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 a registered PADI Dive Shop, the beginning of a remarkable journey that has spanned 15 years of dedication, growth, and transformation. Today, as we celebrate this milestone in April 2025, we reflect on the passion and perseverance that made it all possible.

A Humble Beginning in an Undeveloped Paradise

Back in 2010, Gili Air was a world apart from what it is today. Unlike its more developed sibling Gili Trawangan, Gili Air had only a few accommodations, no fast boats, and a modest trickle of tourism. The island’s harbor was a quiet space, where travelers arrived by local boats from Lombok or by slow island hoppers making their way from Gili Trawangan.

At that time, Oceans 5 became the fourth dive shop on the island—a bold move in a location where few saw commercial potential. Most people questioned the decision to establish a dive shop in the harbor, far from the more popular beachfronts. There were hardly any other businesses in the area, and almost no accommodation nearby.

Even more surprising was the layout of Oceans 5 itself. While most dive shops operated in compact spaces, Oceans 5 was designed with expansive land, a 25-meter swimming pool, and a layout that allowed for freedom of movement, comfort, and growth. People called it overkill. Some even called it crazy.

But behind that unconventional plan was a vision.

A Vision That Defied the Odds

Sander Buis, founder of Oceans 5 and PADI Course Director, saw beyond the present. He believed that Gili Air, with its serene charm, kind community, and strategic location, had immense potential. He envisioned a dive center that would be spacious, inclusive, professional, and environmentally responsible, where divers wouldn’t just come to learn—they would come to belong.

That vision wasn’t just about creating a dive shop. It was about building a dive resort, a community, and a legacy. A place where people would feel at home the moment they stepped off the boat. A center that would grow with the island, rather than fight against it.

A Dive Resort Unlike Any Other

Over the past 15 years, Oceans 5 Gili Air has grown into a full-fledged boutique dive resort that still holds tightly to its original principles. The dive center operates with a limited number of instructors and divemasters, ensuring personalized attention and high-quality training. Rather than expanding endlessly, the focus has remained on quality over quantity.

With two dedicated scuba diving pools, new rental equipment, and a spacious dive shop built in a traditional Javanese joglo, Oceans 5 offers a calm, professional atmosphere for everyone—from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. On the premises are 11 resort rooms, a gym, and several island businesses including ticket offices, restaurants, and small shops, all of which contribute to the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

But what truly sets Oceans 5 apart isn’t infrastructure. It’s philosophy.

The Heart of Oceans 5: Community

From the very start, Oceans 5 has had a close connection with the local community. The dive shop works in harmony with the five original families of Gili Air, supporting local employment and community projects. Over the years, that connection has only deepened.

Whether through offering free education to Indonesian divemaster candidates, organizing weekly beach cleanups since 2010, or collaborating with the University of Mataram to conduct coral reef research, Oceans 5 continues to give back to the island that welcomed it 15 years ago.

This connection is not transactional—it’s emotional. It’s mutual. And it’s lasting.

Surviving Earthquakes and a Pandemic

The journey of Oceans 5 hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2018, the island was hit by a series of devastating earthquakes that destroyed homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Oceans 5, like many others, was deeply affected. But thanks to the resilience of the team and support from the community, it rebuilt stronger than before.

Then came COVID-19, bringing tourism to a standstill and testing the limits of every business on the island. Once again, Oceans 5 stood firm. By retaining staff, offering local conservation work, and focusing on maintenance and education, the dive center used the downtime not as a pause—but as preparation.

It is through these moments of adversity that the true spirit of Oceans 5 was revealed: resilience, unity, and hope.

A Role Model for the Industry

As Gili Air developed and more dive centers arrived, many began to emulate Oceans 5’s model—from pool size to conservation initiatives and even community involvement. For the team at Oceans 5, this isn’t a source of frustration. It’s a source of pride.

Being an example to others means you’re doing something right. And while there may now be other dive shops that try to replicate the success, there is only one real Oceans 5. The original. The one that believed when nobody else did, that committed to long-term goals, and that continues to deliver excellence in diver education, environmental responsibility, and community impact.

Growing with the Industry: PADI Career Development Centre

In 2014, Oceans 5 received the prestigious title of PADI Career Development Centre (CDC)—the only one on Gili Air. This recognition reflects the consistent quality of instruction and the high number of professional-level certifications conducted at the center.

Today, Oceans 5 is home to two in-house PADI Course Directors, offering up to 10 PADI IDCs per year. The center has transformed thousands of divers into Divemasters and Instructors, preparing them for careers around the world.

The IDC program at Oceans 5 is known for its realistic teaching techniques, stress-free environment, and small group sizes, ensuring that candidates are not just ready to pass their Instructor Examination, but to teach confidently and responsibly anywhere in the world.

Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Purpose

Fifteen years is both a long time and a blink of an eye. For Oceans 5, it marks not just an anniversary but a new chapter. The future will see more innovation, continued conservation efforts, and expanded partnerships with local and global marine organizations.

In 2025, Oceans 5 also launched a free Divemaster Internship Program for Indonesian citizens, offering locals a chance to pursue a professional diving career without financial barriers. It’s a fitting symbol of where the dive center’s heart lies: with the people, the ocean, and the island.

There are also plans to add new accommodation, expand the conservation department, and introduce more specialty and technical diving programs, including TDI tech courses—ensuring that Oceans 5 remains at the cutting edge of dive education.

A Message from the Founder

As we celebrate this anniversary, founder Sander Buis shares his thoughts:

“When I opened Oceans 5 in 2010, people thought I was dreaming too big. But I wasn’t building just a dive shop—I was building a space where people could feel safe, learn, grow, and fall in love with the ocean. Oceans 5 has always been about more than diving. It’s about the people we meet, the lives we change, and the island we protect. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey.”

Thank You

This celebration is not just for the Oceans 5 team—it’s for everyone who walked through the doors of the dive shop. To the divers who took their first breath underwater, the professionals who started their careers here, the guests who came back year after year, and the local families who trusted and supported Oceans 5: thank you.

To all the instructors, divemasters, interns, students, and friends from around the world—you made this possible.

Without you, there would be no Oceans 5.

Happy 15-Year Anniversary, Oceans 5 Gili Air

Est. 16 April 2010 – A Legacy That Continues