SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
SSI ITC Dive Resort Oceans 5 Gili Air Blog Posts
Evaluating the Transition to an SSI Instructor Training Center As a business owner, big changes never come without nerves. Anyone who has been running a dive center for years knows that stability is fragile and hard-earned. Changing managers who have been part of the shop …
Community, Commitment, and Care Every Friday at exactly 17:00, something special happens on the beaches of Gili Air. While the tropical sun starts to sink toward the horizon and most visitors are thinking about sunset drinks or dinner plans, a growing group of people gathers …
When people think about the Gili Islands, they often picture white sandy beaches, turquoise water, hammocks between palm trees, and spectacular sunsets. But beneath the surface, the real magic begins. With around 15 different dive sites surrounding Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan, the Gili Islands are one of the most versatile and accessible dive destinations in Indonesia — suitable for all levels of divers, from first-time beginners to very experienced underwater explorers.
Whether you love muck diving, wrecks, coral gardens, sharks, turtles, or massive schools of fish, the Gili Islands have something for everyone. Add short boat rides, warm water, good visibility, and relaxed island life, and you’ll understand why so many divers fall in love with this place — and often extend their stay far longer than planned.
What makes diving around the Gili Islands so special is the variety of dive environments in a very small area.
Within just a few kilometers you can find:
This means you don’t need long boat rides or complicated logistics to experience very different types of diving. Most dive sites are only 10 to 20 minutes by boat from Gili Air, making diving comfortable and efficient — with more time spent enjoying the island and less time traveling.
Many of the dive sites around the Gili Islands are ideal for beginner divers because of:
This makes the area perfect for training courses and for divers who are still building confidence. But don’t be fooled — the Gili Islands are not “only for beginners.”
For more experienced divers, there are:
The same reef can feel completely different depending on current, season, and depth profile. That keeps diving around the Gili Islands interesting even for divers who have logged hundreds or thousands of dives.
Let’s be honest — most divers want to know one thing: what can I see?
Around the Gili Islands, turtle sightings are extremely common. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are seen on almost every day of diving. Many dive sites have areas where turtles rest, feed, and get cleaned by small reef fish.
Shark lovers won’t be disappointed either. White tip reef sharks are regularly spotted resting on sandy patches between coral formations, especially on sites like Sunset Reef and Shark Point. During certain seasons, lucky divers may even encounter manta rays or devil rays, especially on the southern and western sides of the islands.
On top of that, you can expect:
The fish life around the Gili Islands remains impressive thanks to marine park protection and long-term conservation efforts by local communities and dive centers.
Not all diving is about big animals. Some of the most exciting dives around the Gili Islands happen on sandy slopes and harbor areas, where macro life hides in plain sight.
Muck diving here can reveal:
These dives are slower, more relaxed, and perfect for underwater photographers or divers who enjoy searching for the small, strange, and wonderful creatures of the reef.
It’s a completely different experience compared to coral reef diving — and that contrast is what makes the Gili Islands such a complete dive destination.
While the Gili Islands are mostly known for reefs and marine life, there are also wreck sites that add another layer of excitement to the diving here.
One of the most famous is the Glenn Nusa wreck, located near Shark Point. This artificial reef has become home to a wide variety of marine life and is used for wreck specialty training, including limited penetration during courses.
Wreck dives here combine:
For divers interested in technical or advanced wreck diving, the Gili area can also be a starting point for further training and skill development.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, diving is organized in a way that keeps things relaxed, safe, and well structured — without rushing divers or cutting corners.
Every day, Oceans 5 offers three boat dives:
(Except on Fridays, when there is no 11:30 dive.)
After every single dive, the boat returns to the dive center. This means:
It also allows divers to choose whether they want to do one, two, or three dives per day — perfect for people combining diving with relaxing, snorkeling, yoga, or simply enjoying island life.
At Oceans 5, all briefings and debriefings take place at the dive center, not on a moving boat.
This gives divers:
It also helps build better understanding of:
Learning doesn’t stop after certification — every fun dive is also a chance to become a better diver.
