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Snorkelling in Gili Trawangan offers an incredible opportunity to explore crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. Alongside Gili Meno and Gili Air, this island is part of the Gili Islands, located off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. The area is a top destination for snorkelers looking to swim among sea turtles, tropical fish, and stunning coral formations. Gili Trawangan features both shallow reefs for beginners and deeper waters for experienced snorkelers. This guide highlights the best snorkelling spots, essential tips, and key details to help you plan an unforgettable snorkelling adventure.
Top 10 Places for Snorkelling In Gili Trawangan
Below is the list of the best 10 places for Snorkelling in Gili Trawangan offering unmatched experiences:
1. Halik Reef
Photo: John Cahil Rom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Halik Reef is one of the ideal destinations for snorkelling in Gili Trawangan, which sits on the northern edge of the area and offers an exciting underwater world full of coral gardens and fish species. Schools of jackfish, angelfish, and even the occasional reef shark can be spotted. The coral formations create a great habitat for marine life, making this a rewarding site for snorkelers. The current can be strong at times, so it’s best to go in the morning when the sea is calmer.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning when currents are mild
2. Turtle Point
Photo: John Cahil Rom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
As the name suggests, Turtle Point is one of the best places for snorkelling, ideal to spot green sea turtles. They often glide through the shallow waters, feeding on seagrass. The area is a mix of sandy patches and coral, attracting small fish and other marine creatures. It’s a popular snorkelling spot, so going early helps avoid the rush. The water here is generally calm, making it ideal for all experience levels. Since the turtles are accustomed to snorkelers, you can observe them up close, but always maintain a respectful distance.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early morning before the crowd arrives
3. Biorock Reef
Photo: Martin Hungerbühler / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Biorock Reef is an artificial coral restoration project designed to support marine ecosystems. Metal structures submerged in the water act as a framework for coral growth, attracting various fish and invertebrates. Snorkelers can see clownfish, parrotfish, and even moray eels hiding within the structures, making it one of the best places for snorkelling. Over time, the corals have flourished, creating a lively underwater environment that continues to evolve as marine life finds shelter in the reef.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning, as currents can get stronger later
4. The Nest Underwater Statues
Photo: Alex P / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Nest is an underwater sculpture installation featuring life-sized human figures arranged in a circle. Over time, corals and marine organisms have grown on the statues, turning them into artificial reefs. Snorkelers can swim around the installation, watching fish weave through the sculptures. It’s a popular site, so visiting early in the day allows for better visibility and fewer people in the water. The contrast between the artificial art and the natural sea life makes this site fascinating, as marine creatures slowly transform it into part of the ocean.
Ideal Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds
5. Meno Wall
Photo: Leonardo Lamas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Meno Wall is a vertical drop-off that attracts a variety of marine life. Sea turtles are frequently spotted here, along with reef sharks and schools of snapper. The deeper areas offer a different perspective, where larger fish move through the blue. The site is a great mix of shallow coral gardens and deeper sections, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced snorkelers. The deeper wall section provides a different experience from other locations, giving snorkelers a chance to see marine life that prefers the open water.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning hours
6. Secret Garden
Photo: Ruben Galante / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This lesser-known snorkelling site offers coral formations that are home to a variety of small fish, sea urchins, and anemones. The lack of crowds makes it an enjoyable spot for those looking to take their time exploring. The waters are usually clear, allowing for good visibility of the underwater world. As the name suggests, it’s a quiet location where snorkelers can take in the beauty of the reef without distractions. The variety of coral structures provides an excellent backdrop for underwater photography, making it a rewarding spot for nature lovers.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Mid-morning
7. Hans Reef
Photo: Leonardo Lamas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Hans Reef is popular for spotting cuttlefish, octopuses, and various species of reef fish. The coral structures in this area support a mix of marine life, making it a great place for underwater exploration. It’s a relatively shallow site, so snorkelers can get a close look at the marine creatures without diving deep. The calm conditions make it accessible for all levels. The variety of marine life, from camouflaged octopuses to brightly coloured fish, ensures that there is always something new to see at this location.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning
8. Frogfish Point
Photo: Ruben Galante / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
This location is named after the rare frogfish that can be found hiding among the coral and rocks. Snorkelers who take their time scanning the seabed may also see nudibranchs and scorpionfish. The area is relatively small but packed with interesting marine life, making it a rewarding place for those who enjoy spotting the less obvious creatures of the reef. Due to the presence of unique species, this site is particularly exciting for snorkelers who enjoy the thrill of searching for well-camouflaged marine life.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning
9. Air Slope
Photo: Leonardo Lamas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Air Slope is a gently sloping reef that is ideal for beginners. The corals here are healthy, and the waters are usually calm, allowing snorkelers to drift along without much effort. Sea turtles are often spotted, along with butterflyfish and wrasses. The gradual depth change provides a good introduction to snorkelling without needing to venture too far from shore. Since the currents are mild, this is one of the safest locations for beginners, providing a relaxed environment for first-time snorkellers.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning
10. Shark Point
Photo: Francesco Ungaro / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Shark Point is a well-known snorkelling site on the western side of Gili Trawangan. It is one of the best spots to encounter blacktip reef sharks, which are often seen gliding through the deeper waters. The area is also home to schools of trevally, fusiliers, and bannerfish. While the sharks are harmless to humans, they add an exciting element to the snorkelling experience. The currents can be strong at times, so it is advisable to go with a guide or during slack tide.
Ideal Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Snorkelling in Gili Trawangan is a fun way to see the underwater world. You can swim with turtles, see colourful corals, and spot reef sharks. Some places even have artificial reefs to explore in Gili Trawangan. Every snorkelling spot is special and full of sea life. Book your snorkelling trip with TripXL today and enjoy an amazing underwater adventure in Gili Trawangan.
Cover Photo: Miles Hardacre / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
