Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis Island Snorkeling Tour

Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis offer a fine antidote to crowded island day trips. You travel by private boat from Tawun Harbor to calm, clear water, coral reefs, and small beaches where the main decision is whether to snorkel or sit in the shade. Gili Nanggu is the strongest snorkeling stop, especially for beginners and families.

I like the private boat and flexible timing, since you are not locked into a large group schedule. I also like the chance to see plenty of fish in shallow water, with the boat guide able to take underwater photos. The main catch is that fuel surcharges and private expenses are not included, so check the final cost before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Three very different islands: Gili Nanggu focuses on snorkeling, Gili Sudak adds a quiet beach break, and Gili Kedis is tiny enough to walk around in minutes.
• Private boat from Tawun Harbor: You get your own boat rather than sharing a fixed group vessel, with a maximum tour size of 10 people.
• About nine hours door to door: Pickup is offered in an air-conditioned vehicle before the boat crossing and island stops.
• Strong value for a private outing: The $69 price includes transport, boat hire, gear, lunch, water, and a local guide, though fuel and personal costs are extra.
• Good for first-time snorkelers: Gili Nanggu has clear, calm water and shallow reef areas suited to beginners and families.
• Flexible time on the islands: You can arrange how long to spend at each stop instead of following a rigid sightseeing clock.

Why these three Secret Gilis work so well together

This trip makes sense because each island has a different role. Gili Nanggu is your main reef stop. Gili Sudak slows the day down with beach time and lunch. Gili Kedis is a tiny final stop where you can walk around the entire island in just a few minutes.

That variety matters. A full day spent only snorkeling can leave children and casual swimmers tired, while a beach-only trip may feel too light for the time and cost involved. Here, you get water time, a meal break, swimming, a short island walk, and a scenic boat ride in one outing.

The islands sit off Lombok’s southwest coast, away from the better-known routes around the busier Gili islands. Do not expect a packed list of attractions. The appeal is simple: clear water, small beaches, and enough quiet to notice the setting.

The tour lasts about nine hours, so plan for a full day rather than a quick morning activity. Pickup is offered, and the air-conditioned vehicle is useful in Lombok’s heat, especially before and after time on the boat. The tour is private, but the maximum group size is 10, so the word private does not necessarily mean a boat for only two people.

Leaving Tawun Harbor by private boat

The boat ride begins at Tawun Harbor. This is not just a transfer between points. The crossing gives you an early look at the southwest coast and the turquoise sea around the small islands.

A private charter boat is included, which gives you more control than a standard shared excursion. The flexible setup is especially useful if someone in your party wants extra time in the water while another person prefers to sit on the beach. The boat guide can also help with underwater photos, a useful touch if you want a record of the fish and reef rather than only beach pictures.

Do keep expectations practical. Boat conditions can affect comfort, and the supplied details do not promise a particular boat style or onboard facilities. Bring only what you need for the day, and protect phones and cameras from water. Bottled water is included, but any personal snacks or extra purchases are your responsibility.

Gili Nanggu: the best first snorkeling stop

Gili Nanggu is the clearest starting point for the day. Its water is described as crystal clear, with coral reefs and plenty of tropical fish. The shallow, calm setting makes it a good match for beginners and families who want an easy introduction to snorkeling.

I would use this first stop to settle into the equipment and get comfortable in the water. If you already snorkel often, you may find two hours here a little long, but the time allows you to swim without rushing. You can also take breaks on the beach rather than treating the entire stop as continuous water time.

The strongest praise for this tour centers on the snorkeling. One account describes seeing a large number of fish and many different kinds, which suggests that the reef experience is more than a quick look at a few scattered fish. The boat guide was also able to take underwater photos, so ask about that early if images matter to you.

The equipment is included, which saves you from arranging a separate rental. Still, fit matters. Make sure your mask seals properly before swimming away from the boat, and tell the guide if you need help with the gear. The tour is designed to suit beginners, but comfortable equipment makes a major difference.

Two hours is a generous block of time here. It gives you room to snorkel, rest, swim, and enjoy the shoreline. Families should appreciate that flexibility, while stronger swimmers can use the time to look for different fish around the reef.

Gili Sudak: lunch and a slower island hour

Gili Sudak changes the pace. This is the peaceful beach stop, with time for a relaxed swim, lunch by the shore, and more snorkeling in shallow water.

Lunch is included, which makes the two-hour stop easier. You do not need to leave the island to find a meal, and you can make the break as active or quiet as you like. If the first stop has used up your energy, Sudak gives you a chance to dry off, eat, and enjoy the beach.

