Gili island Snorkeling Half Day Trip departure from Gili Trawangan

If you’re planning a trip to Gili Trawangan and love the idea of floating above vibrant coral reefs, playful fish, and maybe even spotting a sea turtle or two, this snorkeling tour might be worth considering. While it’s a budget-friendly option at just $18 per person, it packs enough highlights to make your half-day at sea memorable.

What we find most appealing about this experience is the chance to snorkel around Gili Meno’s famous underwater sculpture garden—the Nest—crafted by Jason deCaires Taylor. Plus, the promise of seeing green and hawksbill turtles up close, along with colorful fish like clownfish and butterflyfish, makes it quite attractive. The tour also offers flexible departure times and all your snorkeling gear included, which means fewer hassle and more time enjoying the water.

One thing to note is that the boat can be quite crowded, and reviews mention that sometimes space is tight. If you’re someone who prefers a more spacious or private experience, this might be a consideration. Still, for those who appreciate a lively group adventure and great value, this trip is well suited.

This snorkeling tour suits travelers who want a straightforward, value-packed introduction to Gili’s underwater world, especially if they’re comfortable swimming in a group and want to see turtles and unique underwater sculptures.

Key Points

• Affordable price with all equipment included for hassle-free snorkeling.
• Multiple departure times allow you to choose the most convenient part of the day.
• Highlights include underwater sculptures, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.
• Group size can be large, meaning a lively atmosphere but potentially crowded.
• Suitable for confident swimmers aged 10 and above, with some reviewers noting the need for swimming knowledge.
• Boat may be packed, so expect some close quarters during the trip.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Gili Meno Beach – The Underwater Sculpture Garden and Turtle Spotting

The tour kicks off with a visit to Gili Meno’s famous underwater sculptures, known as the Nest, created by Jason deCaires Taylor. These sculptures are not only visually intriguing but also serve as artificial reefs attracting marine life, making them a fascinating focal point for snorkelers. We loved the way the sculptures create a surreal, underwater art gallery, offering a different perspective on underwater beauty.

According to reviews, sea turtles are a common sight just 5-10 meters from the beach, and they’re used to humans, allowing for careful and respectful observation. One reviewer, Michele, appreciated the guide’s dedication—dove down 20-30 meters at the last snorkel site to recover a GoPro camera, demonstrating the guides’ enthusiasm and commitment.

Expect around 40 minutes here, giving ample time to enjoy the sculptures and look out for turtles swimming lazily nearby. Remember, though, that some reviewers mentioned the boat being quite crowded, which might make this part slightly hectic but still worthwhile for the chance to see turtles so close to shore.

Stop 2: Gili Air Island – Snorkeling and Lunch Break

Next, the group heads over to Gili Air, a quieter island that offers excellent snorkeling over coral-covered seabeds. Here, you’ll encounter soft and hard corals, along with a variety of fish such as surgeonfish, sunburst butterflyfish, and clownfish, including the famous 3-banded clownfish.

The review from Nabil highlights that the experience with turtles was particularly memorable, surpassing some other Southeast Asian snorkeling spots, even though the water clarity isn’t always perfect. The opportunity to relax, enjoy the vibrant underwater life, and maybe even take a quick break on the beach makes this stop a favorite for many.

Most tours include a chance to enjoy lunch on Gili Air, with the freedom to choose from a variety of local restaurants and pay separately. This relaxed break allows travelers to recharge and reflect on the morning’s aquatic adventures.

Final Stop: Gili Trawangan – Return Journey

After exploring Gili Air, the boat crosses back to Gili Trawangan, which takes around 20 minutes. The tour wraps up here, giving you a chance to unwind and soak in the island scenery. Several reviews mention the trip ending smoothly, although some cautioned about the boat being packed, especially during peak times.

What to Expect During the Tour

This half-day snorkeling adventure typically lasts around four hours, making it perfect for travelers who want to experience the Gili Islands’ underwater world without committing to a full-day activity. The tour starts at Gili BAHARI TOUR’s meeting point near the beach and ends right back there.

The boat is included in the price, along with snorkeling equipment and life jackets—handy for those who prefer not to rent gear separately. No hotel pick-up or lunch is included, although you’ll have the chance to purchase food and drinks at local eateries during the break.

The group size can go up to 50 travelers, which creates a lively, social vibe but may feel crowded at times, especially at the snorkeling spots. The tour is best suited for confident swimmers aged 10 and above, as some reviews have pointed out the need for swimming knowledge to fully enjoy the experience.

Guides and Service

Reviewers often mention the guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm. Michele appreciated a guide who went above and beyond by diving deep to recover a camera, demonstrating dedication. Another reviewer praised the guides for giving clear instructions during snorkeling, making the experience more enjoyable.

The crew’s friendliness and professionalism contribute significantly to the overall experience, reassuring first-timers or less experienced swimmers.

Value for Money

At just $18, this tour offers a lot of what makes snorkeling in Gili special. You get multiple stops, all gear, and the chance to see iconic marine life, including turtles. While the boat can be crowded, many find that the price point balances out the potential discomfort, especially given the inclusions and the professional guidance.

Some reviewers felt the price was a bit higher compared to other options, but the added value of the guided experience and the chance to snorkel at renowned spots justifies the cost for most travelers.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Arrive early—at least 20 minutes before the tour start—to find the ticket booth and settle in.
• Bring essentials like a towel, sunblock, hat, sunglasses, and some money for food and drinks.
• Wear comfortable swimwear and bring a change of clothes if you plan to shower or change afterward.
• Swim confidently, as the tour requires some swimming ability, especially at the deeper sites.
• Expect some crowding on the boat and at snorkeling spots; if you prefer a quieter experience, consider a private tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This snorkeling trip is ideal for travelers on a budget who want to tick off multiple snorkeling spots in a short time. It’s well-suited for those who are comfortable swimming in groups and eager to see turtles and underwater sculptures. It also works if you’re looking for a fun, social activity with all gear provided.

However, if you prioritize privacy, spaciousness, or a more relaxed pace, you might find this tour a bit hectic. The crowded boat and spots might not appeal to everyone, especially if you’re seeking a more boutique experience.

The Sum Up

This Gili Island snorkeling trip offers excellent value and a fun introduction to the underwater delights of Gili Meno, Gili Air, and beyond. With its focus on seeing turtles, exploring underwater sculptures, and enjoying vibrant coral reefs, it appeals most to travelers who don’t mind sharing space and want a lively, affordable adventure.

While the boat can get crowded, the professional guides, well-organized stops, and inclusion of all snorkeling gear make it a solid choice for those new to snorkeling or on a tight schedule. Plus, the chance to float above beautiful underwater art and encounter sea turtles close up is hard to beat for the price.

Overall, it’s a practical, engaging tour that captures the spirit of Gili Trawangan’s marine life, perfect for those seeking a fun, social, and reasonably priced aquatic experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, but children must be at least 10 years old and able to swim confidently. The tour requires some swimming skills, so younger kids or less confident swimmers might find it challenging.

What’s included in the price? The tour includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and boat transfers. It does not cover food, drinks, or hotel transfers.

Can I choose my departure time? Yes, there are options for morning or afternoon departures, allowing you to pick a time that suits your schedule.

How crowded will the boat be? The tour can carry up to 50 travelers, so expect a lively atmosphere and some closely packed moments during snorkeling and on the boat.

What if I don’t see turtles? While turtle sightings are common, they’re not guaranteed. The guides are experienced and often find turtles, but nature can be unpredictable.

Is this tour private or group? It’s a group tour unless you opt for a private package, which is available at an additional cost.

What should I bring? Essentials include a towel, changing clothes, sunblock, hat, sunglasses, and some cash for food and extra drinks.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This snorkeling half-day trip from Gili Trawangan is a lively, affordable way to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Gili Islands. Whether you’re after turtles, coral gardens, or underwater sculptures, it offers enough highlights to make your time at sea well worth it.