Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan cuts right to the good stuff: sea turtles, vibrant coral gardens, and fascinating underwater statues. The waters are crystal-clear and calm, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. I’m particularly fond of the private guided tours – they’re worth the extra cost for the personal attention and flexibility with timing. The shared tours work well for budget travelers, while sunset snorkel cruises offer great value by combining marine life spotting with a memorable evening meal.
The best experience I found was a morning private tour, when marine life is most active and crowds are thin. Equipment is consistently well-maintained across most operators, and local guides know exactly where to spot those magnificent sea turtles.
Let’s explore the most reliable snorkeling tours on the island.
Good To Know
- Shared snorkeling tours starting at $14.55 offer opportunities to see turtles, coral, and vibrant marine life across multiple islands.
- Private guided snorkeling experiences at $58.21 for up to 3 participants provide personalized exploration and encounters with sea turtles and underwater statues.
- Sunset snorkeling cruises, such as the 5-hour All-Inclusive Sunset & Snorkeling Cruise, include a European buffet dinner, snacks, and snorkeling gear.
- Snorkeling tours are generally well-organized, with knowledgeable guides and essential equipment provided, although some sites may experience overcrowding.
- Advance booking is recommended for popular snorkeling experiences, and certain tours may not be suitable for pregnant individuals or those in wheelchairs.
Snorkeling With Turtle and Statue in Gilis
One of the most popular snorkeling activities in Gili Trawangan is the opportunity to swim alongside turtles and explore submerged statues.
The 4.5/5 rated tour includes snorkeling equipment, a glass-bottom boat, and a friendly crew who assist with photos. With 92% of 235 travelers recommending the experience, it’s clear this is a highlight for many.
The tour departs at 9:30 AM and visits multiple spots to see coral reefs, fish, and turtles. While the tour is suitable for beginners, some have noted occasional overcrowding at the snorkeling sites.
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Sharing Snorkeling Trip Gili Islands (Departure Gili Trawangan)
For those seeking a captivating snorkeling adventure around the Gili Islands, the Sharing Snorkeling Trip Gili Islands (Departure Gili Trawangan) offers an immersive half-day experience.
Operated by Bale Laut Lombok, the tour explores the vibrant marine life of Gili Meno, including the Statue Ring Point. Travelers can expect to spot sea turtles, colorful fish, and stunning coral formations.
After snorkeling, the group enjoys free time on Gili Air for lunch. With a maximum of 25 participants, this tour provides a personalized and affordable outing, priced from $20 per person.
While the non-refundable booking policy applies, the tour includes essential amenities like bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and gratuities.
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Half-Day Private Guided Snorkeling With Turtle And Statute
The Half-Day Private Guided Snorkeling With Turtle And Statue tour offers travelers an immersive opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life around Gili Trawangan.
With a 96% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this private tour provides a chance to see sea turtles and unique underwater statues.
However, feedback indicates potential issues with equipment quality and guide support, so it’s important for travelers to carefully consider their experience level and ensure proper gear and assistance are available.
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Snorkeling Gili Islands Coral, Turtles & Underwater Statues
Amid the crystal-clear waters off the coast of Gili Trawangan, travelers can embark on a captivating snorkeling adventure to explore the vibrant coral reefs, encounter majestic sea turtles, and discover the enchanting underwater statues that dot the seafloor.
Priced from $17.60 per person, this popular activity includes snorkeling equipment and coffee/tea. With a maximum of 20 participants, the experience provides a glimpse into the island’s rich marine life.
While some reviews mention occasional overcrowding at the statue sites, the staff receives praise for their knowledge and friendliness.
For a more personalized experience, travelers may consider private packages to avoid larger crowds and enjoy greater flexibility.
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5H All Inclusive Sunset & Snorkeling Cruise on Utopia Catamaran
On the picturesque island of Gili Trawangan, travelers can embark on an all-inclusive sunset and snorkeling cruise aboard the Utopia Catamaran.
