Lombok: Snorkeling & Island Hopping to The Southwest Gilis

Introduction

This review explores the Lombok: Snorkeling & Island Hopping to the Southwest Gilis tour — a full-day adventure designed for those eager to explore Indonesia’s lesser-known island paradises. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, we’ve gathered detailed insights to help you understand what makes it a compelling choice.

What we love about this experience is the opportunity to snorkel in calm, crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish, the chance to visit three quiet, scenic islands, and the relaxing atmosphere that comes with uncrowded beaches. A potential consideration is the travel time from different pickup points, which varies up to 2 hours, so planning accordingly is key.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and beginners in snorkeling who want a laid-back day exploring Lombok’s aquatic and island treasures without the fuss of crowded spots or complicated logistics. It offers a balance of adventure and relaxation, making it a practical choice for many travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning snorkeling spots with calm waters and vibrant marine life
• Three quiet islands perfect for relaxing and taking photos
• Flexible itinerary with options for guided tours, swimming, and sightseeing
• Pickup and drop-off from multiple locations for convenience
• Ideal for families, couples, and first-time snorkelers seeking peaceful escapes
• Value for money with well-organized transportation and guided experiences

What to Expect from This Tour

This 8-hour adventure combines the joy of underwater discovery with island relaxation, all curated by CV. De Triip Lombok Wisata. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a complete newbie, the trip promises a gentle introduction to Lombok’s southwest marine environment and scenic islands.

The tour kicks off with a pick-up at your hotel or designated location — options include Bangsal Port, Tetebatu, Kuta, Senggigi, Gili Mas Port, and Mataram. The drive time varies from around 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your pickup point. This allows travelers from different parts of Lombok to access the experience with relative ease.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Gili Nanggu: The Star of Snorkeling

Your first stop is Gili Nanggu, often highlighted as the best snorkeling spot because of its rich marine life. Here, you’ll glide through calm waters filled with colorful coral gardens and a variety of tropical fish. One reviewer mentioned, “The water is so clear that we could see the coral and fish from the boat even before jumping in,” emphasizing how visibility enhances the snorkeling experience.

Expect a guided tour that takes you around the reefs for approximately an hour or more, offering ample time to marvel at the underwater world or simply float and enjoy the scenery. The feeling of swimming amid gentle waves with vibrant fish darting around is often described as “magical,” especially for beginners.

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Gili Sudak: Relaxation and Sightseeing

Next, you’ll hop over to Gili Sudak for a break, a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy a simple lunch — typically included or available for purchase. This island is quieter, offering a peaceful environment to relax on white sandy beaches or explore at your own pace.

The highlight here is the free time to swim, sunbathe, or take photos. Reviewers often point out how Gili Sudak’s uncrowded beaches make it an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat away from tourist-heavy areas.

Gili Kedis: The Photo Stop

Your last stop is Gili Kedis—a tiny, picturesque island that’s perfect for a quick photo session. It’s a great spot to capture memories and soak in the stunning views with a short visit of about an hour. Many travelers appreciate Gili Kedis’ “perfect postcard scenery” and the opportunity to take that classic tropical island shot.

What Does the Tour Include?

This private group experience features pick-up from your hotel or location, guided tours, snorkeling gear, and visits to three beautiful islands. The live English-speaking guide ensures you get insights and assistance throughout, which is especially helpful if you’re new to snorkeling.

Lunch is included during the Gili Sudak stop, with options for sightseeing, swimming, or just relaxing. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind when planning your day.

Transportation and Duration

The transportation is arranged by local boats and land vehicles, ensuring smooth transit between the islands and your pick-up point. The duration from your location to the start point ranges from about 45 minutes for Gili Mas port to 2 hours from Tetebatu or Bangsal. This is an important consideration when planning your day, especially if you want to maximize beach or snorkeling time.

The entire trip lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel, stops, and free time, making it a full but relaxed day. The flexible schedule allows you to enjoy each island at a comfortable pace, whether you want to snorkel extensively or simply unwind on the sand.

Snorkeling Highlights and Marine Life

Snorkeling in the calm, clear waters of the Gili Islands is a highlight. Reviews consistently mention the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish—from tiny clownfish to larger, more colorful varieties. The water visibility is generally praised, often described as “crystal clear,” giving you a near-3D view of the marine world.

Gili Nanggu gets special praise for its diverse marine ecosystem. Several reviewers have mentioned that they saw various fish species, coral gardens, and even playful fish swimming close to them. For beginners, this is an ideal environment: shallow, safe, and visually stunning.

Island Hopping Experience

The visit to three islands—Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis—provides a well-rounded experience. Each island has its own character: Nanggu for snorkeling, Sudak for relaxing, and Kedis for photography.

Many reviews note how the quiet, uncrowded beaches allow for genuine peace, contrasting sharply with busier tourist spots. It’s a chance to connect with nature and enjoy Lombok’s natural beauty away from the crowds.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Bring essentials: sunglasses, sun hat, towel, and sunscreen are essential. The beaches are exposed, and the sun can be strong.
• Cash: bring cash for personal expenses or optional purchases like drinks or snacks on the islands.
• Timing: if you’re staying in Tetebatu or Bangsal, expect longer travel times (up to 2 hours). Plan accordingly to ensure you’re ready for early starts.
• Snorkeling gear: provided but verify if you prefer your own mask and fins.
• Comfort: expect a mix of boat rides and land transfers—pack light and comfortable clothing.

Comparing Price and Value

While the exact price isn’t listed here, the tour’s value lies in its all-inclusive approach—transportation, guide, snorkeling gear, and visits to three islands. For a day of peaceful snorkeling and island hopping, many travelers find it offers good value, especially considering the convenience and expert guidance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits families with kids, thanks to its relaxed pace and safe snorkeling environment. Couples and solo travelers looking for a peaceful, scenic escape will also appreciate the uncrowded beaches and underwater beauty.

However, if you prefer more active or adventurous snorkeling with larger reefs or nightlife, this tour might feel too quiet. Still, for those wanting a taste of Lombok’s tranquil islands, it’s an excellent, budget-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

This Lombok island-hopping and snorkeling tour offers a well-balanced mix of marine adventure and quiet leisure. You’ll appreciate the stunning views, the calm waters teeming with fish, and the chance to explore three peaceful islands. It’s an especially good choice if you value authentic, uncrowded experiences and want a straightforward day of relaxation and discovery.

While the drive times vary, the overall organization and guided approach make it a practical and enjoyable option for many. The inclusion of lunch, snorkeling gear, and multiple pickup points add to its convenience.

If you’re seeking a calm, scenic day in Lombok’s waters with friendly guides and beautiful islands, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

What are the pickup locations?
You can be picked up from Bangsal Port, Tetebatu, Kuta, Senggigi, Gili Mas Port, or Mataram, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your location.

How long does the journey to the starting point take?
From Gili Mas port, it’s about 45 minutes; from Tetebatu or Bangsal, it can be 1.5 to 2 hours.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided visits, snorkeling gear, lunch at Gili Sudak, transportation between islands, and a live English-speaking guide.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s ideal for beginners due to the calm, clear waters and guided assistance.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for personal expenses.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexible planning options.

In summary, the Lombok Southwest Gili tour offers a relaxed, scenic, and colorful day that highlights the island’s underwater beauty and untouched beaches. It’s a practical choice for travelers seeking a peaceful escape with plenty of photo opportunities, marine life encounters, and island serenity.

You can check availability for your dates here: