Scuba Diving in Gili Islands
A short boat ride from Bali or Lombok, the three Gili Islands (Trawangan, Meno, and Air) offer car-free living and arguably the highest concentration of green sea turtles in Southeast Asia. Currents can pick up slightly compared to Koh Tao, offering a gentle introduction to drift diving.
Why Dive the Gili Islands?
Located just off the northwest coast of Lombok (and a fast boat ride from Bali), the Gili Islands are a backpacker haven. Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the largest and most developed, while Gili Air and Gili Meno offer quieter alternatives. The diving here is incredibly easy, making it one of the most popular places in Indonesia to get certified.
The Diving Experience
The Gilis are basically a massive sandbox for divers. The water is bath-warm (29°C year-round) and the sites are mostly sloping coral reefs with sandy bottoms.
- Currents: While you might experience mild currents, they are rarely overwhelming, and the boat crews are experts at dropping you precisely where you need to be.
- Logistics: Dive trips are incredibly short. You gear up at the shop, walk onto the boat, and are at the dive site within 10 to 15 minutes.
Marine Life Highlights
If you want to see turtles, this is the place. It is almost impossible to dive the Gilis without seeing green and hawksbill turtles—sometimes half a dozen on a single dive. Reef sharks are common at sites like Shark Point, and macro lovers will find plenty of nudibranchs and ghost pipefish.
Above the Surface
The Gilis are famous for having no motorized transport. You get around by bicycle, horse-drawn cart (cidomo), or walking. Gili T is infamous for its wild, full-moon-style beach parties, while Gili Air is a more mature yoga-and-diving retreat.
Explore More
Looking for more information? Check out our other destinations or browse all our guides.
Marine Life & Fish Seen in Gili Islands
Diving in Gili Islands offers dependable encounters with key marine species during May–Oct. Below are confirmed sightings across our top dive sites:
