5 days / 4 nights • Turquoise water, no cars, no stress • Certified & uncertified divers
Solo-traveller friendly · Beginner & intermediate
Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia
Every retreat is a gentle, responsible & ethical ocean encounter
5 Day Scuba Diving in the Gili Islands
Gili at a glance
Location:
Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia
Duration:
5 days / 4 nights (Amed base) or 8 days / 7 nights (with Ubud Extension add-on)
Accomodation:
Manta Dive Gili Trawangan (on-site resort rooms)
Group size:
maximum 4 guests
Level:
Beginners welcome — no experience required
Diving Certification:
SSI Open Water or Advanced Open Water (incl. ECO variants), chosen at booking)
Seasons
3 pricing seasons — LOW / MID / HIGH (see Investment below)
Meals
Breakfast included daily. Lunch and dinner at your own pace.
Who is this for:
Everyone, beginner to intermediate, solo-traveller friendly
What’s Included
Airport pickup from Lombok International Airport (LOP) and fast-boat transfer to Gili Trawangan
Return fast-boat + airport transfer on departure
4 nights accommodation at Manta Dive Gili Trawangan — Deluxe or Traditional Bungalow
Daily breakfast at the resort
SSI certification course with Manta Dive (SSI Open Water for uncertified guests — 3 days; SSI Advanced Open Water for certified guests — 2 days)
All standard scuba equipment (mask, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, tank, weights)
Gili Marine Park fee
WiFi at the resort
Host support before, during, and after the retreat
What’s Not Included
Flights to and from Bali
Travel insurance (required)
Lunch and dinner
Personal expenses and optional activities
Highlights
An island with no cars and no motorbikes: Gili Trawangan moves at cycling, walking, or horse-cart pace. The loudest sound most mornings is the sea itself.
Stay on a SSI 5-Star dive resort's beachfront: your room, the dive centre, and the house reef are all in the same place — walk from your door into the water.
World-class reefs 15–30 minutes by boat: Meno Wall, Shark Point, Deep Halik, Turtle Heaven. Reef sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, and occasional mantas are regular sightings.
House-reef access any time of day: optional shore entry for a quiet half-hour with turtles before sunset. A second dive doesn't need a second boat.
Manta Dive's small-group, long-tenure guiding: dive masters and instructors who have worked the island together for years — they know each reef, each swell, each drift.
Three transparent pricing seasons: LOW in quieter months, HIGH in peak summer and Christmas, MID in between. No inflated peak-week surprise.
Small group, solo-traveller friendly: kept intimate on purpose. You are not a number on a trip list — you are one of a few. Max 4 students per instructor. Everyone is welcome.
Founder-led and Swiss-organised: a real person (Rocío) behind every booking, answering questions before, during, and after the retreat.
How booking works
Reserve your place
Send an enquiry or secure your spot for the scuba diving trip in Gili islands.Confirm your setup
We confirm your room, your freediving or scuba path, and any optional add-ons.Prepare for arrival
You receive your retreat guide, practical details, and support before you travel.
Welcome to Gili
The Gili Islands are where ocean days meet island nights. Just off the coast of Lombok, these three tiny tropical islands are known for crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, bicycles instead of cars, and sunsets that feel like part of the daily ritual.
Over five days and four nights, you’ll experience the best of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno — diving vibrant coral reefs, meeting wild sea turtles, exploring the famous underwater statues, and enjoying the lively social energy that makes Gili Trawangan so iconic.
This retreat is designed for solo travellers and ocean lovers who want meaningful diving experiences without giving up the fun of island life. Dive during the day, enjoy beach bars, restaurants, music, and sunset energy in the evening, and reconnect with the ocean in a way that feels real, social, and unforgettable.
PS: Your view every morning :)
The Retreat in Brief
This retreat is designed for anyone who wants to experience the underwater world through scuba diving in one of Indonesia’s most iconic island destinations. Based in Gili Trawangan, you’ll spend five days and four nights surrounded by turquoise water, vibrant coral reefs, lively island energy, and the chance to encounter wild sea turtles, reef sharks, and, in the right season, manta rays.
