All-year shore access and site-location context.
Advanced shore reef with drift current and rich coral life.
Advanced shore reef with drift current and rich coral life.
Simons Reef is an advanced reef dive off Gili Air with canyons, coral mounds, and overhangs that reward careful buoyancy and good timing. The site's big bommies and gorgonian fans make it a strong choice for wide-angle photography, while the sandy gaps and depth change the pace of the dive. Currents can turn it into a drift-style run, so it works best for confident divers who are comfortable in moving water.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
18m - 30m
Depth Note
Maximum depth stated as 30 m / 100 ft.
Best Season
April to November, when calm seas, better visibility, and more manageable currents are more likely.
Typical Conditions
Deep coral mounds, canyons, and sandy channels with gorgonian fans; the dive can become a drift run when current rises.
Site conditions, restrictions, and access requirements.
Site Conditions
Safety Notes
This is a deep dive and includes overhangs; plan depth and gas accordingly and maintain appropriate clearance around overhangs. Sea snakes and sharks may be present.
Access Restrictions
Best for advanced divers; current can swing from mild to very strong and often calls for a drift-style plan.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A deep scuba dive to about 30 m with sandy bottom areas and coral bommies, plus overhangs and outcrops.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive target. The reef is too deep and current-sensitive for a relaxed breath-hold dive.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkeling site. The main structure starts too deep for meaningful surface viewing.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
All-year shore access and site-location context.
Seasonality, visibility, and current baseline for the Gili Islands.
Advanced dive description, coral, and depth context.
Current and drift-diving context.
Marine-life list including sharks, rays, turtles, and pygmy seahorses.
Advanced-cert recommendation and deep coral-bommie context.
Know this site? Improve Spot Details.

Macro muck dive beneath an abandoned Bali dock.

Padang Bai drop-off with slope, wall section, and critter-rich reef.

Padang Bai reef-and-wreck dive with macro life and night diving.

Padang Bai restoration reef with coral frames and resident fish.

Boat-access coral restoration site off Padang Bai.

Sheltered Padang Bai bay reef with easy shore access.