Diving & Snorkeling in the Gili Islands: Why Gili Air Is the Best Base for Your Underwater Adventure
- rimbagiliair
- Oct 24
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 27
The Gili Islands are often compared to Maldives and for good reason. Crystal-clear waters, thriving coral gardens, and sea turtles gliding through turquoise lagoons make this trio of islands an underwater paradise. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just love snorkeling above shallow reefs, the Gilis offer some of the most accessible and rewarding marine experiences in Southeast Asia.
The Gili Islands: A Marine Paradise
Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — form a small archipelago surrounded by coral reefs. The waters here are calm, warm year-round (27–30°C), and home to over 950 species of fish, plus turtles, sharks, rays, and a wide variety of corals.
Visibility often reaches up to 30 meters, making it one of Indonesia’s top diving and snorkeling destinations. From sea turtles and reef sharks to colorful clownfish and corals, every dip feels like entering a natural aquarium.
The islands have also embraced eco-conscious tourism: no motorized vehicles, coral restoration programs, and local efforts to reduce plastic waste, keeping the underwater world as pristine as possible.
Best Snorkeling Spots Across the Gili Islands
Each of the three Gili Islands offers its own distinct underwater charm. You don’t need to dive deep to experience the Gilis’ magic. Some of the best snorkeling sites are just a few meters from the shore.
Here are some of the must-visit spots across the islands:
1. Gili Air Reef – Easy Access for Beginners
Right off Gili Air’s east coast, this reef is perfect for beginners and casual snorkelers. The water is calm and shallow, making it easy to spot clownfish, parrotfish, and sometimes even baby turtles near the sea grass. It’s also one of the best places for sunrise snorkeling, where the morning light illuminates the reef beautifully.
2. Turtle Point (Between Gili Air & Gili Meno)
As the name suggests, Turtle Point is the ultimate spot for swimming with sea turtles. Located between Gili Air and Gili Meno, it’s accessible by a short boat ride or as part of a half-day snorkeling trip. The sea floor drops gradually, and you can often see green and hawksbill turtles gracefully gliding by. Remember to keep a respectful distance and no touching!
3. Bounty Wreck – For the Adventurous
The Bounty Wreck sits off the coast between Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. This sunken jetty, once used by a resort, is now covered in corals and surrounded by schools of fish. While it’s a favorite among divers, it’s also accessible to confident snorkelers on calm days. Expect to see sergeant majors, butterflyfish, and even moray eels peeking out from the wreck’s structure.
4. Coral Garden (Near Gili Meno)
If you’re after a vibrant and colorful underwater scene, Coral Garden delivers. This shallow snorkeling spot is filled with branching corals, bright damselfish, and small reef sharks (harmless to humans). It’s also a good location for underwater photography thanks to its visibility and natural light.
5. Gili Meno Statues
Located between Gili Air and Gili Meno, The Nest Statues, created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, feature 48 life-sized figures arranged in a circle. It is an underwater art installation designed to support coral regeneration. Made from eco-friendly, pH-neutral materials, the sculptures now serve as an artificial reef that attracts colorful marine life and symbolizes harmony between art and nature. Commissioned as part of a marine restoration initiative, the site has become one of the Gilis’ most photographed and meaningful snorkeling spots.
Snorkeling Prices and Boat Tips
Public Group Snorkeling Tours Around IDR 150,000–250,000 per person, this shared trip includes snorkeling gear and a life vest. Each boat carries about 15–20 people and usually makes 3–4 stops, including Turtle Point, Gili Meno’s Nest Statues, and coral garden sites.
-> Recommended for confident swimmers who are comfortable in open water.
Private Boat Charter Most commonly arranged for sunset trips, private charters offer a more intimate way to enjoy the ocean. Rates are typically IDR 750,000–900,000 for 2–4 people. If you’re planning to transfer between islands, private boats to other Gilis cost around IDR 350,000 one way.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours Perfect for families or non-swimmers, glass-bottom tours cost around IDR 300,000–500,000 per person and allow you to admire the marine life without getting wet.
Gear Rental Snorkel masks and fins are available on Gili Air for IDR 50,000–80,000 per day.
Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the operator, season, and number of participants. Always confirm before booking.