Whether you are completely new to diving or already certified, the retreat adapts to you. Beginners can complete an SSI Open Water certification and learn the skills needed to explore the ocean safely with experienced instructors. Certified divers can enjoy guided dives across the Gili Islands and nearby sites, discovering colourful marine life and thriving reefs at their own pace.
Between dives, enjoy the social side of Gili Trawangan — beach cafés, sunset bars, restaurants, music, and island nights — while still keeping space to rest, explore, and move through the experience in your own way. You’ll also have the chance to discover the famous underwater statues of Gili Meno and immerse yourself in a place where the ocean is part of everyday life.
Not a race to collect certifications. Not a challenge to prove yourself. Just diving, island life, connection, and the freedom to discover the underwater world with curiosity, confidence, and wonder.
Typical Day in Gili Trawangan
Morning: relaxed breakfast followed by your first guided dive of the day, exploring coral reefs, sea turtles, reef sharks, and the vibrant marine life that surrounds the Gili Islands.
Midday: return to the island for lunch at your own pace, with time to rest, swim, cycle, or simply enjoy the slow rhythm of island life.
Afternoon: second guided dive at one of the nearby Gili dive sites, chosen according to conditions, safety, and the best ocean experience of the day.
Evening: sunset by the beach, dinner wherever you choose, and relaxed free time to unwind under the stars. Depending on your course, experience level, and ocean conditions, one evening may also include a night dive.
A Note on Certification
This retreat is designed to work for both certified divers and those wanting to earn their certification. The base price includes your SSI certification course, chosen at booking. Options may include Open Water, Advanced Adventurer, or an ECO certification pathway, depending on your level, goals, and availability.
SSI Open Water is the entry-level scuba certification for beginners. It covers theory, confined-water skills, safety procedures, and open-water dives, giving you the foundation to dive with confidence. No prior experience is required.
For certified divers, the Advanced Adventurer or ECO certification options allow you to expand your skills through deeper dives, navigation, buoyancy refinement, environmental awareness, and specialty experiences. Depending on your course, experience level, and ocean conditions, one dive may also take place at night.
Your course is guided by experienced instructors based in Gili Trawangan, including local instructors who have spent years diving these waters and understand the island’s currents, depths, reefs, and seasonal conditions. The team includes instructors from different nationalities, so in many cases, you may be able to learn in your own language.
Gili is a beautiful place to learn because the conditions can feel calm, clear, and accessible — almost pool-like on the right days — while still giving you real ocean experience. You learn slowly, safely, and with people who know the water well.
SSI ECO course upgrade — Dive with Purpose
For guests who want their diving to support ocean conservation, an SSI ECO certification option may be available as an upgrade. This means part of your course can include a conservation-focused dive where you learn to observe the reef with more awareness, understand the impact of marine debris, and take part in responsible underwater action guided by your instructors.
Instead of only learning how to dive, you begin learning how to protect the places you dive in. You leave with stronger skills, more ocean awareness, and a deeper connection to the reefs of Gili.
Scuba diving
Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
For scuba diving in Gili Trawangan, we chose Manta Dive because of its long-standing reputation, professional standards, and strong experience training divers in the Gili Islands. Established in 1999, Manta Dive is now an SSI Diamond Rated Dive Center and Instructor Training Facility, offering courses from beginner to professional level.
Their location, right by the harbour and close to the island’s main dive sites, makes it a natural base for this retreat. With experienced local and international instructors, calm training conditions, and easy access to turtles, reefs, reef sharks, and beautiful coral gardens, Manta Dive reflects the kind of scuba partner we want for Ocean Calling Retreats: safe, knowledgeable, welcoming, and deeply connected to the ocean.
