Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis Island Snorkeling Tour

Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis is a smart way to see Lombok’s Secret Gilis without packing your day with ferry hops and guesswork. You’ll ride out from Tawun Harbor on a private charter boat, then get three focused snorkeling and swim breaks in calm, shallow water.

Two things I really like about this tour. First, the snorkeling setup is handled for you, including snorkeling equipment, so you can spend less time fiddling and more time watching fish. Second, the stops are chosen for variety, from the clear-water coral at Gili Nanggu to the tiny, heart-shaped vibe of Gili Kedis.

One consideration: Gili Kedis is very small, so if you want long island hanging time, it’s not that kind of stop. You’ll have time to walk around and snorkel, but the island itself doesn’t take forever to cover.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Private charter boat from Tawun Harbor for a calmer, more direct day at sea
• Three snorkeling stops with built-in time blocks so you can actually enjoy each one
• Gili Nanggu for clear water, coral, and friendly tropical fish, good for beginners
• Gili Sudak as a relaxed break that works well for beach time plus lunch
• Gili Kedis as a quick heart-shaped walk and shallow-water snorkeling option
• Small max group size (up to 10 travelers) helps keep things easy and personal

Tawun Harbor to Secret Gilis, how the day is set up

This is a full-day charter plan on Lombok’s southwest coast, built around a simple rhythm: boat ride, snorkel, island break, repeat. The day runs about 9 hours, with a private boat ride departing from Tawun Harbor, crossing turquoise water toward the three gilis.

You also get real comfort and convenience baked in. Pickup is offered, you travel by an air-conditioned vehicle, and you get a mobile ticket. That matters when you’re doing a long day, since the travel part can otherwise eat your energy before you even hit the water.

The group size cap is 10 travelers max, and the boat is private. In plain terms, this usually means fewer crowded bottlenecks and more time where you want it: in the water, or on the sand when you need a breather. The tour also includes a local guide, which is a big deal for snorkeling days because they help keep the pace sane and the swim stops focused.

Snorkeling at Gili Nanggu: clear water and fish you can actually spot

Gili Nanggu is your first stop, and it’s a good one to start with. The water is described as clear, with colorful coral reefs and friendly tropical fish, which makes it a strong choice if you’re new to snorkeling or traveling with people who want an easy first taste.

You get about 2 hours here, which is enough time to get comfortable, do a couple of swim passes, and still have time to pause and look. I like that the stop is positioned for early success, because the first snorkeling moment sets your mood for the rest of the day.

This stop also tends to be where people get their best underwater memories. One of the most praised parts of the experience is that the boat guide managed to take great underwater photos, which is exactly the kind of detail that turns a fun swim into something you’ll actually want to keep. If you care about photos, this is where you’ll want to be ready.

What to watch for: since snorkeling conditions here are the main draw, plan to be mentally present for the first water time. Once you’re later on the day, you may find yourself splitting attention between beach breaks and swimming, which is normal, but it can reduce how much you notice in the water.

Gili Sudak: the calm island break and your included lunch moment

Gili Sudak is the “slow down” stop, and that balance matters on a long day. It’s described as a peaceful island with beachside lunch time and relaxed swimming, and the shallow waters are where snorkeling reveals more marine life.

You’ll have about 2 hours at this stop, so you can do it your way. If your snorkeling feels like it needs a reset, you can switch gears to sand time. If you want more water time, you can stay close to the shore, where the snorkeling is set up for easy access.

I like that lunch is included and fits naturally into this part of the day. When food is timed well, it stops you from turning the trip into a schedule stress test. The tour’s structure makes it possible to eat without abandoning the island experience.

Possible drawback to consider: this is not the stop designed around big dramatic coral moments. It’s more about relaxed swimming and a comfortable break, so if you’re chasing the most intense snorkeling you can get all day, you’ll likely feel that the first stop is the more focused highlight.

Gili Kedis: the tiny heart-shaped island and shallow water snorkeling

Then comes Gili Kedis, the smallest island of the trio, and it has a quick, cute theme. It’s often described as romantic and heart-shaped, and you can walk around the entire island in minutes. That means you’re not stuck in a long hike, and you can shift straight into shallow-water snorkeling if that’s your priority.

You get about 2 hours here, which is enough to do both: a quick walk for views and perspective, then time in the water for an easier snorkeling session. The snorkeling area is described as shallow waters around the island, which is helpful if you want to spend more time looking and less time worrying about distance or depth.

I also like the practical side of this stop. Tiny islands keep the day moving. You’re less likely to feel like you’re burning hours just getting around, and you can still enjoy the atmosphere.

One thing to set expectations on: because the island is small, the “main event” is the combination of quick walk plus water time. If what you want most is a long beach lounge session, this stop can feel short on pure lounging. The good news is that it’s easy to turn the time you have into a focused snorkeling session.

The private boat ride: a scenic connector, not just travel time

The day starts with a private boat ride departing from Tawun Harbor, and that part is more useful than it sounds. You get a scenic crossing over turquoise water before you reach the gilis, which helps the day feel like a real outing, not just a checklist.

Having a private charter boat also changes the tone. You’re not waiting in line with a crowd, and you’re not juggling as many mixed motivations on the same vessel. That can make it easier to plan your attention, whether you’re focused on snorkeling or you just want to enjoy the views and breathe.

