PADI IDC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Celebrating 15 Years of Oceans 5 Gili Air: A Vision Realized Since 16 April 2010 On 16 April 2010, Oceans 5 Gili Air received an email from PADI that would change the future of diving on Gili Air forever. That message officially confirmed Oceans 5 as …
Waz Leads His First PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air In the world of scuba diving, becoming a PADI Course Director is a pinnacle achievement—one that signifies years of dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to education, safety, and the underwater world. And for every …
The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are often described as paradise on earth. With their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back charm, they’ve become one of Southeast Asia’s top destinations for divers of all levels. Whether you’re a newly certified Open Water Diver or a seasoned professional, the Gilis offer a diving experience that’s hard to beat. But the question many divers ask before booking their holiday is: When is the best time to dive the Gili Islands?
The answer isn’t just about the weather or visibility—though those play a major role. It’s also about the kind of dive experience you’re after: do you prefer quiet reefs teeming with life, or a social diving holiday with lots of fellow underwater enthusiasts? In this article, we’ll explore what each season around the Gilis has to offer and why certain months might be more ideal depending on your preferences. We’ll also share how Oceans 5 Gili Air ensures a quality dive experience year-round, even during the busiest months.
To understand the best times for diving, it’s helpful to break the year down into three distinct periods:
Let’s dive into what each season has to offer for divers.
This is the most popular time of year to visit the Gili Islands. With dry skies, calm seas, and great underwater visibility, it’s easy to see why. Water temperatures hover between 28-30°C, and the coral reefs are vibrant and full of life. Visibility often reaches 20-30 meters, making it the perfect time for wide-angle photography and spotting larger marine life like reef sharks and turtles.
However, popularity has its trade-offs.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, even during these packed months, we maintain a maximum ratio of 4 customers per instructor or divemaster. This ensures that you’ll still get a high-quality, personalized experience regardless of how full the boat might be. That policy reflects our belief that diving should never feel rushed or impersonal—something often lost at larger operations during peak periods.
While technically part of the high season, July and August deserve their own category. These months coincide with European summer holidays, so it’s the busiest time of year across the islands. Dive shops are bustling, restaurants are full, and accommodation is often fully booked weeks in advance.
If you’re a diver who thrives on social energy and meeting like-minded people, this may be the perfect time for you. You’ll meet divers from all over the world, enjoy lively beach nights, and dive in perfect tropical conditions. But if your idea of paradise is a quiet reef shared with just your buddy and a curious turtle, you might want to plan around these months.
At dive sites like Shark Point and Meno Wall, you’ll likely see more bubbles than fish if you’re diving with larger groups. However, Oceans 5 Gili Air does its best to avoid the crowds. Our experienced dive team knows the sites inside out and will plan around peak times, heading out early or choosing alternative dive spots to give you a more peaceful experience whenever possible.
Now let’s talk about what we believe is the best time to dive the Gili Islands: March to June and October to November.
These shoulder-season months offer the perfect balance. The islands are less busy, the dive sites are more relaxed, and the marine life is just as active as during the high season. Visibility is still fantastic, and the water remains warm and welcoming.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we often recommend these shoulder-season months to guests who ask for the “real Gili experience.” It’s quieter, more personal, and lets you connect with both nature and local culture in a more meaningful way.
These months are part of the rainy season in Indonesia. While diving is still possible and many dive shops—including Oceans 5—remain open, you may experience occasional rain showers and choppier seas. The visibility can vary, and there are more days with stronger currents and waves, especially during January and early February.
However, the Gili Islands are in a relatively dry microclimate compared to other parts of Indonesia. Even during rainy season, it often rains only in short bursts, mainly at night or early in the morning. Some divers actually enjoy the rainy season because it’s even quieter, and accommodation is cheaper.
If you’re an advanced diver looking to explore muck diving sites or enjoy macro photography, the rainy season also brings out a variety of unique critters around nearby Lombok dive sites such as Teluk Nara and Mentigi Bay.
