Diving in Lombok & Gili Islands

Explore 279 dive sites in Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Lombok & Gili Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lombok & Gili Islands occur in December, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.6°C
  • February: 29.3°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.1°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 28.5°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Marine Life in Lombok & Gili Islands

Home to 258 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 44 sharks & rays, 37 hard corals, 10 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 3 clams & mussels.

Dive Site Difficulty in Lombok & Gili Islands

Lombok & Gili Islands has 11 beginner, 1 intermediate, 2 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Lombok & Gili Islands

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 23 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Lombok & Gili Islands

  • Bali Barat - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Baluran - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • KK Pulau Gili Air, Gili Meno, dan Gili Trawangan - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • Pulau Moyo - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • KK Gili Sulat dan Gili Lawang - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Gita Nada - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Nusa Penida - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • PKK-001 Sumenep - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-001 Teluk Bumbang Kuta - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Pulau Kramat, Bedil dan Temudong - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • PKK-019 TP Penyu Tatar Sepang - Lunyuk - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Buleleng - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • PKK-043 Banyuwangi - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KK Gili Balu - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KK Karangasem - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
  • KKP-03 Kuta Badung - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KKP-04 Kuta Selatan Badung - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • kk Pulau Medang - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KKP-07 Semawang Denpasar - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KKP-05 Serangan Denpasar - Marine Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • KKM Teluk Benoa - Maritime Park (IUCN Category III)

Getting to Lombok & Gili Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Lombok International Airport (LOP), Mataram (Pujut, Lombok Tengah) - 64 km away, approx 85 min travel time
  • Denpasar I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Kuta, Badung - 79 km away, approx 101 min travel time
  • Juanda International Airport (SUB), Surabaya - 352 km away, approx 399 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving conditions like in the Lombok & Gili Islands, including visibility and currents?
The diving conditions in the Lombok & Gili Islands vary; the three Gili Islands typically offer easy reef diving with generally calmer conditions. In contrast, Lombok's south coast presents more adventurous diving opportunities, often characterized by stronger currents. While specific visibility numbers are not provided, the Gili Islands are known for vibrant coral reefs.
What marine life can divers expect to see in the waters around Lombok and the Gili Islands?
Divers exploring the waters around Lombok and the Gili Islands can expect to encounter a rich variety of marine life. Common sightings include turtles, reef sharks, and extensive vibrant coral formations. For more information on specific species, you can consult our marine life database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Lombok & Gili Islands region?
The Lombok & Gili Islands region boasts 233 dive sites offering diverse experiences. Notable sites include Mirkos Reef for intermediate reef diving, Trawangan Wall for wall diving, and the Bounty wreck for intermediate divers. For beginners, Shark Point, Gili Trawangan is a popular reef dive.
Are the dive sites in Lombok & Gili Islands suitable for beginner divers, or are they more for experienced divers?
Yes, the Lombok & Gili Islands cater to both beginner and experienced divers. The Gili Islands are particularly suitable for beginners, offering easy reef diving at sites like Snorkelling reef and Shark Point, Gili Trawangan. More experienced divers can find adventurous diving with stronger currents along Lombok's south coast and challenging sites like Deep Blue.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the Lombok & Gili Islands for optimal conditions and marine life?
For optimal water temperatures when diving in the Lombok & Gili Islands, the best months are December (30.11°C), November (30.09°C), and April (30.07°C). These months offer the warmest conditions for an enjoyable dive experience. For more detailed seasonal information, visit our when to dive guide.
How do you get to the Gili Islands for a diving trip from Bali or Lombok?
Information regarding transportation to the Gili Islands from Bali or Lombok is not available in the provided data context. Please consult local travel resources for current ferry and boat schedules.
What are the water temperatures like for diving in the Lombok & Gili Islands throughout the year?
The water temperatures for diving in the Lombok & Gili Islands are generally warm, with peak temperatures occurring in specific months. The warmest recorded temperatures are in December (30.11°C), November (30.09°C), and April (30.07°C). While full year data is not provided, these months indicate consistently warm conditions.
Are there opportunities for advanced or technical diving in the Lombok & Gili Islands, or is it mostly recreational?
Yes, there are opportunities for advanced diving in the Lombok & Gili Islands. While much of the diving is recreational, sites like Deep Blue are specifically rated for advanced divers. Additionally, Lombok's south coast offers more adventurous diving with stronger currents, appealing to those seeking a greater challenge and potentially requiring specialized equipment.