Lombok Secret Gili: Island Hopping & Snorkelling Trip

Secret Gilis are the anti-crowd escape. This private boat day strings together swim, jump, and snorkel stops with Gili Nanggu and Gili Kedis, plus views back toward West Lombok. I really like the simple rhythm, snorkel, relax, repeat, and I also like the island-side lunch setup that feels more special than a quick meal. One possible drawback: snorkel equipment quality can be hit or miss, so if you are picky, consider bringing your own mask.

The best part is how easy it feels from door-to-harbour and back again, with hotel or cruise port pickup. You’ll spend about 510 minutes in total, so it is a full day, not a quick half-day snack.

Key things to know before you go

• Three snorkeling stops: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis, each with time to swim and settle in
• Private sailing route with strong photo views of West Lombok from the water
• Guide-led snorkel support plus snorkelling equipment included
• Lunch on the island at Gili Sudak, with a locally styled meal setup
• Relaxed pace in a private group, so you are not stuck waiting on crowds
• Small reality check on gear: one trip had a couple snorkels leaking, and it was fixed by swapping when possible

A private boat day to the Secret Gilis (and why the route matters)

If you have ever done a typical island hop where you spend more time queueing than swimming, this one is different. You are on a private boat for the whole itinerary, and the day is built around three distinct spots instead of one long, rushed stop.

I like that the route starts with a sailing transfer to an island that is known for being calmer and less developed. That changes the mood right away. The ocean time also gives you those West Lombok views from the water, which is a big part of why this trip feels like more than just snorkeling.

Is it perfect? Nothing is. One practical thing to keep in mind is that snorkel gear quality can vary. On at least one departure, a couple of snorkels were not in great shape, and the guide helped by swapping gear, but it still meant some inconvenience for one person. If you know your mask fit is picky, bring your own mask if you can.

Getting to the harbour: pickup options and how long the day really is

This trip is designed to run smoothly from where you are staying. Pickup is available from five areas: Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, and Pujut. You are asked to wait at the lobby, then you drive to a private harbour.

The total time is listed as 510 minutes, which is about 8.5 hours. That matters because you should treat it as a full outing. Between driving, the sailing legs, and the three island windows, it is not a quick sunrise snack before dinner.

If you are coming from a cruise ship port, pickup and drop-off are also part of the plan. The trip returns you by drive to your hotel or cruise port after the last island.

Gili Nanggu: your first snorkel and the “jump in” start

Gili Nanggu is the first stop, with about 1.5 hours on the island. The format is straightforward and fun: you arrive, you get in the water, and you snorkel while the boat is anchored nearby.

This is where the day sets its tone. You are not just walking around or taking one photo and leaving. You have time to actually swim and explore the water you came for. The best part is that it is crystal clear water when conditions cooperate, so you can watch coral and fish without fighting rough visibility.

A couple of concrete things to look for while you snorkel: the water life is active, and you should have a good chance at seeing coral reef areas and lots of fish, plus larger highlights like turtles. In one guide-led moment, people also saw clownfish, which is a fun species to spot.

What can be a drawback here? If you are new to snorkeling, your first swim might be a learning curve. The tour includes a snorkelling guide, so you are not on your own, but give yourself a few minutes to get comfortable in the water before you chase the best-looking spots.

Sailing between islands: views of West Lombok from the water

Between stops, you are on the move by boat. That sailing time is more valuable than it sounds on paper. From the water, West Lombok scenery feels different, and the trip description promises stunning views of the West Lombok coastline.

Even if you are not a big “boat person,” you will probably enjoy the reset. It breaks up the snorkeling into smaller blocks, so you are not tired out after one long session. You also get to dry off, take a breath, and refocus.

Because this is a private group, you are not constantly waiting for other people to return. That helps keep the day calm.

Gili Sudak: lunch, free time, and a beach break that feels real

Gili Sudak gets about 2 hours, which is the longest window besides the total day. This is also where you get lunch, plus time for sightseeing and walking around the island area if you want it.

I like that lunch is not an afterthought. It is built into the island stop, and the meal is served at the local restaurant setup on the island area. On at least one trip, the lunch setup was placed as a simple table service that made it feel more like a small VIP moment than a rushed handout.

After lunch, you have flexibility. You can snorkel again, or you can just slow down and enjoy the beach. The trip description points to a white beach with views of the southwest coast of Lombok. That is exactly the kind of “do less” time that keeps this from feeling like nonstop activity.

One practical note: since you are doing multiple water sessions, plan your sunscreen and water habits. Mineral water is included, but you will still want to stay ahead of sun and salt.

