Shared Snorkeling tour around 3 island (GoPro photoshoot)

Thinking about a snorkeling adventure around the Gili Islands? This shared tour offers a chance to see underwater statues, swim with turtles, and catch glimpses of vibrant marine life—all for just $16 per person. But before you book, let’s unpack what this experience really offers, what it’s like to participate, and whether it’s worth your time and money.

We love that this tour includes multiple stops at different islands, giving you a good taste of Gili’s underwater world in a few hours. The chance to swim with baby turtles and see an underwater statue are definite highlights that appeal to snorkelers of all levels. Plus, the inclusion of GoPro photos adds a fun souvenir to your trip, capturing those underwater moments you’ll want to remember.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is the crowded boat experience and some concerns about snorkeling gear quality, as mentioned in reviews. The tour’s timing can also feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re eager to spend more time exploring the underwater scenery or relaxing on the islands.

This tour should suit budget-conscious travelers who want a quick, diverse taste of the Gili Islands’ marine life without breaking the bank. It’s also a good fit for families or groups looking for a flexible, small-group experience that can be tailored if booked privately.

Key Points

• Affordable price with a focus on multiple snorkel spots.
• Includes snorkeling gear and a GoPro photo shoot, offering good value.
• Crowded boat conditions and limited time at each stop might affect the experience.
• Flexible scheduling for private bookings, ideal for families or groups.
• Underwater statue and turtle conservation are unique attractions.
• Tour duration of 3-4 hours makes it a quick adventure, but possibly rushed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: What to Expect from This Snorkeling Tour

This snorkeling tour around the Gili Islands offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to explore some of the most interesting spots in the area. It’s a shared experience, meaning you’ll be on a boat with other travelers, making it a social and affordable way to see marine life and underwater art. We think it’s a decent option for those who want to get a taste of Gili’s underwater world without spending a whole day or a lot of money.

What stands out about this tour are two key features: the underwater statue and the chance to swim with baby turtles. These moments are genuinely special and appeal to both casual snorkelers and underwater photography fans. The inclusion of a GoPro photoshoot is a big plus if you want high-quality snapshots without bringing your own camera.

However, a word of caution: reviews indicate that the boat can get crowded, and the snorkeling gear might not be top-notch. Also, the tour’s schedule can feel a bit tight, especially if you want more time at each spot. That said, it’s a flexible tour that can be customized if booked privately, making it suitable for families, groups, or travelers with a flexible timetable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re on a budget but eager to see a few underwater sights, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for families, group travelers, or anyone wanting a short, varied snorkeling experience. If you’re expecting a luxurious, private, or relaxed outing, you might want to look elsewhere. But if quick, fun, and affordable marine encounters sound good, this tour could be just what you’re after.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

The Stops and What They Offer

The tour begins around 9:30 am, with the boat heading out to 3 or 4 different snorkeling spots around the Gili Islands. The exact schedule may vary depending on the booking option, but generally, you’ll visit:

• Underwater Statue and Coral Gardens: Here, you’ll see an intriguing statue submerged beneath the water amid vibrant blue corals. This spot is typically the first stop, promising an engaging photo opportunity and a chance to marvel at the marine life surrounding the statue. The reviews note that the stops are “nice,” but some travelers found the time at each site too brief—especially at the underwater statue, which is a shame if you’re keen on taking lots of photos or exploring thoroughly.

• Gili Meno Turtle Conservation or Lake: The next stop typically involves visiting a turtle conservation center or lake. It’s a chance to learn about local marine conservation efforts and observe baby turtles if you’re lucky. This spot offers a more educational experience and the chance to witness the adorable baby turtles up close.

• Gili Air’s Fish Gardens: The third stop often takes you to Gili Air, where you can snorkel among colorful garden fishes. This is generally the most visually spectacular part of the tour, with a vibrant array of marine life that makes for great photos.

• Turtle Point: The final stop is usually at Turtle Point, where you’ll have an opportunity to swim alongside the turtles. This is what many travelers look forward to – the chance to get close to these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.

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The Lunch Break

After the first three stops, the tour offers about 30 minutes for lunch in Gili Air (lunch is not included). This break is enough to grab a quick bite, relax, and enjoy the island vibe. Many reviews mention that the timing might be a bit skewed, with more time allocated for lunch and breaks than for snorkeling, which could be disappointing if your priority is underwater exploration.

The Return and Duration

The tour wraps up around 2:30 pm, returning to the meeting point. It’s a 3 to 4-hour experience, which is convenient for those with tight schedules. However, some reviews suggest the snorkeling time at each spot might be limited, especially if the boat is crowded or if the group is large.

The Practical Details

What’s Included?

• Tour guide: Expect a guide to lead the boat and assist with snorkeling.
• Snorkeling gear: Basic gear is provided, but quality varies.
• Mineral water: A small bottle to keep you hydrated.

What’s Not Included?

• Lunch and other expenses: You’ll need to budget extra for meals or souvenirs.
• Additional activities: Any personal gear or underwater photography outside the GoPro photoshoot.

Meeting Points and Flexibility

The meeting point can vary depending on your booking, but the activity ends back at the starting location. Private bookings are available, allowing you to choose your start and end times and avoid sharing space with strangers.

Important Notes

• Tour start time: 9:30 am, with a recommendation to arrive 10 minutes early.
• Not suitable for: People over 70 years old or those with baby carriages.
• Languages: The tour is conducted in English.
• Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

The reviews reveal some common themes. One traveler, Jennifer, rated the experience 2 out of 5, citing that the boat was too crowded and the snorkeling gear was poor. She also noted that there wasn’t enough time at the snorkeling stops, feeling that the focus was on lunch and breaks.

Another review might point out that the stops are nice, but the crowded boat and short snorkeling periods could detract from the experience. These insights highlight that while the tour delivers on variety and affordability, it might not satisfy those looking for a more luxurious or relaxed outing.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling trip around the Gili Islands is best seen as an economical, quick peek at the area’s underwater highlights. It offers good value, including multiple stops, snorkeling gear, and GoPro photos for a very reasonable price. However, travelers should be aware of the crowded boat environment and limited time at each site.

If you’re budget-conscious, eager to see turtles and underwater statues, and don’t mind sharing your space, this tour can be a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for families, groups, or first-time snorkelers who want a short, social, and affordable adventure.

For those wanting a more relaxed, private, or in-depth experience, or if you’re seeking top-of-the-line gear and comfort, it might be worth exploring other options or booking privately.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally suitable for families, especially since it’s a small-group experience, but check if your kids are comfortable with snorkeling and boat rides.

What is included in the cost?
The tour includes a guide, snorkeling gear, and a small bottle of mineral water. Lunch and personal expenses are not included.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts between 3 to 4 hours, starting around 9:30 am and ending around 2:30 pm.

Can I customize the timing?
Yes, private bookings allow you to choose your start and end times based on availability.

Will I have enough time to snorkel at each stop?
Some travelers feel the time is a bit tight, and at certain stops, you might find the snorkeling period is limited.

What if I want more privacy?
Private tours are available and can be tailored to your preferred schedule, ideal for groups or families.

Is the gear good quality?
Reviews suggest snorkeling gear may be less than perfect, so bringing your own mask if possible could be a good idea.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
The tour provides basic snorkeling gear, but consider bringing your own if you’re particular about fit and quality.

In the end, this shared Gili Islands snorkeling tour offers a quick, affordable glimpse into underwater wonders, perfect for those on a budget or with limited time. Just be prepared for some crowds and brief visits to each spot, and you’ll likely come away with fun photos and memories of gentle turtles and underwater statues.

You can check availability for your dates here: