Shallow Turbo - Lombok & Gili Islands

West Cay’s ‘The Wall’ is, in our opinion, the best wall dive in St. Vincent. We love the dramatic drop. You start on this shallow shelf, maybe 5 metres deep, and then it’s just blue. Proper blue. Like you’re floating out into nothing before the reef proper begins to unfold below you. We usually spend the first half of the dive drifting along with the wall on our right, keeping an eye out for nurse sharks in the deeper swim-throughs around 20 metres. Don’t rush this bit, the current often helps you along anyway. The reef structure itself is incredible, almost like a honeycomb in places, full of nooks and crannies. Look closely and you’ll spot gobies, blennies, and morays tucked away. The current can pick up towards the end, especially as you round the southernmost tip, where the currents tend to meet. That’s usually where we find the bigger schools of jacks and snappers hanging out, moving like a single silver organism. This site is a real treat for anyone who appreciates a good wall and isn’t afraid of a bit of current.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.338600, 116.039500
Type
wall
Difficulty
beginner

Marine Protected Area: KK Pulau Gili Air, Gili Meno, dan Gili Trawangan

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Lombok & Gili Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Shallow Turbo

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Shallow Turbo

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Shallow Turbo?
The typical depth range for diving at Shallow Turbo extends to a maximum of 17m. This site is characterized as a shallow plateau with a slope, located northeast of Gili Trawangan. Its moderate depth makes it suitable for various dive levels.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Shallow Turbo?
Divers exploring Shallow Turbo can look forward to a wide array of marine life and vibrant coral. The site is famous for its large schools of fusiliers, red tooth triggerfish, and long jaw mackerel. It is also a known nursery for many baby white-tip reef sharks, providing fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Is Shallow Turbo a suitable dive site for beginner divers, or is it more challenging?
Yes, Shallow Turbo is highly suitable for beginner divers, as indicated by its 'beginner' difficulty rating. The site's shallow plateau and maximum depth of 17m provide a comfortable and safe environment for new divers to gain experience. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy the underwater world without facing overly challenging conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Shallow Turbo for optimal conditions?
The provided information does not specify the best time of year to dive at Shallow Turbo for optimal conditions. For general seasonal advice on diving in the Lombok & Gili Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section or consult local dive centers.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Shallow Turbo?
The data context does not explicitly state the specific scuba diving certifications required for Shallow Turbo. However, as it is rated as a 'beginner' difficulty dive site, an Open Water Diver certification is typically sufficient. Always check with your chosen dive center for their specific requirements.
What are the typical current conditions like at Shallow Turbo, and is it usually a drift dive?
Current conditions at Shallow Turbo can vary, making it suitable for drift diving depending on the day's conditions. This indicates that currents can be present, offering an exciting drift experience. Divers should be prepared for potential currents, which can allow for effortless exploration of the site's diverse marine life.