Snorkeling Lombok: Five hidden Gilis with local captain

Five islands, five snorkeling stops, one boat and a captain who knows the reefs

A snorkeling activity in Southwest Lombok where you explore five hidden Gili islands (Gede, Layar, Rengit, Asahan and Goleng) aboard a traditional wooden boat with a local captain, snorkeling equipment, and pickup from Kuta, Senggigi, Mataram or other Lombok bases. The captain reads the weather and tide to pick the best reef spots each day, and you move between islands at your own pace, with time to rest on quiet white-sand beaches between swims.

The experience

What makes this different from the crowded Gili circuit is the five islands themselves. Gili Gede, Gili Layar, Gili Rengit, Gili Asahan and Gili Goleng sit in Southwest Lombok and stay largely untouched by the tour buses that pack the northern islands. The boat is a traditional wooden vessel, not a speedboat, and your guide is a local captain who has worked these reefs for years. He chooses where to drop anchor based on the conditions that morning (tide, wind, swell), so the snorkeling spots change with the season and the day.

You'll spend roughly ten hours on the water and the islands combined. The captain brings you to a reef, you enter with your mask and fins, and you stay as long as you want before heading to the next island. Between snorkeling stops, you'll have time on the beach: time that is actually quiet, because these islands don't see the foot traffic of Gili Trawangan or Gili Meno. The reefs themselves carry colorful coral and the fish that live in them. The captain will point out what is worth seeing, but the pace is yours. Bottled water is on the boat, and if you want food, you can arrange fresh coconut or a local lunch on the beach.

Pickup is included from Kuta, Senggigi, Mataram, Lembar, Bangsal or Teluk Nare, depending on where you're staying. Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) comes with the boat. The captain speaks English and will take photos and video on a GoPro if you want them. Children from age five are welcome. Infants sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins).
• bottled water.
• entrance fees to all five islands.
• a traditional wooden boat and experienced local captain.
• GoPro photos and videos.
• private transportation from Kuta, Senggigi, Mataram, Lembar, Bangsal or Teluk Nare.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 12:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (10 to 60 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Info Ke Bali

Is this one for you?The day runs ten hours on the water and islands combined, with a relaxed pace that lets you snorkel, rest on the beach and move between stops without rushing. Choose this if you want to escape the crowded northern Gilis and spend real time in the water with a captain who reads the reef conditions each morning.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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.

How many islands do we actually visit and snorkel at on this activity?

You visit five islands (Gili Gede, Gili Layar, Gili Rengit, Gili Asahan and Gili Goleng), and snorkel at the best reef spots the captain chooses based on that day's conditions. Each island has its own character, and you move between them at a pace that lets you spend real time in the water and on the beach.

Does the captain decide where we snorkel, or can we choose?

The captain chooses the snorkeling spots based on weather, tide and swell that morning. He knows which reefs are safest and most alive with fish and coral on any given day, and he adjusts the plan to keep you comfortable and safe. You decide how long to stay in the water at each stop.

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

Snorkeling equipment, bottled water, entrance fees, photos by GoPro, the traditional boat and captain, and pickup from your Lombok hotel are all included. You'll want to bring sunscreen, a rash guard or shirt for sun protection, and a towel. Lunch is not included, though you can arrange fresh coconut or a local meal on the beach.

Is this activity safe for someone who has never snorkeled before?

Yes. The captain is experienced and will show you how to use the equipment. The snorkeling spots are in calm, clear water, and you control how long you stay in. The boat is traditional and stable, and the pace is relaxed. Children from age five snorkel on this activity, and the captain watches over the group.

How long is the whole day, and what time do we start?

The activity runs about ten hours from pickup to drop-off. Travel time to and from the boat is included in that total, so the actual time on the water and islands is shorter. Pickup happens early in the morning from your hotel. The captain will confirm the exact time when you book.