Private Snorkeling Gili Island (Coral, Statue and Turtle)

If you’re dreaming of discovering the underwater world of the Gili Islands without sharing your boat with dozens of strangers, this private snorkeling tour might just be your perfect match. It promises a personalized experience with expert guides, beautiful sights like coral gardens, underwater statues, and the chance to swim with sea turtles—all wrapped up in a four-hour adventure that balances exploration with relaxation.

What we love about this tour is how it combines diverse snorkeling spots, the friendly guidance from knowledgeable locals, and the luxury of having a boat just for your group—making the experience feel exclusive yet accessible. Plus, the included lunch on Gili Meno gives you a taste of local flavors in a serene setting. However, it’s worth noting that this tour requires booking well in advance—on average, 17 days ahead—so planning ahead is a must.

This tour suits travelers who want a mix of adventure and comfort, particularly snorkelers eager for encounters with turtles and underwater art, with the bonus of a private setting. If you’re looking for a flexible, well-curated experience that focuses on quality over quantity, this might just be your ideal choice.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private boat for your group ensures a less crowded, more relaxed outing.
• Diverse Snorkeling Spots: From underwater statues to coral gardens and turtle habitats, each stop offers unique sights.
• Expert Guides & Good Service: Guides are praised for their helpfulness, knowledge, and ability to find the best spots.
• Value for Money: At $63 per person, considering the boat, lunch, and snorkel gear, this offers solid value.
• Excellent for Beginners & Experienced: Calm waters and patient guides make it suitable for all skill levels.
• Memorable Underwater Photography: Optional GoPro rentals capture the highlights, with guides helping to get great shots.

Booking and Meeting Details

This tour is organized by Bale Laut Lombok Tour Organizer, with most bookings made around 17 days in advance—so don’t wait too long if you want to secure your spot. The meeting point is at the Diversia Dive Shop & Bungalows in Gili Trawangan, a straightforward location to find. The activity lasts around four hours, which includes plenty of time for snorkeling, eating, and relaxing.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Gili Meno – Underwater Statue Park

Our first stop is a true highlight—snorkeling among Jason de Caires Taylor’s underwater sculptures. Created as both art and reef, these human figures create a surreal scene, blending human creativity with marine life. Reviewers mention the sculptures as “an extraordinary experience,” and many note that the sculptures serve as a habitat for fish and corals, making the underwater part of the experience feel like exploring an underwater art gallery.

Expect to spend around 30 minutes here, swimming amid the statues, which are designed to promote marine growth. Some find this spot “really cool to see,” offering a blend of artistic intrigue with marine ecology.

Stop 2: Coral Point – Vibrant Reef

Next, you’ll head to Coral Point, renowned for its lush coral gardens and colorful marine life. This site is perfect for snorkelers of all levels, with calm, clear waters that make viewing marine ecosystems easy. According to reviews, the coral gardens are teeming with exotic fish, and the environment is just right for snapping photos or simply soaking in the vibrant scene.

You’ll have roughly 30 minutes here. Be prepared for a visual feast—bright corals, schools of tropical fish, and maybe even an encounter with a sea turtle if luck is on your side.

Stop 3: Turtle Point – A Turtle Lover’s Paradise

The third stop is Turtle Point, where chances to swim alongside the gentle, majestic sea turtles are high. This spot is celebrated for its conservation efforts and is considered a “magical” part of the trip. Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ ability to help spot turtles and take photos, making the encounter all the more special.

Expect to spend about 40 minutes here. The underwater scene is lively, with colorful fish darting about and the calm waters making it a relaxed experience. Visitors often say that swimming with turtles is “truly unforgettable,” and guides are praised for their patience and friendliness.

Stop 4: Lunch in Gili Meno

After all the underwater excitement, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local beach restaurant. The food is described as tasty, with a variety of Indonesian dishes and fresh seafood in a relaxed setting with sea views. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to unwind, dine under the shade of palm trees, and soak in the island vibe. One reviewer called it a “delightful culinary experience” that complements the morning’s adventure perfectly.

Stop 5: Gili Meno Beach – Relaxation Time

The final stop is Gili Meno beach itself—ideal for lounging, swimming, or just soaking up the tranquil island ambiance. With soft white sands and calm waters, it’s perfect for a gentle swim, sunbathing, or a bit of people-watching. This downtime is highly valued by guests who want a peaceful end to an active morning.