This 5-hour experience offers a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world and witness a stunning sunset. With a maximum of 18 travelers, the cruise provides an intimate and relaxing atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy a European buffet dinner, snacks, and use of snorkeling equipment. The crew is praised for their attentiveness, and the snorkeling spots are known to host turtles and coral.
While the snorkeling gear could use some improvement, the overall experience is highly recommended for its fabulous snorkeling, beautiful scenery, and memorable sunset.
Read our full review: 5H All Inclusive Sunset & Snorkeling Cruise on Utopia Catamaran Review
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Private Snorkeling Trip (Depart Gili T),Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno,
For those seeking a more intimate and personalized snorkeling adventure in the Gili Islands, the Private Snorkeling Trip (Depart Gili T) offers an exceptional opportunity.
With over 200 positive reviews and a 97% recommendation rate, this tour provides a chance to explore four unique snorkeling spots, including sunken scooters, colorful reefs, turtle habitats, and an underwater museum.
Guests can expect to encounter vibrant marine life, including hundreds of fish and sea turtles, while enjoying a relaxing lunch on Gili Meno.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, and guests appreciate the ability to avoid crowds and capture high-quality photos and videos.
Wearing a wet suit is recommended to protect against jellyfish.
Read our full review: Private Snorkeling Trip (Depart Gili T),Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Review
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Gili Island Snorkeling Half Day Trip Departure From Gili Trawangan
The Gili Island Snorkeling Half Day Trip Departure from Gili Trawangan offers an opportunity to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Gili Islands.
This 4.5-hour tour includes snorkeling equipment, a boat, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. Travelers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including turtles, during the snorkeling experience.
While the tour is well-received overall, some guests have noted issues with overcrowded boats and poor service. Participants must be able to swim and be at least 10 years old.
With a maximum group size of 50, advance booking is recommended. Lunch can be purchased separately, and travelers should bring necessary items like towels and sun protection.
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Public Snorkeling 3 Islands
The Public Snorkeling 3 Islands tour offers travelers an opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life surrounding Gili Trawangan. Priced from $14.55 per person, the tour takes groups of up to 35 participants to three different islands for snorkeling.
The meeting point is at the Ozzy Snorkeling Centre Office, with a half-hour departure before the scheduled time. Included in the experience are bottled water, snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and towels.
While some reviews indicate water may not be provided, the tour generally receives positive feedback for its marine spectacle, including sightings of turtles and colorful fish.
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
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Private Snorkeling Experience in Gili Trawangan
A Private Snorkeling Experience in Gili Trawangan offers travelers a personalized and immersive exploration of the island’s vibrant underwater world.
With just a 5.0-star rating based on reviews, this private tour provides the use of all necessary snorkeling equipment, along with bottled water, lunch, and even alcoholic beverages.
Guests can choose to meet the guides directly at the meeting point or request a pickup from their accommodation.
The experience features four dives before a stop at Gili Air, followed by a final dive further from the coast.
The friendly and skilled guides ensure a memorable journey, even providing guests with great photos and videos via WhatsApp after the trip.
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For those seeking an immersive island-hopping snorkeling adventure in Gili Trawangan, the “From Gili Trawangan: Island Hopping Snorkeling (Shared Trip)” offers an incredible opportunity.
Priced from €17.06 per person, this activity allows you to explore the stunning marine life around the Gili Islands with a maximum group size of 100 travelers. Included in the experience are snorkeling equipment, a glass-bottom boat, lunch, and gratuities.
The meeting point is at Cemos and Coral voice, Night Market, and the activity is led by Mr. Erwin. While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required makes this trip suitable for most travelers.
With a 5.0 rating from 2 reviews, this island-hopping snorkeling adventure is a must-try for those visiting Gili Trawangan.
Read our full review: From Gili Trawangan: Island Hopping Snorkeling (Shared Trip) Review
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Visitors to Gili Trawangan seeking an engaging group snorkeling experience across the Gili Islands can embark on the “Gili Trawangan: Shared Gili Islands Snorkeling Tour.” Priced from $22.64 per person, this activity allows travelers to explore the vibrant marine life surrounding the picturesque Gili archipelago.
