Gili Trawangan Snorkeling with Turtles & Underwater Statue

If you’re planning a trip to Lombok and craving a snorkeling adventure that combines vibrant marine life, artistic underwater sculptures, and chances to see turtles up close, this tour offers a compelling way to spend your day. For just $11.03 per person, you get around four hours of exploring, starting from Gili Trawangan, with visits to pristine coral reefs, underwater art, and a turtle sanctuary. This experience is perfect if you love marine scenery, want some relaxation, or are looking for an affordable way to enjoy the Gili Islands’ underwater treasures.

What we really appreciate about this tour are the attention to unique underwater features, like the sculptures, and the chance to see turtles in a protected sanctuary. Plus, the inclusion of a glass-bottom boat ride and underwater photography help create memorable moments. However, a possible drawback is that lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan to bring some snacks or plan for a meal during the free time.

This tour suits all types of travelers, from solo explorers to families, especially those eager to experience the marine environment without deep diving. It’s a great choice if you prefer a structured but flexible day on the water, with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxing.

Key Points

• Affordable price with an excellent value for the diverse activities included.
• Variety of stops, including coral reefs, underwater statues, and a turtle sanctuary.
• Flexible breaks at Gili Air or Gili Meno for relaxation or lunch.
• Additional activities like glass-bottom boat rides and underwater photography.
• Small group size (up to 30 travelers) helps ensure a more personalized experience.
• Easy booking and mobile ticket make planning straightforward.

The Itinerary: What to Expect at Each Stop

Starting Point at Gili Trawangan

Your day begins at 9:30 am at the Lucky Trips meeting point on the main road of Gili Trawangan. This location is central, making it easy for most travelers to connect. The tour is designed to maximize your time on the water, so expect to start promptly.

Snorkeling at Blue Coral Reefs

Right after departure, you’ll head straight to the well-maintained coral reefs, famous for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. We loved the way these reefs are described as teeming with marine creatures, with fish swimming around in lively formations. This part of the tour is ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels because the reefs are accessible and the equipment provided is user-friendly.

Underwater Sculptures: Art Beneath the Waves

Next, you’ll visit a set of underwater sculptures arranged in a circular formation. These sculptures were created by artists to serve as habitat for fish and marine organisms, resulting in an otherworldly scene that’s perfect for underwater photography. Our impression? It’s a blend of art and nature, offering a unique backdrop for memorable photos while observing fish swimming among the statues.

Turtle Sanctuary: Conservation in Action

A highlight for many is the turtle sanctuary, where turtles thrive in protected, safe environments. This stop allows you to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about conservation efforts. A review from a visitor shared, “We loved seeing the turtles and hearing about the conservation work—they truly are gentle giants.” It’s an educational experience as well as a chance to witness wildlife in a controlled environment.

Free Time at Gili Air or Gili Meno

After the sanctuary, you’ll be given around an hour to relax or grab lunch on either Gili Air or Gili Meno. The tour notes that these stops are ideal for unwinding on tranquil beaches, with some options to buy local food or snacks. Remember, lunch isn’t included, so you might want to bring your own or plan to explore the island’s small eateries.

Fish Garden: Colorful Fish and Calm Waters

The final snorkeling stop is at the fish garden—a vibrant underwater habitat filled with friendly, colorful fish. Here, we loved the peaceful ambiance and the chance to swim among schools of fish, making it a relaxing end to the water-based part of the tour.

Return to Gili Trawangan

After the fish garden, you’ll head back to Gili Trawangan, with the tour concluding around 1:30 pm. Throughout the day, you’ll also enjoy a ride on a glass-bottom boat and have opportunities to capture underwater photos using the camera provided.

The Experience: What This Tour Brings to You

This snorkeling tour offers more than just fish and water. It’s about experiencing the vibrant underwater world, with a touch of art and conservation woven into the trip. The glass-bottom boat enhances the experience, letting non-swimmers glimpse the underwater activity from above, while the underwater camera allows you to capture moments you’ll cherish long after the trip ends.

The group size is capped at 30, which helps keep the experience intimate enough to ask questions and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, ensuring you’ll feel safe and well-supported throughout.

The Value Proposition

At just $11.03 per person, this tour packs a lot of diverse activities and sights into an accessible price point. Given the included snorkeling gear, life jackets, and glass-bottom boat, you’re getting excellent value. Plus, the emphasis on conservation and artistic underwater features adds a layer of uniqueness not found on every snorkeling trip.

A Few Considerations

While the tour is well-organized, keep in mind lunch is not included, so plan accordingly. Also, the duration—about four hours—means it’s a fairly compact experience; if you’re looking for a full day or diving deeper, you might need to supplement this with other activities. Weather conditions can also affect visibility, so it’s wise to check the forecast and be flexible.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideally suited for travelers who appreciate marine environments, whether they’re snorkelers, photography enthusiasts, or families with children. It’s also great for those who want a budget-friendly adventure with a variety of activities, and for travelers who prefer small group tours over large, impersonal excursions.

If you’re interested in art underwater or conservation efforts, this tour offers a unique perspective. It’s perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and scenic beauty without the need for advanced diving skills or long commitments.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour in the Gili Islands offers a well-rounded, affordable way to experience some of the most beautiful underwater sights in Lombok. The blend of coral reefs, artistic sculptures, turtle sightings, and tranquil island breaks makes it especially appealing. The small group size and friendly crew ensure a comfortable, engaging experience that caters to a variety of interests and skill levels.

For those who want a taste of the underwater world without diving deep, and who enjoy a combination of marine life, art, and relaxation, this tour hits the spot. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, families, or anyone eager to explore the Gili Islands’ marine riches in a friendly, efficient way.

FAQ

How much does the tour cost?
The tour is priced at $11.03 per person, making it an affordable way to enjoy multiple snorkeling spots.

What is included in the price?
You get snorkeling equipment, a life jacket, a glass-bottom boat, and the services of a friendly crew. Lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Lucky Trips on the main road of Gili Trawangan at 9:30 am and returns there at the end of the day.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately four hours, making it a manageable half-day outing.

Is the tour suitable for children or beginners?
Yes, the snorkeling locations are accessible, and the equipment provided is user-friendly, making it suitable for beginners and children with supervision.

Can I take photos underwater?
Absolutely, the tour provides an underwater camera so you can capture your favorite moments, especially around the sculptures and with the turtles.

Are there breaks for lunch or snacks?
You’ll have about an hour of free time at Gili Air or Gili Meno where you can relax or buy lunch from local vendors.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather can influence visibility and safety; the tour confirms booking with confirmation upon reservation. It’s wise to check the forecast and be flexible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Who should I contact for more info?
You can reach Info Ke Bali at +6281337664172 or via email at [email protected] for any specific questions.

In summary, this Gili snorkeling tour offers excellent value, a fascinating mix of marine sights, and plenty of opportunities for stunning photos. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, relaxed day on the water, especially if they are interested in artistic underwater features and turtle conservation. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned water lover, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this accessible, engaging adventure.