Gili Trawangan,Gili Meno& Gili Air Island:Snorkeling Day Trip Depart from Lombok

Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno & Gili Air Island: Snorkeling Day Trip from Lombok offers a relaxed way to explore some of Indonesia’s most acclaimed underwater scenery. For $86 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours soaking in the sights of three unique islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—with guided snorkeling stops and island strolls along the way. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free day immersed in marine beauty without the need to organize multiple transports or boat schedules.

Two features we especially appreciate are the hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes logistics a breeze, and the all-inclusive snorkeling gear. Plus, snorkelers will love the chance to see sea turtles and marvel at underwater coral statues—definitely highlights that stick with you. That said, a minor consideration is the small port fee of Rp.20,000 per island, which you pay directly on-site, adding a small extra cost to the day. This tour suits those who appreciate a guided, organized day with some flexibility, especially if you’re a first-timer or traveling with family.

Key Points

• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off from key areas like Senggigi, Mataram, and Mangsit.
• Multiple snorkeling opportunities with professional guides and equipment provided.
• Island hopping experience that covers Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air in a single day.
• Marine life encounters, including sea turtles and colorful fish in fish gardens.
• Flexible itinerary that can change based on weather or on-the-spot decisions.
• Suitable for a variety of travelers, especially those looking for easy access to Gili’s underwater wonders.

An Honest Breakdown of the Tour

Starting the Day: From Hotels to Bangsal Harbour

The day begins with a prompt pickup at 7:30am from your hotel lobby—whether you’re staying in Senggigi, Mangsit, or nearby Gili Islands. This setup is a real plus, eliminating the need to figure out transportation on your own. The drive to Bangsal Harbour takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pick-up point. During this time, you can relax, review your plans, or simply enjoy the morning views of Lombok’s lush landscape.

The Journey to Gili Trawangan: The First Stop

Once at the harbor, you’ll hop on a public boat—a simple, no-frills vessel that makes the crossing to the Gilis. The ride is about 30-45 minutes, and it’s part of the experience. We liked that this approach keeps costs down and offers a glimpse of local life and boat traffic, which adds authenticity.

Arriving at Gili Trawangan, your driver will drop you at the meeting point—in front of Istanbul Kebab—where you’ll register for snorkeling. If you arrive early, you can explore the island’s lively atmosphere, famous for its vibrant nightlife and relaxed vibe. The first snorkeling spot is directly off Gili Trawangan’s coast, where you’ll explore underwater statues—an unusual and captivating site that many travelers rave about. As one reviewer exclaimed, “Wawan was amazing,” noting how safety and care were prioritized throughout.

Snorkeling at Gili Trawangan: Underwater Sculptures

The first snorkeling session starts around 10:30am, giving you some time to wander the island beforehand. Expect to see coral-encrusted statues, which make for fantastic underwater photo opportunities. The admission here is free, but it’s a chance to marvel at the artistry beneath the waves. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, making it a perfect “eye-opener” of the Gili underwater world.

Moving to Gili Meno: Turtle Encounters

Next, you’ll hop on the boat to Gili Meno, about a 15-minute ride. Here, the highlight is Turtle Point, where chances of spotting these gentle creatures are quite high, according to reviews. The admission is included in your tour, making this a good value. Expect to spend about 40 minutes snorkeling among sea turtles and vibrant coral formations—truly a memorable experience. As one traveler shared, “Chandra was a knowledgeable guide and made a video of snorkeling; highly recommended,” emphasizing the friendly, professional guidance you’ll receive.

Gili Air: Lunch and Fish Gardens

After Gili Meno, your tour takes you to Gili Air for lunch—an ideal chance to relax and soak in the island’s calmer, laid-back vibe. Post-lunch, you’ll enjoy snorkeling at the Fish Garden, a spot famed for its colorful schools of fish that surround you as you glide through the water. This activity lasts about 40 minutes and, again, includes the admission fee.

The tour concludes with a return to Gili Trawangan to catch a public boat back to Bangsal Harbour. The ride takes about 45 minutes, and your driver and guide will arrange the transfer back to your hotel, wrapping up an adventure-packed day.

Transportation & Logistics: What You Need to Know

The tour’s group size can reach up to 50 travelers, which is typical for organized day trips, but some reviews mention that guides make efforts to personalize the experience. The boat transfers are straightforward, and the provided snorkeling equipment means you don’t need to bring your own gear unless you prefer it.

The port fee of Rp.20,000 per island is a small additional expense you’ll pay on the spot, which is typical for these trips. Since the tour can change schedule depending on weather or on-site conditions, flexibility is a key part of the experience. It’s worth noting that some pickup areas outside of the main spots will incur an extra charge, so budget accordingly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included are hotel pickup and drop-off (from selected hotels), local guide, snorkeling equipment, and public boat transfers. However, you’ll need to bring your own lunch, towel, changing clothes, sunscreen, and some cash for drinks or snacks. No insurance is included, so consider your own coverage if needed.

Authentic Experiences and What Travelers Say

Many guests leave glowing reviews, particularly praising the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer said, “Chandra is a knowledgeable and friendly guide,” highlighting the value of having a guide who can enhance the snorkeling experience. Others appreciated the organized nature of the trip, noting how they could relax and enjoy the stunning underwater scenery without worrying about logistics.

The chance to see sea turtles and coral statues specifically seems to resonate most. One traveler described the underwater statues at Gili Trawangan as “a surprising and beautiful sight,” which makes this tour stand out from more typical snorkeling trips.

The Value for Money

At $86, this tour offers a balanced mix of snorkeling, island exploration, and cultural exposure. Compared to booking individual transfers, activities, and guides separately, the package provides good value, especially considering the convenience of hotel pickup and all snorkeling gear included.

Who Should Take This Tour?

If you’re new to snorkeling or want a guided, hassle-free day on Lombok’s best islands, this trip is a smart choice. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking an easy way to see the Gili Islands’ underwater treasures, especially if you’re eager to encounter sea turtles and explore coral statues.

Those who value organized logistics and safety will find this tour appealing. However, if you prefer more flexibility or longer time at each island, you might find this day trip a bit rushed, but it’s still an excellent overview of the Gilis’ top highlights.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling day trip from Lombok offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that balances marine adventure with island charm. The inclusion of guides, equipment, and transfers makes it especially appealing for those who want to avoid the hassle of organizing multiple logistics themselves. The opportunity to see turtles, explore coral statues, and relax on Gili Air makes it a memorable adventure.

While the schedule may change based on weather, the overall value and authentic encounters make this tour a practical choice for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. If you’re craving a stress-free way to explore Lombok’s underwater world and its beautiful islands, this trip is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

• What time does the tour start?
  The tour begins with hotel pickup at 7:30am, so you’ll be ready for an adventurous day early in the morning.

• How long does the boat ride take?
  The transfer from the harbor to Gili Trawangan on a public boat is around 30-45 minutes, with subsequent rides between the islands being shorter.

• Are snorkeling masks and gear included?
  Yes, all snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer it.

• What is the cost of port fees?
  You’ll pay Rp.20,000 per island in port fees, which you settle directly on the spot.

• Is lunch included?
  No, lunch is not included, but there will be time on Gili Air for you to enjoy local food, or you can bring your own snacks.

• Can this tour be canceled?
  Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, and weather-related cancellations are possible but will be rescheduled or refunded.

Whether you’re after underwater sculptures, turtle sightings, or just island-hopping during a laid-back day, this Gili snorkeling tour offers a good mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s a straightforward way to tick off some of Lombok’s most iconic sights while enjoying the company of friendly guides and fellow travelers.