3-Day Open Water Course Itinerary On Gili Air
The Gili Air Open Water Course is an exciting adventure designed for those who want to explore the underwater world. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to scuba diving, taking you from theory to practice in stunning tropical settings. Over three days, you will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to dive safely and confidently.
Day 1: Arrival and Theory Sessions
Your open water course begins with your arrival on Gili Air, a serene island famous for its clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life. Most courses start on a Monday, but there are options throughout the week depending on your schedule.
On your first day, you’ll meet your instructor and the other students. The first half of the day is typically dedicated to theory sessions where you will learn the basics of scuba diving. Topics include scuba equipment, dive planning, safety procedures, and marine environment issues. This crucial part of the course usually lasts around 4 hours, with breaks in between.
In the afternoon, you will gear up and head to the confined water session. This will take place in a shallow lagoon, perfect for practicing essential skills like mask clearing, buoyancy control, and regulator retrieval. You’ll spend about 2 to 3 hours in the water, guided by your instructor, who will ensure you are comfortable and safe. By the end of the day, you will have completed your first confined water session.
Day 2: Confined Water Practice and Open Water Dives
The second day of your Gili Air Open Water Course is where the real fun begins. You’ll more confined water practice in the morning to solidify the skills learned on the first day. This session usually lasts around 2 hours, allowing you to gain more confidence underwater. Skills you’ll practice include emergency procedures such as sharing air and controlled ascents.
After a break for lunch (often included in the course price, which typically ranges from $400 to $500 for the entire course), you’ll your first open water dives in the afternoon. Gili Air boasts various dive sites, such as the serene “Gili Meno Wall” and “Shark Point,” where you can expect to see a plethora of marine life, including sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful corals.
During your first open water dive, you will go to a depth of around 12 meters (39 feet). You’ll perform skills learned in your confined water sessions while exploring the underwater world. This dive usually lasts about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your air consumption and comfort level. By the end of Day 2, you should have completed two open water dives.
Day 3: Open Water Dives and Exam Day
The final day of the course is a mix of exciting dives and theory examination. Your morning will start with another open water dive, exploring a new dive site. This third dive will take you deeper, typically around 18 meters (59 feet). Expect to see schools of fish, vibrant corals, and maybe even some larger marine life like sea turtles.
After your dive, you’ll head back to the dive shop for some light refreshments. The next step is the final theory exam. This test usually consists of multiple-choice questions covering the material from your theory sessions. Don’t worry! Your instructor will review everything beforehand and help you with any areas of doubt. The pass mark tends to be high, so take the time to study the materials, which are usually provided in the course price.
Upon successful completion of the exam, you will head out for your final check-out dive, where you will demonstrate the skills you’ve learned over the past three days. This dive is an exhilarating experience as it solidifies your certification into the PADI Open Water Diver course. Completing the check-out dive typically takes around an hour.
What To Expect On Each Day: Morning vs Afternoon Schedule
The Gili Air Diving Course typically operates on a set schedule that allows for both morning and afternoon sessions. This gives you flexibility and choice based on your personal preferences.
- Day 1: Morning theory sessions, followed by an afternoon confined water session.
- Day 2: Morning confined water practice, followed by afternoon open water dives.
- Day 3: Morning open water dive, followed by an afternoon exam and a final check-out dive.
Most dive shops have their morning sessions starting around 8 AM and concluding around noon. The afternoon sessions usually start at 1 PM and may end by 5 PM. This schedule allows you to enjoy Gili Air’s beautiful beaches and vibrant local culture in your free time, offering opportunities to relax or explore the island.
Cost Breakdown and Inclusions
As mentioned earlier, the typical cost for a 3-Day Open Water Course in Gili Air ranges from $400 to $500. This price varies based on the dive shop and any additional services they offer. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to be included in the course:
| Inclusion | Description |
|---|---|
| Theory Sessions | Comprehensive theory lessons covering diving basics. |
| Confined Water Sessions | Practice essential diving skills in a controlled environment. |
| Open Water Dives | Usually includes 4 open water dives at various sites. |
| Equipment Rental | All gear needed for diving is typically included. |
| Course Materials | Access to study materials and exam preparation. |
| CERTIFICATION | PADI Open Water Diver certification upon completion. |
that lunch is often provided during the course, but check with your dive shop to confirm. Additionally, you may want to budget for optional extras such as underwater photos, which many shops offer for an additional fee (usually around $50). This can be a fantastic way to capture memories of your diving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many dives are included in the Open Water Course on Gili Air?
The course includes a total of 4 open water dives over the three days.
2. What does a typical diving course day look like on Gili Air?
A typical day involves theory lessons in the morning, followed by confined water practice or open water dives in the afternoon, with breaks for meals and relaxation.
3. What can I expect on the exam day for the Gili Air Open Water Course?
On the exam day, you will take a short multiple-choice test covering the theory you learned during the course. A passing score will lead to your certification.
Conclusion
The Gili Air Open Water Course is not just a diving certification; it’s an opportunity to experience the breathtaking underwater world while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of this tropical paradise. With a well-structured itinerary, you will leave with the skills and confidence to dive anywhere in the world. So, if you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure, book your spot on the Gili Air Diving Course!