Scuba Froggy Gili Trawangan

The shop opened in 2007 as a French-Indonesian partnership, and that bilingual identity has remained consistent for nearly two decades. The current ownership is Indonesian, but they've kept French-speaking instructors on staff year-round and the shop continues to attract a meaningful Francophone clientele alongside English-speakers and locals.

The other defining feature is the youth diving program. Scuba Froggy is one of only two or three Gili shops that properly run PADI's youth offerings — Bubblemaker (age 8+, single shallow experience), Seal Team (age 8+, 5 AquaMissions in confined water), and Open Water Junior (age 10+ with depth limits to 12m, age 12+ to 18m). The instructors who lead these are PADI-certified for youth diving, which is a separate qualification many shops don't bother with.

The standard PADI Open Water course runs 3 days with 5 dives, following the agency's standard structure. Pacing is moderate — not as relaxed as Big Bubble, not as efficient as Blue Marlin. Group sizes typically run 4–6 per divemaster, which is acceptable but won't compete with boutique shops on intimacy.

Advanced Open Water is similarly standard. Deep, navigation, and three electives. The wreck dive elective uses the Bounty wreck near Gili Meno; underwater photography elective is well-supported with rental cameras if you're interested.

The course quality is solid rather than exceptional. You'll get a properly-issued PADI certification with skills correctly demonstrated, but you won't get the technique deep-dive you'd find at boutique shops focused on instruction.

This is where Scuba Froggy genuinely stands out. PADI Bubblemaker is a single shallow water session (max 2 metres depth) for kids 8 and up, and Scuba Froggy runs it in a calm corner of the lagoon rather than a chlorinated pool. Kids breathe from real scuba gear, get a sense of underwater weightlessness, and decide whether they want to pursue diving further.

PADI Seal Team is the next step — 5 progressive AquaMissions including underwater navigation, buoyancy, and basic rescue skills. The instructors who lead these are patient and used to working with kids who can be enthusiastic one minute and tired the next.

Open Water Junior is the real certification (issued from age 10) with depth limits that scale with age. Properly run, this is a brilliant introduction to diving for kids who are ready for it. Scuba Froggy runs it properly.

Three boats, departing at 8:30am, 11am, and 2pm. Site selection follows standard Gili rotation. The morning boat usually visits the better sites (Shark Point, Deep Halik). Boats max out at 12 divers but typically carry 8–10 on busy days.

Captains are experienced with the local current patterns. Surface intervals between two-tank dives happen on the boat with snacks and water provided.

Rental gear is functional but not new. BCDs are 4–6 years old, regulators serviced annually. If you have your own dive computer, bring it — the shop's rental computers are basic and ageing.

Two-tank fun dive runs 1.04 million IDR (≈$66). Open Water is 5.2 million IDR. Advanced is 4.6 million IDR. Bubblemaker (kids) is 750,000 IDR. Family discounts (parent + child combo bookings) typically save 10%.

Scuba Froggy's strength is family-friendly accessibility and multilingual instruction. If you're travelling with kids who want to try diving, or if you'd genuinely benefit from courses delivered in French, this is the shop to call.

The weak spot is that for solo divers or experienced couples without specific multilingual or family needs, Scuba Froggy doesn't particularly stand out. The course quality is mid-market, the equipment is mid-market, and the prices are mid-market. You'll have a fine experience, but other shops offer more distinctive value.

Book Scuba Froggy if you're a French-speaking traveller and want courses delivered in French rather than translated through English. Book them if you have kids 8–17 who want to try or learn diving — the youth programs are properly run. Book them if you want a relaxed family vibe without paying premium prices.

WhatsApp (+62 818 0541 4422) is the fastest contact. The website also has a booking form. For French-language courses or kids' programs, mention your preferred language and ages when booking — they'll match you with the appropriate instructor. Deposits are 30%, balance in cash on arrival.