Oceans 5

Oceans 5 is arguably the premier dive operation on Gili Air, running a purpose-built dive resort that includes a large training pool, comfortable accommodation, a restaurant, and a bar — all designed around the diving experience. The pool is the biggest on Gili Air and is used for confined water training, making the learning experience more controlled and comfortable than open water for beginners. Their PADI courses are delivered to a very high standard, with experienced instructors who take genuine pride in creating confident, competent divers. The Open Water course costs IDR 5,800,000 and includes four open water dives at some of the Gilis' best sites. Fun dives run at IDR 500,000 for two dives. Advanced and specialty courses are also available, including underwater photography, deep diving, and nitrox. The dive sites accessible from Gili Air include the famous Shark Point (blacktip and whitetip reef sharks), Hans Reef (muck diving with seahorses and nudibranchs), and the Japanese wreck. Turtle encounters are almost guaranteed. The resort rooms are comfortable and reasonably priced, making dive-and-stay packages excellent value. The on-site restaurant is above average for Gili Air. They also run freediving courses. Equipment is top-notch and regularly serviced. Book courses 3-4 days ahead during peak season.