Gili AIR
The Ultimate Guide
For Diving In Gili Air
INDONESIA – Gili Air
The Gili’s are three islands located about 2 hours from Bali. Gili Air is one of the more balanced island and is known as the most popular dive destination in Asia. (Koh Tao who?)
Why Choose Gili Air?
Gili Air has the whole package. Some of the lowest prices for courses and fun dives yet you get world-class dive sites that are less than a 10 minute boat ride away. The Gili’s are also named the “turtle capital” of the world by the internet, and the internet never lies.
GILI AIR ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMS
Beginner Diving
Try diving for the first time or get your full scuba certificate.
Advanced Courses
Upgrade your certification and see more and go deeper.
Snorkeling Trips
Prefer to stay near the surface? Private tours available.
Certified Fun Dive
Already have your certificate and want to enjoy a guided fun dive?
Divemaster Program
The first step to working in the most beautiful places in the world. Become a pro!
Special Trips & More
We’re not just about diving, special day trips, adventures, & more!
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CREDIT CARDS/CASH
Cash is king at most places but cards are becoming more widely accepted. Be prepared to pay a surcharge at times.
TRANSPORT
There are no cars or motorbike on the island. People rent bicycles or you can use horse carts.
PLUGS
230v double round plugs similar to EU style. UK + AUS plugs need an adapter to work.
LANGUAGE
Bahasa is the spoken language but English is also very commonly spoken and understood by locals.
Common Phrases
Hello
Halo
Thank You
Terima Kasih
Yes/No
Ya/Tidak
Scuba Diving
Berenang Dengan Alat Selam
GILI AIR CONDITIONS
The wet seasons run from October to March while the dry seasons run from April to September. Now, obviously with all the horrible things we are doing the world (don’t look at me, I recycle) the weather can be anything at anytime.
Diving is year-round but you will get slightly colder water temperatures of around 25 degree Celsius from December to March.
Have Questions or Ready To Book?
FAQs
If you’ve got a question, we’ve probably got an answer! But don’t be sad if your question isn’t here, we are available to help out or if you just want to write to us and tell us how funny we are.
What's the difference between the islands?
Gili Meno is the quieter island with boutique and large scale resort, Gili T is the larger island with a variety of different styles of accommodations and a vibrant nightlife and Gili Air is the unique in-between with great restaurants, accommodations, and live music night vibes.
All 3 islands have access to same amazing dive sites.
How big is the island?
Gili Air is the middle-size of the three islands but you can still get around the whole island in less than 2 hours walking or 1 hour on a bicycle.
How do you get around on the island?
The beauty of Gili Air is that there are no motorised vehicles so bicycles can be rented for around 50,000 IDR/day or you can use a horse cart, especially if you have large luggage to carry.
Are the islands far apart?
Gili T, Gili Meno and Gili Air are all very close to each other. You can travel from the two farthest island in around 20 minutes by boat.
Is it possible to do island-hopping trips to visit all 3?
Yes and guess what? We offer those trips.
I know, crazy right?
Check out our private snorkeling/island-hopping tours to visit all the gili’s: Click Here
How to get to Gili Air from Bali?
Gili Air is about 2.5-3 hours from Bali. You can go via Serangan pier which is closer to the south/airport or you can go via Padang Bai pier which is 1 hour drive up the eastern coast.
Most ferry providers will provide shuttle transport from hotel.
Check out sites like 12go.asia or we recommend Eka Jaya fast ferry or Blue-Water Express.
Fastest way to get to the Gili's
Flying into Lombok airport helps avoid the long boat ride. From Lombok airport, it is a 1.5 hr taxi ride and 20 minute boat ride.
We can help with transport arrangements from Lombok, so feel free to reach out.
What is the nearest airport to fly into?
Bali is the bigger international airport but you can also fly in Lombok which has flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
What kind of marine life to expect?
The dive sites around the Gili’s contain so much diversity. You’ll often see cuttlefish, moray eels, clownfish, trumpetfish and much much more. Macro lovers will love exploring in-between the topography to find seahorses, nudi branch’s, anemone crabs, and other small wonders. And of course, lots of turtles!
Is it a good place to do courses?
Gili Air is a great place to do scuba diving courses because it will train you to become a stronger diver. You will experience wall diving, drift diving, slopping reefs and learning to deal with currents.
Learning to dive in a boring chill spot is all fine and nice until one day you dive with heavy currents and don’t know what to do. Might as well learn how to be strong from day 1.
Can you see Manta's or Whale Sharks?
Manta’s and whale sharks are very rare around Gili Air although they have been spotted now and again. Hard to predict. Nusa Penida is a great spot for Manta diving.
Can I go diving if I'v never tried it before?
You probably already know the answer: YES. There are programs like the Try Scuba Discover Day for those who just want to try it out and see how it feels or you can do your full Open Water Diver Course and become certified.
What's the difference between the agencies? PADI/SSI/RAID
Simple answer: they are all the same.
Longer answer: the agencies are just the ones who set the course structure and schedule and limitations but all the agencies have the exact same standards.
So at the end of the day it doesn’t matter which agency the dive center is with because your certificate will work worldwide.
Everyone usually calls it getting your PADI but this really doesn’t mean much and is just because PADI is one of the oldest agencies in the world so they did some really good marketing. Just because it’s older, doesn’t mean it’s better. 😉
How far in advance should I book?
We get it, commitment is hard. Normally we will do everything we can to get your booking in with one of our partners but to avoid disappointment it’s always better to get sorted before hand.
My question isn't here! I'm sad!
Please don’t be sad. I was pretty tired when I wrote all this so maybe I missed it. OR it’s more likely that your question is so brilliant and amazing that I could never think of it. Chat with us!
GILI AIR DIVE SITES
GILI AIR DIVE SITES
The dive sites around the Gili’s contain so much diversity. You’ll often see cuttlefish, moray eels, clownfish, trumpetfish and much much more.
Macro lovers will love exploring in-between the topography to find seahorses, nudi branch’s, anemone crabs, and other small wonders. And of course, lots of turtles!
Have Questions or Ready To Book?
YOU'RE IN GOOD HANDS
Hear what some of our fans are saying about us:
Can't say enough great things about the team. Everyone who has helped me on the chats has always been so quick and kind. Felt like messaging a friend to make our booking. We will definitely be using GoDiving again in the future for any more diving trips we have planned. Can't wait for it.
Matilda
Sweden
It was surprising how easy the process was! Everything is so well automated but if you have questions, the crew seems to just always be online ready to help! We booked a diving course as well as some private tours with them and have been so happy with all of it. Communication was quick and helpful, online payment were easy!
Frank
Hong Kong
Amazing experience from start to finish. Took less than 10 minutes to get a response and make our dive package booking. Love the handy confirmation page they give you which has all the information for the reservation in one place.
Martin
Denmark
The team at GoDiving was so helpful when answering any questions we had. We were a bit nervous after having a bad experience but they helped create a plan to help us build our confidence and we became certified divers and love our new hobby so much!
Jody
Singapore
why choose Go diving?
QUALITY
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PRICE
You'll never pay extra! All our prices are guaranteed. We know travel plans can change so we always include flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies.
SUPPORT
The team is available via email, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or Fax. We are ready to answer questions you may have or if you're just bored and want to chat with us and say hi!