The snorkeling here is described as offering more varied marine life in shallow water. That makes it a useful second look at Lombok’s reefs, particularly if you prefer staying close to shore. You may find the underwater scene less dramatic than at Nanggu, but the combination of swimming, food, and reef time gives Sudak a different purpose.

I like the order of the stops. You begin with the main snorkeling session, then move to a place where you can eat and relax before the final island. It avoids turning the day into one long sequence of similar water stops.

The supplied details do not specify the lunch menu, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. If you have dietary needs, ask the provider before departure. Personal expenses are not included, and that category can cover items outside the stated package.

Gili Kedis: a heart-shaped island in miniature

Gili Kedis is the smallest and most distinctive stop. Its heart shape gives it a memorable outline, but the real charm is its scale. You can walk around the whole island in minutes, then spend time snorkeling in the shallow water around it.

This is a good final stop because it asks very little of you. After a long day in the sun, you can take a short walk, swim close to shore, or simply enjoy the view from the beach. It is also the most romantic stop of the three, making it a natural favorite for couples.

Do not expect a large beach or a long exploration route. Gili Kedis is tiny by design. If you want extensive walking or a full afternoon on land, this stop may feel brief. Its value comes from the contrast with the larger snorkeling areas and from the chance to enjoy a small island without needing a long trek.

The two-hour allocation gives you much more time than the island walk requires. That is helpful if you want another swim, but it may feel slow for anyone who has already had enough sun. The private arrangement lets you make better use of that time, since you can coordinate the pace with your boat crew.

What the $69 price really includes

At $69 per person, this is not just a boat ticket. The package includes:

• Pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle
• A private charter boat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• A local guide
• Lunch
• Admission to the island stops
• Tour documentation

That is a solid package for a nine-hour private outing. Transport from pickup to harbor is covered, as is the boat and the basic snorkeling setup. Lunch and water also remove two common small costs from the day.

The price is especially reasonable for a small private group that wants control over its schedule. A larger shared boat might cost less, but you would usually give up some flexibility. Here, you can discuss how to divide time between swimming, snorkeling, eating, and walking.

The final price needs a careful check because a fuel surcharge and private expenses are excluded. The supplied information does not state the amount of the fuel surcharge, so ask before you commit. If your budget is strict, the advertised per-person rate should not be treated as the complete possible cost until that point is clear.

Who will get the most from this day

This tour is a strong fit for families, couples, small groups, and first-time snorkelers. The calm water at Nanggu, shallow reef areas at Sudak, and small-scale walk at Kedis create a comfortable mix for people with different energy levels.

It also works well for anyone who values privacy over a fixed group program. You can arrange time on the islands and decide which activities matter most to your party. That is a real advantage if one person wants to snorkel repeatedly while another prefers beach time.

The tour may be less suitable if you want a fast-paced schedule or a highly structured naturalist program. The available information does not promise specialist marine interpretation, detailed reef talks, or advanced snorkel instruction. Its strength is the setting, the private boat, and the freedom to set the rhythm.

Most people can participate, and the experience is near public transportation. Still, the day involves vehicle travel, a boat, swimming, and time in the sun. If someone in your group is not comfortable in the water, the beach time at Sudak and Kedis gives them alternatives, but check any specific mobility or medical concerns with the provider before booking.

Timing, group size, and practical planning

The average booking lead time is about seven days. That is useful to know if you are building a Lombok itinerary, especially if your travel dates are fixed. Booking earlier may also help if you need pickup arrangements or have a group close to the 10-person limit.

Confirmation is provided at booking. Pickup is offered, but the supplied details do not state exact pickup areas or times. Confirm those details with Lombok Tour Club before the day, along with the fuel surcharge and any personal costs.

Wear practical swim clothing and bring sun protection. Bottled water and snorkeling gear are included, but the information does not list towels, extra snacks, or personal dry bags. Plan around the items explicitly included rather than assuming every beach-day extra is provided.

The cancellation terms are forgiving if your plans may change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not refunded or accepted. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Secret Gilis tour?

Book this tour if you want a relaxed, private day built around clear-water snorkeling and flexible island time. Gili Nanggu is the main reason to go, while Sudak and Kedis keep the day from feeling repetitive. The inclusion of transport, boat hire, lunch, gear, and water makes the $69 starting price appealing, provided you confirm the fuel surcharge.

Skip it if you want a highly specialized reef expedition, a packed sightseeing schedule, or a long island walk. For most families, couples, and small groups, though, the combination of easy snorkeling, quiet beaches, and a private boat offers a well-balanced way to see Lombok’s southwest islands.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling tour last?

The experience lasts about nine hours.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered, and transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is the boat private?

Yes. A private charter boat is included.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the package.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and bottled water are included.

Are there any costs not included?

Yes. A fuel surcharge and private expenses are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.