Ardi
SSI Scuba Diving Instructor — Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
Ardi is a local Indonesian SSI scuba diving instructor at Manta Dive Gili Trawangan. Having grown up around the waters of the Gili Islands, he brings deep local knowledge of the reefs, currents, seasons, and marine life.
His teaching style is calm, patient, and safety-focused, making beginners feel comfortable while helping certified divers build confidence. Diving with Ardi means learning from someone who knows these waters not just as a professional, but as home.
Underwater memories
During selected moments of the retreat, our highly trained instructors will capture underwater videos of you, so you can stay fully immersed in the experience while your memories are beautifully documented.
Meet the local experts behind your Gili certification
Your Full Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival & Island Welcome
Morning: Arrive at Lombok International Airport (LOP), where your private transfer takes you to Bangsal Harbour. From there, a short fast boat brings you to Gili Trawangan, where bicycles and horse carts replace cars and the pace of life instantly slows down.
Afternoon: Check in to your accommodation and meet your SSI instructor for a relaxed welcome briefing. Depending on your chosen certification and arrival time, online theory or orientation may begin.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at your own pace and settle into island life.
Day 2
First Day Underwater
Morning: After breakfast, begin your SSI course or head out on your first guided dives if already certified. Beginners start with confined-water skills before moving into the ocean, while certified divers explore Gili's vibrant reefs and marine life.
Afternoon: Continue training or enjoy a second guided dive depending on your programme.
Evening: Free time to watch the sunset, cycle around the island, or relax by the beach.
Day 3
Dive, Learn & Explore
Morning: Continue your underwater journey with additional training dives or fun dives at sites chosen according to conditions. Expect colourful coral gardens, turtles, reef sharks, and abundant tropical fish.
Afternoon: More diving or skill development, with plenty of time between sessions to rest and enjoy lunch. Depending on your certification path, experience level, and conditions, your schedule may also include a memorable night dive.
Evening: Relaxed evening with the group or free time.
Day 4
Certification & Celebration
Morning: Complete your final training dives and receive your SSI certification, or enjoy another guided dive if already certified. Guests following the ECO pathway may also take part in conservation-focused activities as part of their course.
Afternoon: Free time to explore Gili Trawangan by bicycle, relax on the beach, or simply enjoy your final afternoon on the island. A full surface interval before flying is built into the itinerary for safety.
Evening: Optional farewell dinner and celebration with the group.
Day 5
Departure
Morning: Enjoy a slow breakfast before taking the fast boat back to Bangsal Harbour, where your private transfer will bring you to Lombok International Airport (LOP) for your onward journey. For guests continuing with an optional extension, today becomes your transfer day to the next adventure.
Optional Lombok Extension (+2 Nights)
Extend your journey beyond Gili and discover another side of Indonesia with two nights on Lombok. Stay near Kuta Lombok and explore quiet beaches, traditional Sasak villages, rice fields, and waterfalls hidden within the island's lush interior. With extra time to unwind, it's the perfect way to end your trip before heading home.
Optional Komodo Extension (+3 Nights)
Continue your adventure in Labuan Bajo and explore the legendary Komodo National Park. Spend your days diving or snorkelling among manta rays, pristine reefs, turtles, and dramatic underwater landscapes before visiting the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. Accommodation, local diving activities, and park experiences are included, while domestic flights are arranged separately by each guest.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is created for travellers who want more than a holiday — those who want to reconnect with themselves through the ocean while enjoying the lively, social energy of Gili Trawangan.
This retreat is for you if you:
Want to reconnect with yourself through the ocean.
Are curious about scuba diving — breathing underwater and moving through the ocean in near-silence.
Enjoy being somewhere social, with beach bars, restaurants, and island energy around you.
Are drawn to meaningful experiences, but still want freedom to enjoy the destination.
Prefer travel with personal flexibility and space to explore.
Are travelling solo and want structure without losing independence.
Value ethical wildlife encounters and thoughtful ocean travel.
