From Trawangan: Snorkling, Statue, and Visit Turtle Sactuary

Travelers seeking a memorable glimpse into Indonesia’s vibrant marine life and tranquil island scenery will find this Gili Islands snorkeling tour a worthwhile adventure. It offers a combination of underwater art, turtle encounters, and scenic island stops—all within just under five hours.

What makes this experience stand out? For starters, it guarantees sightings of sea turtles, features a fascinating underwater statue display, and includes a visit to a dedicated turtle sanctuary. We also appreciate the well-organized itinerary, knowledgeable guides, and the chance to relax on Meno Island. A potential consideration? The tour’s duration is compact, which might mean some travelers prefer a longer day to truly unwind.

This trip will appeal most to those who love marine wildlife, enjoy snorkeling, or want an authentic taste of Gili’s underwater world without spending a full day at sea. It’s perfect for travelers looking for a balanced mix of adventure, education, and leisure.

Key Points

• Guaranteed Turtle Sightings: The tour promises you’ll see sea turtles, enhancing the experience for wildlife lovers.
• Unique Underwater Statues: The famous Gili Meno statues add an artistic element to your snorkeling adventure.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides help you navigate the underwater world and provide insightful commentary.
• Diverse Coral Reefs: Multiple stops at Virgin Coral Garden and Bongkas Reef offer varied snorkeling scenery.
• Educational Visit to Turtle Sanctuary: A chance to learn about turtle conservation efforts on Meno Island.
• Short & Sweet: The 4.5-hour itinerary suits those with limited time but wanting a comprehensive experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Dive into the Tour Experience

Meeting Point & Starting Off

The adventure begins at the Ozzy Snorkeling Centre and Tourist Information, conveniently located next to the cose hotel and lounge, just a short walk from Trawangan’s main area. The check-in is smooth, with a recommendation to arrive 30 minutes early—giving you time for a quick briefing and to get fitted with snorkeling gear. The tour operates with live guides speaking English, ensuring clear communication and local insights.

Snorkeling at Gili Meno’s Underwater Statues

The first stop immerses you in the world of 48 life-sized statues arranged in a circle beneath the waves, creating a surreal underwater gallery. These statues, standing in the water’s embrace, are a highlight for many; they add an artistic dimension to your snorkeling. As one review mentions, “the underwater statues at Gili Meno are incredible”—a must-see for anyone who appreciates visual arts blended with nature.

The visibility here is usually good, and the water calm, making it accessible for most snorkelers. Expect about 30 minutes to explore this area, giving enough time to float around, take photos, and marvel at the sculptures.

Turtle Encounter at Turtle Point

Next up is Turtle Point, a designated spot known for reliable turtle sightings. The tour guarantees you’ll see these gentle creatures swimming gracefully among the reefs—something many travelers value highly. The experience isn’t just about spotting turtles, but also about understanding their role in the ecosystem, especially during the visit to the Turtle Sanctuary on Meno Island.

Swimming alongside sea turtles feels almost magical, and guides help point out the best spots and behaviors. The 30-minute snorkeling here is often highlighted as a fun, heartwarming highlight, with some reviewers stating, “We loved swimming with the turtles; it’s such a peaceful experience.”

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Virgin Coral Garden & Bongkas Reef

The tour continues with Virgin Coral Garden, a colorful and vibrant coral reef teeming with tropical fish. Your guide will help you identify various species, and you’ll get a true sense of the underwater biodiversity. The reef is accessible and shallow enough for an easy, enjoyable snorkel.

Following this, stops at Bongkas Reef offer a different vibe—famous for surfing, but equally a great snorkeling spot with lively fish and coral formations. The reefs here are a feast of color, and snorkeling can last about 30 minutes at each site. The diversity ensures that even repeat visitors find something new each time.

Lunch & Relaxation on Meno Island

After the snorkeling adventure, the group heads to Gili Meno for a more relaxed segment. Here, you have roughly 40 minutes to walk around, buy some snacks, or simply unwind on the island’s calm beaches. Many reviews mention the opportunity to purchase food and drinks, making it a laid-back pause in the middle of the tour.

The option to buy food helps you stay energized for the rest of the trip. The visit also includes a dedicated stop at the Baby Turtle Sanctuary, where you learn about conservation efforts and get a close-up look at young turtles being cared for before release.

Return & Final Thoughts

The tour wraps up by returning to the starting point, completing a well-rounded 4.5-hour escapade. The entire experience is designed to maximize marine encounters while keeping travel time manageable, making it ideal for travelers short on time but eager for quality.

How This Tour Fits Into Your Gili Adventure

While some tours extend longer or include additional islands, this experience strikes a good balance of adventure and relaxation. The focus on underwater art, turtles, and reefs offers a comprehensive glimpse of Gili’s underwater life, especially for first-timers or those with limited holiday days.

The tour’s value is bolstered by professional guides who are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making the snorkeling more informative and enjoyable. Plus, the inclusion of entry to a turtle sanctuary adds an educational layer that appeals to eco-conscious travelers.

Practical Considerations

The cost of the tour reflects its all-in-one structure—covering transportation, snorkeling gear, and guided commentary. The 4.5-hour duration makes it a manageable half-day activity, leaving your afternoon free for other pursuits, whether that’s relaxing on the beach or exploring Trawangan’s lively night scene.

You’ll need to bring a towel, some cash for lunch, and be prepared for a bit of sun exposure. The tour is not suitable for children under 3, those with high blood pressure, or over 70, but for most active travelers, it’s a safe and fun choice.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you’re after a fun, educational, and scenic snorkeling trip, this tour hits all those marks. It’s particularly suited for wildlife lovers, fans of underwater art, and travelers wanting a quick but impactful taste of Gili’s marine environment. The guaranteed turtle sightings and the chance to see the underwater statues are major draws, especially for first-timers.

For those who prefer a full-day adventure or more secluded island time, it might feel a bit compressed, but for a half-day escape, it offers exceptional value. The professional guides, inclusive stops, and the relaxed pace make it a practical choice for those wanting quality without the fuss.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 4.5 hours, including stops for snorkeling, visiting the sanctuary, and relaxing on Meno Island.

Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the Ozzy Snorkeling Centre and Tourist Information, near the cose hotel and lounge, with coordinates -8.349325180053711,116.04351806640625.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a towel and some cash for lunch. Snorkeling gear is typically provided, but check with the operator if you prefer to use your own.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 3 years, or for those with high blood pressure or over 70.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you notify at least 24 hours in advance.

Will I see turtles?
Yes, the tour guarantees sightings of sea turtles at Turtle Point, making it a highlight for wildlife fans.

In all, this snorkeling tour combines artistic underwater sculptures, turtle encounters, and coral reef exploration into a compact, value-packed experience. It’s an excellent way to appreciate Gili’s best marine sights in just a few hours, especially if you’re eager to combine education and fun in a relaxed island setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: