What to pack for Gili Air — the diver's 10-item list

In one paragraph

You don't need to bring dive gear (we provide everything for the course or fun-dive). But you do need: reef-safe sunscreen (Hawaii's 2021 ban on oxybenzone applies in spirit on the Gili reefs too), 1-2 swimsuits, a rash guard or light long-sleeve (sun + occasional jellyfish protection), reef-walking sandals, a refillable water bottle (refill stations all over the island), and any prescription medication you take. Forget bringing cash — there are ATMs.

The reef-safe sunscreen requirement

Oxybenzone and octinoxate (in many drugstore sunscreens) bleach coral in microscopic concentrations — 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen end up on reefs globally each year (NOAA estimate). Buy a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. Brands that ship reef-safe formulas: Stream2Sea, Manda, Raw Elements, ThinkSport. We sell a few brands at the dive centre if you forget — but you'll want it before the boat ride, so buy before flying.

What we provide — so you can leave it at home

Full dive gear: BCD, regulator, mask, fins, 3 mm wetsuit, tank, weights — all included with every course and fun dive. Towels at the centre for between-dives. Fresh-water rinse station for your camera/GoPro. Lockers for your dry stuff during the boat. You can rent dive computers for 50,000 IDR per day if you don't own one (you don't need one for the Open Water — the instructor manages your no-deco time). Underwater camera rentals available too.

Common questions

Should I bring my own dive computer / mask / regulator?

No need. If you own your own mask and it fits your face perfectly, bring it — fitted masks reduce flooding which is the most common beginner annoyance. Otherwise our rental gear is well-maintained Aqualung + Cressi. Don't bring your own tank or weights (TSA disallows partial-fill compressed gas anyway).

What about cash, ATMs, and credit cards on Gili Air?

3 ATMs on the island. They run out of cash occasionally — pull what you need on arrival rather than relying on the last day. Most dive centres (us included) accept credit cards but charge a 3% surcharge to cover the bank fees. Restaurants and shops mostly take cards too; small warungs may be cash only. 500,000–1,000,000 IDR per day in cash is usually enough.