How to Support Oceans 5 Gili Air in Their Conservation and Community Projects
A Philosophy Rooted in Conservation and Community
Since opening its doors in 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air has embraced a philosophy that goes far beyond teaching scuba diving. From the very beginning, conservation and community have been at the heart of its operations. Oceans 5 was built on the idea that a dive center should not only showcase the beauty of the ocean but also actively protect it, while giving back to the local people who make Gili Air such a special place.
One of the earliest commitments Oceans 5 made was to ensure fair opportunities for locals. To avoid creating jealousy between the island’s five families, Oceans 5 hired at least one staff member from each family. This decision fostered long-term trust and relationships, and the owner, Sander, remains close to the community—attending weddings, funerals, and local ceremonies as a valued friend, not just a business owner.
Investing in Local Futures
Over the years, Oceans 5 has launched several programs to uplift Indonesian citizens through education and opportunity. In 2021, the dive center gave 12 Indonesians the chance to become professional dive instructors. Many of them are now working across Indonesia’s dive industry, and two remain part of the Oceans 5 team.
In 2025, Oceans 5 took this vision further with the launch of a free Divemaster Internship for Indonesian citizens. The initiative has already proven transformative, with graduates finding work on Gili Air, in Labuan Bajo, Nusa Lembongan, and even Raja Ampat. Watching local divers achieve their dreams and explore some of Indonesia’s most iconic dive destinations is one of Oceans 5’s proudest accomplishments.
Supporting Marine Science Research
Oceans 5 Gili Air also recognizes the importance of scientific research for the protection of marine ecosystems. The dive center supports students from the University of Mataram’s Faculty of Marine Science, providing them with boats, dive equipment, lunches, transport, and professional dive guides. Importantly, Oceans 5 does not interfere with the projects or the outcomes, ensuring that research remains independent and unbiased.
By partnering with Marine Conservation Indonesia, Oceans 5 guarantees that these students have the resources and training they need to conduct reliable and meaningful studies. This work helps deepen knowledge of the Gili Islands’ marine ecosystems and lays the foundation for better protection strategies in the future.
Weekly Beach Cleanups
Every Friday, Oceans 5 organizes a beach cleanup in Gili Air’s harbor—the very first place visitors see when they arrive on the island. The harbor is not only the gateway for tourists but also a key area for shaping the island’s image. Volunteers, often led by Oceans 5’s divemaster interns, collect bags of rubbish with gloves and tools provided by the dive center. This simple yet powerful initiative has been running since 2010, keeping the island cleaner and raising awareness among locals and tourists alike.
Fully Independent Funding
What sets Oceans 5 apart is that all of these initiatives are fully self-funded. Oceans 5 does not accept donations, grants, or financial support from NGOs. This independence allows the dive center to stay true to its mission without outside influence or hidden agendas. Every conservation and community project is made possible by the dive center’s own revenue, and by divers and guests who choose to stay and dive with Oceans 5.
How You Can Help
Perhaps the most common question is: How can I support these projects?
The answer is simple: Dive or stay with Oceans 5 Gili Air.
By choosing Oceans 5, you directly support their conservation and community work. Every Discover Scuba Diving program, Open Water Course, Divemaster Internship, or IDC course helps fund beach cleanups, local scholarships, marine science research, and opportunities for Indonesian dive professionals. Guests not only experience Oceans 5’s commitment to high-quality, safe, and environmentally aware diving but also contribute to long-lasting positive change on the island.
Final Thoughts
Supporting Oceans 5 Gili Air means more than enjoying world-class diving in a marine park. It means becoming part of a bigger vision: protecting the reefs, uplifting the community, and building a sustainable future for the Gili Islands. With every dive and every course, you help keep this philosophy alive.
The ocean gives us so much—it’s time we give something back.