Gili Islands, Lombok Diving Review

Scuba diving around the Gili Islands is rather nice but nothing spectacular if you compare to other places in Indonesia like Komodo Island or Bunaken. However it is a very good place for beginner divers as the conditions are usually good. The current is generally very gentle and the visibility good around 20 meters.

Due to a conservation program, water around the Gilis are full of turtles! And you can see many during a single dive or even just snorkelling off the shore (ask the locals for good spots). During certain times of the year it is also possible to encounter reef sharks, Manta rays and even the rare Mola Mola if you’re lucky!

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/biaebruno/4509294099/

In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Gili Islands, Lombok.

Best time to Dive in Gili Islands, Lombok

Scuba Diving in Gili Islands is possible all year round but try to avoid December and January. The heavy rainfall during these months will reduce visibility quite a bit. The best season runs from May to September.

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Dive courses

The Gilis are known in Indonesia for being a cheap place for taking courses. Many people get their Padi Open Water on Gili Trawangan. If you are already a diver it is a good place to get Padi Advanced Open Water or Rescue. Divemaster training is also available. There are SSI and CMAS Dive centres too.

Scuba Diving conditions

The water temperature varies from 26°C to 30°C so you won’t need anything more than a 3mm shorty to dive.

Unfortunately the coral around the three islands is in very bad shape above 15 meters due to extensive bomb fishing the past decade. Things seem to be improving but it will take time for the reef to fully recover.

The best spots are Shark Point and Deep Turbo for a more challenging dive!

Snorkelling in Gili Islands, Lombok

There are some nice sporkelling spots where you can observe and swim with Green Sea Turtles. It is possible to snorkel right from the beach but the best is to take a half day tour to visit the best snorkelling sites around Trawangan, Meno and Air.

Fishes and Coral

Fishes

You can find all the usual reef fishes around the Gilis. If you are really lucky, you can also spot whitetip and black tip reef sharks as well the gentle giant Manta ray and the Oceanic sunfish.

The Gilis are also known to be the turtle capital so keep an eye out as they come up to the surface for air. All you need is a mask and snorkel!

Coral

The coral is mostly dead or in very bad shape in the shallow water. When diving, the coral is much healthier.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrisstreeter/5073748813/

Travel Guide

Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Gili Islands, Lombok Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.

Dive spots in Gili Islands, Lombok