One detail I’d keep in mind: a long day has a lot of “switching modes” built in. You’ll go from boat to gear to water, then back to sand for the island breaks. The tour’s timeboxing helps, but you’ll enjoy it more if you treat it like a rhythm rather than a marathon.

How 9 hours on the water and islands really plays out

This is a 9-hour day, and the timing is structured to keep each stop feeling purposeful. You’ll spend around 2 hours at each gili, with the private boat ride acting as a connector rather than a long, empty stretch.

In a day like this, the best moments tend to happen when you don’t overthink the schedule. One of the helpful bits from the experience feedback is that you can arrange the time on the islands and choose which parts to prioritize yourself. That’s a big plus for real life, because not everyone snorkels at the same speed or energy level.

You also get practical included items that prevent minor annoyances from piling up. Bottled water is included, and snorkeling gear is provided, so you’re not hunting down rentals or worrying about basic hydration. Lunch is included too, which keeps you from turning the middle of the day into a scramble.

Watch this mindset: if you walk in expecting one perfect snorkeling moment, you’ll probably get frustrated when the day shifts from water to island breaks. Better approach is to treat the trip as three separate chances for fish, coral, and easy island vibes.

Price and value: what $69 covers and how it stacks up

At $69 per person, this tour is priced like a solid day-excursion deal for Lombok. The reason it can feel good value is that you’re not only paying for transport. You also get snorkeling gear, a local guide, a private charter boat, bottled water, lunch, and documentation.

That’s the key point for value: you’re paying for an organized whole day, not just a ride and a map. Private boat time plus three stops adds up quickly in most island settings, so the inclusion list matters.

To be fair, not everything is included. There’s a fuel surcharge not included, and private expenses aren’t included either. If you’re on a tight budget, ask what portion of the remaining costs typically come into play so you can plan without surprises.

Who gets the best deal? People who want the “Secret Gilis” experience with minimal friction, and anyone who benefits from a guide to manage snorkeling focus. If you already own your own snorkeling gear and are confident navigating on your own, you might compare against simpler trips. But for most people, the combined stops plus included gear and lunch is the value story.

What’s included that makes a difference in your day

Here’s what you’re covered for, and why it matters once you’re actually there.

• Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you time and effort.
• Bottled water is included, so you’re not tempted to cut breaks short.
• A private charter boat plus a local guide means the day runs with fewer dead ends.
• Air-conditioned vehicle for pickup and travel to the harbor area reduces the stress of heat.
• Lunch and documentation are included, so you’re not piecing together food plans.
• Mobile ticket and confirmation at booking help keep the start simple.

The small group size, up to 10 travelers, adds to the comfort side. It’s not a giant public-boat scene, so you’re more likely to feel like the day is yours.

Who this tour fits best

This tour makes a lot of sense if you want variety in one day. Gili Nanggu is described as beginner-friendly with clear water and colorful reef life. Sudak adds a calmer, shallow-water swim plus lunch time. Kedis offers a quick walk and shallow snorkeling around a tiny heart-shaped island.

It also fits well for families or mixed groups where not everyone wants the same pace. The itinerary gives options: swim, rest, snorkel again. If your group has different comfort levels in the water, this kind of pacing usually works better than a single long snorkeling session.

If you’re a hardcore diver looking for deep water or long underwater time, this is probably not your exact tool. But for people who want a relaxed, photo-friendly snorkeling day with three well-chosen island stops, it’s a strong match.

Small practical tips to maximize your time

You don’t need to overprepare. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and lunch, so your biggest job is being ready when it’s time to get in the water.

Since the boat guide is involved and documentation is included, I’d treat snorkeling as something you do with attention, not as a quick churn. Ask for help with timing and where to focus your swim, especially at the first stop when visibility and fish activity are a big part of the payoff.

Also, think about how you personally like to spend time on islands. The experience is flexible enough that you can choose your mix of beach time and snorkeling. If you’re the type who gets tired fast, lean into shorter swims and longer rests. If you’re energized, you’ll likely enjoy staying in the water a bit longer at the shallow-water stops.

Finally, remember this is a full day. Pace yourself so you’re still enjoying the last stop at Kedis, not just surviving it.

Should you book this Gili Nanggu, Sudak, and Kedis tour?

I’d book it if you want an easy, structured way to see three Secret Gilis with snorkeling gear and lunch handled for you. The private charter boat and small maximum group size make the day feel calmer than typical shared tours, and the stops are built to work for different comfort levels in the water.

Skip it if you’re chasing a long, beach-heavy island day or you want the most intense snorkeling possible at a single location. Gili Kedis is small, and the whole day is balanced between water and island time.

If you’re on the fence, here’s a practical way to decide: pick this tour when you want convenience plus variety in one go. If you want a slower, single-island plan, look for something else.

FAQ

What islands are included on this Gili snorkeling tour?

The tour includes snorkeling stops at Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis.

How long does the tour last?

The tour duration is about 9 hours.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What is the price and what is not included?

The price is $69. Fuel surcharge and private expenses are not included.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.

How do I get the ticket?

You receive a mobile ticket.