Shark Point

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Shark Point is widely considered one of the most dynamic and biologically active dive sites in the Gili Islands. Located just off the western coast of Gili Trawangan (Gili T), the site features a diverse topography that accommodates various skill levels. The underwater landscape begins with a gently sloping, shallow reef flat that gradually transitions into a series of deeper parallel ridges and sandy canyons descending into the Lombok Strait.

Because it faces the open strait, Shark Point frequently experiences stronger and more variable currents than the sheltered sites on the eastern side of the islands. However, the shallow upper sections (between 10 and 15 meters) are generally protected, making the site accessible for a wide range of certifications. If you are comparing the best places to learn how to dive in varying currents, Shark Point offers a structured environment. Instructors regularly use the shallower sections for students completing their open water course, while experienced divers can navigate the deeper ridges where the current flow is more pronounced.

The Dive Experience

Shark Point is almost exclusively conducted as a drift dive. Dive boats drop groups at the southern end of the reef, allowing the prevailing northward current to carry them along the site. A surface marker buoy (SMB) is required to signal the boat for pickup at the end of the dive. Divers preparing for a trip here should consult a comprehensive travel and packing guide to ensure they carry their own SMB, even if they are diving with a guided group.

The dive profile typically involves descending onto the shallow reef flat and slowly making your way down the slope. Advanced divers can descend past the 18-meter mark to explore the series of deeper canyons that drop down to approximately 30 meters (100 feet). The water visibility is consistently good, usually ranging from 20 to 30 meters, largely due to the flushing action of the water moving through the strait. The water temperature is tropically warm year-round, averaging 28°C (82°F).

What You’ll See

True to its name, Shark Point is the most reliable location in the Gili Islands to observe elasmobranchs. Whitetip and blacktip reef sharks are frequently sighted resting on the sandy bottom in the deeper canyons or patrolling the edges of the coral ridges. These sharks are generally timid and will quickly swim away if approached too aggressively by divers.

In the shallower sections of the reef, green and hawksbill sea turtles are ubiquitous. It is common to see several turtles on a single dive, either resting among the hard corals or actively feeding.

One of the major highlights of Shark Point is the frequent presence of massive schools of bumphead parrotfish. These large, prehistoric-looking fish often move across the reef flat in herds, audibly crunching on the hard coral. The site also attracts pelagic species; massive schools of trevally and snappers often congregate in the water column where the current is strongest. During seasonal changes, divers occasionally report sightings of passing manta rays or even eagle rays navigating the strait.

Planning Your Dive

Shark Point is extremely accessible, requiring only a 5-minute boat ride from the main beaches of Gili Trawangan. The site can be dived at any time of day, but morning dives are generally preferred when the surface conditions are calmest and the marine life is most active. All divers must follow the local conservation rules established by the Gili Eco Trust, which strictly prohibits chasing the sharks or touching any part of the reef structure. Because of the potential for shifting currents, maintaining close contact with your dive guide or buddy is essential.