Gili Islands: Private Snorkeling Tour, Underwater Statues & Turtles

Summary

Swim with turtles & see Gili Meno’s underwater art on this private snorkeling day

You’ll float above surreal underwater statues at Gili Meno, swim alongside sea turtles in crystal-clear water, and taste fresh-caught fish right on the beach. With a local guide leading your small group by glass-bottom boat (and all gear included), you’ll get real stories along with your adventure—plus time to unwind under palm trees before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to look for the old turtle — he’s got a chipped shell, but he’s friendly,” our boat captain grinned as we zipped away from Gili Trawangan. The sun was already sharp overhead, but the water looked like someone had dialed up the color just for us. I could smell salt and sunscreen on my arms. There were only four of us plus the captain, and it felt like we’d lucked out — no crowds, just the hum of the engine and a few distant shouts from other boats.

I didn’t expect to feel so weirdly moved floating above those statues at Gili Meno. Our guide (I think his name was Agus?) told us about the artist — Jason deCaires Taylor — and how these human figures were meant to become part of the reef. Fish darted between their arms; coral was already creeping over faces. It was quiet down there except for my own breathing in the snorkel. For a second I forgot I was supposed to be “sightseeing” and just watched light flicker over stone hands. The main keyword here is private snorkeling Gili Island — but honestly it felt more like stumbling into someone else’s dream.

After that we drifted over Coral Point, which looked almost fake with all those colors — pinks, purples, that electric blue you only see underwater. Agus pointed out some tiny clownfish (I nearly swallowed seawater trying to say “Nemo” in Bahasa). Then at Turtle Point he tapped my shoulder and pointed: two turtles gliding by like they owned the place. One had that chipped shell — guess the captain wasn’t joking. We kept our distance like Agus said; still got close enough to see its eyes blink.

Lunch was simple — grilled fish, sambal that made my nose run, cold bottled water. We ate right on the sand while Agus told us about growing up on Lombok before moving to Gili Meno for work. I liked that part almost as much as the snorkeling itself; just sitting there with sandy feet, listening to stories while waves thumped behind us. If you’re looking for a day trip snorkeling Gili Islands with actual humans (not just Instagram moments), this is it. I still think about those silent statues sometimes when I close my eyes at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and relaxing on Gili Meno

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

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included in this Gili Islands tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour package.

Can beginners join this private snorkeling trip?

Yes, this day trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels and beginners are welcome.

What underwater sculptures will I see at Gili Meno?

You’ll snorkel around life-sized human figures created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor at Gili Meno’s sculpture park.

Are sea turtles guaranteed during snorkeling?

Turtle sightings are common at Turtle Point on Gili Meno but not 100% guaranteed as they are wild animals.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

Yes, lunch at a local beach restaurant on Gili Meno is included in your day trip.

How do we travel between islands during the tour?

You’ll travel by glass-bottom boat between Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno for each snorkeling spot.

Is pickup included from my hotel or accommodation?

No explicit mention of hotel pickup; check with operator if needed before booking.

Can infants join this snorkeling day trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport according to safety guidelines.

What’s included

Your private day includes use of snorkeling gear and tickets for each site, transport by glass-bottom boat between islands, bottled water throughout the trip, plus a traditional Indonesian lunch served right on Gili Meno’s sandy shore before relaxing time under palm trees or swimming off the quiet beach.