Question 1

Do I need experience or a certification to dive?

Accepted Answer

No. A 'Discover Scuba' dive is designed for complete beginners: after a short briefing and a confined-water skills session, a qualified instructor takes you on a real but shallow ocean dive and stays with you throughout. You don't need any prior experience or a diving licence — just to be reasonably comfortable in water and in good general health.

Question 2

What will I see on the reef?

Accepted Answer

The Gili Islands are famous for sea turtles — green and hawksbill turtles are common on the reefs, and seeing one on your first dive is more the rule than the exception. You'll also spot colourful reef fish, coral, and often cuttlefish, moray eels and the occasional harmless blacktip reef shark. It's one of the best beginner reefs in Southeast Asia.

Question 3

How deep will I go, and how long is the dive?

Accepted Answer

A Discover Scuba ocean dive is shallow — usually to around 12 metres — and the underwater time is typically about 30–40 minutes, with an instructor managing your depth and air the whole way. The full experience, including the briefing and skills session, takes a few hours.

Question 4

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

Diving is very safe when done with a professional centre and instructor, which is exactly how these dives run — small groups, one instructor staying with you, and all the gear checked before you enter the water. You'll answer a short medical questionnaire first, since a few health conditions need care or a doctor's approval. Follow the instructor and the basic rules and the risk is low.

Question 5

Should I do a try dive or a full course?

Accepted Answer

If you want to experience diving once, a Discover Scuba try dive is perfect. If you think you'll dive again, a PADI Open Water course (usually a few days) earns a certification that lets you dive independently around the world, and often costs less per dive. The Gilis are a popular, well-priced place to get certified.

Question 6

What should I bring, and any health notes?

Accepted Answer

The centre provides all the gear; bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, water and any medication. Contact lenses work under a mask. Don't dive with a cold or blocked sinuses, avoid alcohol beforehand, and don't fly for 18–24 hours after diving. If you have heart, lung or ear conditions, check the medical questionnaire — some need a doctor's sign-off.

Question 7

Can I book with free cancellation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The GetYourGuide listing offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your dive and often a reserve-now-pay-later option, so you can hold a slot and adjust around ferries and weather. The exact terms are shown on the listing before you confirm.

Your first scuba dive in the Gili Islands

Try dive or get certified?

What the reefs deliver

The honest basics

Not sure whether to try a dive or take a course?