Gili Air, Indonesia
A tropical paradise in the Lombok Strait, Gili Air is the most laid-back of the three Gili Islands - perfect for divers seeking vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and incredible marine biodiversity. Join us with Blue Marlin Dive, Gili Air’s premier PADI dive centre.
About Gili Air
Gili Air is the smallest and most relaxed of the Gili Islands, located just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and no-motor-vehicle policy, it offers a truly unspoiled dive experience. Depths range from 5m to 30m+, with visibility frequently exceeding 20m. The island sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle, making it one of the world’s most biodiverse marine environments.
Dive Sites
-
On the west side of Gili Air, Air Wall has something for everyone with its diverse topography - a gentle sandy slope with colorful coral bommies transitioning into a wall. Turtles rest here alongside cuttlefish and clownfish, while stingrays and garden eels hide in the sand. Parrotfish, angelfish, triggerfish, sweetlips, and whitetip and blacktip reef sharks are also commonly seen.
-
Nestled on the north of Gili Meno, Turtle Heaven offers amazing encounters with large green and hawksbill turtles. A pinnacle reaches up to 10m making it accessible for beginners, while it drops to 35m for deeper divers. Nudibranchs, pipefish, frogfish, and crustaceans can all be found here.
-
A coral reef plateau at 10m follows the north side of Gili Trawangan before sloping down to 18m, transforming into rolling valleys and canyons that extend to 35m. Numerous green sea turtles inhabit the shallows, with juvenile whitetip reef sharks sheltering beneath bommies at depth. The deliberately sunk Glenn Nusa Wreck adds an extra draw. Currents can be strong around new and full moons — best for intermediate to advanced divers.
-
Located further from shore, the shallowest point is around 18m, dropping through huge pinnacles and ridges covered in gorgonians and coral formations - like underwater skyscrapers. Reef sharks, stingrays, and an abundance of nudibranchs are regularly encountered. Advanced divers only due to depth and currents.
-
Located in the channel between Gili Air and Gili Meno, divers drop onto a plateau at roughly 12m and drift along as the reef grows gradually deeper. For a deeper dive, a sloping reef wall reveals trevally, large snappers, Spanish mackerel, and barracuda. Suitable for all levels and considered a must-dive.
Trip Information
-
Gili Air is suitable for all levels. Certified divers from Open Water level and above can join guided boat dives. Blue Marlin Dive offers PADI courses from beginner to advanced, so you can learn to dive or continue your training during the trip. Children aged 10+ can take the PADI Junior Open Water Diver course.
-
Blue Marlin Dive is Gili Air's longest-established and most reputable PADI dive centre. With over 25 years of diving expertise, a fleet of well-maintained boats, and a team of passionate, experienced instructors, they offer an unparalleled diving experience. Their Gili Air base is perfectly positioned to access all the island's best sites.
-
We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do - it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
-
You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly - usually within one business day.
-
We run Gili Air trips throughout the year. The best diving conditions are from April to November when the seas are calmest and visibility is at its peak. The dry season (May–September) offers the most reliable conditions. We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for trips during July–August peak season.

