Gili Trawangan: Deep Turbo Dive Site – Lombok
Site Overview
Deep Turbo is the most adventurous dive site around Gili Trawangan, featuring a dramatic submerged seamount that rises from 35 meters to just 8 meters below the surface in the open waters east of the island. This exposed underwater mountain sits directly in the path of the nutrient-rich currents flowing through the Lombok Strait, creating a feeding station that attracts an impressive array of large pelagic species. Scalloped hammerhead sharks are the star attraction, occasionally seen patrolling the deeper slopes in small groups during the dry season. Grey reef sharks are encountered more reliably, often cruising the reef walls alongside dogtooth tuna and large eagle rays. Massive schools of barracuda, fusiliers, and surgeonfish swirl around the pinnacle summit, creating spectacular wide-angle photography opportunities. The site's depth and strong currents make it suitable only for experienced divers with deep diving qualifications, but the rewards are well worth the challenge. Thermoclines are common below 25 meters, where water temperatures can drop several degrees, adding to the sense of adventure. The coral coverage on the shallower sections is excellent, with large table corals, sea fans, and soft corals adorning the limestone structure. Deep Turbo represents the pinnacle of Gili Islands diving and is widely regarded as the best site for pelagic encounters in the entire region.
Dive Briefing
"The dive begins with a negative entry from the boat, descending quickly along the shot line to the pinnacle summit at 8 meters to avoid being swept by the surface current. From the summit, your guide leads you down the seamount wall, spiraling around the structure as you descend. At 15 to 20 meters, grey reef sharks patrol the wall alongside schooling barracuda and trevally. The deeper sections at 25 to 35 meters are where hammerhead sharks and dogtooth tuna may appear from the blue water. Bottom time at the deepest sections is limited, so the dive gradually works back up the seamount, spending time on the shallower slopes where the coral coverage is richest. The safety stop at 5 meters on the pinnacle summit offers excellent light conditions and schooling fish activity. Ensure you maintain a close group distance during the ascent as the surface currents can be quite powerful."
Signature Marine Life
Hammerhead shark
Sphyrna lewini
Best: June, July, August
Grey reef shark
Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos
Dogtooth tuna
Gymnosarda unicolor
Eagle ray
Aetobatus narinari
Best: June, July, August
Schooling barracuda
Sphyraena qenie
Safety & Hazards
- Strong and unpredictable currents around the exposed seamount
- Deep profile with limited bottom time at 30+ meters
- Thermoclines causing rapid temperature drops below 25 meters
- Boat traffic in the open channel between Gili Islands and Lombok
- Potential for decompression obligation if depth limits are exceeded
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Deep Turbo is designed for advanced divers with deep diving experience who are comfortable in strong currents and at depths exceeding 30 meters. The site rewards experienced divers with the best pelagic encounters in the Gili Islands, including potential hammerhead shark sightings. It is not suitable for beginners or divers without recent deep diving experience. This is a must-visit site for shark enthusiasts and those who enjoy the thrill of open-ocean seamount diving. The combination of depth, current, and the potential for rare sightings makes it the crown jewel for serious divers visiting the Lombok region.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- DSM Dive Gili
- Big Fish Diving
- Manta Dive Gili Trawangan
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Gili Trawangan Resort
Gili Trawangan • 0.5km away
PinkCoco Gili T
Gili Trawangan • 0.3km away