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Dive Shark Point or Manta Point

Gili Islands, off Lombok

Plan a Gili Islands dive at Shark Point or Manta Point: site conditions, certification, safety and wildlife encounters that cannot be guaranteed.

Dive Shark Point or Manta Point in 30 seconds

A guided Gili Islands scuba outing normally consists of two boat dives chosen by the dive centre according to certification, conditions and the day's site plan. Shark Point, reef slopes and turtle areas can offer varied marine life, but sharks, turtles and especially manta rays are wildlife encounters—not guaranteed—and currents may be strong.

The Gilis are a cluster of Lombok-side dive islands with numerous named reef sites reached by short local boat rides. A 'Shark Point or Manta Point' booking is an operator-arranged dive trip, not a promise to visit a particular site or see a particular animal; the dive centre should select safe sites for the group and conditions.

Who it suits: Best for certified divers seeking a guided boat dive with reef life, turtles and varied topography. Newly certified divers should disclose recent experience and comfort in current; non-divers need a try-dive or snorkel product rather than a certified two-tank trip.

Where to Stay Nearby

  • Gili Trawangan — The widest concentration of dive centres, restaurants and accommodation; check noise levels if staying near the harbour or nightlife.
  • Gili Air — A relaxed base with dive operators and easy access to boat services; confirm the meeting point and equipment collection time.
  • Gili Meno — The quietest of the three, with fewer services; arrange dive-centre pickup and allow time for inter-island transfers.
  • North Lombok — A mainland base can work for divers connecting via Bangsal, but daily boat transfers and schedules need advance confirmation.

Base on the island where your chosen dive centre operates, and book directly with a reputable centre that verifies certification and recent dive history. Build in a no-fly interval after diving and do not schedule a same-day flight after the dives.

Things to Do

  • Shark Point — a name used for reef sites around the Gilis; ask the centre which location, depth and current profile is planned that day.
  • Reef slopes and plateaus between the islands, with coral communities and schooling fish; site conditions and visibility vary.
  • Turtle habitat around the Gilis, where encounters are possible but not guaranteed; never touch, feed or pursue turtles.
  • Manta-named sites or excursions where locally offered; confirm the actual site and understand that manta encounters are uncertain and not a standard Gili guarantee.
  • A second guided dive at a shallower or more sheltered site, selected to match the group and surface interval.

Getting Around and Practical Tips

  • Dive-centre boat — The normal access to offshore sites; the centre provides a briefing and chooses the site based on conditions and diver qualifications. Ask for a current two-dive quote and check whether tanks, weights, equipment and marine fees are included.
  • Walk or bicycle — Useful for reaching the dive shop on each car-free island; allow extra time with equipment. Local bicycle hire varies; agree the terms with the provider.
  • Island-hopping boat — Can connect accommodation on one Gili to a dive centre on another, but timetable and availability vary. Confirm current fare, luggage rules and exact pier before relying on a connection.
  • Lombok mainland transfer — Public or fast boats connect the islands with Lombok; schedules and departure harbours vary. Check current operator rates and leave a generous buffer.

Provide your certification card or digital proof, logbook and honest account of recent diving. Ask about maximum depth, current, group size, emergency equipment and included gear. Do not dive beyond your training, touch marine life or fly too soon after diving; follow your dive computer and recognised no-fly guidance.

Sample Itinerary

Two-tank guided dive

Arrive at the dive centre for certification and equipment checks, medical declarations and a site-specific briefing. Board the boat for the first dive at a site selected for the day's conditions. Complete the required surface interval and second dive only if the guide considers conditions and the group suitable. Return equipment and review the day's dive details. Rest, hydrate and avoid alcohol-heavy plans. Follow the dive centre's guidance on post-dive exertion and no-fly intervals.

Optional extra or refresher day

If new to diving or returning after a long break, schedule a refresher or check dive with a qualified instructor. Choose another dive only after an appropriate rest and according to your dive profile; otherwise enjoy the island at a relaxed pace. Keep any flight departure outside the recommended no-fly interval for your dive profile and agency guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certification for the two-tank trip?

Yes, a standard guided fun dive is for certified divers and the centre will check your qualification and experience. Non-certified visitors should ask about a supervised introductory dive, which has different limits.

Will I see sharks, turtles or manta rays?

No wildlife encounter can be guaranteed. Reef sharks or turtles may be present, while mantas are especially uncertain; choose a responsible operator rather than a promise of sightings.

Is Shark Point suitable for beginners?

It depends on the exact site, current and your training and recent experience. Ask the dive centre to choose a site appropriate to your certification and comfort, and do not exceed your limits.

How many dives are included?

Many trips are sold as two dives, but duration and inclusions vary. Confirm tanks, weights, rental equipment, guide, boat and any fees before booking.

Can I fly after the dive?

Do not plan an immediate flight. Follow your dive computer and recognised training-agency no-fly interval, which depends on the dive profile; arrange flights with a sufficient buffer.

Can non-divers join the boat?

Some centres may offer a snorkelling companion option, but it is not universal. Ask in advance about supervision, flotation, boat space and whether snorkelers can safely join the route.

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