The Gili Islands form a trio of tropical islands just off the coast of West Lombok and a boat ride from East Bali. Each Island all has its own character, featuring sandy beaches, mesmorising sunsets, and crystal-clear waters. Gili Trawangen is known for its beach resorts, lively nightlife, and diving operators, while Gili Meno is often dubbed the Honeymoon island offer a tranquil, quieter stay. Gili Air, on the other hand embraces resort living with an array of dining options.
The Gili Islands are the home to many turtles and vibrant coral reefs, making them a snorkelers paradise. In this guide, we reveal our top 5 snorkel spot picks with our first-hand snorkel experience, to help you plan your next trip.
Gili Islands
Snorkel Snaps
1.
Turtle Paradise
GILI MENO
Very good snorkel trip, in my opinion, the best trip for snorkeling in the Gili’s. You are likely to see turtle’s at Turtle Paradise snorkeling spot, including Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead species. Snorkeling with these gentle creatures is an incredible experience. Go earlier in the morning to beat the crowds, which can help with your chances of seeing turtles. Great variety of fish and coral, makes for a pretty good day out for the cost. I did see turtles, as well as Clownfish, many reef fish, and healthy corals.
CHECK OUT OUR SNORKEL REVIEW BELOW:
2.
Turtle Point
GILI TRAWANGAN
There are usually many turtles at Turtle Point at Gili T, you can see them feeding on the seagrass. Fantastic snorkel, and only 10-20 meters off the beach. You can see Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead Turtles. There isn’t much coral, but you can also see many species of reef fish including the vibrant Picasso Triggerfish. Good spot to snorkel off the beach, but not as good as Turtle Paradise, Gili Meno.
CHECK OUT OUR SNORKEL REVIEW BELOW:
3.
Gili Air
GILI AIR
Gili Air has a fantastic snorkel spot at the South-East of the island, off the small beach. There are steps from the walkway down to the sea. There is an abundance of orange and pink soft coral, as well as many table corals, and unusual corals making you feel like you’re on another planet! There conservation wrecks dotted around the coral reef, with many, many Butterflyfish, Damselfish, and other colourful species. I don’t think it is as common to see Turtle’s here, but I did swim with a Hawksbill Turtle.
CHECK OUT OUR SNORKEL REVIEW BELOW:
4.
Nest Underwater Statues
GILI MENO
Wow! The Nest Underwater Statues is an iconic snorkel spot advertised on most snorkel trips! The artificial statue was sunk to promote coral growth. The statues are only 2 meters below the surface and a super-cool experience. This spot is very busy, so go early to beat the crowds and to get an awesome vacation pic! There were many Damselfish and small reef fish swimming within the statue.
CHECK OUT OUR SNORKEL REVIEW BELOW:
5.
Coral Garden
GILI MENO
The Coral Garden’s of Gili Meno are lcoated just North of the pier on the East side of Gili Meno. What a treat snorkeling the corals here, an underwater maze of red, green, and yellow healthy corals. I think the coral garden’s were some of the best coral reefs I’ve snorkeled in Bali, and a great stop off.
CHECK OUT OUR SNORKEL REVIEW BELOW:
Popular Marine Life
Parrotfish
Moorish Idol
Butterflyfish
Sergeant Major Damselfish
Hawksbill Turtle
Green Turtle
Rare Marine Life
Giant Moray Eel
Pufferfish
Titan Triggerfish
Clark’s Anemonefish
Coral Reef
Table Coral
Massive Coral
Brain Coral
Acroporidae Stoeny Coral
Branch Coral
Lettuce Coral
Folded Coral
Mushroom Coral
Feather Coral
Blue Ridged Coral
Cauliflower Coral
Encrusted Coral
Frequently Asked Questions
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah IDR. 5 EUR equals approximately 82K IDR.
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season which runs from May-October.
In my opinion, the best snorkel spot was Turtle Paradise located on the North East coast of Gili Meno
Yes, you can snorkel with turtles at all three of the Gili Islands, however this isn’t guaranteed. From my experience saw most Turtles at Turtle Point at Gili Trawangan, and at most of the snorkel spots at Gili Meno.
Indonesia Snorkel Reviews
