When divers talk about the best dive sites in the Gili Islands, names like Shark Point, Turtle City, and Halik usually dominate the conversation.
Soraya is different.
In fact, many divers don’t even realise they’re talking about the same dive site.
Depending on which dive centre you visit, you may hear it called Soraya, Mirko’s, Hidden Reef, or Secret Reef. While the names differ, they all refer to the same spectacular dive site located in the channel between Gili Air and Gili Meno.
Soraya remains one of the least talked about sites in Gili Islands scuba diving, despite being one of the most beautiful reefs in the region.
There are no famous statues.
No wreck.
No resident turtle cleaning station.
Instead, divers come here for healthy coral growth, dramatic underwater ridges, colourful sea fans, and the chance to discover tiny pygmy seahorses hidden amongst the reef.
Many experienced divers consider Soraya one of the most rewarding dives in the Gilis.
Not because of the fish.
Also not because of the current.
But because of the reef itself.
If you enjoy scuba diving in the Gili Islands for the corals rather than simply chasing marine life, Soraya may become one of your favourite dive sites too.
Where is Soraya?
Soraya is located in the channel between Gili Air and Gili Meno.
The site sits directly in an area where tidal currents move between the islands, creating ideal conditions for coral growth and healthy reef ecosystems.
Because of its location, Soraya can experience significantly stronger currents than many other Gili dive sites.
These currents are also one of the reasons the reef remains so healthy.
The constant flow of nutrient-rich water supports impressive coral growth and attracts occasional pelagic visitors.
Soraya or Mirko’s?
Long-time dive guides may know the site by another name.
Mirko’s.
The site was named after Mirko, a dive instructor from Gili Air who considered Soraya his favourite dive site.
Sadly, Mirko passed away unexpectedly at a young age following an non diving related accident.
Many local divers continued referring to the site as Mirko’s in his memory, and some dive centres still use the name today.
Whether you hear Soraya or Mirko’s, they refer to the same beautiful reef.
What Does Soraya Look Like?
Soraya is defined by its ridges.
Deep ridges.
Big ridges.
Beautiful ridges.
The reef consists of a series of coral-covered formations running through the channel between the islands.
These ridges create an underwater landscape that feels very different from the flatter reefs found at Sunset or Hans Reef.
Hard corals cover much of the structure.
Large sea fans grow from the sides of the ridges.
Soft corals add colour to the deeper sections.
Between the ridges are sandy valleys that create natural pathways for divers.
Most guides move from ridge to ridge throughout the dive.
Each formation has its own character.
Each offers something slightly different.
And because the site is so large, no two dives feel exactly the same.
A Dive Site for Coral Lovers
Many dive sites in the Gili Islands are famous for turtles.
Others are known for sharks.
Soraya is famous for coral.
This is a reef that impresses divers because of its condition.
The coral coverage is outstanding.
Large sea fans stretch into the current.
Hard corals form colourful gardens along the ridge tops.
Sponges and soft corals cover sheltered areas.
The site feels healthy.
Alive.
And surprisingly untouched.
It is one of those dives where photographers often spend more time shooting the reef itself than searching for marine life.
Looking for Pygmy Seahorses
One of Soraya’s hidden treasures is found within the sea fans.
Pygmy seahorses.
These tiny masters of camouflage are among the smallest seahorses in the world.
Many divers swim past them without ever realising they are there.
Finding one requires patience.
A sharp-eyed guide.
And sometimes a little luck.
For underwater photographers, however, discovering a pygmy seahorse is often the highlight of the dive.
Currents and Dive Planning
Because Soraya sits directly within the channel between Gili Air and Gili Meno, current strength can vary dramatically.
On calm days, even Open Water divers can enjoy the site.
The ridges provide protection and create manageable diving conditions.
On stronger current days, however, Soraya becomes a very different experience.
Experienced guides may perform a blue water entry before reaching the reef.
In other situations, the dive may finish with a blue water exit after leaving the last ridge.
These conditions create exciting drift dives but require good buoyancy control and confidence underwater.
For this reason, Soraya is often considered one of the better sites for experienced divers visiting the Gilis.
Why Nitrox Makes Sense
Like Deep Turbo, Soraya is one of the best sites for Nitrox diving.
Many sections of the reef sit in the deeper range of recreational diving.
Divers often spend time between 20 and 30 metres while exploring the ridges.
Using Nitrox allows longer no-decompression limits and more time to enjoy the reef.
For photographers and experienced divers, the additional bottom time can make a noticeable difference.
Marine Life at Soraya
Although coral is the main attraction, there is still plenty of marine life.
Schools of fusiliers frequently move through the reef.
Surgeonfish and snapper are common.
Trevallies occasionally hunt along the ridges.
Turtles are seen regularly.
And because of the site’s position in the channel, larger pelagic species occasionally appear.
Eagle rays are perhaps the most exciting visitors.
They are never guaranteed.
But every diver knows there is a chance.
And that possibility adds a little extra excitement to every dive.
Who Should Dive Soraya?
Soraya is suitable for a wide range of divers.
Open Water divers can enjoy the site on calm days when currents are minimal.
However, the site is at its best when explored by divers who are comfortable with drift diving and deeper profiles.
Advanced Open Water certification is recommended.
Nitrox certification is even better.
Experienced divers tend to appreciate Soraya the most because they can relax and enjoy what makes the site special.
The coral, ridges and the scenery.
Check out our Complete Guide to Dive Sites in the Gili Islands for detailed information on every major dive site, including Shark Point, Halik Reef, Turtle City, Deep Turbo, Meno Wall, and many more.