Ocean 5

Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge into dive professional courses, or just want solid instruction on Gili Air, we reckon Ocean 5 is your spot. They’re an SSI Instructor Training Centre, which means their instructors are top-tier and the standards are high, even for an intro dive. We’ve always found their setup smooth, from gear prep to post-dive debriefs, and that makes a difference on a busy dive day. The team at Ocean 5 just gets it. They don’t rush you through skills, making sure you’re comfortable, whether it’s your first time breathing underwater or you’re mastering an advanced skill. We particularly love their focus on practical application in the Gili waters; you’re not just learning in a pool. Heading out to sites like the Bounty Wreck or seeing the turtles at Turtle Heaven with their instructors, we’ve picked up tips on current management and marine life identification we still use today. Our advice? If you’re serious about diving education, from Open Water up to Instructor, these guys offer proper support and a genuinely friendly atmosphere.