Blue Marine Dive Resort

Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia

The team at Blue Marine Dive Resort, with outposts on both Gili Trawangan and Gili Air, are the kind of people who remember your coffee order. They’ve been part of the Gili scene since 1998, which, in island time, makes them practically ancient. This isn't a factory operation; it feels like diving with a well-oiled family. We love their approach to PADI courses, especially for Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water, where they really take the time to build confidence without rushing things. Our favourite dives with them often involve the gentle drifts around the Gili islands, particularly at sites like Turtle Heaven where green sea turtles and hawksbills graze unbothered. There’s something special about cruising along, watching schools of fusiliers ripple past, the current doing all the work. If you’re looking to get your Nitrox certification, this is a great place; the instructors are thorough and patient. Plus, being able to base yourself on either Gili T or Gili Air gives you options depending on whether you prefer a livelier evening or something more laid-back after your dives. It’s a solid pick for divers who appreciate consistency, local knowledge, and a genuinely friendly vibe.