Snorkeling in Lombok: Three Secret Gilis, Private Boat

Snorkel three islands and walk the smallest one in minutes

A full-day private snorkeling trip from Lombok visits three islands off the southwest coast (Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis) with a local guide, boat charter, equipment and lunch. The boat departs from Tawun Harbor. You snorkel in calm, shallow waters at each stop and spend time on the beaches. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the guide speaks English or German.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling tour of three islands

• Depart from Tawun Harbor by private boat
• Snorkel at Gili Nanggu
• Lunch and swim at Gili Sudak
• Walk and snorkel at Gili Kedis

The experience

You start at Tawun Harbor on Lombok's southwest coast, where a private boat waits to take your group across turquoise water to the three islands. The route itself is part of the day. The ride gives you time to settle in before the first snorkel. Gili Nanggu comes first, known for clear water and colorful coral reefs that work well for beginners and families. The coral sits in shallow water, so you can see the fish without going deep, and the reef is close enough to reach by swimming a short distance from shore.

Gili Sudak is your second stop, a quieter island where lunch happens on the beach. The snorkeling here shows more variety in marine life than Nanggu, still in shallow water where you stay comfortable. You have time to swim, rest and eat before moving on. Gili Kedis, the smallest of the three, is shaped like a heart and takes minutes to walk around the entire perimeter. Some travelers do a quick loop on foot, others snorkel in the shallow water surrounding it. The island itself is the draw here. It is the kind of place most visitors to Lombok never reach.

The boat is private, so your group does not share the day with strangers. A local guide leads the snorkeling, speaks English or German, and knows where to find the fish and coral at each stop. Equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) is provided, along with bottled water throughout the day. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and brings you back, so the only thing you arrange is showing up at the harbor.

What’s included

• Private boat charter from Tawun Harbor.
• local guide in English or German.
• snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• bottled water.
• beachside lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return.
• documentation of the trip.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (15 to 85 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Lombok Tour Club

Is this one for you?This is a private boat, so your group snorkels alone without sharing the islands or the guide with other travelers: ideal if you want to move at your own pace and avoid crowds. The shallow water and calm conditions suit families with young children and anyone new to snorkeling, though the variety of marine life appeals to experienced snorkelers too.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What's the water like for snorkeling at these three islands?

The water is calm and shallow at all three stops, which is why Gili Nanggu works well for beginners and families. Gili Sudak has more diverse marine life in the same shallow conditions. Gili Kedis sits in shallow water too, making it easy to snorkel or simply swim around the island.

How much time do I spend in the water versus on the boat?

The full day is nine hours from pickup to return. You snorkel at each of the three islands, spend time on the beaches (including a lunch break at Gili Sudak), and travel by boat between stops. The boat ride itself is scenic and part of the experience, not dead time.

What equipment do I need to bring, and what's provided?

Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins and snorkel) is included. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and any personal items you want during the day. Bottled water is provided throughout, and lunch happens on the beach at Gili Sudak.

Is this a shared tour or private?

The boat is private, so your group travels alone. A local guide who speaks English or German leads the snorkeling at each stop.

How do I get to Tawun Harbor, and is transport included?

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your accommodation and brings you back after the day ends. Pickup is included in the booking.