No pressure. No competition. Just diving, connection, island life, and the freedom to enjoy Gili in your own way.
This retreat is probably not for you if you:
Want a quiet, secluded, or silent island experience.
Prefer a remote retreat with no nightlife nearby.
Are looking for a strict wellness schedule with early nights every day.
Want an intense or competitive training environment.
Aren’t interested in spending time in or under the ocean.
Gili Trawangan is a lively island with a social atmosphere, beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife. This location is ideal for travellers who want to dive during the day and still have the freedom to enjoy the island’s energy in the evenings.
If you are looking for a quieter scuba learning base, please contact us and we can recommend another location better suited to that style of travel.
Where You’ll Stay - Gili Trawangan
Your accommodation is carefully selected to match the rhythm of the Gili retreat. You will stay in a private room at Manta Dive Resort, giving you comfort, privacy, and easy access to your diving days.
Located in the heart of Gili Trawangan, Manta Dive Resort places you close to the dive centre, the beach, restaurants, cafés, and the island’s lively social atmosphere. After your ocean sessions, you can return to your room, rest by the pool, or enjoy the energy of the island at your own pace.
The retreat is designed to feel easy and well connected: your dive centre, accommodation, and island life are all within reach, so your days can move naturally between diving, resting, eating, exploring, and enjoying Gili.
Ethical approach and wildlife responsibility
We follow a low-impact approach to wildlife encounters: no touching, no feeding, no chasing, no blocking an animal’s path, and no forcing an interaction.
In Gili, this is especially important around sea turtles. Turtles may be seen while diving, but they should always be given space to breathe, rest, feed, and move freely. Guests must never touch, hold, ride, follow too closely, or swim directly above a turtle, as this can cause stress or prevent the animal from reaching the surface for air.
Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed or controlled. The intention is not to create staged experiences, but to observe respectfully and allow animals to remain calm in their natural environment.
The point is not to “collect” animals — it is to meet nature with awareness and respect.
Safety and responsibility
Safety is never a vibe. It’s a system.
All underwater sessions are conducted by certified professionals through partner schools and operators. Ocean Calling Retreats coordinates the retreat experience and logistics, but does not act as a freediving or scuba instructor, and does not make in-water safety decisions—those are made by the licensed professionals running the sessions.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical and emergency cover, and appropriate freediving or scuba coverage depending on your chosen path.
Insurance can be added during checkout at the time of booking.
Questions before booking?
Message us, happy to help you choose freediving vs scuba.
What guests often say
Guests often describe Ocean Calling Retreats as calm, supportive, and deeply memorable. Many mention feeling safe in the water, welcomed as solo travellers, and grateful for the small-group atmosphere. Others speak about the slower pace, the thoughtful guidance, and the way the experience stayed with them long after the retreat ended.
For many guests, this is more than a diving holiday. It is a small-group ocean retreat designed to feel personal, safe, and meaningful — especially for travellers looking for a more intentional way to experience the ocean.
To read recent feedback and follow the journey, you can explore our reviews and social platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Which country do the Gili Islands belong to?
The Gili Islands are part of Indonesia and are located just off the northwest coast of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara. Entry requirements follow Indonesian immigration policies.
What language is spoken?
Bahasa Indonesia is the national language.
English is widely spoken throughout Gili Trawangan, especially in tourism, hospitality, and diving environments.
What currency is used?
Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, cafés, and dive centres, although carrying some cash is recommended for smaller businesses and local purchases. ATMs are available on Gili Trawangan.
Travel & Entry
Do I need a visa?
Many travellers can enter Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VOA), valid for 30 days and extendable once, or an e-VOA purchased online before arrival.
Travellers from the EU/Schengen area, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland are generally eligible, depending on passport validity.
How do I get to Gili Trawangan?
There are two common ways to reach the island.
The easiest option is to fly into Lombok International Airport (LOP). From there, a private transfer takes you to Bangsal Harbour, followed by a short fast boat to Gili Trawangan. If you are joining the retreat from Lombok, transfers can be arranged for you.