Still, for a first-time visitor hoping to experience the full beauty of the Gilis, we suggest sticking to the drier and calmer months.
Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect throughout the year:
| Month | Conditions | Crowds | Dive Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Rainy, windy | Quiet | Unique critters, occasional rough sea |
| February | Rainy, variable | Very quiet | Macro life, some strong currents |
| March | Improving weather | Low | Calm seas, great visibility, few divers |
| April | Dry, calm | Low | Ideal for courses, turtles galore |
| May | Dry, clear | Moderate | Schooling fish, perfect for fun diving |
| June | Start of high season | Moderate | Visibility peaks, marine life in full swing |
| July | Peak season | High | Excellent diving, but very busy |
| August | Peak season | High | Great diving, popular with courses and groups |
| September | Slightly calmer | Moderate | Reefs less busy, consistent conditions |
| October | Great weather | Low | Warm water, fewer divers, perfect reef time |
| November | Start of rains | Low | Still calm, some clouds, ideal for diving |
| December | Unpredictable | Moderate | Holiday crowds, but variable diving conditions |
Regardless of when you visit, Oceans 5 Gili Air makes your dive experience exceptional. Whether it’s peak season or the quiet months, we keep our group sizes small, never exceeding 4 divers per guide or instructor. This isn’t just about luxury—it’s about safety, comfort, and giving you the best chance to learn, relax, and enjoy the underwater world.
Our dive team includes highly trained professionals who’ve been diving these sites for years. They know how to find turtles hiding behind corals, where the pygmy seahorses like to chill, and how to read the tides and currents to keep your dives fun and safe.
We also schedule our dive departures strategically to avoid the crowds. While other boats rush out at the same time every day, we stagger our trips to visit the best sites when they’re the least busy.
If you’re traveling with non-divers, visiting during quieter months makes the entire trip more enjoyable. Gili Air is vibrant all year—there are still yoga classes, cooking workshops, traditional music events, and plenty of beachfront dining. And let’s not forget those epic Gili sunsets, best enjoyed with a coconut in hand and your feet in the sand.
There’s really no bad time to visit the Gili Islands—but the best time for you depends on your diving style and travel preferences.
No matter when you come, Oceans 5 Gili Air is ready to welcome you with small dive groups, experienced instructors, and a focus on quality over quantity. Whether you’re doing your first dive or earning your PADI Instructor certification, we’ll make sure you experience the best of what the Gili Islands have to offer—above and below the surface.
PADI Certificates of Excellence Awarded to Oceans 5 Gili Air Instructors It was a proud and emotional day at Oceans 5 Gili Air when PADI Region Manager Neil visited the dive center to present a very special form of recognition — the PADI Certificate of …
The Importance of a Slow and Controlled Descent In the world of scuba diving, many divers spend a lot of time focusing on the excitement of what happens during the dive: the marine life, the buoyancy control, the navigation, or that picture-perfect wreck lying silently …
Oceans 5 Gili Air is proud to announce a significant milestone in our commitment to professional diving education. As of today, March 16th, we no longer have PADI Master Instructor Waz on our team—instead, we are thrilled to introduce PADI Course Director Waz! After an intensive seven-day PADI Course Director Training Course (CDTC), Waz has successfully passed with flying colors, earning the prestigious title of PADI Course Director. From now on, he will be the main Course Director of Oceans 5 Gili Air, taking over the role from our legend, Sander Buis.
The transition of Waz from a PADI Master Instructor to a PADI Course Director is a testament to his dedication, experience, and passion for teaching diving at the highest level. Under the guidance and leadership of Sander Buis, Waz has honed his skills, mentored instructor candidates, and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to maintaining the high standards that define Oceans 5 Gili Air. Now, as Course Director, Waz will lead our PADI Instructor Development Courses (IDCs), ensuring that every candidate receives the best possible education and training.
The first IDC under Course Director Waz will commence on March 19th, marking the beginning of a new era for professional dive training at Oceans 5 Gili Air. However, while leadership has changed, our core philosophy remains the same—realistic teaching techniques and environmental awareness continue to be at the heart of our PADI Instructor Development Courses.
