FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you haven't been diving in 6 months we recommend you to do a Refresher Course. If you haven't been diving in over a year, a refresher is required. This involves a pool session and dive to help you become comfortable with your dive skills and equipment again.
If you are doing a course that requires e-learning, it is recommended to book in advanced so you can get the theory out of the way before your trip to Indonesia. (There's nothing worse than having to miss out on our beautiful sunset because you need to do homework)
We change the dive sites on a daily basis so you can discover many different locations. When you arrive, check out where we are going in the next few days and sign up for the sites that appeal to you. We are happy to try and accommodate requests for dive sites. Please note that this is not always possible due to course scheduling and ocean conditions. You can see our dive sites here.
The biggest medical problems that may prevent you from diving are asthma, diabetes, recent surgery, high blood pressure and certain prescription medications. If you are concerned, please refer to our medical statement here. If you answer yes, you will need a doctor to clear you for diving.
Water temperatures vary between 23-28°C. We provide a 3mm short wetsuit which is perfect for the weather conditions.
You may encounter a shark or two in the Gilis and you have no need to be scared. Incidents with sharks are extremely rare throughout the world and in respect to diving, primarily involve spear fishing or shark feeding both of which trigger feeding behavior. The sharks you may see are more likely to be scared of you and if you are lucky to see one it is a magnificent sight to enjoy. Why not learn about sharks through our one-day Shark Conservation course?
Our standard tanks are interchangeable between yoke and DIN, meaning we can change our tanks according to your needs.
You can dive after flying as long as you are rested and properly hydrated from a long haul flight. You must wait 18 hours after diving however to be able to fly. Due to the schedule of our dive trips, unless your flight leaves before 9:00 am the following morning, you will be fine to dive and fly the next day.
Similar to the rest of the tropical world, the Gilis have a wet season and a dry season. Rainy season generally runs from November until March. However, rainy season doesn’t mean it’s raining all day, every day. Most showers fall in the afternoon and very rarely do we have to cancel a trip due to weather. Furthermore, like most of the world, this past year has seen a change in the seasons with rains falling through August. What the weather may be like is anyone’s guess! In terms of crowds, high season is July, August and September with a busy week around the Christmas and New Year Holidays. We recommend April, May, October and November as the best months for optimal weather and beating the crowds.
We accept cards online and in the dive shop, but pelase note there is a 3% surcharge. We also accept cash in the shop. Due to Indonesian law, we cannot accept any other currencies than Indonesian Rupiah.
Similar to the rest of the tropical world, the Gilis have a wet season and a dry season. With Mount Rinjani to the immediate east on Lombok, and Mount Agung to the west on Bali, The Gilis are somewhat sheltered and enjoy a slightly drier climate when compared to surrounding areas. The wet season is from December to April and the cooler dry season is from May to November. However, even during rainy season, the rains generally only appear for short periods in the afternoon with little effect on diving.
Yes, there are a few small clinics on the islands. We recommend Nusa Medica and they are great if you need a medical signature declaring you fit for diving. For serious injuries or health care issues we recommend visiting a hospital. The closest international hospital and recompression chamber is ‘Rumah Sakit Harapan Keluarga’ hospital just south-east of Mataram on Lombok.
Yes. Gili Air currently has 6 ATMs on the island, including one in Blue Marlin’s dive shop. Please note that withdrawal limits are usually around 10.000.000/day (USD 750). There are also several money changers on Gili Air, but to avoid disappointment in exchange rates, change your money on Lombok or Bali at official money changers and/or banks.
Yes, Nitrox tanks are available for an additional cost.
Absolutely! We offer a variety of packages to suit your needs. If you’re taking a course or joining fun dives with us, you’ll receive discounted accommodation. You don’t need to decide in advance how many dives you’d like to do as we’ll keep track for you and apply the discount at checkout. The more dives you do, the larger the discount!
When in Indonesia there are a few customs to be aware of to avoid any faux pas: it’s usual to leave your shoes at the door of a home or business (look for a row of flip flops outside as a clue); try not to point with your feet or touch anyone on the head, both can be taken quite offensively; and use your right hand when shaking hands with anyone as the left is generally used for, ahem, other matters. Also, on a dive boat or on the beach, a bikini is perfectly acceptable attire. However, do note that being topless or wearing a very small or revealing bikini or G-string is frowned upon. When walking around the island, please cover up with a sarong.
Recreational courses can begin any day of the week. Our schedules are flexible. If you wish to book within the next two days, please get in touch directly with us.
Yes! We offer a Discover Scuba Diving program perfect for those who have never dived before.
Yes, all basic dive equipment is included in the price. If you bring your own gear (including BCD and regulators), we’ll apply an additional discount on fun dives. Dive computers are available for a small extra charge on fun dives, and are included at no extra cost when you join a course. Nitrox is also available at an extra cost.