Private Snorkeling Gili Island (Coral, Statue and Turtle)

When it comes to experiencing the Gili Islands’ underwater charm, this private snorkeling tour promises a mix of art, wildlife, and stunning scenery—all on a boat just for your group. From exploring sunken scooters off Gili Trawangan to swimming with graceful turtles on Gili Meno, the experience covers some of the most fascinating underwater sights in the region.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the personalized touch—your own boat, a dedicated guide, and the opportunity to capture your moments with a GoPro. That said, a few reviews hint at some logistical hiccups, like confusion at check-in or mixed group sizes, so clarity during booking is key.

Ideal for travelers who love marine life, underwater art, and relaxed island vibes, this tour suits those seeking a private, flexible snorkeling adventure with excellent value for money. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned snorkeler, the combination of stunning spots and attentive guides makes this a memorable choice.

Key Points

• Private Boat Experience: Your group gets exclusive access to four different snorkeling spots, avoiding crowded tours.
• Underwater Art & Wildlife: Explore Jason de Caires Taylor’s underwater statues, vibrant coral reefs, and the chance to see turtles.
• Relaxed Island Lunch: Enjoy a tranquil meal with local flavors on Gili Meno, complete with bottled water.
• ** Experienced Guides & Photography:** Friendly guides help find turtles and capture your underwater moments, with options to rent a GoPro.
• Good Value for Money: At $63 per person, considering the personalized service, multiple snorkeling sites, and lunch, it’s quite reasonable.
• Some logistical notes: Check-in clarity is vital; a few reviews mention confusion with shared vs. private boats.

An In-Depth Look at the Snorkeling Adventure

The Ease of Booking & Getting There

Booking this tour usually requires planning about 17 days in advance, which is typical for popular Gili activities. Meeting point is set at the Diversia Dive Shop & Bungalows in Lombok, but the real fun begins once you’re on board. From the moment you step onto your private boat, you’re set for roughly four hours of underwater exploration and island relaxation.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Gili Meno – The Underwater Statue Park
This stop is a highlight, especially because of Jason de Caires Taylor’s famous underwater sculptures. Created as both art and habitat, these figures are not only visually striking but also serve as coral reefs. The sculptures appear surreal, blending human form with marine growth, creating a fascinating underwater gallery. Reviewers rave about this site, calling it an “enchanting underwater sculpture park” and a “submerged gallery.” You can expect to spend around 30 minutes here, floating over life-sized figures that merge art and nature, providing a unique photo opportunity.

Stop 2: Coral Point – The Coral Gardens
Next, you’ll visit Coral Point, renowned for its lush coral gardens. This zone is teeming with colorful corals and schools of exotic fish. The calm and clear waters make it suitable for snorkelers of all levels, whether you’re just starting out or more experienced. One reviewer highlighted this spot as “a paradise for snorkelers,” and another emphasized that the vibrant colors and diversity make it a must-see. Expect about 30 minutes here, with ample time to marvel at the ecosystems thriving beneath the waves.

Stop 3: Turtle Point – An Up-Close Turtle Encounter
Turtle Point is arguably the star of the tour—where you get the chance to swim alongside gentle sea turtles. This spot is known for its conservation efforts, which means respectful interactions are encouraged. Reviewers shared that guides are helpful in spotting turtles, with one saying, “We saw a few thanks to Eddie, who was very helpful.” Expect around 40 minutes at this site, giving plenty of opportunity to observe these graceful creatures at close quarters in their natural environment.

Stop 4: Gili Meno – Lunch & Relaxation
After snorkeling, you’ll take a break at a local beach restaurant. Here, you can savor traditional Indonesian dishes or fresh seafood while enjoying a peaceful view of the beach. The ambiance is relaxed, with some reviewers mentioning the generous portions and the relaxing atmosphere. This stop lasts about 40 minutes, making it a perfect unwind after the morning’s adventures.