Rimba Villas can also assist guests in arranging private boat charters, guided snorkeling, or custom island-hopping experiences. Explore our offers here->
For more tips on sea adventures and travel planning, check out our related guides:
Best Diving Spots Around the Gili Islands
Beneath the turquoise surface of the Gilis lies one of Indonesia’s most accessible and rewarding dive destinations. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first bubbles or an experienced diver chasing drift dives and pelagic encounters, the Gili Islands offer something for everyone.
1. Hans Reef (Gili Air)
Located just off the northeast coast of Gili Air, Hans Reef is a favorite among beginners and macro enthusiasts alike. The sandy slope is dotted with coral bommies and sea fans hiding seahorses, nudibranchs, and octopuses. Turtles often glide by, and visibility can reach up to 25 meters on a calm day. It’s also a popular training site for Open Water courses.
2. Air Wall (Gili Air)
A short boat ride from Rimba Villas, Air Wall offers a gentle drift dive along a vertical wall covered in soft corals and sponges. Divers can spot lionfish, moray eels, and the occasional eagle ray. The site is suitable for all levels and showcases the tranquil beauty of Gili Air’s marine ecosystem.
3. Air Slope (Gili Air)
Ideal for beginners and underwater photographers, Air Slope features a gradual descent lined with coral gardens and curious reef fish. The calm conditions make it great for spotting turtles and learning buoyancy control. Early morning dives here are especially serene, as sunlight filters through the crystal-clear water.
4. Shark Point (Gili Trawangan)
One of the most famous dive sites in the Gilis, Shark Point offers multiple depth levels—perfect for both beginner and advanced divers. Expect to see blacktip reef sharks cruising along the current, schools of snapper, and sometimes even turtles resting on the sandy bottom. The drift can be strong, so it’s best done with a dive center familiar with local conditions.
5. Halik Reef (Gili Trawangan)
Halik Reef is known for its vibrant soft corals, schooling fusiliers, and occasional trevallies sweeping past in the current. This site provides an excellent balance of color, marine life, and accessibility. With mild drifts and good visibility, it’s a great choice for intermediate divers seeking lively reef action without too much challenge.
6. Simons Reef (Between Gili Meno & Gili Air)
For advanced divers seeking stronger currents and untouched coral gardens, Simons Reef delivers. The site drops steeply to about 30 meters and is filled with large barrel sponges, sea fans, and healthy coral formations teeming with reef fish. Visibility is often excellent, making it one of the Gilis’ hidden gems.
7. Deep Turbo (Between Gili Trawangan & Gili Meno)
This advanced site lies at depths of 25–35 meters, ideal for those chasing adventure. The reef structure here is stunning, with large sea fans, barrel sponges, and schools of trevallies darting through. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter a spotted eagle ray.
8. Meno Wall (Gili Meno)
Perfect for a relaxed afternoon dive, Meno Wall features a gentle drop-off with stunning coral formations and an abundance of tropical fish. At night, it transforms into an entirely different world—home to lobsters, cuttlefish, and sleeping parrotfish nestled in the corals.
9. Bounty Wreck (Between Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan)
This partially submerged pier structure is now one of the region’s liveliest dive sites. Covered with corals and teeming with marine life, the wreck sits at 12–18 meters and is accessible for divers of all levels. Photographers love this spot for its blend of man-made mystery and natural reef beauty.
Diving Costs & Recommendations
Fun dives: IDR 700,000–850,000 per dive (includes guide & full equipment)
Open Water certification: IDR 5,000,000–6,000,000 (3–4 days)
Advanced or specialty dives: IDR 4,500,000–6,500,000
Private charters or night dives: available at extra cost
Prices are approximate and depend on the operator, course type, and group size. Always confirm before booking.
For more inspiration, check out our related stories:
Best Accommodation in the Gili Islands for Your Underwater Adventure
When it comes to diving and snorkeling in the Gilis, your accommodation matters just as much as your dive site. Choosing the right base can make your underwater adventure smoother, more relaxed, and more memorable. Unlike the busy Gili Trawangan or the quiet Gili Meno, Gili Air offers the ideal balance between comfort, convenience, and authenticity, making it the best spot for both divers and snorkelers.
From your villa, you’ll find yourself minutes from top snorkeling sites like Air Wall and Frogfish Point, and within quick reach of dive centers launching to places like Shark Point and Halik Reef. At the end of a full day exploring vibrant coral and marine life, come home to a serene sanctuary: lush gardens, gentle ocean breeze, and island hospitality that feels personal and genuine.
