Gili Islands: Snorkeling Day Trip & Underwater Statues

Summary

Snorkel Gili Trawangan Meno Air reefs statues turtles lunch

You’ll ride out from Lombok for a full day snorkeling trip around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—swimming over reefs and visiting those famous underwater statues. Expect turtles if you’re lucky (we were), lunch on the beach, and plenty of time to just soak up island life between swims. It’s easygoing but still leaves you with memories that stick.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried breathing through a snorkel for the first time?" our guide, Putu, grinned at me as we bobbed next to the boat off Gili Air. I just laughed because honestly, I’d already swallowed half the sea. The water was so clear it felt like floating in glass—little blue fish darting everywhere, and this weird tickle of salt on my lips. We’d left Lombok early that morning (pickup was right on time), and by the time we reached the Gilis, the sun was already high but not too hot. There’s something about the light here—kind of gold but sharp—and you can smell grilled corn from some beach shack even out on the water.

Putu kept pointing out things I never would’ve noticed—like how some of the coral looked almost purple if you squinted, or which way to swim if you actually wanted to see turtles (we did spot one at Turtle Point; it moved slow as a dream). At Gili Meno, he led us to those underwater statues everyone talks about. They’re stranger in person—almost haunting?—but also peaceful with all these fish weaving around them. I tried to pronounce their name in Bahasa Indonesia; Putu laughed and said I sounded like his little cousin learning to read. Fair enough.

Lunch on Gili Trawangan was laid-back—plastic chairs in the sand, fried noodles with a squeeze of lime, cold bottled water. You could rent bikes or take a horse cart around if you wanted (some folks did), but honestly I just sat there watching boats drift past and thinking how far away regular life felt. The GoPro photos they took caught me mid-laugh with my mask on crooked—not exactly Instagram-perfect but that’s probably more real anyway. Heading back to Lombok later, skin salty and hair wild from the wind, I kept replaying that moment under the water when everything went quiet except for my own breath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and exploring Gili Islands

• Pick up at hotel
• Travel to Gili Air
• Snorkel at Fish Garden
• Snorkel at Turtle Point
• Snorkel at Coral Spot, Gili Meno
• Snorkel at Statue Ring Point, Gili Meno
• Snorkel at Vespa Underwater Point
• Return to Lombok

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Gili Islands snorkeling trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Kuta, Mataram, or Senggigi areas.

Which islands do you visit during the day trip?

The tour visits Gili Air, Gili Meno (including underwater statues), and Gili Trawangan.

Are snorkeling equipment and guide provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included along with a local guide for the whole trip.

Can beginners join this snorkeling tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Lombok?

No set lunch is mentioned as included; there is free time on Gili Trawangan where you can buy your own lunch.

Do you get GoPro photos or videos?

Yes, GoPro underwater photo and video documentation are provided during your snorkeling stops.

How long is the boat ride between Lombok and the Gilis?

The crossing varies but generally takes less than an hour each way depending on conditions.

What are some highlights of this tour?

Highlights include snorkeling at Fish Garden on Gili Air, Turtle Point near Gili Meno, underwater statues at Gili Meno, plus free time to explore or relax.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Kuta, Senggigi or Mataram areas; all boat transfers between Lombok and the three Gilis; use of snorkeling equipment; a local guide throughout; bottled water; plus GoPro underwater photos and videos before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.