What’s Included and What to Expect

For $63, the tour includes use of snorkeling equipment, a glass-bottom boat, bottled water, snorkeling tickets, and lunch. Guides are attentive and eager to ensure everyone has a great time, with many reviews praising their helpfulness and friendliness.

Plus, the tour offers group discounts and the convenience of a mobile ticket, making it easy to plan. Keep in mind that the tour is private, so your group will have the boat and guides to yourselves, which enhances the comfort and flexibility.

Optional Extras

Many guests rent a GoPro during the trip to capture their underwater moments. Guides are known to assist with photos and videos, with some reviewers noting that hiring the GoPro is “definitely worth it” for capturing memories.

What’s Not Included

Cancellation policies are flexible—full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. However, the refund drops to zero if you cancel within 24 hours, so planning ahead is wise.

The Value of a Private Trip

One of the biggest draws here is the private boat, which means no overcrowding, no fighting for space, and a personalized experience. This is especially important if you’re a nervous swimmer or traveling with kids, as you can enjoy each site at your own pace. Several reviews mention how this added comfort elevated their trip, with one guest describing it as “so worth the extra dollars,” especially for the chance to swim with turtles in calm waters.

Diversity of Snorkeling Spots

Each stop offers something different: the artistic underwater statues, the vibrant coral garden, and the turtle habitat. This variety keeps the trip engaging and showcases the underwater biodiversity of the Gili Islands. The underwater sculptures, created by Jason de Caires Taylor, stand out as a surreal highlight—picturesque, yet scientifically beneficial for marine growth.

Guides Who Care

Guests repeatedly praise guides like Eddie, Juan, Hassan, and Judi for their friendliness, expertise, and willingness to help. They are often described as “turtle magnets,” skillful at finding the animals and capturing great photos. This personal touch turns a good snorkeling trip into an unforgettable experience.

Good Food & Relaxation

The included lunch isn’t just a quick snack; many describe it as a “delicious, substantial meal” that perfectly complements the morning’s activity. The time spent at Gili Meno beach afterward is a welcome wind-down, offering a chance to reflect and relax in a stunning setting.

Cost & Overall Value

For $63, including all the essential gear, lunch, a private boat, and friendly guides, this tour offers strong value. Reviewers often mention how much they appreciated the combination of intimacy, professionalism, and the chance to see turtles and underwater art.

While the tour has many positives, a few considerations are worth noting. Booking early is crucial, as most travelers plan about two weeks in advance. Also, some reviews mention the importance of advocating for yourself during check-in, especially to ensure you’re on the private boat if that’s your preference, as there was at least one instance where guests were put on a shared boat due to a misunderstanding.

The tour’s duration is around four hours, so it’s suitable for those who don’t want an all-day commitment. The calm waters and friendly guides also make it accessible for snorkeling novices.

This experience is ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized, relaxed adventure. Snorkelers interested in sea turtles and underwater sculptures will find the spots especially captivating. It’s a good option if you want to dive into Gili’s underwater life without the crowd or hassle of group tours. If photography is your thing, guides’ assistance and optional GoPro rentals make it easier to preserve those special moments. Travelers who value local hospitality, good food, and authentic encounters will appreciate the tour’s laid-back, friendly vibe.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, calm waters and helpful guides make it friendly for snorkelers of all skill levels, including those new to snorkeling.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
Most guests mention the underwater statues and the chance to swim with turtles as the best parts, with guides helping spot and photograph wildlife.

How long does each snorkeling stop last?
Stops range from about 30 to 40 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy each site comfortably without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Most equipment is provided, but bringing your own reef-safe sunscreen, towel, and a waterproof camera or GoPro can enhance your day.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the experience private?
Yes, this is a private tour, so only your group participates, creating a more intimate setting.

This private snorkeling tour around Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno offers a well-balanced mix of stunning underwater sights, personalized service, and relaxed island vibes. The diversity of sites—from artistic sculptures to turtle habitats—and the attentive guides make it an excellent choice for those wanting to see the best of Gili’s marine life without the crowds.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who value comfort, good food, and authentic encounters with nature and art. The tour’s affordability, combined with the high-quality experience, makes it a standout option for a memorable day on the water.

Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a first-timer, this trip helps you tick off turtle sightings, underwater sculptures, and vibrant coral reefs—all in one smooth, private outing. With friendly guides, flexible timing, and great photo opportunities, this tour is hard to beat for those seeking a meaningful Gili Islands adventure.