Becoming a PADI Course Director is no small feat. The PADI Course Director Training Course (CDTC) is an intensive program designed to develop the world’s best dive educators. The rigorous selection process ensures that only the most dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled instructors are invited to attend the course. Waz’s acceptance into the program and his outstanding performance are a reflection of his dedication to professional dive training.
During the CDTC, Waz underwent comprehensive training that included:
Completing this program with excellence, Waz has proven his ability to uphold and enhance the high standards of Oceans 5 Gili Air’s instructor development programs.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, we believe in training confident, competent, and environmentally aware instructors. Our philosophy, developed under the leadership of Sander Buis, focuses on providing a realistic teaching environment where candidates are trained in real-world scenarios, not just to pass an exam but to thrive as professional dive instructors anywhere in the world.
Course Director Waz will continue this legacy, ensuring that Oceans 5’s IDCs remain among the most comprehensive and respected in the industry. Our program is structured to focus on:
Oceans 5 Gili Air has always been at the forefront of professional dive training in the Gili Islands. As the only PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) on Gili Air, we provide a world-class training environment with top-tier facilities, including two spacious training pools, modern classrooms, and access to diverse dive sites ideal for instructor training.
With Waz now officially a PADI Course Director, we take pride in being the only dive center on Gili Air with two in-house PADI Course Directors. This dual leadership ensures that our candidates receive unmatched mentorship and expertise throughout their professional diving journey.
For those considering becoming a PADI Instructor, there has never been a better time to start their professional journey at Oceans 5 Gili Air. Under the guidance of Course Director Waz, IDC candidates can expect:
The upcoming March 19th IDC will be the first opportunity for new candidates to train under Course Director Waz. This marks an exciting chapter for Oceans 5 Gili Air, as we continue to shape the future of dive professionals in Indonesia and beyond.
We would be remiss not to acknowledge the incredible impact that Sander Buis has had on Oceans 5 Gili Air. As our former Course Director, Sander has mentored countless dive professionals and set the standard for excellence in our training programs. His dedication to quality education, professionalism, and environmental conservation has shaped Oceans 5 into what it is today.
While Sander is passing the torch to Waz, his influence will always be part of our DNA. Waz will continue the philosophy and high standards that Sander has instilled, ensuring that Oceans 5 Gili Air remains a top choice for PADI professional dive training.
As we move forward with Course Director Waz leading our PADI IDCs, we reaffirm our commitment to producing the best dive instructors in the industry. Our approach will continue to be based on quality over quantity, ensuring that each candidate receives the best possible training experience.
We invite aspiring dive professionals to join us at Oceans 5 Gili Air and experience firsthand the exceptional training that has made us a PADI Career Development Centre. With the combination of state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and a strong emphasis on conservation, there is no better place to start or advance your professional dive career.
The next chapter begins on March 19th with the first IDC led by Course Director Waz. If you’ve been considering becoming a PADI Instructor, now is the time to take the leap. Under Waz’s guidance, you will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the diving industry.
For more information or to book your spot in our upcoming IDCs, contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +62 853 3339 7823.
Join us in celebrating this exciting milestone and be part of the future of professional dive training at Oceans 5 Gili Air!**
The PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air Becoming a PADI Instructor is a dream for many divers who wish to turn their passion into a career. However, the intensity and pressure of some Instructor Development Courses (IDC) can make the experience stressful. At Oceans …
The PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program at Oceans 5 Gili Air Have you ever dreamed of gliding weightlessly through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and graceful sea turtles? If you’re visiting the Gili Islands and want to experience the magic of scuba diving …
2024 was a remarkable year for Oceans 5 Gili Air, marked by incredible achievements and milestones that have further solidified the dive center’s reputation as a premier location for professional dive training. Among the highlights of the year was the outstanding accomplishment of our in-house PADI Course Director, Sander Buis, who has been awarded the prestigious Platinum Course Director status in 2025.
