Snorkeling in Gili Air: Sea Turtles & Coral Reefs

Swim with sea turtles instead of watching them from the boat

A 5-hour shared snorkeling activity in Gili Air where you enter the water with mask, fins and snorkel to swim alongside sea turtles, explore vibrant coral reefs, and view underwater statues from a glass-bottom boat. A professional local guide leads the group, and you receive complimentary GoPro underwater photos and videos. Minimum age is 18. Insurance is included.

The experience

What makes this snorkeling work is the glass-bottom boat. You get both: time in the water with the coral and turtles, and time aboard watching the seafloor without getting wet. The boat moves between three or four snorkeling sites across the five hours, so you're not anchored to one reef. You'll wear a mask, fins and snorkel the whole time, and the guide stays in the water with your group to point out what's there and keep everyone safe.

The underwater statues are a specific draw here. They're sculptures placed on the seabed that have become a landmark around Gili Air. The coral reefs themselves are what you came for: the guide knows which sections hold the most sea turtles and where the fish congregate. GoPro footage and photos happen throughout the day, so you leave with digital memories without needing your own camera underwater.

You'll need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim, though the guide adjusts the pace for the group. The boat departs from Gili Air and stays in the shallow waters around the island, so there's no long crossing involved. Bring a towel and change of clothes. The operator does not provide them. Public transport options exist nearby if you need to reach the departure point.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins).
• professional local guide leading the group in English.
• complimentary GoPro underwater photos and videos.
• insurance coverage.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:45

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Bangsal Ferries

Is this one for you?This shared snorkeling activity suits anyone comfortable swimming in open water who wants to see sea turtles and coral reefs up close rather than from a distance: the five hours split between time in the water and time aboard the glass-bottom boat means you get both the immersion and the overview.

Top questions

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 if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide is experienced with beginners and will show you how to use the mask, snorkel and fins before you enter the water. The reefs around Gili Air are shallow and calm, which is why this spot is popular for first-time snorkelers.

What are the underwater statues I keep hearing about?

They're sculptures placed on the seabed around Gili Air that have become a recognizable feature of snorkeling here. The guide will take your group to see them as part of the route, and they make for distinctive photos.

Do I get to keep the GoPro photos and videos?

Yes. The operator provides complimentary GoPro underwater photos and videos throughout the five hours, and you receive them to keep and share.

How many people will be in my snorkeling group?

This is a shared activity, so you'll be part of a group with other travelers. The guide manages the group size to keep everyone safe and able to see the reefs and turtles without crowding.

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

Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins), a professional guide, GoPro photos and videos, and insurance are all included. Bring your own towel and a change of clothes. The operator does not provide them.