Diving in Gili Islands

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident. Most commonly encountered turtle species at all three islands (Trawangan, Air, Meno). Turtle Heaven and Shark Point are prime viewing sites.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Year-round resident, less abundant than green turtles but regularly sighted at Gili Meno house reef and Hans Reef. Hawksbill nesting has been recorded on Gili Meno's beaches.

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Occasional but consistent sightings at Shark Point, Halik, and the deep channels. More frequently observed during the dry season. Usually solitary or in small groups of 2-4, foraging for crustaceans and small fish on sandy bottoms near reefs.

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Sighted regularly in the deep-water channels between Bali and the Gilis, and in the Lombok Strait. More common during the dry season when seas are calmest. Often seen riding bow waves of boats crossing from Bali to the islands.

Flaming Hawkfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A brilliant red hawkfish with black markings on the dorsal fin and head, reaching up to 9 cm. It perches on coral heads, particularly branching corals like Pocillopora, using its thickened pectoral fins as props.

Tryon Hypselodoris

General species description, not specific to this destination

A striking nudibranch with a white body decorated with purple spots and a distinctive orange-yellow border. It can grow up to 7 cm. Found on coral reefs and rubble slopes throughout the Indo-Pacific where it feeds on sponges.

Reticulated Nudibranch

General species description, not specific to this destination

An elegant nudibranch with a translucent white body covered in a network of fine red-orange lines. The mantle edge has a purple border. Reaches up to 5 cm and is commonly found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific.

Great Barracuda

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Barracuda is an impressive predator with a streamlined body and powerful jaws filled with razor-sharp teeth. They can grow over 6 feet long and often hover motionless near the reef, curious about divers.

Common Lionfish

Destination note

Common year-round on most reef sites. Found sheltering under overhangs and in crevices during the day at Halik, Meno Wall, and Simon's Reef. Hunts small fish and shrimp at dawn and dusk.