Diving is one of the main activities around the Gili islands due to the pristine reefs that surround the islets and the slopes further out which attract bigger animals. The reefs around the islands are fairly shallow with excellent visibility, up to 20 meters or more. They are full of shallow reef sites, perfect for afternoon’s dives on a live aboard. The reefs around the Gilis are a live aboard dive cruise location that is suitable for new and experienced divers.
These reefs are home to a stunning variety of colorful hard and soft corals and beautiful reef fish. The reefs are also home to a rather large number of turtles thanks to local efforts to protect them. It is not unusual to see several in a single dive. Cuttlefish and blue spotted stingrays are also common sights in shallower dives, both make great subjects for photographers.
A little further out, the islands slope off into deeper water and here is the place to see the bigger animals. If there is a little current on these slopes there is a chance that you will see white and black tipped reef sharks patrolling the reefs and juveniles with their tails sticking out from coral bommies. Mantas are also seen sometimes passing by and when the current picks up a bit more there is even a chance to see mola-mola
