Where to Dive in Gili Air: Ultimate Guide with Map

Beach, diving, relaxation, sunsets… All this and more await you in Gili Air, one of Indonesia’s gems. Beyond its popularity for postcard-perfect beaches and proximity to Bali, Gili Air has become an internationally renowned diving destination. With crystal-clear waters, incredible marine diversity, and a laid-back atmosphere, Gili Air offers unique experiences for both beginner and advanced divers.

In this guide, we’ll show you the best dive sites, what to see at each spot, their difficulty level, and a map to ensure you don’t miss any key points. If this article convinces you that you need to dive in Gili Air, don’t hesitate to dive with DPM Diving. We’ve just opened a new school on the island!

Gili Air: A Special Place for Diving

Located just an hour from Bali by boat and a few minutes from Lombok, Gili Air is the most peaceful of the Gili islands, making it the perfect destination if you’re looking to disconnect from stress, routine, or noise.
This tropical paradise offers warm waters with fantastic visibility year-round, ideal diving conditions, and vibrant marine life that will make every dive unforgettable.

Best Times to Dive in Gili Air

Diving in Gili Air is possible and recommended all year round, but if you have flexibility, the best months are from April to November, when visibility is at its peak, and the water conditions are optimal due to the absence of strong currents or major weather events. During the rainy season (December to March), the sea can be rougher, but you can still enjoy great dives.

The 9 Best Dive Sites in Gili Air

Now, let’s dive into the best spots around the island. Keep in mind that they are all easily accessible from any point on Gili Air, even though there are no motorised vehicles on the island. You can explore Gili Air on foot or by bike with ease.

1. Han’s Reef

This reef is ideal for beginners, with shallow waters and gentle currents. The topography is varied, with small coral reefs and sea sponges.
You can expect to see a wide variety of reef fish, such as clownfish, angelfish, and nudibranchs. It’s also a good spot to find turtles.

Perfect for a relaxed dive or snorkelling. Bring an underwater camera to capture the marine life up close.

2. Frogfish Point

A more advanced dive site, known for its currents and the chance to see rarer species.
As the name suggests, it’s famous for frogfish, as well as seahorses and moray eels. Scorpionfish and stonefish can also be spotted here.

This site is better suited to experienced divers due to the strong currents in certain areas. Our DPM Diving instructors will guide you to ensure you have the best experience.

3. Air Wall

A spectacular underwater wall that descends up to 30 metres.
Here, you’ll find hard and soft corals, sponges, pufferfish, and rays.
Ideal for intermediate and advanced divers. It’s best to dive early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy optimal visibility.

4. Secret Garden

A hidden dive site with a mix of coral reefs and sandy bottoms.
You’ll see garden eels, stonefish, octopuses, and a variety of reef fish. It’s also a popular spot to find reef sharks.
Ideal for divers of all levels. The currents are generally mild, but it’s best to dive at low tide for the best visibility.

5. Gili Air Harbor

Located near the main harbour, this site offers a unique diving experience with submerged structures and small wrecks.

Schools of barracuda, parrotfish, and groupers can be seen here. Rays and seahorses are also common.
Accessible for divers of all levels, but there may be boat traffic, so it’s recommended to dive with a surface buoy.

6. Manta Point

A famous spot for manta rays, which visit during certain times of the year.
In addition to manta rays, you’ll also see large schools of batfish, fusiliers, and reef sharks.
Best visited during manta season (April to October). Currents can be strong, so this site is more suitable for advanced divers.

7. Simon’s Reef

A lesser-known but equally impressive reef with abundant marine life and coral formations. You can find barracudas, lionfish, and several species of reef sharks.
Ideal for those looking for a quieter, less crowded experience. The currents are moderate.

8. Turtle Heaven

The name says it all—this site is famous for the abundance of turtles found here. Aside from turtles, you can spot butterflyfish, angelfish, and rays.

Perfect for divers of all levels. Be sure to bring your camera to capture these majestic sea turtles.

9. Sunset Reef

A perfect spot for a sunset dive, with a magical underwater atmosphere. You’ll see reef fish of all shapes and colours, moray eels, octopuses, and hopefully reef sharks.
Dive in the late afternoon to enjoy a unique natural light show as the sun sets.

Map of Dive Sites in Gili Air

Below is an interactive map with all the dive sites mentioned, so you can plan your next underwater adventure in Gili Air.