PADI IDC Gili Islands - Indonesia

Best place to do you IDC! Holly and Doug are amazing teachers. They really take their time to teach you and help you when you need it. It is quite a lot of information so I was very happy that they spread the course over almost 3 weeks for the same price. So you don’t feel like you are rushing it. They support you every step on the way until the IE and even after if you need anything, tips or want to practice teaching. 10/10 recommend 🫶

Feb 2026

My IDC Experience at Blue Marlin Dive – More Than Just a Course I did my IDC at Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan in November 2024, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — not just for my diving career, but for my personal growth too. I’d heard a lot about Holly Macleod’s reputation as a Course Director before signing up, and somehow, the real thing still surpassed expectations. Her teaching is clear, direct, and grounded in real industry experience. Having two Course Directors throughout the course made such a difference — Doug Hoy was absolutely excellent too, bringing a calm, practical energy and loads of valuable insight. Together, they created a learning environment that was both challenging and deeply supportive. The setup at Blue Marlin is top-tier — two dedicated dive pools, an IDC-specific classroom, direct access to the house reef, and a team that genuinely wants you to succeed. But more than that, the IDC gave me a massive boost in confidence. It really prepared me for what it means to work as a professional instructor in the real world. Since completing the course, I’ve been working at Blue Marlin as an instructor, and I’ve also had the opportunity to step into a role managing the social media and marketing, which has allowed me to blend creativity with my love for diving. Being part of both the underwater and digital side of the business has been incredibly rewarding — and I never would’ve imagined that when I signed up for the IDC. What made the experience even more special was the people. I came in not knowing a single person and walked away with lifelong friends and a real sense of family. We supported each other through every challenge and celebrated every win — and that connection has stayed strong ever since. If you’re thinking about becoming a dive pro, I couldn’t recommend Blue Marlin enough. It’s not just where you learn — it’s where you grow, connect, and kick off a seriously exciting chapter 💙

Jun 2025

I did my Instructor Development Course (IDC) with Holly and Doug, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From start to finish, they were supportive, knowledgeable, and incredibly passionate about what they do. Their teaching style is clear, structured, and always encouraging — they pushed me to grow, believe in myself, and be the best instructor I can be. They create such a positive, inclusive, and fun learning environment that you actually want to show up every day and give it your all. Holly and Doug don’t just prepare you for the Instructor Exam — they prepare you to be an instructor in the real world, with confidence, skill, and heart. If you're considering your IDC, stop looking and go with them. You’ll be in the best hands. Thank you both for everything — you’ve truly made a huge impact on my journey. 💛

Jun 2025