Gili Islands Snorkeling Adventure: Coral, Statues, and Turtles
Imagine spending a few hours on a private boat exploring some of Indonesia’s most captivating underwater sights—sunken scooters, a circle of human statues, vibrant coral reefs, and friendly sea turtles. This tour, priced at $63 per person, lasts about 4 hours, and takes you to Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno, two small islands famed for their underwater beauty. The guides, who are consistently praised for their friendliness and expertise, seem to make the experience seamless and personal.
What we love most about this trip are the diverse snorkeling spots—each offering something unique—and the flexibility of a private boat, which means fewer crowds and more personalized attention. Plus, the included lunch on Gili Meno and bottled water make the day comfortable and refreshing. The only consideration? If you’re not a confident swimmer or prefer guided group tours, this private experience might be more than you need, but for those craving a tailored adventure, it’s perfect.
This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate both natural beauty and a touch of artistry—especially those eager to see turtles up close or explore underwater sculptures. It suits those who value personalized service and are happy to spend a few hours in the sun, discovering hidden underwater treasures.
Key Points
- Private Experience: a boat just for your group means more comfort and fewer crowds.
- Diverse Snorkeling Spots: explore sunken scooters, coral gardens, turtle habitats, and an underwater sculpture park.
- Expert Guides: friendly, knowledgeable, and good at capturing your underwater moments.
- Included Lunch & Water: a relaxing meal with stunning views on Gili Meno.
- Flexible Cancellation: full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.
- Cost-Effective: great value considering the private boat, multiple snorkeling stops, and lunch.
Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect
Start at Gili Trawangan with a private boat picking you up from the dive shop—Jalan Raya Trawangan—where the crew is ready to whisk you away into what promises to be a memorable adventure. From there, you’ll head directly to Gili Meno, known for its calm, clear waters and unique underwater attractions.
Stop 1: The Underwater Statue Park
At Gili Meno, you’ll encounter the famous coral-encrusted human sculptures created by Jason deCaires Taylor. These art installations serve a dual purpose—they are mesmerizing to look at and help cultivate marine life. As one reviewer put it, “The underwater museum was really cool to see,” and many found it to be a surreal experience, walking through a submerged gallery. The sculptures are life-sized and blend seamlessly into their environment, creating a haunting yet beautiful scene.
Stop 2: Coral Point
Next, your guides will take you to Coral Point, a site renowned for lush coral gardens and vibrant marine life. Calm waters and abundant fish make it perfect for snorkelers of all skill levels. Expect to see colorful corals and schools of exotic fish, which will make your underwater camera very happy. One guest shared, “Swim with turtles and coral was peaceful and full of color,” highlighting how this site offers both serenity and spectacle.
Stop 3: Turtle Point
Perhaps the highlight for many—Turtle Point. Here, the chance to swim alongside sea turtles is genuinely magical. The area is known for conservation efforts, meaning you’ll observe these creatures in their natural habitat without disturbance. Several reviews mention spotting multiple turtles, with guides actively helping to find and photograph them. One guest noted, “We swam with turtles and saw a lot of fish, thanks to our guides’ patience and knowledge.”
Stop 4: Lunch on Gili Meno
After a morning of underwater exploration, your trip pauses for a delicious lunch in a beachfront restaurant. Expect simple but fresh Indonesian dishes, often with a scenic view of the beach. Guests comment on the generous portions and relaxing atmosphere, making it more than just a meal—it’s a chance to unwind and soak up the island vibe.
Stop 5: Gili Meno Beach
The afternoon is perfect for beach lounging. Soft white sands and clear, shallow waters invite you to kick back, swim, or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. One reviewer said, “Gili Meno was the perfect spot for relaxing after snorkeling,” emphasizing how tranquil the island feels compared to busier tourist spots.
Throughout the tour, your guides are praised for their helpfulness, with many guests mentioning how they actively sought out the best spots and assisted with underwater photography, including GoPro footage.
What Sets This Tour Apart: The Value and Experience
Unlike larger, shared-boat excursions, this is a private, tailor-made experience. The boat itself is a key highlight—your own vessel means fewer people, more comfort, and the chance to choose your preferred snorkeling spots. The friendly guides often go the extra mile by taking photos and videos, ensuring you have lasting memories of your underwater encounters.
The inclusion of lunch is a thoughtful touch, giving you a chance to relax and refuel while soaking up island views. Considering the cost of $63, the experience offers significant value—it covers transportation, multiple snorkeling stops, entrance fees, lunch, bottled water, and personalized attention.
Reviews underscore the quality—many guests highlight how professional and attentive the guides are, with some describing their guides as “turtle magnets” or “making snorkeling feel easy,” even for first-timers. The small group size or private setup gives a more intimate, less rushed experience, perfect for those who prefer a personalized touch over crowded tours.
Potential drawbacks include the possibility of encountering jellyfish, as some guests experienced, or the need to advocate for yourself during check-in to ensure you’re on the private boat—highlighted by one reviewer. The cancellation policy is flexible, with a 24-hour notice needed for full refunds, which offers peace of mind amid fluctuating travel plans.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This snorkeling adventure is best suited for travelers who value personalized service and diverse underwater sights. If you’re eager to see sea turtles, underwater statues, and coral reefs in one trip, and enjoy good food and friendly guides, this tour will not disappoint. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed, memorable day in the water.
While not ideal for those seeking a high-adrenaline or very short experience, it’s a solid choice for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. If you want photos and videos of your underwater moments, many guides are happy to help and have been praised for their camera skills.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private boat transportation, snorkeling equipment, a snorkeling ticket, lunch, and bottled water.
How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, with stops at four different snorkeling sites and time for lunch and relaxation.
Do I need my own snorkeling gear?
No, the tour provides use of snorkeling equipment. You can bring your own if preferred, but gear is available on board.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, many reviews mention the calm waters and helpful guides making it accessible for first-time snorkelers.
Will I see turtles?
Most guests do see turtles, especially at Turtle Point, and guides make an effort to help you spot and photograph them.
What about the underwater statues?
The sculpture park is a highlight, created by Jason deCaires Taylor, and offers a surreal, artistic underwater experience.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Diversia Dive Shop & Bungalows in Gili Trawangan and returns there after the trip.
Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, making it more personalized.
Final Thoughts
This private snorkeling tour in Gili offers a well-rounded adventure—combining art, marine life, and island relaxation. The ability to visit multiple diverse sites with a dedicated guide ensures you’ll get more than just a typical snorkeling trip. The personalized service, quality of the guides, and inclusion of lunch and photography make it stand out as excellent value.
It’s best suited for travelers seeking an intimate, flexible experience—whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler wanting a comfortable, memorable day with plenty of photo opportunities. If your goal is to see turtles, coral, and underwater art all in one go, this trip hits all those marks.
Just remember: advocate for yourself at check-in to ensure you’re on the private boat, and be prepared for calm, scenic waters that make for a relaxing, fun day out. It’s a perfect way to explore the underwater treasures of the Gilis while enjoying the comfort and attention of a private tour.