Feeling a little nervous about your first dive? That is completely normal. Breathing underwater is something new, and most of our guests ask us the same question before they start: is scuba diving actually safe for beginners?
The short answer: yes. For most healthy people, a first dive is very safe when you dive with a professional instructor, start in a pool, stay shallow and follow a few simple rules. Below we explain what keeps beginners safe, who should check with a doctor first, and what your first dive day on Gili Trawangan really looks like.
What makes a first dive safe
Diving has clear rules, and every PADI program for beginners is built around them. On your first dive with us:
- A PADI instructor stays right next to you for the whole dive, in a small group of up to 4 people.
- You start in the pool. You practise breathing and a few simple skills in shallow, calm water before you go to the sea.
- You stay shallow. A Discover Scuba dive goes to a maximum of 12 metres.
- We choose calm dive sites. Sites such as Turtle Heaven, Turtle Point and Biorock are usually calm, and our team checks the conditions every day.
- The water is warm. Around Gili it is about 27–30 °C all year, so a thin wetsuit is enough.
- Your equipment is checked before every dive, and your instructor carries a spare air source.
Who should check with a doctor first
Before any dive you fill in a short medical questionnaire. If you answer “yes” to one of the questions, you need a doctor’s approval before you dive. This is common and does not always mean you cannot dive.
Talk to your doctor before your trip if you have, for example:
- asthma, or a heart or lung condition
- epilepsy or diabetes
- a recent operation, or you are pregnant
- ear or sinus problems
- a cold or a blocked nose on the day of your dive (better to wait a day or two)
Tip: ask us for the questionnaire before you travel, so you can see your doctor at home if needed.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
For Discover Scuba you do not need to pass a swim test, but you should feel comfortable in the water. If you want to get certified with the PADI Open Water course, you need to swim 200 metres (any style, no time limit) and float for 10 minutes.
Common beginner worries
“What if I can’t breathe?”
Your regulator gives you air every time you breathe in. You try it first in the pool, standing in shallow water, until it feels natural. Your instructor also carries a second regulator for you, just in case.
“Will my ears hurt?”
As you go down, the water pressure pushes on your ears. You fix this by equalising: gently pinch your nose and blow, early and often. We go down slowly, and if your ears do not clear, you simply stop, go up a little and try again.
“What if I panic?”
Signal to your instructor, who is always within arm’s reach. Stop, breathe slowly and think. You can end the dive at any time, and nobody will push you to continue.
“Are there sharks?”
Sometimes we see small reef sharks resting on the sand. They are shy, not dangerous to divers, and for most people a highlight of the dive.
“What if I get seasick?”
The boat ride to the dive site is short. If you get seasick easily, take a tablet before you get on the boat.
Five simple rules for your first dive
- Never hold your breath. Breathe slowly and continuously.
- Equalise early and often as you go down.
- Stay close to your instructor and use the hand signals you learned.
- Look, but do not touch coral, turtles or other animals.
- Go up slowly with your instructor. Never rush to the surface.
Your first dive day in Gili Trawangan
With PADI Discover Scuba Diving, your day looks like this:
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| Briefing | Your instructor shows you the equipment and explains how everything works. |
| Pool session | You practise breathing, clearing your mask and a few hand signals in our pool. |
| Ocean dive | You go out by boat and dive to a maximum of 12 m, right next to your instructor, often at Turtle Heaven. |
Discover Scuba costs IDR 1,350,000 per person and includes full equipment, the boat, the marine park fee, snacks, drinks and a towel. Loved it? Add a second ocean dive for IDR 700,000. Children from 8 years can try diving in the pool with Bubble Maker, and Discover Scuba is open from 10 years.
Before and after your dive
- Sleep well and eat a light meal. Drink plenty of water, and skip alcohol the night before.
- Tell your instructor about any health issue or worry. It helps us plan your dive.
- After diving, wait before you fly: at least 12 hours after a single dive, and 18 hours after several dives or several days of diving. Plan your trip home with this in mind.
Frequently asked questions
Is scuba diving safe for children?
Yes, with programs made for their age. Bubble Maker is a pool session for children from 8 years, and Discover Scuba is open from 10 years, always with an instructor.
How deep will I go on my first dive?
A Discover Scuba dive goes to a maximum of 12 metres. Many first dives stay shallower.
Can I dive if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Soft contact lenses are usually fine under a mask. If you wear glasses, tell us before your dive.
What if I don’t like it?
You can stop at any time, in the pool or in the sea. Most people who try it want to dive again.
Do I get a certificate?
Discover Scuba is an experience, not a certification. If you want a licence for life, the PADI Open Water course takes 3 days.
Ready for your first breath underwater?
The best way to find out is to try it with a patient instructor in calm, warm water. Read more about PADI Discover Scuba Diving, compare it with the PADI Open Water course in Open Water vs Discover Scuba, which one?, or see the turtles waiting at Turtle Heaven. When you are ready, book your first dive or send us a message on WhatsApp. We will answer every question before you get in the water.