Gili Trawangan snorkeling and bike tour: turtles and reefs

The turtle sanctuary sits ten meters from the harbor, walking distance from where the boat lands.

A full-day snorkeling and cycling tour of the Gili Islands based from Gili Trawangan, where you swim at three separate reefs, visit a working turtle hatchery, and ride a bike around the island's quiet roads. The tour runs four to five hours with an English-speaking guide, snorkeling equipment, lunch and a glass-bottom boat included; children from age twelve are welcome. Hotel pickup is arranged, and the itinerary mixes water time with land-based exploration so the day does not rest on snorkeling alone.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gili Islands snorkeling and exploration

• Snorkel at Gili Air
• Snorkel at Gili Meno
• Snorkel at Turtle Point, Gili Trawangan
• Cycle around Gili Trawangan
• Visit turtle conservation center

The Experience

The day starts with a boat departure from Gili Trawangan harbor carrying you to Gili Air first, where you enter the water to swim alongside sea turtles and explore coral gardens thick with fish. The same boat then moves to Gili Meno, a smaller island with its own snorkeling zone where turtles drift through calmer waters. Back at Gili Trawangan, you have the choice to swim out to Turtle Point from the shore or take a guided boat to several snorkeling spots around the island's perimeter. Throughout, snorkeling equipment is provided and a glass-bottom boat option lets you see the reef without entering the water.

After the water stops, you pick up a bicycle and spend roughly an hour cycling Gili Trawangan's flat, tree-lined paths. The island is small enough that you can reach several locations by bike in that time—beaches, quiet roads, and the working parts of the village. Lunch happens during the tour, and bottled water is supplied throughout the day.

The turtle conservation center sits just ten meters from the harbor on foot, so a visit there fits naturally into the day. The facility is run by the local community and shows the hatchery and release programs the island operates. It is not a zoo or a performance space—it is an active conservation site where you see the work that happens.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and snorkeling tickets at all three islands.
• lunch and bottled water throughout the day.
• use of a glass-bottom boat.
• an English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup before departure.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by PT. Diwira Wisata Indonesia

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're staying on Gili Trawangan or nearby without a boat or bike of your own—pickup, all water access, equipment and the day's routing are arranged, so you move between islands and activities without organizing transport or entry yourself.

Top questions

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. Gili Air and Gili Meno are both recommended for beginners, and Turtle Point at Gili Trawangan is easily reachable from the shore. The guide will fit you with equipment and show you how to use it. Snorkeling gear is included, and a glass-bottom boat is an option if you prefer to stay dry.

What marine life will I see while snorkeling?

Sea turtles are common at all three islands, and you'll encounter colorful fish species moving through coral reefs. The coral gardens at Gili Meno are particularly dense, and Gili Air is known for frequent turtle sightings.

How long does the snorkeling part of the tour take?

The tour runs four to five hours total, with snorkeling at three separate locations. The exact time at each stop depends on conditions and the group's pace, but water time makes up the bulk of the day.

Is the bicycle ride difficult?

No. Gili Trawangan is flat and small, and the bike route stays on quiet island paths. You'll cover several locations in about an hour. Moderate physical fitness is recommended for the full day, which includes snorkeling and cycling together.

What's included in the tour price?

Snorkeling equipment, snorkeling tickets, lunch, bottled water, an English-speaking guide, and a glass-bottom boat are all included. Hotel pickup is arranged before the tour starts.

When can I visit the turtle sanctuary?

The turtle conservation center is open during the tour and is a short walk from the harbor. It's conveniently timed into the day's itinerary, so you'll see the hatchery and conservation work as part of the experience.