first aid kits readily available on the boat and at the centre. All dive fees and training costs include the use of full equipment and the necessary marine park entry fees.

The reefs are home to a diverse array of larger marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and various species of moray eels. You will frequently encounter cuttlefish and a wide variety of reef fish moving through the coral structures.

For macro enthusiasts, the area is exceptional. The sandy patches and muck sites host seahorses, flamboyant cuttlefish, and a wealth of nudibranchs. You can also find ghost pipefish, frogfish, and the mimic octopus in these habitats.

The underwater scenery is defined by healthy coral ecosystems, featuring vibrant soft corals, sponges, and giant anemones that provide habitat for the local fish populations.

Diving in the Sekotong area is possible year-round, with currents generally remaining gentle. While most sites offer calm conditions, some locations like the Gili Renggit Wall can experience moderate currents, making them better suited for those with more experience.

The region's waters are typically warm, providing a comfortable environment for most divers throughout the year.