Some dive site names are slightly exaggerated.
Turtle Heaven is not one of them.
Located in North of Gili Meno, this famous dive site has earned its reputation over many years. After a single dive here, it is easy to understand why.
Resting beneath coral overhangs.
Swimming slowly along the reef.
Surfacing for air.
Occasionally gliding right past divers as if they are not even there.
For many visitors, Turtle Heaven becomes one of the most memorable dives of their entire trip to the Gili Islands.
Turtle Heaven, Turtle City, or Turtle Point?
One thing that sometimes confuses visitors is that this dive site is known by several different names.
While some operators use slightly different names for different sections of the reef, most divers are generally referring to the same turtle-rich reef system located North of Gili Meno.
Whatever name you use, the reason for its popularity remains the same: turtles.
Lots of them.
In fact, many dive guides joke that if you cannot find a turtle here, you are probably not looking underwater. While sightings can never be guaranteed, Turtle Heaven has one of the highest concentrations of turtle encounters anywhere around the Gili Islands.
Why Are There So Many Turtles?
The reefs around Turtle City provide almost perfect conditions for sea turtles.
The site combines healthy coral formations, sandy resting areas, and easy access to feeding grounds nearby.
As a result, both green turtles and hawksbill turtles are commonly seen here throughout the year.
And unlike some destinations where turtle sightings require a lot of luck, encounters at Turtle City are remarkably consistent.
Of course, nothing in nature is ever guaranteed.
But if somebody asks where they have the highest chance of seeing turtles while diving around the Gilis, Turtle Heaven is usually near the top of the list.
More Than Just Turtles
The funny thing about Turtle City is that many people become so focused on spotting turtles that they initially overlook how beautiful the reef actually is.
Because the coral gardens here are stunning.
Large coral bommies rise from the seabed. Hard and soft corals create colorful underwater landscapes. Large schools of reef fish (a lot of seargant major and surgeon fish) move constantly through the reef while anthias, butterflyfish and angelfish add flashes of color everywhere.
The site feels alive from start to finish.
And because visibility is often excellent, the entire reef can seem to stretch endlessly into the blue.
A Fantastic Deep Dive
While many divers know Turtle Heaven for its turtles, experienced divers often appreciate the site for another reason.
Depth.
The reef slopes gradually deeper, making it an excellent site for deep dives and Advanced Open Water training.
As divers move deeper along the reef, the atmosphere changes.
The coral formations become more plentiful and larger.
The blue water feels more open.
And the chance of encountering larger marine life occasionally increases.
There is something incredibly peaceful about drifting deeper along the reef while turtles continue cruising above you.
For divers completing their Advanced Open Water Course with Divine Divers Gili Meno, Turtle Heaven is often one of the favorite sites for the mandatory deep dive.
Great for Beginners Too
One of the reasons Turtle Heaven remains so popular is its versatility.
The site can be enjoyed by newly certified divers, experienced divers, underwater photographers, and even divers with hundreds of logged dives.
The reef starts relatively shallow and gradually becomes deeper, allowing guides to adapt dive profiles depending on experience and conditions.
And honestly, there are not many dive sites that manage to satisfy both beginner divers and experienced deep divers equally well.
Why Divers Keep Coming Back
Many dive sites are famous for one specific thing.
A wreck.
A shark.
A manta ray.
Turtle Heaven feels different.
It offers a little bit of everything.
Beautiful coral gardens.
Excellent visibility.
Gentle drift diving.
Deep dive opportunities.
And of course, turtles almost everywhere you look.
The result is a dive site that never really gets old.
Even local dive guides who have dived Turtle Heaven hundreds of times still enjoy visiting it.
And that probably says everything you need to know.
Because when a dive site remains exciting after hundreds of dives, it is doing something very special.
Don’t forget to have a look at all the other beautiful dives sites the Gilis have on offer.