Snorkeling with Sea Turtles in Gili Islands: A Great Family Adventure

Picture this: Pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a world beneath the surface teeming with vibrant marine life. And yes, you can easily go snorkeling with sea turtles in Gili!

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable family adventure that combines relaxation, exploration, and close encounters with these majestic creatures, then the Gili Islands are your tropical haven.

In our latest adventure, we’re diving headfirst into the enchanting world of the Gili Islands, a trio of tiny, car-free gems off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Join us as we share our experience of snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring lush coral reefs, and soaking up the sun with our loved ones in this slice of paradise.

Get ready to embark on a journey that will leave your family with cherished memories and a deep connection to the wonders of the underwater world.

What are the Gili islands?

The Gili Islands are a trio of idyllic, car-free islands nestled in the sparkling waters of the Indonesian archipelago, just off the northwest coast of Lombok. Comprising Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, these islands are renowned for their pristine white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a relaxed, tropical atmosphere.

Each island offers its own unique charm, from the lively nightlife of Gili Trawangan to the tranquil and romantic ambiance of Gili Meno, making them a haven for travelers seeking sun, sea, and serenity. With no motorized vehicles allowed, horse-drawn carts and bicycles are the primary modes of transportation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and slow-paced lifestyle of the Gili Islands.

Why should you take your kids on a family trip to the Gili islands?

If you’re yearning for an unforgettable family escape, the Gili Islands, and specifically Gili Trawangan, should be at the top of your list. These enchanting isles offer an ideal blend of relaxation, adventure, and pristine natural beauty that’s perfect for families of all sizes and ages.

Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three, stands out as our top pick for its vibrant atmosphere and myriad of family-friendly activities. Here, your family can indulge in snorkeling adventures where colorful coral gardens and playful sea turtles await just offshore.

Explore the island’s charming village by horse-drawn carriage or a rental bike, savor delicious local cuisine at beachfront cafes, and let your kids run free on the car-free roads. With its lively nightlife and welcoming locals, Gili Trawangan ensures an incredible family bonding experience amidst the turquoise waters and stunning sunsets.

It’s a destination where memories are made and smiles are shared, making it the perfect choice for your next family getaway.

How to get to Gili Trawangan

To reach the tropical paradise of Gili Trawangan from either Bali or Lombok, you can take a boat ride. From Bali, the most common departure points are Sanur Beach and Padang Bai. You can opt for fast boat services, which take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Gili Trawangan. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Lombok’s Lombok International Airport and then drive to the Bangsal Harbor or Teluk Nara Harbor. From there, you can catch a public ferry or speedboat to Gili Trawangan, which takes around 15 to 30 minutes. The ease of access from both Bali and Lombok makes Gili Trawangan an enticing destination for travelers seeking a tropical escape.

How much time do you need in the Gili islands?

With their pleasant climate and nice atmosphere, and if you are anything like our family that loves spending time in the water, it’s really mostly a matter of how much time you have got to spend in the Gili islands.

However, we would recommend to have at least 2 full days in the islands if your itinerary allows for it. We spent 6 days in the islands and could easily have spent more.

How to go snorkeling with sea turtles in Gili Trawangan?

To embark on an unforgettable snorkeling adventure with sea turtles in Gili Trawangan, follow these simple steps:

Firstly, get yourself some snorkeling gear if you did not bring some with you from home and head to the beach. There are lots of small booths in town and on the beach where you can rent gear for the day – including GoPro’s. We also recommend that you bring a pair of water shoes and an optional waterproof bag if you don’t want to leave your stuff at the beach (that is what we did with no issues).

Go to “Turtle Area”, the beach located at the north end of the town on Gili Trawangan, or “Turtle Point” which is another 10 minutes walk on the northside of the island. Turtle Point is our favorite as we found it easier to spot the turtles from the beach here, the water was shallow and there seemed to more turtles here.

Once you’re in the water, start looking for turtles. Sometimes they are more easily spotted from the beach but that depends on your location and the lighting.

Always keep a respectful distance from the sea turtles and other marine life. Swim quietly and avoid sudden movements to prevent startling the turtles. You’ll have the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants and witness their grace and beauty up close.

About the Sea Turtles in the Gili Islands

• Species: The Gili Islands are home to three species of sea turtles: Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Olive Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea). These species are all considered endangered or critically endangered.
• Nesting Sites: Sea turtles often return to the Gili Islands to nest. The beaches of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air serve as nesting sites where turtles lay their eggs, making these islands crucial for the conservation efforts of these majestic creatures.
• Snorkeling and Diving: The Gili Islands offer some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world to observe sea turtles in their natural habitat. Popular sites like Turtle Point, Shark Point, and Bounty Wreck are known for regular turtle sightings.
• Feeding Habits: Sea turtles in the Gili Islands primarily feed on seagrasses, algae, and jellyfish. Their feeding habits play a vital role in maintaining the health of the coral reefs and ocean ecosystems in the region.
• Conservation Efforts: There’s at least one local sea turtle conservation center in the Gili Islands working tirelessly to protect sea turtle populations – the Turtle Sanctuary in Gili Meno. They engage in hatchery programs, rescue injured turtles, and educate visitors about the importance of responsible tourism to ensure these creatures thrive.
• Threats: Sea turtles face numerous threats in the Gili Islands, including habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing nets. Conservation initiatives are critical to mitigate these dangers and secure the future of these iconic marine reptiles.

Our verdict for going to Gili Trawangan with kids

When first researching about the Gili islands and choosing which of the islands we would stay on, we were uncertain about whether Gili Trawangan would be right for our family. This was mainly due to some blog post talking about the nightlife on this island which we are not really into for obvious reasons when traveling with our kids.

However, we chose to stay in Gili Trawangan anyway because this is the more developed of the three islands. This way we would be a little closer to a better selection of restaurants as well as doctors and pharmacies (which, luckily, we did not need).

We loved the atmosphere of Gili Trawangan and were absolutely amazed about the the water, the snorkeling and the ease of snorkeling with sea turtles! The water was turquoise, crystal clear and warm – and the turtles seemed to be almost everywhere by the shallow beaches and very close to the shore. To our delight, they did not seem to care about us getting close and watching them.

For these reasons, we would highly recommend families with kids who would like to go snorkeling with sea turtles to go to Gili Trawangan!

Final words

In conclusion, our family adventure of snorkeling with turtles in Gili Trawangan was an experience we’ll treasure for a lifetime.

The Gili Islands, with their captivating beauty and the opportunity to swim alongside these gentle sea creatures, provided us with moments of awe and wonder that we won’t forget anytime soon.

Gili Trawangan, in particular, proved to be the perfect choice with its lively yet family-friendly atmosphere, making it an excellent destination for parents and kids alike.

Snorkeling with sea turtles in Gili wasn’t just an adventure; it was an educational journey that instilled in our children a profound appreciation for marine life and the importance of conservation.

So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary family experience that combines adventure, education, and pure joy, consider the Gili Islands and the enchanting Gili Trawangan. It’s a destination where nature and family bonds come together in perfect harmony, creating memories that will be cherished by your family for a very long time.

Other resources

If you like snorkeling with your kids, we recommend that you also check out our posts about watching sea turtles hatch in Cape Verde snorkelling with sharks and stingrays in Moorea, what to look for when snorkelling with kids in French Polynesia and snorkeling with kids in Egypt.

Martinique, Malta and Mauritius are other destinations we highly recommend for snorkeling with kids.