Gili Trawangan snorkeling tour: Swim with sea turtles

Swim alongside sea turtles in shallow reef waters

A half-day snorkeling tour around the Gili Islands from Gili Trawangan lets you swim with green and hawksbill sea turtles, explore underwater sculptures and drift over coral gardens. The tour runs 4.5 hours and includes boat, snorkeling gear and life jacket. You choose between a group departure or private trip, with group tours at 10:30am or 1pm daily.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day snorkeling around Gili Islands

• Explore underwater sculptures
• Observe sea turtles near beach
• Travel to Gili Air Island
• Enjoy lunch on Gili Air
• Snorkel at coral reef spot
• Return to Gili Trawangan by boat

The experience

The boat leaves from the beach at Gili Trawangan and heads first to the underwater sculptures (The Nest, created by Jason deCaires Taylor), where sea turtles drift in water just 5–10 meters deep. The turtles are accustomed to people and can be approached carefully for a close look. From there you move to a second reef site thick with soft and hard corals, where surgeonfish, sunburst butterflyfish, groups of sea goldies and clownfish hold territory in the shallows.

A break at Gili Air Island gives you time to rest and eat lunch at a local restaurant (you order and pay separately). The boat then crosses back to Gili Trawangan, about 20 minutes away. Snorkeling equipment, life jacket and the guide are included. You bring your own towel, sunblock, hat and money for food and drinks. Arrive at the ticket booth of CEMOS AND CORAL VOICE (in front of the Night Market on Gili Trawangan beach) at least 20 minutes before departure.

Group tours run at 10:30am or 1pm and accommodate mixed abilities. Private trips start at a time you request when you book. Both options require swimmers aged 10 and up (the operator notes age 5 as a minimum with guide confirmation). Minimum booking is two people.

What’s included

• Boat transport between Gili Trawangan and the snorkeling sites.
• snorkeling equipment and life jacket.
• English-speaking guide for the full 4.5 hours.
• access to underwater sculptures, coral gardens and sea turtle viewing areas.
• rest stop at Gili Air Island.

Options for this experience

2 options

Group snorkeling trip you can joinGuide in English · 10:30 and 13:00Lasts 4 hours

Private snorkeling tripGuide in English · 10:30Lasts 4 hours; lunch is not included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30 and 13:00

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Indo Trip

Is this one for you?Book the group tour if you want a set departure time and don't mind sharing the boat. Choose private if you need flexibility on when to leave or prefer a smaller group. Either way, you'll need to be a confident swimmer and arrive 20 minutes early at the ticket booth near the Night Market.

Traveler reviews

4.07★★★★★★★★★★

30 verified traveler reviews

5 ★18

4 ★4

3 ★3

2 ★2

1 ★3

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel with sea turtles on this tour if I'm a beginner swimmer?

The tour requires swimming ability and is suitable for all fitness levels. Sea turtles stay in shallow water 5–10 meters from the beach, so you'll be in depths where you can stand. Children must be at least 10 years old and able to swim. The operator notes age 5 as possible with guide approval.

What's included in the snorkeling tour price?

The tour includes the boat, snorkeling equipment, life jacket and an English-speaking guide. Lunch at Gili Air is not included. You order from a restaurant menu and pay separately. Hotel pickup and travel insurance are not covered.

How long does the half-day snorkeling trip take?

The tour runs 4.5 hours total. Group departures leave at 10:30am (ending at 3pm) or 1pm (ending at 5pm). Private trips start at a time you choose when booking.

What are the underwater sculptures I'll see at The Nest?

The Nest is an underwater sculpture installation created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. It sits in shallow water near Gili Trawangan and is a primary snorkeling stop where sea turtles are often spotted.

Should I book a group tour or a private trip?

Group tours depart at set times (10:30am or 1pm) and mix snorkelers with non-snorkelers in a shared boat. Private trips start whenever you request and give you control over the schedule and pace, though they require a minimum of two people.