Gili Trawangan & Meno: Snorkeling Underwater Sculptures & Turtles

Underwater sculptures and sea turtles: a snorkeling day in the Gili Islands

You spend the day moving between three snorkeling sites on Gili Meno: first the underwater sculptures that double as a reef, then coral gardens at Coral Point, then Turtle Point where sea turtles swim nearby. Lunch and all equipment are included, plus a glass-bottom boat option if you'd rather not get wet. The whole experience runs around six to seven hours, and you're back on Gili Trawangan by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and relaxing on Gili Meno

• Snorkel at underwater statues
• Snorkel at Coral Point
• Swim with turtles at Turtle Point
• Enjoy lunch at beach restaurant
• Relax on Gili Meno Beach

The Experience

The first time you see the statues, it's disorienting in the best way. You're floating above what looks like a crowd of life-sized figures standing on the seafloor—human forms cast in concrete, their faces calm, their bodies slowly being claimed by coral and fish. These are Jason deCaires Taylor's underwater sculptures at Gili Meno, and they're not just art; they're an artificial reef that's become a thriving habitat. Schools of tropical fish weave between the figures, and the whole thing feels less like a gallery and more like stumbling into another world. The snorkeling in Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno works because it layers experiences—you're not just looking at coral or chasing fish. You're moving through something stranger.

The day splits between three snorkeling stops, each one different. After the sculptures, you drift to Coral Point on Gili Meno, where the reef itself takes over—dense gardens of branching corals in shades of brown and purple, schools of parrotfish and wrasse moving through them like they own the place. The water is clear and calm, which matters if you're new to snorkeling or traveling with kids; there's no current fighting you. Then comes Turtle Point, and that's where the day gets quiet. Sea turtles move through the water with no hurry, and you're watching them in their space, not the other way around. The guides keep distance respectful—this is a conservation area, so it's not a free-for-all. You get close enough to see them, not close enough to stress them.

Lunch happens at a local beach restaurant on Gili Meno, which means you're eating fresh seafood and Indonesian dishes with sand between your toes and the sound of waves doing their thing. It's the kind of break that makes sense halfway through a snorkeling day—you're tired, hungry, and ready to sit still for an hour. After that, there's time on Gili Meno Beach itself if you want it, or you can head back to Gili Trawangan. The whole day runs at a pace that doesn't feel rushed, and the glass-bottom boat option means if someone in your group wants to see the reef without getting in the water, they can.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and so is bottled water throughout the day. If you need to cancel, you get 70% back if you do it 48 hours ahead. The trip works for all fitness levels, and infants can come along on an adult's lap. Book through your accommodation on Gili Trawangan, or ask your hotel to arrange pickup—most places on the island can sort it.

What’s included

Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel), snorkeling ticket for all three sites, lunch at a local beach restaurant on Gili Meno, bottled water throughout the day, and use of the glass-bottom boat. Hotel pickup on Gili Trawangan can be arranged through your accommodation.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bale Laut Lombok Tour Organizer

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the Gili Islands' most distinctive snorkeling sites—the underwater sculptures, coral gardens, and sea turtles—without organizing transport or equipment yourself. The fixed itinerary and included lunch mean you show up and the day unfolds.

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Top questions

Can you snorkel at Gili Meno if you've never done it before?

Yes. Coral Point and Turtle Point both have calm, clear water and are designed for mixed ability levels. The guides will show you how to use the equipment.

Do you have to swim with the sea turtles?

No. You snorkel near them at Turtle Point, but the area is managed to keep distance respectful. You'll see them, but it's not a hands-on encounter.

What are the underwater sculptures made of?

Concrete. They were created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor and have become an artificial reef where corals and fish now live.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You eat at a local beach restaurant on Gili Meno with fresh seafood and Indonesian dishes.

What if I don't want to snorkel the whole time?

The glass-bottom boat is included, so you can see the reef and marine life without getting in the water.

How long is the full day?

Around six to seven hours, including lunch and travel between snorkeling sites.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You get a 70% refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour departs.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Mask, fins, and snorkel are included. Bring your own if you prefer a better fit.