I had a fantastic time with the Gili Shark project. I spent two weeks with them- one getting my rescue certification, one diving with the conservation team. The dive shop they work with (Oceans 5) was fantastic and one of the best dive shops I’ve experienced. I really appreciated how much they emphasized safety as their top priority- not just making money thru certifying unqualified divers.

The people on the conservation project itself were also fantastic. They all welcomed me on day 1 and I felt like I had a family the entire time I was there. The work they do for oceanic conservation is top notch, as is the training they provided on Reef check and fish ID. I definitely wish I had more time on the project and I would go back in a heartbeat!

During an eight weeks gap between two jobs, I decided to go abroad to recover from my previous busy work life in Germany and clearing my head for the new job.
As a passionate scuba diver and a lover of the oceans, I was looking for a marine conservation project I can join during my gap weeks. I wanted to do something different, help the oceans and marine life and spend as much time in the water during scuba diving as I know that this makes me happy.

After extensive internet research, I found loads of projects for marine conservation to participate. As I have been many times in Asia before I was initially looking for a project in an other continent. But in the end I applied for Gili Shark Conservation at Gili Air which was my best decision.

I want to tell you why Gili Shark Conservation was finally the best choice for me:
In the beginning, I was trained by Zara to become a Scientific Diver and a Shark Aware Diver. It was very interesting and let me become more aware of the current situation in the oceans and the marine life. Although I’m a diver with around 300 dives and loads of experience I was impressed to learn so much there.

After the training and passing the tests I was able to go with the Shark team on different surveys. We were monitoring the reefs and the marine life on different dive sites around the Gili islands. We were visiting the dive sites at regular intervals, but it was never boring as we always used different survey methods. On some dives we focused on key species of fish, on other dives we were checking the health of the reef according to the “Reef-Check” method, sometimes we were photographing and monitoring turtles. We also used underwater cameras and placed them on the floor of the sea to monitor shy species like blacktip reef sharks.

The survey work is very interesting and very diverse. You will always learn something new.
We had two dives in the morning and did the paperwork in the afternoon in the office like watching the recorded videos from the underwater camera, put the data of the key species, turtles and sharks into different databases or identified turtles via special software.

From Andre the Lead Marine Biologist I learned a lot about marine life and the survey methods and data analysis. And in the weekly “Shark-Quiz” he always challenged the knowledge of the team with questions about marine life and gave us extraordinary know-how about the oceans.

Two days a week we had off and we had time on our own. After a few days when you get rid of the normal tourist view who usually just stay for max 5 days on the island, you will recognize Gili Air more and more as a small hidden paradise. With all the lovely local people, the different places, the fantastic food, and the many activities to discover – you won't get bored. Although the island is not big, it offers so much you can do – even if you just want to lay on the beach and relax.

The Sharkies, that’s how the members of the GSC team are called, are amazing and they become like a second family for me during my stay at Gili Air. I recognized that all of them really love their job, have fun and that they are the perfect team working together.

Zara was wonderful. She was organising everything perfectly during the complete stay. And Andre could pass on his incredible knowledge about marine life and the oceans very interesting to the volunteers. But beside Zara and Andre, there were also Cecilie, Jos, Katon, Yani and of course Rose and her husband who completed the team. Everyone has made it an unique experience with the Sharkies and to feel at home.

During my stay, I also made some new friends with other volunteers from different countries. As part of the Shark family, everybody feels the same sense of togetherness. As we were living very closely together and shared many moments we grow together as friends during this time very fast. Which also makes it easy: everybody has the same interest and passion for the ocean and scuba diving.

Although I was one of the older volunteers at the age of 40, I enjoyed my time with the young team very much. It is important that you always stay open for new things and never stop discovering - that keeps you young.

In addition to my original goals of resting and clearing my head, I have done something good for the ocean and I have also found new friends and another family. I don't want to miss this unforgettable experience. Thank you all, I’m pretty sure I will come back.

Carina, 40
Ocean lover and Sharkie

I have spent two weeks with Gili Shark Conservation and have gone from an inexperienced Open Water Diver to an Advanced, Shark Aware, Scientific Diver! The span of the project (from turtle and shark identification to coral restoration to beach clean ups) means every day is a new challenge and experience. Diving in Indonesia has exceeded my expectations, there are so many dive sites and the great thing about the project is they try and go to different ones every day. Diving twice a day most days allows you to really hone your diving skills. I would definitely recommend this project even if your interest in marine biology is just a hobby and you haven't got a scientific background like me, it doesn't matter! Thanks Gili Shark, I hope I can come back to dive with you again and see the sharks and turtles and everyone on the team! :-)