Equipment setup at Oceans 5 takes place right next to the equipment room, with plenty of space and no rushing.
Divers have time to:
This is an important part of safety that often gets overlooked at busy dive operations. Rushing equipment setup leads to mistakes — and mistakes underwater are something no one wants.
At Oceans 5, divers are encouraged to take responsibility for their own equipment, while always having professional staff available to help when needed.
One of the biggest strengths of Oceans 5 Gili Air is the team of six experienced local divemasters who have been diving these sites for many years.
They know:
This local knowledge doesn’t come from a map — it comes from thousands of dives in the same area. That means more sightings, safer dives, and better experiences for guests.
And because Oceans 5 keeps small groups per divemaster, guides are able to give proper attention to every diver instead of just leading big groups from point A to point B.
Oceans 5 Gili Air follows strict conservation policies because, quite simply:
We like our office — and we don’t want to destroy it.
The ocean is not just a playground. It is the workplace of everyone who depends on diving, snorkeling, fishing, and tourism. If the reef is damaged, everyone loses.
That’s why Oceans 5 operates with:
Divers are actively reminded that:
Oceans 5 also organizes regular beach and reef cleanups, supports scientific research with Indonesian universities, and integrates conservation awareness into all levels of training — from beginner courses to professional programs.
So what makes the Gili Islands truly special for diving?
It’s the combination of:
You can do a morning dive, enjoy lunch on the beach, relax in the afternoon, and still be back underwater before sunset — all without stress or long travel times.
For many divers, this is what diving should feel like:
easy, enjoyable, safe, and inspiring.
Diving around the Gili Islands is not about rushing through a checklist of famous sites. It’s about enjoying the rhythm of island life while exploring an underwater world that still offers real surprises.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, the goal is not just to show you fish — it’s to help you:
Whether you are here for a few fun dives, a full course, or a longer professional program, the diving around the Gili Islands offers something that many destinations cannot: diversity, accessibility, and soul.
And once you’ve experienced it, chances are high you’ll already be planning your next dives before you’ve even dried off.
Ramon and Warren (Waz) Join the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar Oceans 5 Gili Air is entering an exciting new era in its long and respected history of professional dive education. For the very first time, the renowned dive center is hosting an SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar (ITS)—a …
Another Major Advantage of Becoming an SSI Instructor: More Instructor Ratings from Day One Choosing to become a scuba diving instructor is not only about passion for the ocean, teaching skills, or lifestyle freedom. It is also a professional business decision. How many courses you …
On the 13th of February, Oceans 5 Gili Air will officially start a new chapter in its long history of professional dive education: the first SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC). After more than a decade as a leading instructor development center on the Gili Islands, Oceans 5 is expanding its professional training pathway and aligning itself with the changing reality of the dive industry in Indonesia and worldwide.
In the coming days, Warren “Waz” Beyers will join the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar. Once he successfully completes this seminar and receives his SSI Instructor Trainer rating, he will immediately begin delivering Oceans 5’s first SSI ITC. The course is scheduled to start on the 13th of February and marks the beginning of a new professional training era on Gili Air.
For Oceans 5, this is not simply a change of agency logo on the wall. It is a strategic move based on years of observing the market, employment trends on the Gili Islands, operational efficiency, instructor costs, and long-term sustainability for dive professionals. The philosophy remains exactly the same: small groups, personal attention, realistic teaching techniques, strong environmental awareness, and producing confident instructors who are ready for real-world teaching — not just for passing an evaluation.
Waz is well known within Oceans 5 and far beyond as an experienced instructor trainer who has guided hundreds of instructor candidates through professional programs over the years. His decision to attend the SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar reflects both personal professional growth and Oceans 5’s long-term commitment to staying aligned with industry developments.
The SSI Instructor Trainer Seminar focuses on modern instructor education methodology, digital learning integration, consistent quality control, and standardized evaluation procedures. Once Waz passes the seminar, he will be authorized to conduct full SSI Instructor Training Courses independently at Oceans 5 Gili Air.
