Gili Islands: Snorkeling with Turtles & Underwater Statues Tour

Summary

Swim with turtles in Gili Islands and spot hidden underwater art

You’ll slip into warm Gili waters with a small group and spot sea turtles gliding by, then swim among haunting underwater statues while your guide snaps free photos. Expect laughter on the glass-bottom boat, easy conversation with locals, and quiet moments drifting above bright reefs—a day you’ll remember whenever you smell salt air again.

What’s the experience like?

“You want to see the turtles?” That’s what the boat crew asked as we shuffled onto the glass-bottom boat at Gili Trawangan’s edge. I nodded, half awake from too much nasi goreng and not enough sleep. The guide—Ari, I think—handed me a mask that still smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen. He grinned when I fumbled with the strap. “No worries, we help you,” he said, then showed me how to spit in it so it wouldn’t fog up (I’d never done that before). The sun was already hot on my shoulders and there was this mix of coconut oil and sea breeze everywhere.

We drifted out over water that looked fake-blue, like someone turned up the color on a TV. Ari pointed through the glass bottom at a turtle gliding under us—so close I could see its shell pattern moving in slow motion. When we finally slipped into the water, there was this hush except for my own breathing. Fish zipped around my legs and then suddenly there were those famous underwater statues—half-covered in coral, kind of ghostly but beautiful. Someone from our group tried to pose for a photo and lost a fin; Ari dove down laughing to grab it back. He took pictures for everyone (free photos are part of the deal), which honestly saved me from trying to work my phone in a waterproof pouch again.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm floating above all that life—turtles munching on seagrass, sunlight flickering down like coins. At one point I just let myself drift while Ari chatted with another traveler about how the statues were meant to grow new coral (he said they’re called “Nest” by Jason deCaires Taylor). There was bottled water waiting when we got back on board and someone passed around slices of pineapple—sticky fingers everywhere. The trip was supposed to be three hours but nobody seemed in a hurry; we just bobbed there swapping stories until someone realized we’d better head back before the tide changed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour in Gili Trawangan

• Meet local travel agency
• Prepare snorkeling equipment
• Snorkel with turtles
• Explore underwater statue
• Enjoy flexible tour schedule

Top questions

How many people are on this snorkeling tour?

The group size is small, with a maximum of 15 people per trip.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Are underwater photos or videos provided?

Yes, free photo and video service is included using an underwater camera.

Does this Gili Islands snorkeling tour include pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the departure point near public transportation options.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Are infant seats available?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What else is included besides snorkeling?

Your day includes use of a glass-bottom boat, bottled water, life jackets, friendly crew support, plus free photo/video service.

What’s included

Your day includes small group travel by glass-bottom boat around the Gilis with friendly local crew guiding you to turtle spots and underwater statues; all snorkeling equipment provided along with life jackets; bottled water to keep you cool; plus free photos and videos taken underwater so you can actually enjoy swimming instead of fiddling with your phone.