Private Boat Tour at Gili Nanggu, ‘Secret Islands’

Exploring Indonesia’s Lombok region often means visiting its renowned beaches and vibrant culture. But for those craving a full day of tranquil escapes and underwater adventures, the Private Boat Tour at Gili Nanggu and nearby islands promises a memorable experience. This guided, private tour takes you to some of the most beautiful islets in the southwest of Lombok, with plenty of time to snorkel, relax on soft sandy beaches, and indulge in fresh seafood — all set against a backdrop of crystal-clear waters and lively coral reefs.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the fact that it’s private, giving you personalized attention and flexible pacing, plus the opportunity to visit multiple islands in one day. One potential consideration is that the trip involves a fair amount of water activity, so it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness and a love for aquatic adventures. This experience is perfect for travelers seeking serenity, natural beauty, and a taste of local seafood, especially if you’re looking to avoid crowded tourist spots and enjoy authentic island vibes.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with only your group participating.
• Multiple island stops offering snorkeling, relaxing beaches, and scenic views.
• Well-planned itinerary with enough time at each location for leisure and exploration.
• Includes lunch with grilled seafood, fruits, and coconut juice, providing excellent value.
• Snorkeling gear provided for underwater adventures in vibrant coral reefs.
• Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

What to Expect from the Gili Nanggu Private Boat Tour

This tour is designed to be a full day of laid-back island hopping, with the convenience of pickup and a carefully curated itinerary. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting an intimate experience that balances adventure with ample relaxation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Gili Nanggu
Our journey begins at Gili Nanggu, famously called the “Paradise Island,” and with good reason. You’ll spend about an hour and a half here, snorkeling in clear waters filled with colorful fish and lively coral. The guides, who are known for their friendly and attentive service, will help you navigate the shallow reefs, which are ideal for beginners. The calm waters and no-motor-zone vibe here make it an ideal spot to unwind.

What’s special? Many reviews highlight the stunning underwater scene — “a variety of very tame fish welcomed us,” as one guest noted. It’s the kind of place where you can float lazily and still see a kaleidoscope of marine life just beneath the surface.

Stop 2: Gili Sudak
Next, the boat takes you to Gili Sudak, where you’ll stay for about 1.5 hours. Here, your guide will set up a delightful lunch of grilled seafood, rice, fresh fruit, and young coconut juice — a true highlight for many. This meal isn’t just sustenance; it’s a chance to truly savor local flavors in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Unique activity? You’re encouraged to bring bread to feed the fish, which is a hit among travelers. The process involves a clever trick with a water bottle, creating a spray that attracts curious, colorful fish. One reviewer mentioned, “the fish are so tame, it feels like swimming with a multitude of underwater pets.”

Stop 3: Gili Layar
The third stop features an hour of snorkeling at Gili Layar, where the marine life gets even more intriguing. Expect to see pipefish and red ribbon-like nudibranch eggs, which are often mistaken for pipefish but are actually nudibranch eggs — a fun fact for marine enthusiasts. The water visibility here is excellent, making it easier to spot these tiny creatures.

Reviewers note: “The season’s best was the pipefish and those strange little nudibranch eggs, which I’d never seen before,” highlighting the diversity of marine life.

Stop 4: Gili Rengit
This quieter, more secluded island offers under-the-radar snorkeling. With calm waters and clear visibility, you’ll enjoy about an hour of swimming over reefs teeming with marine life. Many guests appreciate this stop for its tranquility and unspoiled ambiance. It’s a perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, or take photos of the surrounding nature.

From reviews: “The water is so clear, and the coral reefs are impressive,” which makes it an excellent choice for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Stop 5: Gili Kedis
The final stop is Gili Kedis, known for its postcard-worthy beaches. Here, you can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax on the soft sands. The boat will be waiting on the beach to take you back to Lombok’s Tawun harbor, wrapping up your island-hopping adventure.

Duration at this stop: About an hour — enough time to unwind after a busy day of exploring.

Additional Gili Sudak Visit:
The tour includes a second visit to Gili Sudak for another round of seafood and leisure, allowing you to soak up the sun and enjoy the scenery one last time before heading back.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $125 per person, this experience packs a lot into eight hours. Included in the price are snorkeling equipment, lunch, freshwater, and transfers, making it a convenient and high-value option. The fact that it’s private means you won’t be stuck with strangers or rushed through stops. Plus, the flexible cancellation allows peace of mind if weather or plans change.

While alcoholic beverages aren’t included, the fresh young coconut juice and flavorful seafood make up for a satisfying refreshment. Guests consistently mention the delicious lunch, which feels like a genuine local treat rather than a generic tourist meal.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring your own bread if you want to participate in feeding fish, as this is a highlight for many.
• Wear comfortable swimwear and bring reef-safe sunscreen — the sun can be intense.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended, especially for snorkeling and swimming.
• Early booking is advised, as the tour is popular and often booked 25 days in advance.
• Prepare for a full day of water activities — packing a dry bag for your essentials can be helpful.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who appreciate natural beauty, tranquil beaches, and underwater wildlife. It’s an excellent choice for couples, families, or small groups looking for a private, flexible day out. If you love snorkeling and fresh seafood, this experience offers both in abundance.

Those seeking a break from busy tourist spots or wishing to experience Lombok’s lesser-known islands will find this tour to be an authentic, refreshing escape. It’s also ideal for those who don’t mind a bit of physical activity but want the safety and comfort of a guided, well-organized trip.

While it’s not tailored for party-goers or those seeking nightlife, the peaceful beaches and underwater scenes will satisfy travelers in search of serenity and genuine island charm.

Final Thoughts

This private boat tour to Gili Nanggu and its neighbor is a fantastic way to see some of Lombok’s most beautiful islets without the crowds. The combination of scenic snorkeling, quiet beaches, and delicious seafood provides a perfectly balanced day of relaxation and adventure. The flexibility of a private experience makes it feel personalized, and the inclusion of multiple stops maximizes your time on the water.

If your ideal vacation day involves floating among colorful fish, lounging on soft sands, and enjoying fresh local fare, this tour is a worthwhile splurge. It’s especially suited to those who want a deeper connection with Lombok’s natural environment without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

For anyone looking to tick off several beautiful islands in one go while enjoying personalized service, this tour checks all the boxes — with the added bonus of stunning views and tasty food to round out the day.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as they are comfortable with snorkeling and water activities, children will enjoy feeding fish and relaxing on beaches.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry towel, and any personal items. You might find it helpful to bring bread for feeding fish, as recommended by previous travelers.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides grilled seafood, rice, fruits, and young coconut juice for lunch at Gili Sudak, and again at Gili Sudak later in the day.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from about 1 to 1.5 hours, allowing enough time to snorkel, relax, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, making it easy to explore the reefs without needing to bring your own.

What is the cancelation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the trip, which gives you flexibility if weather conditions are poor or plans change.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 25 days ahead is recommended, as this tour tends to fill up quickly due to its popularity.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it convenient to start and end your day without hassle.

What is the minimum physical fitness level required?
A moderate level of fitness is advised, especially for snorkeling and swimming, though the tour is suitable for most ages.

Can I participate in feeding the fish?
Absolutely, the feeding activity is a favorite among guests, and staff will assist with the process involving the water bottle trick.

This detailed review should help you decide if this private boat tour fits your travel style, promising a day filled with stunning sights, underwater discoveries, and tasty local flavors in Lombok’s ‘Secret Islands.’