Gili Kedis: the final mini-island vibe and best photo moments

Gili Kedis is the last stop and listed as about 1.5 hours. The tone shifts here. This is the mini-island phase where the scenery and the island feel take over.

The trip is careful to describe this as the most beautiful spot for capturing your moment. I think that usually means it is the kind of place where the water color, the tiny coastline shape, and the overall “island postcard” look all work together.

You get time for swimming and enjoying the island vibes, plus one more chance to get in the water for snorkel views. If you are the type who likes a final big swim, this is likely your best timing slot.

If you tend to get tired late in the day, build in a small strategy. Do your longer swim early in the island window, then save energy for the walk and photos.

Snorkelling guide, equipment, and how to make it go smoothly

This trip includes snorkelling equipment and a snorkelling guide, and that is a big deal for value. The guide helps you find the best spots in each area, and they also keep you from wasting your time circling around looking for the “good water.”

One of the most memorable guide-led details from real departures: the boat team can help film moments for a small extra fee, and turtles plus clownfish were mentioned in connection with that kind of snorkel highlight.

About equipment, here is the practical truth. Snorkels are included, and most people will be fine. But there was at least one case where two snorkels had leaks, and there was no immediate spare. The guide handled it as quickly as they could by swapping gear, but it still affected one person.

So what should you do?

• If you have your own snorkel mask or you are sensitive to fit, bring it.
• If not, do a quick fit check right when you get the equipment. If something feels off, tell the guide immediately.

Also remember: snorkeling is not just about seeing fish. It is about comfort. If you feel rushed or anxious, your water time will be shorter than it should be. A calm guide and a private pace help.

Private group value: what you get for $147 (and who it fits)

Price is listed as $147 per group up to 2, which is one of the reasons this trip can be a strong deal. In practice, paying for a private boat with a guide, lunch, entrance ticket, pickup, and snorkel support can be hard to match when you start adding up “extras” from public tours.

Where this becomes good value for you is when you want:

• a private pace without waiting around
• three meaningful stops instead of one quick island
• a guide who can help you snorkel effectively
• included lunch and water

Where it might not be best is if you are traveling alone and you are comfortable with shared tours that are cheaper. A private group makes the most sense when you are two people, or when you really value having the schedule feel your own.

The day also includes entrance tickets, which matters because some island hopping experiences quietly add those costs later.

Timing by stop: how the flow feels during the day

Here is the shape of the day based on the itinerary timing:

• Gili Nanggu: 1.5 hours, first swim and snorkel window
• Gili Sudak: 2 hours, lunch plus a longer beach and snorkel break
• Gili Kedis: 1.5 hours, final island vibes and best photo time
• Plus driving and sailing time between harbour and islands

This flow is comfortable because you get to snorkel right away, then take a real break at Gili Sudak with lunch. Then you finish with Gili Kedis. Many island days try to squeeze too much into one spot. This one splits it up into three clear chapters.

What to pack so you do not waste time in the sun

The trip includes mineral water, lunch, snorkelling equipment, and entrance tickets, so you do not have to overpack on the “tour supplies” side. You do want to pack for the parts the trip cannot fix: sun, comfort, and water time.

I recommend you bring:

• reef-safe sunscreen (if you use it)
• a dry bag for your phone and documents
• a light rashguard or swim top if you burn fast
• a small towel or quick-dry shirt for the boat ride

Cold beer is not included, so if that is part of your island hop vibe, you will need to handle it on your own.

Should you book Lombok Secret Gili? My practical take

Book it if you want a private day on the water with three snorkeling-focused stops, a real lunch break, and minimal stress from pickup through drop-off. The combination of Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis is a good mix of reef time, beach time, and “end of day” photo moments.

Hold off or plan differently if snorkel gear quality matters a lot to you. The included equipment is generally part of the package, but there is at least one known issue with leaks on some snorkels, handled by swapping when possible. Bringing your own mask, or being ready to ask for immediate fixes, will make the day smoother.

If you are two people traveling together from Praya Barat, Kuta, Senggigi, or Pujut, this is one of the most straightforward ways to get a calmer, better-paced Secret Gili day without turning your vacation into a logistics exercise.

FAQ

What is included in the Lombok Secret Gili island hopping and snorkeling trip?

The trip includes private vehicle pickup and drop-off, a private boat, snorkeling equipment, a snorkeling guide, lunch, entrance ticket, and mineral water.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 510 minutes.

Which islands do you visit?

You visit Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis (Bedis).

Are pickup and drop-off included, and where do they happen?

Yes. Pickup is available from Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, and Pujut. Drop-off is available at Praya Barat, Kuta, Senggigi, Praya Barat Daya, and Pujut.

What is the price and group size?

It is priced at $147 per group up to 2 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.