Today is my last day at Gili shark conservation and I am sad to be leaving! I have loved being a part of the research team and seeing the amazing underwater life around the islands. I would definitely recommend coming for longer than 2 weeks because the first week was taken up by the advanced padi course and shark aware, and also it took a few days to complete the scientific diver. These are all really great qualifications but it meant I didn't have much time to get really involved in the practical work, however, I would love to come back and do some more! It has been a great insight for me as I'm starting a marine biology masters degree this year and has built up my confidence with diving. The island is really nice with loads of yummy food (lots of pancakes) and everyone here is so friendly. I would recommend this volunteer programme to anyone :)

I loved every second of my time with the Gili Shark Conservation project. I spent 3 weeks with the team. The first week I did my PADI advanced open water certification and the second week my scientific diver and Shark aware certifications. All the instructors were so thorough and made sure I understood all the requirements and skills needed. I learned how to do a variety of surveys including roving, DRUV, photo ID, reef check, and coral reef index. I also was familiarized with identifying indicator species in the area. I can guarantee you I had never known there were so many species of snappers, groupers, emperors, and the list just goes on. It’s so cool to be able to know all this information and have learned it through first hand experience. We dive at least 9 times a week at a variety of dive sites around the Gili islands and we always saw really interesting things. In the office time in the afternoon, we inputted our data from the morning dives along with several other forms of research. I learned so much in my time here and just really enjoyed myself. Perfect weather, good food, super friendly and supportive staff. I felt safe and comfortable through the entirety of my stay and definitely recommend this project to people who love diving, the environment, and overall having a great time.

My experience with Gili Shark Conservation opened my eyes not only on marine conservation but also on how, as divers, we can really make a change. I expected a program much more focused on sharks which is what really attracted me. However, the variety of activities in which I got engaged is actually the greatest added value of the program. I got a great insight in technics for fish and coral surveying, learned a lot about marine conservation advocacy, species of fish, threats and measure to protect sharks etc... and all of this in only a few weeks.
I wish I would have stayed much longer and plan to go back. The island really has a wonderful vibe and is a wonderful place to disconnect from "modern life" and reconnect with the nature and a simple life style.
The team is very young and passionate and is truly inspiring.

If you're looking for a holiday in paradise whilst also giving back to the environment then this is the project for you! The whole shark team is super friendly which makes it really easy to settle in, and you can tell each of the staff members really has their heart in the cause which radiates positivity.

The island itself is absolutely beautiful, with everything within walking distance, and the dive shop they have paired up with is right on the harbour which makes the gear drop in the morning as easy as possible. From day one you feel like you are really getting involved and helping out with the project, whether it's doing roving surveys or reef checks - your contribution counts! Not only have I come out a more confident diver with a much wider knowledge of marine life and impacts of everyday life on the underwater ecosystems, but I am now officially AWARE, which I hold with great honour.

All in all a great experience and I can't wait to go back!

Gili shark Conservation Project – review 2019

It is a great experience and also fun to join the Gili Shark Conservation Project (= GSC).
Come to the GSC and learn more about reefsharks, fish, reefs and the connection to eachother. Besides this you can learn to dive or improve your skills or divelevel. There are also other activities you can join: beach clean up, community works and much more.
The GSC runs also more projects you are involved, for example: plastic free island, diving
for debris, coral health index, reef restauration. My point of view and also my way of living was changed while joining the GSC.

During the stay you have two dives in the morning on tuesday to saturday at the various divespots around the Gilis. In the afternoon after a lunchbreak the office is calling for
about 2 hours. You learn and study about the various projects, put the collected datas in
to different databases, watch videos. You also have a lot of fun at anytime of your stay.
The whole team (officials, the captain/s, the staff of Villa Nangka and the diveshop Oceans5 and the volunteers) is very friendly and helpful. The project is not running on sunday and monday:
you have time for yourself: relaxe, explore the Gilis, do fundives or subwings, go to Lombok

Watch the sunrise or better the sunset on the beach, at a bar or restaurant. You will have so much fun, but don’t forget to smile. After a few days you will love the indonesian way of life with a great smile on your face. It is like staying in the paradise – it is a paradise.

The place is secure and all the people including the locals are very friendly. Don’t be afraid
to get in touch with the locals – find new friends. Your home during your stay – the Villa
Nangka – will become again a nice after the rebuilding: a garden with a pool, an open kitchen for your use (if you want to cook). The right place to relaxe, to have fun and to “learn”. For the moment (up to july/august) the volunteers stay at a very nice place at Oceans5 close to the harbor.

You don’t find any motorvehicles on Gili Air – you walk, cycle or use the horsecar.

I like staying there. I joined the GSC three times and I don’t regret any second. I will join the GSC again and meet my indonesian friends, the GSC-team and to improve my knowledges. to see all changes after the earthquake and how the nature rebuilt itself and also to join the new projects. I hope to meet you there in the paradise.

The whole team of the GSC and the staff of Villa Nangka and Oceans5 are waiting for you. Your age will not be a problem if you are open for new challenges. Come to the paradise island of GiliAir, have fun and don’t forget: have allways a smile on your face.