Shark Point

Shark Point is the most popular dive site in the Gili Islands and sits on the north-eastern tip of Gili Trawangan, where the reef descends from a shallow, current-sheltered coral plateau through a series of progressively deeper canyons running parallel to the shore. The topography is layered: the upper reef at 6–10 m is a vibrant hard and soft coral garden with stripes of branching coral alternating with sandy gullies, then large coral bommies at 10–18 m, and finally three major canyons that descend steadily to 28–35 m — the zone where Shark Point earns its name.

At 28–30 m, whitetip reef sharks rest on the sandy canyon floors between excursions to the open reef. Blacktip reef sharks and the occasional grey reef shark cruise the canyon lips and outer reef slope. The combination of the canyon structure and the Lombok Strait current that sweeps across the site creates a natural aggregation point for large marine life: bumphead parrotfish — often in schools of 20–40 — graze across the reef in the mid-depth range. Giant trevally and barracuda hunt in the water column above the canyons. Blue-spotted stingrays rest in the sandy corridor floors.

In the shallows at 5–12 m, the site has a different character: big green turtles forage on the coral in a remarkably relaxed state, barely acknowledging passing divers. Angelfish, snappers, and an exceptional density of reef fish make this section extraordinary for wide-angle photography.

Current can range from gentle to very strong on new and full moon. This is the variability that demands attention: at full flood, the current sweeps directly across the reef, making the dive an effortless drift; at spring tide, it can exceed safe diving conditions. Your guide will assess conditions before entry.

Diver tips: Shark Point is the most requested site in the Gili Islands — book your spot early in your stay. On calm days, all certified divers can access the shallower sections; the canyon system at 28–35 m is best with Advanced certification. Wide-angle photography is the format of choice here — the combination of reef sharks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish, and dense fish life creates multi-subject compositions impossible at more specialised sites.