North of Gili Islands Snorkelling

Snorkelling in Gili Islands is a must if you visit one or all of these islands from Bali or Lombok. The three idyllic tropical destinations, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, have one thing in common. They all have stunning beaches and vibrant coral gardens with flush marine life.

Soak up the sun while relaxing on the white sand, swim with turtles and enjoy observing vibrant corals with playful fish in the crystal clear water!

Gili Meno

Gili Meno offers the best snorkelling Gili Islands experience, thanks to many shore snorkelling opportunities and the island’s laid-back atmosphere. Gili Meno snorkelling spots are around the west, northeast coast and on the east coast in front of Karma Reef.

The west coast is suitable for a drift snorkel. Enter the water at the Mahamaya Restaurant or Diana Cafe and let the current take you along the coral reef. You find here the Gili Meno underwater statues. If the visibility is good, you might spot the Bounty Wreck too on the southwest end of the coast.

The southern side of the island is also good to spot turtles! The north coast’s most famous sight is the Turtle Heaven. This underwater pinnacle is home to giant sea turtles that rest on the sea bottom and come up for air regularly. Turtle Heaven is a bit far from the shore. The spot is also called Turtle House because tiny houses are on the bottom.

The east side of the island around Karma Reef features nice corals, lots of tropical fish, moray eels, sea stars, and turtles. Let it take you towards the northern part of the island, then walk back rather than trying to swim against it! Here usually, the current runs to the north.

Underwater statues Gili Meno

The biggest attraction is definitely the Gili Meno underwater statue park. The installation named “Nest” consists of 48 life-size human figures in a circular formation referring to the circle of life. The figures are in shallow (5m) water in front of BASK Resort (this is under construction). The statues were created by the famous sculptor Jason DeCaires. His sculptures can be seen worldwide at places like Mexico Underwater Museum or Museo Atlantico in Lanzarote.

You can snorkel from the shore or book a snorkel trip that will include a stop at the statues. Get impressed by the fantastic art of Jason DeCaires, and The Gili Meno Underwater Sculpture Park! It is one of the best snorkelling Gili Islands experiences that is highly recommended! Not just because you can take incredible photos but to observe how coral slowly covers the figures providing a new home to marine life.

Gili Air

Like Gili Meno, Gili Air also offers excellent shore snorkelling. On the northeast coast (in front of Sandy Beach Bungalows), the most popular spot is Hans Reef, where you can see Black Tip Reef sharks and butterflyfish and parrotfish. There are several entry points on this side of the island, offering easy access to the water.

Not so far from Hans Reef, you find Frog Fish Point. It is a fine place to watch wrasses and trumpet fish and also possible to see sea turtles here! This is recommended for advanced snorkelers because it is a bit deeper.

The southern-east corner island is also perfect for snorkelling! This is the beach between Manta Dive Gili Air Resort and Scallywags Beach Club Resort. The best Gili Air snorkel spot with a shallow coral garden is Nemo City, right in front of the resort. Easy snorkelling with rich marine life around.

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is famous for its long sandy beaches that are perfect for sunbathing. Snorkelers also find here a lot to see. You find coral reefs almost all around the island except the busy harbourside. Still, most of them are not easily reachable, therefore visited by divers only.

But the good news is that to swim with turtles in Gili Trawangan, you do not need to swim so far out! Green turtles can be spotted easily while snorkelling from the beach.

The best snorkeling spot to sea turtles is the Turtle Point on the north-east side of the island. This area is a wide sandy beach between Villa Almarik and Damina Restaurant with a seagrass covered laguna and coral reef in 3-4 meters deep water before the reef drops off. Look for green turtles that feed on seagrass in the lagoon but keep a safe distance from them.