Your first Gili snorkeling trip
Everything you need to know before diving into the crystal waters of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — from world-famous turtle sanctuaries and underwater statues to boat choices and reef preservation.
Top Spots: Turtle Point, Meno Statues & Coral Gardens
The Gili waters are renowned for three must-see highlights. Turtle Point off Gili Meno is a natural sanctuary where wild green and hawksbill sea turtles feed peacefully in shallow waters (2–4 meters deep). Just minutes away lies the world-famous Nest underwater statues by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor — 48 life-sized figures arranged in a circle that foster coral growth. Nearby Coral Reef and Blue Coral offer gardens teeming with clownfish, damselfish, and colorful marine life.
Choosing Your Boat: Shared Tour vs. Private Charter
Decide how you want to experience the islands. Our daily Shared Snorkeling Tour (IDR 250,000/person, 4 hours with departure options at 09:30, 10:30, and 12:00; check-in at 09:00, 10:00, 11:30) is perfect for solo travelers and couples — it includes a spacious glass-bottom boat, complete snorkel gear, a lunch stop at Gili Air, and free GoPro photos. If you want maximum freedom, our Private Charters (2 or 4 hours, from IDR 1,000,000) allow you to leave anytime, avoid peak tourist crowds at the statue site, and spend as long as you wish at each spot.
Included Equipment & What You Should Bring
All of our tours provide sanitized snorkeling masks, comfortable fins, life jackets for swimmers of all levels, and bottled mineral water. You should bring swimwear, a quick-dry towel, a dry bag for phones and valuables, and a little local cash for lunch at Gili Air. We strongly recommend using reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone-free) or a long-sleeve rashguard to protect your skin and preserve fragile coral reefs.
Sea Conditions, Timing & Ocean Etiquette
Mornings (between 09:00 and 11:30) generally offer the calmest sea surface, mildest currents, and highest underwater visibility before afternoon winds pick up. Always follow your local boat captain's safety instructions. Remember the golden marine rule: admire sea turtles from at least 2 meters away without touching, chasing, or blocking their path to the surface for air, and never stand on living coral reefs.