This ensures continuity for candidates: the same familiar teaching style, the same high expectations, and the same mentoring approach — but now within the SSI training framework. Candidates who have trained with Waz in the past already know his emphasis on clarity, structure, safety, real-life teaching scenarios, and strong in-water control. Those elements remain unchanged.
One of the most exciting announcements surrounding the first SSI ITC is the special onboarding deal for former PADI IDC candidates who trained at Oceans 5 in the past.
For many years, Oceans 5 has trained hundreds of instructor candidates who are now working worldwide. Many of them remain connected to the dive center and follow the developments on Gili Air. For those former candidates, this year offers a unique opportunity to cross over to SSI at a significantly reduced price.
Normally, the onboarding (cross-over) fee is €1,000 per candidate. For former Oceans 5 IDC candidates, the special price is only €750 per person.
This onboarding fee does not include SSI digital learning materials and certification fees, which are standard worldwide and paid directly to SSI:
This cross-over program allows former candidates to quickly integrate into the SSI system while benefiting from Oceans 5’s familiar teaching environment, facilities, and mentoring approach.
For many professionals who are planning to work on the Gili Islands or elsewhere in Southeast Asia, this onboarding pathway makes strong financial and career sense.
The decision to become an SSI Instructor is not only about certification — it is about employability, long-term costs, and professional sustainability. On the Gili Islands especially, three advantages stand out clearly.
The total cost of becoming an SSI Instructor is significantly lower than completing a PADI Instructor Development Course and Examination on the Gili Islands. When all mandatory agency fees, materials, and evaluations are compared, the difference easily approaches €1,000 or more.
For young professionals, career changers, or instructors building their first professional experience, this lower entry cost reduces financial pressure and allows candidates to invest more in practical experience, equipment, or extended internships rather than administrative fees.
Lower upfront investment does not mean lower quality. The training standards, evaluation rigor, and professional expectations remain high. The difference lies in how the training structure and digital systems are organized.
The diving landscape on the Gili Islands has shifted noticeably over the past years. While the islands were historically dominated by PADI dive centers, more and more operations have transitioned to SSI. Today, there are more SSI dive centers on the Gili Islands than PADI dive centers.
This directly impacts employment opportunities. As a newly certified SSI Instructor, candidates have a broader range of potential employers locally. This increases flexibility, seasonal job opportunities, and long-term career stability within the region.
For instructors who plan to stay in Indonesia or Southeast Asia, aligning with the dominant agency in the region improves employability and reduces dependency on a limited number of operators.
SSI operates a cashback and professional reward system that allows instructors to earn credits based on certifications issued. In many cases, active instructors are able to cover their annual membership renewal fully through these earned rewards.
For instructors working consistently on busy destinations like the Gili Islands, this often means a free professional renewal for the following year. In practical terms, instructors who remain active may not need to pay their 2027 membership fee out of pocket.
Over several years, this represents significant long-term savings and improves overall career sustainability.
While agency choice matters, the quality of the training center matters even more. Oceans 5 Gili Air offers a unique environment for professional development that goes far beyond standard course delivery.
Oceans 5 has been conducting professional-level training for many years and has consistently focused on producing confident instructors rather than simply achieving pass rates. Small group sizes, individual coaching, realistic scenario training, and flexible pacing ensure that candidates develop true teaching competence.
The same educational philosophy now applies to the SSI ITC.
Oceans 5 offers some of the best training facilities on the Gili Islands:
This infrastructure allows training to run smoothly, safely, and efficiently — without compromises or rushed scheduling.
Candidates do not train in isolation or artificial scenarios. Oceans 5 operates year-round with real students, real courses, and real operational challenges. This allows instructor candidates to gain exposure to authentic teaching environments, customer interaction, time management, safety supervision, and teamwork dynamics.
Graduates leave with practical confidence rather than theoretical readiness.
Environmental responsibility remains one of the core pillars of Oceans 5. Instructor candidates are trained to teach neutral buoyancy, reef awareness, conservation principles, and responsible diving behavior from the very first confined-water session.