Alternatively, many guests choose to fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali if flights are cheaper, more frequent, or better suited to their travel plans. From Bali, you can take a fast ferry from Sanur Harbour directly to Gili Trawangan, making it a convenient option for international travellers.
If you are unsure which route is best, we are happy to help you choose the most practical itinerary based on your departure city.
Season & Environment
What is the weather like?
The Gili Islands enjoy a warm tropical climate throughout the year.
Air temperature: 27–32°C
Water temperature: 27–30°C
Expect mostly sunny days with occasional tropical showers.
Ocean Experience
Do I need scuba diving experience?
No. Beginners are welcome.
Gili Trawangan offers excellent learning conditions with warm, clear water and gentle dive sites, making it one of the best places in Southeast Asia to begin scuba diving.
What if I feel nervous about diving?
Feeling nervous is completely normal.
Your SSI instructor will guide you step by step, allowing you to progress at your own pace in a safe and supportive environment. There is never any pressure to continue if you are uncomfortable.
Can I choose different certification levels?
Yes. Beginners can complete SSI Open Water, while certified divers can choose Advanced Adventurer or selected ECO certification options, depending on availability.
Is equipment included?
Yes. Standard scuba diving equipment is included during your scheduled course or guided dives.
Equipment outside the retreat programme can be rented directly from the dive centre if desired.
Marine Life
What ocean life might we see?
The Gili Islands are known for their healthy reefs and abundant marine life. Depending on conditions, you may encounter:
Sea turtles
Reef sharks
Colourful tropical fish
Coral reefs
Moray eels
Nudibranchs and macro life
Eagle rays
Occasionally manta rays at nearby dive sites during the season
Wildlife encounters happen naturally and respectfully, and sightings can never be guaranteed.
Accommodation & Group
Where do we stay?
You will stay in a private room at Manta Dive Resort in Gili Trawangan, ideally located close to the dive centre, beach, restaurants, cafés, and the island's vibrant atmosphere.
Guests may choose between a private or shared room, depending on preference and availability.
Can I stay in my own hotel or villa?
Yes. If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, the retreat can be adapted to include diving, guiding, and activities only.
Is this retreat suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Many guests join alone and quickly become part of the group while still enjoying plenty of independence.
How many guests will join?
Groups are intentionally kept small (maximum 4 per instructor) to provide personalised instruction, flexibility, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Meals & Daily Life
Are meals included?
Breakfast is included each morning.
Lunch and dinner are flexible, giving you the opportunity to discover Gili Trawangan's cafés, beach clubs, and restaurants at your own pace. Many guests choose to eat together between dives, but all meals outside breakfast are paid individually.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation and in most cafés and restaurants across Gili Trawangan.
Booking & Practical Information
Will I receive underwater photos?
Underwater photos can be purchased directly to Manta Dive and taken during selected dives throughout the retreat and shared with guests afterwards whenever conditions allow.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Your policy should ideally cover:
Medical care
Scuba diving activities
Travel interruption
You may also have the option to purchase travel insurance during checkout.
Do I need vaccinations?
There are no mandatory vaccinations for most travellers entering Indonesia.
Depending on your personal circumstances, your doctor may recommend:
Hepatitis A
Tetanus
Typhoid
Please consult your healthcare provider before travelling.
Preparation
What should I pack?
A detailed packing list will be sent before the retreat.
Typical items include:
Light clothing
Swimwear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Sandals or comfortable footwear
Sunglasses
A reusable water bottle
Policies
What is the cancellation policy?
Please refer to the cancellation policy on the Ocean Calling Retreats website.
If your booking is made through an external platform, the cancellation terms of that platform will apply.
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Ocean Calling Retreats
Ethical ocean retreats for solo travellers. Small-group experiences built on depth, safety, and meaningful connection.
Certifications
All ocean experiences follow strict ethical guidelines.
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