Blue Marine Dive

Blue Marine Dive is a welcoming, well-run dive center on Gili Air that consistently earns praise for its friendly atmosphere and quality instruction. The operation is smaller than some of the island's bigger centers, which translates to a more personal experience — instructors remember your name, understand your comfort level, and tailor the experience accordingly. This is particularly appealing for first-time divers who might feel overwhelmed at a larger, busier operation. The Discover Scuba experience (IDR 850,000) is an excellent introduction, while the full PADI Open Water course costs IDR 5,500,000 over 3-4 days. Fun dives for certified divers run IDR 500,000 for two dives. The dive sites around Gili Air are superb — highlights include the coral gardens of Frogfish Point, the wall dives at Malang Reef, and the incredible turtle cleaning stations where green sea turtles line up to have parasites removed by cleaner fish. Night dives are a specialty here, with the guides expert at finding the weird and wonderful nocturnal critters. The dive center offers package deals combining courses with accommodation at partner guesthouses. Equipment is in good condition and includes a range of sizes. Snorkeling trips for non-diving companions are also available. The center is located near the harbor, making it easy to find upon arrival.