Ongoing partnerships with local conservation organizations, marine research institutions, and weekly clean-up initiatives reinforce the role of instructors as environmental ambassadors — not only as educators.
Oceans 5 benefits from a long-term, stable instructor and management team. Many staff members have been part of the organization for years, creating consistency in training quality, mentoring culture, and operational standards.
Candidates benefit from exposure to different teaching styles, operational perspectives, and leadership approaches — all within a supportive and professional environment.
The first SSI Instructor Training Course starting on 13 February is not only an important milestone for Oceans 5 — it is an opportunity for divers and professionals who want to position themselves strategically for the future of the dive industry on the Gili Islands.
For former IDC candidates, the special onboarding offer provides an affordable pathway to expand qualifications and employability. For new candidates, the SSI ITC offers a modern, cost-efficient, and career-oriented instructor pathway supported by one of the most experienced training centers in the region.
The combination of lower investment, higher local employability, long-term membership savings, and Oceans 5’s proven training quality makes this a compelling opportunity.
The future of professional dive training on Gili Air is evolving — and Oceans 5 is proud to lead that transition.
If you are ready to take the next step in your diving career, this is your moment.
The Gili Islands Just off the northwest coast of Lombok lies a small cluster of islands that feels like a different world altogether: the Gili Islands. For many travelers, the Gilis represent what they imagine a tropical island holiday should be—white-sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs …
Oceans 5 Gili Air Maybe you have already heard some rumors.Maybe you noticed subtle changes on our website, on social media, or around the dive resort itself.Or maybe you are reading this as a returning guest, a future student, or simply someone who cares about …
On the 13th of December, something special happened in the heart of the Gili Matra Marine Park. Before most of the islands were awake, 86 runners—a mix of local residents and international participants—gathered with one shared goal: to take part in the Tri-Isla-Thon, a unique endurance run that connects Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno into one continuous journey of approximately 17 kilometers.
This was not a race defined by podiums, medals, or finishing times. Instead, the Tri-Isla-Thon stood for community, fitness, connection, and support for local education on Gili Air. Among the runners was Oceans 5 Gili Air Instructor Irene, who embraced the challenge—an experience she describes as demanding, inspiring, and deeply rewarding.
The Gili Islands—Gili Air, Gili Trawangan, and Gili Meno—are best known for their white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and relaxed island lifestyle. Together they form the Gili Matra Marine Park, a protected area that balances tourism, conservation, and local community life.
The Tri-Isla-Thon offers a completely different way to experience these islands. Instead of viewing them from a boat or underwater, runners explore the entire coastline on foot, feeling the changing terrain, the humidity of the early morning air, and the gradual rise of the sun over the Lombok Strait.
Running across all three islands in one morning is no small achievement. Each island has its own rhythm, surface conditions, and atmosphere—making the Tri-Isla-Thon as mentally engaging as it is physically demanding.
The day began early—very early. At 5:00 a.m., while most of Gili Air was still quiet, runners assembled at the starting point. The sky was just beginning to brighten, and the temperature was still forgiving, offering the most comfortable conditions of the entire run.
Starting on Gili Air set the tone for the event. Known for its community feel and laid-back pace, the island provided a welcoming and encouraging start. Locals waved, fellow runners exchanged smiles, and conversations flowed easily in the first kilometers.
For many participants, including Instructor Irene, this early stage was about finding rhythm rather than speed. The sound of footsteps on sandy paths, the occasional call of morning birds, and the sight of fishing boats preparing for the day created a calm yet energizing atmosphere.
After completing the loop around Gili Air, the runners continued toward Gili Trawangan, the largest and busiest of the three islands. The transition marked a noticeable change in both energy and environment.
Gili Trawangan’s wider paths and longer stretches allowed runners to open their stride. At the same time, the island was beginning to wake up—bicycles appeared, staff prepared restaurants, and early-morning beach walkers offered encouragement from the sidelines.
