Sea Turtles – The Local Celebrities
Turtles are the stars of the show around the Gilis. You’ll spot them swimming peacefully, nibbling on sea grass, or popping up for air right next to you. They move slowly, gracefully, and are always amazing to watch. If you love the Gili turtles you can also check out Project Penyu.
Just remember: we admire them from a distance — no touching!
Underwater Statues at Gili Meno
Just off Gili Meno you will find one of the island’s most iconic snorkelling sites, a circle of statues resting beneath the sea. Created by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the installation is both an art piece and an artificial reef designed to encourage coral growth and marine life. Surrounded by colourful fish, the statues feel mysterious and beautiful, making this one of the best places in the Gilis for underwater photos. Yes, Utopia Catamaran takes you there.
Colourful Fish Everywhere
Coral Reefs, Stunning but Fragile
The reefs around the Gili Islands are alive with colour and texture. You will find branching staghorn corals, large boulder corals, soft waving sea fans, and delicate table corals that create shelter for countless fish. Together they form a vibrant ecosystem that makes the Gilis one of Indonesia’s most memorable snorkelling destinations.
But while the reefs are beautiful, they are also fragile. Rising ocean temperatures, careless fin kicks, and harmful sunscreens can damage these living structures. Protecting the coral means protecting the entire marine community that depends on it.
We do our part by:
- Never touching coral
- Using reef safe sunscreen
- Avoiding fins that kick against the reef
It is simple to keep the coral healthy while still enjoying every moment.
Above the water
Snorkelling may be the highlight, but the views from the boat are just as unforgettable. As you cruise between the islands, you will see turquoise waters stretching in every direction and mountain silhouettes rising in the distance. On clear days the mighty Mount Rinjani volcano in Lombok stands tall on the horizon, adding dramatic contrast to the tropical seascape.
Look around and you will spot the curves of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air framed by endless blue skies. Later in the afternoon, the colours shift to golden tones that light up the ocean and make every photo feel surreal. It is not only about what you discover below the surface, but also the beauty that surrounds you above the water.
Where we take you around the Gili Islands
Every Utopia Catamaran trip is planned around the day’s conditions so you can enjoy the clearest water and the safest sites. Our crew knows the reefs around the Gilis inside out and will choose the best snorkelling locations for the weather, tides, and visibility.
Depending on weather, we visit a mix of the best snorkelling sites, including:
- Turtle Heaven one of the top places to swim with turtles
- Gili Meno Statues unique, dreamy, and photogenic
- Coral Garden shallow, colourful, and beginner friendly
- A secret spot we’ll keep one surprise for the day
No two trips are ever the same, which keeps every Utopia adventure fresh and exciting.
What’s Onboard with Utopia
Life on the boat is just as fun as life in the water. Between snorkelling stops you can stretch out on deck, soak up the views, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that makes every trip feel like a floating beach club.
- Snorkelling gear provided
- Friendly guides to show you the best spots
- Time to paddleboard, jump off the boat, or relax on beanbags
- Great music, laid back vibes, and no stress
Want something extra special? Learn more about our private catamaran charters
for groups and celebrations.
First time snorkelling?
Ready to dive in?
Join Utopia Catamaran for a 5 hour Gili Islands snorkelling cruise and discover the best spots around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Swim with turtles, explore colourful coral reefs, and capture iconic underwater photos before relaxing onboard with panoramic views of Lombok, Mount Rinjani, and turquoise waters. It is the perfect way to experience both the beauty beneath the sea and the scenery above it.