Snorkeling Gili Islands: Turtles & Underwater Statues

Swim with sea turtles, then descend to sculptures on the seafloor

A full-day snorkeling activity across Gili Meno and Gili Air combines three separate underwater sites in one trip: the famous submerged statues, a turtle habitat, and vibrant coral reefs. An English-speaking guide leads the experience, which spans five hours with a lunch break on Gili Meno between sessions. Snorkeling gear, life jacket, boat transport and mineral water are included. The activity suits beginners and experienced swimmers alike.

The experience

You arrive at the boat for a safety briefing and equipment check before the first descent. The glass-bottom boat carries you to Gili Meno, where the underwater statues wait in calm, clear water: a spot designed for visibility and photography. After snorkeling among the sculptures, you climb back aboard and spend time on Gili Meno itself, where you can have lunch, swim from the beach, or simply rest before the second half of the day.

The boat then heads to Gili Air and the turtle spot. Here the guide positions you to swim alongside sea turtles in their natural habitat, then moves the group to nearby coral reefs where schools of tropical fish move through the water. Throughout both sessions, the guide stays in the water with you, watching for safety and pointing out the best angles for the marine life. The whole experience runs about five hours from start to finish, with the island break built in so you're not snorkeling continuously.

What sets this trip apart is the combination: most snorkeling outings stick to one or two stops, but this one stacks three separate underwater environments into a single day. The glass-bottom boat means non-swimmers or anyone wanting a break can still see what's below. Seasick pills are available on request, and the operator provides GoPro documentation so you have footage of the turtles and statues if your own camera doesn't make the trip.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and life jacket.
• English-speaking guide in the water with you.
• transport in a glass-bottom boat.
• mineral water throughout the day.
• insurance and seasick pill on request.
• GoPro camera documentation of the underwater sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

AgesAdult (7 to 65 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

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.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Blissful Paradise Indonesia

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're snorkeling multiple sites in one day and prefer a guide in the water to navigate between spots, leaving you free to focus on marine life rather than logistics.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What are the underwater statues at Gili Meno, and why are they there?

The statues are sculptures placed deliberately on the seafloor at Gili Meno to create an artificial reef and attract marine life. They've become an iconic snorkeling spot in the Gili Islands, popular for their visual impact and the way they've accumulated coral and fish around them over time.

Will I definitely see sea turtles at Gili Air?

Gili Air is known as a turtle habitat and the guide takes you to the spot where they're most commonly found, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The guide's experience and knowledge of the area maximize your chances, and the coral reefs at the same location offer plenty to see regardless.

How long do I spend snorkeling versus resting on the boat or island?

The full activity runs five hours. You snorkel at Gili Meno first, then break for lunch and island time on Gili Meno, then snorkel again at Gili Air. The guide structures the day so you're not in the water continuously, and the boat ride between sites gives you a chance to recover and dry off.

Is this snorkeling suitable if I've never done it before?

Yes. The activity is designed for beginners and experienced swimmers alike. The guide leads a safety briefing and equipment check before you enter the water, and stays with you throughout to ensure comfort and safety. A life jacket is included, and the guide assists in the water.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling gear, life jacket, English-speaking guide, mineral water, insurance and boat transport are all included. The operator provides GoPro documentation of your underwater moments. You'll want to bring sunscreen, a hat, a change of clothes, and cash if you plan to buy lunch on Gili Meno, since lunch itself is not included in the activity price.