For those seeking this perfect balance, Rimba Villas on Gili Air embodies the essence of a tropical retreat, peaceful yet connected, refined yet relaxed, the ideal Gili accommodation for your next underwater adventure.
FAQs
Which Gili Island is best for snorkeling and diving?
When it comes to snorkeling in the Gili Islands and diving around Gili, each island offers amazing underwater experiences, but Gili Air stands out for its balance. It’s calm, less crowded than Trawangan, and has direct access to top dive sites like Air Wall, Frogfish Point, and Halik Reef.
When is the best time to go diving or snorkeling in the Gilis?
The best time for Gili snorkeling and diving is during the dry season (May to October). Waters are calm, visibility is excellent (up to 30 meters), and marine life is at its most vibrant. That said, you can enjoy these activities year-round.
Do I need to be certified to dive in the Gili Islands?
No, you don’t need to be certified to enjoy diving in the Gilis. Many dive centers on Gili Air offer introductory dive programs (also known as Try Scuba or Discover Scuba Diving experiences) for beginners who want to experience the underwater world safely with a professional instructor.
For certified divers, whether SSI, PADI, or other international certifications, there are plenty of deeper sites like Deep Turbo or Shark Point to explore.
Rimba Villas can help arrange diving sessions with our trusted local SSI partner.
Can I snorkel directly from the beach on Gili Air?
Yes! One of the best things about snorkeling in Gili Air is how easy it is to access reefs right from the shore. Simply rent snorkeling gear from a local shop and swim a few meters out to spot sea turtles and tropical fish. However, we advise you to never dive or snorkel alone.
How much does diving or snorkeling in Gili cost?
Prices for Gili snorkeling tours start at around IDR 150,000–250,000 per person, while Gili diving packages range from IDR 700,000–800,000 per fun dive. Beginners’ dive courses start at about IDR 1,200,000. Rates vary depending on the operator, season, and number of people.
What should I bring for snorkeling or diving trips in the Gilis?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rash guard, cash for rentals or snacks, and a waterproof bag. Most organized Gili snorkeling tours include gear and drinking water, so you can travel light.
Are there good dive centers on Gili Air?
Absolutely. Gili Air dive schools are well-known for professional instructors and safe equipment. Many are located near Rimba Villas, so you can easily plan your dives or snorkeling trips just steps away from your accommodation.
Responsible Snorkeling & Diving: Protecting Gili’s Marine Life
The Gili Islands’ reefs are living ecosystems: fragile, beautiful, and essential to the balance of marine life. Whether you’re snorkeling in shallow lagoons or diving deeper reefs, please keep these simple rules in mind to protect the ocean that welcomes us:
Don’t touch, stand on, or kick coral, even dead-looking coral supports marine life.
Keep a respectful distance (2+ meters) from turtles and other sea creatures.
Never feed fish or marine animals.
Use reef-safe sunscreen only, made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate).
Don’t collect shells, sand, or coral as souvenirs. Everything plays a role in the reef’s ecosystem.
Control your buoyancy and fins to avoid accidental contact.
Avoid chasing or cornering marine life just for photos.
If you see trash underwater, collect it safely. Every small action helps protect the reef.
Why it matters: Coral reefs grow just a few centimeters a year. It can take decades to recover from a single careless touch. Even brief contact can remove the protective mucus that helps corals resist disease. By diving and snorkeling mindfully, we keep this natural wonder alive for generations to come.
Ocean Safety Tips
The Gili Islands are known for calm waters and great visibility, but safety always comes first. A few reminders for your next underwater adventure:
Always choose reputable dive centers with current certifications (PADI, SSI, etc.).
Never dive or snorkel alone.
Be honest about your skill level. Some sites, like Shark Point or Meno Wall, can have strong currents.
Check weather and tide conditions before heading out. If the sea looks rough, reschedule. The reef will still be there tomorrow.
Wear a rash guard to protect from sunburn and jellyfish stings.
Keep distance from lionfish, sea urchins, and other venomous marine life.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before diving or snorkeling.
At Rimba Villas, we deeply value our ocean and the people who explore it. By following these small precautions, you’ll help keep the Gilis a safe and thriving haven for both marine life and visitors.
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