Snorkeling Gili Islands: Turtles, Statues & Coral Reefs

Four hours, three snorkeling sites, turtles in clear water

Snorkeling in the Gili Islands takes you to three reef sites aboard a glass-bottom boat with an English or Bahasa Indonesia–speaking guide. You'll explore the Gili Meno Underwater Statues—a circle of submerged sculptures now surrounded by reef fish—swim alongside hawksbill and green sea turtles at Turtle Point, and snorkel the colorful coral gardens of Gili Air. Snorkeling gear and GoPro photos are included; the trip lasts four hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and marine exploration

• Explore Gili Meno Underwater Statues
• Swim with hawksbill and green sea turtles
• Snorkel coral gardens and tropical fish

The Experience

The boat leaves from the Gili Islands and heads first to Gili Meno, where a circle of underwater sculptures sits in calm, clear water surrounded by tropical fish. This is one of the most photographed snorkeling spots in the islands. From there you move to Turtle Point, where the water stays shallow and the turtles—hawksbill and green sea turtles—are accustomed to swimmers. The final stop is Gili Air's colorful reefs, where you drift through coral gardens and schools of tropical fish before heading back.

The glass-bottom boat lets you see what's below without getting wet if you want to, though most of the time you're in the water with a mask and fins. Your guide speaks English or Bahasa Indonesia and stays with the group, pointing out what to look for and keeping an eye on the water conditions. GoPro footage of your snorkeling is included, so you get photos and video without bringing your own camera into the salt water.

The whole outing runs four hours from start to finish. You'll have a relaxing island break built into the schedule, and all snorkeling equipment—mask and fins—is provided. This is a public boat, so you'll share the experience with other snorkelers, though the group stays small enough that the guide can manage it.

What’s included

• Snorkeling at three Gili Islands sites (Gili Meno Underwater Statues, Turtle Point, and Gili Air).
• glass-bottom boat for the full four hours.
• professional snorkeling guide speaking English or Bahasa Indonesia.
• snorkeling equipment including mask and fins.
• GoPro photos and videos of your snorkeling.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Amaka Tours Travel

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Bahasa Indonesia, so you can follow the commentary and the safety briefing in whichever language you're comfortable with. If you want to snorkel but don't speak Indonesian, book the English-language departure; if you're fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, that option is available too.

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Top questions

What are the Gili Meno Underwater Statues?

The Gili Meno Underwater Statues are a circle of submerged sculptures on the seafloor near Gili Meno that have become a thriving reef habitat. Fish and coral have colonized the statues, turning them into one of the most photographed snorkeling spots in the Gili Islands, and you'll explore them on the first stop of this snorkeling trip.

Will I actually see sea turtles at Turtle Point?

Turtle Point is where hawksbill and green sea turtles are commonly found, and the calm, clear water makes it a reliable spot to swim alongside them. There's no guarantee on any given day, but the site is named for the turtles because they're regularly there.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear?

No—mask and fins are included with this snorkeling trip, so you don't need to bring or rent your own equipment. GoPro photos and videos are also included, so you can capture the underwater moments without managing your own camera.

How long is the whole snorkeling trip?

The snorkeling trip lasts four hours total, including time at three different reef sites and a relaxing island break in the schedule.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English or Bahasa Indonesia, so you can choose the language that works for you when you book.

Can children go snorkeling on this trip?

Children are welcome from age three, so families with young kids can join this snorkeling experience.