The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a guide, transportation on a glass bottom boat, a shared GoPro camera, and lunch. With a maximum of 25 participants, the tour starts at 9:30 AM from the Sama-Sama Reggae Bar, 100 meters from the Gili Trawangan Harbor.
While some reviews note concerns about crowding and turtle interactions, the tour is praised for its organization and knowledgeable guides.
Read our full review: Gili Trawangan: Shared Gili Islands Snorkeling Tour Review
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Gili Trawangan Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise With Snorkeling
Amidst the picturesque Gili archipelago, the Gili Trawangan Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise with Snorkeling offers travelers an intimate, immersive experience.
This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 guests, provides a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling stops at Nest underwater sculptures, Turtle Point, and Gili Air’s reefs.
Onboard, guests can indulge in a freshly prepared BBQ dinner while taking in the stunning sunset views over Bali.
Snorkeling gear is provided, and cold beverages are available.
The meeting point is at the Gili Hai BBQ Pontoons, with a departure time of 2:30 pm.
Guests must comply with the captain and crew’s instructions, and minimum booking requirements apply.
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Private 2 Hours Snorkeling Experience With Baby Turtles Visit
Travelers seeking a captivating snorkeling experience with the chance to encounter baby turtles can embark on a private 2-hour tour in Gili Trawangan.
This exclusive excursion includes bottled and mineral water, use of snorkeling equipment, and a guided tour. The meeting point is at Ozzy Snorkeling and Glass Bottom Boat, and participants should arrive half an hour before departure.
The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers, except pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions.
Priced at $58.21 per group of up to 3 participants, this experience boasts a perfect 5.0-star rating across 3 reviews, offering a unique opportunity to take in the marine wonders of Gili Trawangan.
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Sunset Snorkeling With Picture & Video in Gili Meno Turtle
One captivating option for snorkelers in Gili Trawangan is the Sunset Snorkeling with Picture & Video experience at Gili Meno Turtle.
This 4-hour activity starts at 4:00 PM and accommodates up to 15 travelers. Snorkeling equipment and bottled water are included, though food, towels, and personal needs are not.
The meeting point is at Cose Snorkeling on Gili Trawangan Beach Road, and the activity ends back at the same location.
While not wheelchair accessible, the activity is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back problems, pregnant women, and individuals with heart conditions or other serious medical issues.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Priced at $16.11 per person, this sunset snorkeling experience offers a chance to capture stunning underwater photos and videos.
Read our full review: Sunset Snorkeling With Picture & Video in Gili Meno Turtle Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Rent Snorkeling Gear at the Location?
Yes, you can rent snorkeling gear at the location. Many vendors and shops on Gili Trawangan offer affordable snorkel rentals, allowing visitors to explore the island’s vibrant marine life without the need to bring their own equipment.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Snorkeling Tours?
Most snorkeling tours in the area don’t have strict age limits, but it’s best to check with the tour operator. They can provide guidance on the suitability for different ages and any safety precautions needed.
Do I Need to Know How to Swim for the Snorkeling Experiences?
No, you don’t need to know how to swim for snorkeling experiences. Snorkeling allows you to float on the water’s surface and explore the underwater world without extensive swimming skills. As long as you’re comfortable in the water, you can enjoy snorkeling.
Are There Any Special Considerations for Snorkeling With Turtles?
When snorkeling with turtles, it’s important to give them space and avoid touching them. Turtles can be easily stressed, so observing from a distance and moving slowly is key. Wearing polarized sunglasses can also help spot turtles more easily.
Can I Take Underwater Photos/Videos During the Snorkeling Trips?
Yes, travelers can take underwater photos and videos during snorkeling trips. However, it’s important to be mindful of the marine life and avoid disturbing or touching the animals. Proper underwater camera equipment is recommended for best results.
The Sum Up
The Gili Islands offer a variety of snorkeling experiences, from swimming with turtles and exploring underwater statues to cruising at sunset. Whether you’re seeking a private tour or a shared group adventure, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences and budget. With stunning marine life and breathtaking scenery, the Gili Islands are a top destination for snorkeling enthusiasts.