Gili Trawangan isn’t just known for its vibrant sunsets and lively beach bars—it’s also home to some of the most accessible and stunning snorkeling spots in Indonesia. With clear turquoise water, colorful coral reefs, and sea turtles almost guaranteed, snorkeling in Gili Trawangan is a must-do, even for first-timers. One of the best things about snorkeling here is how beginner-friendly it is. You don’t need a diving license, and you don’t even need to swim far from the beach to see amazing marine life. Whether you’re going solo or joining a tour, Gili T makes it easy to dip into the underwater world at your own pace.
Tip: Haven’t booked your trip yet? Secure your fast boat to Gili Trawangan early via www.bliputu.com for the best schedules and prices.
1. Turtle Point
If seeing turtles is on your bucket list, Turtle Point on the northeast coast of Gili T is your dream come true. The name says it all—you’re almost guaranteed to encounter one or two gentle sea turtles gliding gracefully through the water. It’s shallow, calm, and ideal for beginners with basic gear.
Just walk a few meters from the beach, and you’ll already see coral and marine life. Go early in the morning for the best visibility and fewer people.
2. The Underwater Statues (Nest by Jason deCaires Taylor)
Located off the southern tip of Gili Meno (a short boat ride from Gili T), this famous underwater sculpture site is both surreal and magical. The circle of life-sized human figures, partially covered in coral, creates a hauntingly beautiful snorkeling spot.
While this isn’t directly on Gili Trawangan, it’s usually included in half-day snorkeling tours from Gili T—and it’s absolutely worth it. The water here is deeper, so consider wearing a life vest if you’re not a confident swimmer.
3. Coral Garden
Situated just north of Turtle Point, Coral Garden offers a wide variety of marine life and colorful coral formations. The water is relatively shallow, with lots of soft and hard coral, clownfish, parrotfish, and sometimes even small reef sharks (don’t worry—they’re harmless!).
The current can be a little stronger here, so fins are recommended. Many snorkeling tours include Coral Garden in their standard route.
4. Bounty Wreck
For those wanting a bit more adventure, the Bounty Wreck—a sunken pontoon boat just off the west coast of Gili Meno—offers a unique underwater structure to explore. Coral has started to cover the wreck, attracting a variety of fish and marine species.
It’s more suited to intermediate snorkelers or those with a guide, but even beginners can enjoy the view from the surface if conditions are good.
What to Bring: Rent or Pack Your Own?
If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, don’t worry—rentals are available all over Gili T for around IDR 30,000–50,000 per day. However, for better comfort and hygiene, we recommend bringing your own snorkel mask and mouthpiece, especially if you plan to snorkel more than once.
A dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and water shoes are also great additions to your packing list. For a complete checklist, check out our Gili Trawangan Packing Guide to make sure you don’t miss any essentials.
Tour or DIY?
If it’s your first time snorkeling, joining a half-day snorkeling tour is a great option. These group tours are affordable (around IDR.150,000), include equipment, and visit multiple spots like Turtle Point, the statues, and Coral Garden.
Prefer to go at your own pace? You can also rent a private glass-bottom boat for a few hours and ask the captain to take you where you want to go. Either way, the experience is flexible, safe, and beginner-friendly.
How to Get to Gili Trawangan
The easiest and fastest way to reach the island is by booking a fast boat to Gili Trawangan from Bali. The ride typically takes 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the departure port (Padangbai being the most popular). Some boat operators even offer hotel pickups and combos that include snorkeling tours.
To keep it simple, book your ticket online at www.bliputu.com, where you can compare prices, schedules, and boat operators like Eka Jaya, Golden Queen, and Semaya Jet.
Need more details on how to reach the island smoothly? Don’t miss our Complete Transport Guide from Bali to Gili Trawangan for everything you need to know.
Final Tips for First-Time Snorkelers
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Go snorkeling in the morning for the best visibility.
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Wear a life jacket if you’re not a confident swimmer.
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Always apply reef-safe sunscreen 30 minutes before getting in the water.
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Respect marine life—don’t touch the turtles or coral.
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Bring a GoPro or waterproof phone case to capture the magic.
Whether you’re snorkeling over statues, chasing turtles, or floating above coral gardens, the underwater world of Gili Trawangan is simply unforgettable. It’s easy, accessible, and perfect for beginners.
So grab your mask, book your fast boat to Gili Trawangan, and get ready to dive into a whole new side of paradise.