Despite being known for its nightlife, Gili T showed a different face that morning: one of sport, health, and community engagement. The mix of local and international runners was especially visible here, reflecting how sport can bring together people from very different backgrounds around a shared experience.
Instructor Irene later shared that this middle section felt strong and motivating. The group energy helped maintain pace, and the sense of running “together” rather than competing made the kilometers pass quickly.
The final leg of the Tri-Isla-Thon led runners to Gili Meno, the quietest and most tranquil of the three islands. By the time participants arrived, the clock was moving toward 8:00 a.m., and the sun was fully up.
According to Instructor Irene, this was where the run truly became challenging.
“The last island was the most tiring,” she explained. “The heat and the sun really started to kick in.”
Gili Meno’s peaceful nature means fewer distractions—no busy streets, no crowds—just long stretches of path, open sky, and rising temperatures. Fatigue set in, legs felt heavier, and hydration became critical.
Yet this final section also embodied the spirit of the Tri-Isla-Thon. Runners encouraged each other, slowed down together when needed, and made sure no one was left behind. The focus remained firmly on finishing as a group, not on finishing first.
At around 8:30 a.m., the run came to an end on Gili Meno—smiles, tired legs, and a strong sense of accomplishment all around.
What makes the Tri-Isla-Thon special is its philosophy. This event is not about competition. There were no elite categories or prize money. Instead, the emphasis was on:
In a destination often associated with holidays and leisure, the Tri-Isla-Thon reminds everyone—locals and visitors alike—that the islands are also home to real communities with real needs and shared responsibilities.
By linking sport with social impact, the event gives running a deeper purpose. Every step taken around the islands contributes not just to personal health, but to the future of local children and educational opportunities on Gili Air.
At Oceans 5 Gili Air, instructors are known not only for their diving skills, but also for leading by example above water. Instructor Irene’s participation in the Tri-Isla-Thon reflects exactly that mindset.
As a dive professional, Irene promotes an active, balanced lifestyle—one that includes fitness, mental resilience, and community involvement. Completing a 17-kilometer multi-island run shows the same determination and preparation that she brings to her work underwater.
Her experience also highlights an important message: you don’t need to be a professional athlete to take part. With training, motivation, and the right mindset, challenges like the Tri-Isla-Thon become achievable and enjoyable.
Irene has already set her sights on the future.
She is looking forward to the next Tri-Isla-Thon and has already started training for next year’s run—proof that the event doesn’t just end at the finish line, but inspires long-term commitment to health and fitness.
For many participants, the Tri-Isla-Thon offered a completely new perspective on the Gili Islands. Running the full circumference of each island reveals details that are often missed:
It’s an experience that connects people more deeply to the place they live in—or are visiting—transforming familiar islands into a shared challenge and achievement.
With 86 runners taking part this year, the Tri-Isla-Thon is clearly growing. The mix of local and international participants shows strong community support and increasing awareness of the event’s goals.
As more people become interested in combining sport, social connection, and positive impact, the Tri-Isla-Thon has the potential to become a fixed highlight on the Gili Islands calendar—something people train for, look forward to, and return for year after year.
For Oceans 5 Gili Air and its team, seeing instructors like Irene actively participating reinforces the dive center’s broader philosophy: being part of the island means contributing beyond your own business, supporting health, education, and community initiatives whenever possible.
The Tri-Isla-Thon is more than a 17-kilometer run. It’s a reminder that movement brings people together, that community grows through shared effort, and that even in paradise, meaningful challenges have a place.
As the sun rose over Gili Meno and the last runners crossed the finish point, one thing was clear: this wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of training, planning, and anticipation for next year’s Tri-Isla-Thon.
And if Instructor Irene’s enthusiasm is anything to go by, many familiar faces will be back at the starting line at 5:00 a.m., ready once again to run the islands together.
Oceans 5 Gili Air in 2025 Oceans 5 Gili Air has always believed that a dive centre should be more than a business operating on an island. From the very beginning, Oceans 5 has taken the position that respect from the local community is not …