Gili Island: Shared Snorkeling at Turtle Point with GoPro｜Indonesia

Begin your adventure on Gili Trawangan, the largest and most developed of the three islands. Board a traditional outrigger boat and glide away from the bustling beachfront of "Gili T."

Make your first stop just offshore at a site known as the Vespa Underwater. Here, a sunken scooter has become an artificial reef, encrusted with soft corals and swarmed by curious damselfish. It serves as a quirky introduction to the treasures hidden beneath the waves.

Next, sail toward Gili Meno, the smallest and quietest of the three islands. Gili Meno is famous for two iconic snorkeling spots: the NEST Statues and Turtle Point.

The NEST statues, a hauntingly beautiful underwater art installation by Jason deCaires Taylor, consist of 48 life-sized human figures arranged in a circle. Snorkeling over these figures is a surreal experience; they are designed to act as an artificial reef, and seeing them slowly being reclaimed by coral and sponges is a powerful reminder of the intersection between art and nature.

Just a short distance away lies Turtle Point. The waters surrounding Gili Meno are a sanctuary for Green and Hawksbill turtles. Gliding through the water, you are almost guaranteed to spot these majestic creatures. Seeing a sea turtle surfacing for air or peacefully grazing on seagrass is a silent, spiritual moment that defines the Gili experience. The clarity of the water allows you to see every detail of their intricate shells and the rhythmic movement of their flippers.

The final leg of the journey takes you to Gili Air, the island that strikes a perfect balance between the social vibe of Trawangan and the seclusion of Meno. The snorkeling spots here, such as Hans Reef or the eastern coral gardens, are renowned for their biodiversity.

The underwater landscape of Gili Air is a kaleidoscope of colors. You will encounter "Blue Coral" (Heliopora coerulea) and vast fields of anemones swaying with the current. Schools of brightly colored parrotfish, clownfish (famously known as "Nemo"), and moorish idols dart in and out of the reef structures. The water here is often shallow and calm, making it the perfect spot to simply float and observe the frantic yet harmonious pace of life on a coral reef.


The three-island snorkeling trip is more than just an excursion; it is an immersion into one of the world's most delicate and beautiful ecosystems. It leaves you with a deep appreciation for the ocean's wonders and a collection of memories—of ancient turtles, silent statues, and neon-colored fish—that will last a lifetime. As the boat returns to Gili Trawangan against the backdrop of a setting sun, the rhythmic sound of the waves serves as a final, peaceful farewell