Becoming a PADI Platinum Course Director is a testament to Sander’s dedication, expertise, and passion for shaping the next generation of dive professionals. This elite status is awarded to Course Directors who consistently demonstrate a high level of commitment to instructor development, delivering top-tier training, and mentoring numerous successful PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) candidates.
For years, Sander has been known for his ability to tailor each IDC to the needs of his students, ensuring they not only pass their PADI Instructor Examination but also develop into confident, capable, and environmentally responsible diving instructors. His meticulous approach, hands-on guidance, and emphasis on real-world teaching techniques have made Oceans 5 Gili Air a preferred destination for those seeking the highest quality of instructor training.
Oceans 5 Gili Air has built a reputation as one of the best PADI Career Development Centers in Indonesia. The decision to undertake an IDC is a significant one, and many aspiring dive professionals choose Oceans 5 Gili Air for several compelling reasons:
The IDC program at Oceans 5 is designed with a strong emphasis on quality over quantity. Sander ensures that each candidate receives comprehensive training, personalized feedback, and the necessary support to become an exceptional dive instructor. The small-group teaching approach allows for focused attention, enhancing the learning experience and ensuring that no candidate is left behind.
One of the distinguishing factors that set Oceans 5 apart is its commitment to small IDC groups. This approach ensures that every candidate benefits from a high level of instructor interaction, leading to better understanding and skill development. The personalized attention provided by Sander and his team has been widely appreciated by candidates, making it a key reason why more and more individuals are choosing Oceans 5 for their IDC training.
Beyond training exceptional dive instructors, Oceans 5 Gili Air prioritizes marine conservation and environmental awareness. The IDC program incorporates PADI AWARE principles, teaching candidates how to be responsible ocean advocates. As a dive professional, understanding the impact of diving activities on marine ecosystems is crucial, and Sander ensures that every candidate leaves the program with a deep appreciation for ocean conservation.
The past year has been filled with numerous success stories from IDC candidates who have gone on to establish themselves as professional dive instructors worldwide. The success rate of candidates from Oceans 5 Gili Air continues to be exceptionally high, with many graduates attributing their confidence and competence to the rigorous and supportive training they received from Sander and the team.
Additionally, 2024 saw a significant increase in the number of IDC enrollments, with candidates recognizing the unparalleled training environment at Oceans 5. As a result, IDC dates for 2025 are filling up rapidly, reinforcing the center’s status as a sought-after destination for aspiring PADI Instructors.
As we move into 2025, Oceans 5 Gili Air remains committed to maintaining the highest standards in instructor development training. Sander Buis, now a PADI Platinum Course Director, continues to refine and enhance the IDC program, ensuring that every candidate receives world-class training that prepares them for a successful career in diving.
With a strong emphasis on practical teaching techniques, real-life problem-solving scenarios, and a philosophy of continuous learning, Oceans 5 Gili Air is set to shape even more exceptional dive professionals in the coming years. The recognition of Sander’s expertise with Platinum status is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the unwavering dedication of the entire Oceans 5 team to dive education excellence.
With Sander Buis now a PADI Platinum Course Director and the quality of the IDC training program more recognized than ever, it is no surprise that spots in the upcoming 2025 IDCs are filling up fast. Aspiring dive instructors looking for a program that emphasizes personal growth, high-quality instruction, and environmental responsibility should act quickly to secure their place.
For more information or to book your PADI IDC at Oceans 5 Gili Air, contact us via:
Join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and take your first steps towards becoming a world-class PADI Instructor under the guidance of Platinum Course Director Sander Buis. The ocean awaits, and your journey starts at Oceans 5 Gili Air!
Team Teaching Possibilities The journey to becoming a PADI Instructor is one filled with excitement, challenges, and personal growth. At Oceans 5 Gili Air, a premier PADI Career Development Centre (CDC) in Indonesia, the Instructor Development Course (IDC) equips candidates with the skills and knowledge …