Stop 5: Gili Meno Beach – Leisure Time
Finally, you’ll get about 20 minutes to simply soak up some sun on Gili Meno’s pristine sands. Lounge under palm trees or take a quick dip to cool off. Many reviewers described this as the ideal way to wind down, with comments like “peaceful and picturesque,” emphasizing the island’s calm vibe.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Your package includes a glass-bottom boat, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, a delicious lunch, and the chance to take photos with a guide or rent a GoPro. The tour’s value is evident—at just $63, it combines personalized service, several snorkeling stops, and lunch.

What’s not included? The main caveat is the cancellation policy. You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours beforehand, but less than that, and your money stays with them. Some reviews mention confusion regarding check-in, so make sure to clarify your booking to avoid being placed on a shared boat—many travelers rave about the private experience, but only if it’s confirmed.

The Guides & Service

Multiple reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides, with mentions of guides like Eddie, Juan, and Judi. They’re praised not only for helping find wildlife and underwater statues but also for capturing excellent photos and videos—especially when renting a GoPro.

Reviewers consistently mention that guides are attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to ensure everyone has a good time. One reviewer said, “Our guide Hardi was really nice and helpful,” which underscores the caring attitude of the team.

Food & Beach Relaxation

Lunch is a simple yet delicious part of the experience. Many guests enjoyed the local seafood and Indonesian dishes, often complimenting the generous portions. The beach itself offers a peaceful backdrop with soft sands and calm waters, perfect for unwinding after snorkeling.

Overall Experience & Authenticity

Most reviews are glowing, with an average rating of 4.8 based on 215 authentic reviews. Many mention how the tour’s personalized nature, combined with the chance to see turtles and underwater sculptures, makes it worth the price. A handful of reviewers, however, have expressed dissatisfaction—mainly due to logistical issues or safety concerns, so it’s worth communicating clearly with the provider beforehand.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private snorkeling trip is perfect for those wanting a tailored, intimate experience without sharing the boat with large crowds. It suits families, couples, or small groups who value personalized service, excellent marine sightings, and good food. If you love underwater art, marine wildlife, and island relaxation, you’ll find this tour to be a memorable highlight of your Gili adventure.

It’s especially suited for travelers who want to capture their moments on camera—with reviews praising guides who take great photos and videos—making it ideal for social media enthusiasts or anyone wanting keepsakes of their marine encounters.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Clarity during booking is essential to ensure your boat is private, as some reviews mention being placed on shared boats by mistake.
• Consider renting a GoPro if you want top-quality underwater videos; many reviewers found it well worth the extra cost.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid confusion.
• Remember that cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.
• Prepare for a relaxed pace—the tour is about four hours, but it packs in multiple stops, so bring some patience if spots are crowded or guides are busy.

FAQ

Is this a private tour?
Yes, it’s designed as a private experience for your group, with only your party participating, provided you confirm this during booking.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a glass-bottom boat, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, lunch, and the opportunity to rent a GoPro for underwater photos and videos.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

How long is the tour?
The adventure lasts approximately 4 hours, with multiple stops for snorkeling, lunch, and relaxation.

What are the main highlights?
Expect to see underwater statues, coral reefs, and sea turtles, plus enjoy a peaceful lunch and leisure time on Gili Meno.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviewers mention guides like Eddie, Juan, and Judi, who are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and ability to find wildlife and underwater sculptures.

Do I need snorkeling experience?
Not necessarily. The calm waters and friendly guides make it suitable for beginners, and the staff are happy to assist with equipment and access.

Final Thoughts

This private snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded experience in the Gili Islands—combining art, marine wildlife, and island downtime—all in a personalized setting. The value for money, especially considering the exclusivity and variety of sites, makes it appealing for those wanting a genuine, less crowded adventure.

The guides’ commitment to capturing your moments and helping you spot turtles and sculptures elevates the experience beyond just snorkeling. Plus, the laid-back lunch and beach time make it a relaxing yet exciting day out.

For small groups or couples seeking intimacy and flexibility, this tour delivers a memorable underwater journey. Keep in mind the importance of clarifying your booking details, especially if privacy is a priority, to ensure smooth sailing.

Embark on this trip if you’re after a blend of art, wildlife, and island charm—an authentic Gili snorkeling experience you won’t forget.