Turtle Point Gili Trawangan
Swim with dozens of sea turtles in crystal-clear waters at Turtle Point, Gili Trawangan. An accessible and unforgettable marine encounter.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Turtles feed near shore
Turtle Point Gili Trawangan
Best Time
Turtles feed near shore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Swim with dozens of sea turtles in crystal-clear waters at Turtle Point, Gili Trawangan. An accessible and unforgettable marine encounter.
"Dozens of turtles here at any time literally meters from the beach. You can get right up and close to them."
Rent snorkel gear locally
Snorkel gear is readily available for rent on the beach for a small fee, around $2.
East side for turtles
Head to the east side of Gili Trawangan for the best chances of spotting sea turtles.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Sea Turtle Encounters
Shoreline of Gili Trawangan
Witness dozens of sea turtles grazing meters from the beach. A guaranteed magical experience for snorkelers and divers.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Offshore snorkeling spots
Explore a kaleidoscope of colorful corals teeming with diverse marine life, including pufferfish and more.
Underwater Statues
Near Gili Meno (accessible from Gili T)
Discover the captivating 'Nest' sculpture, an underwater art installation perfect for snorkelers and divers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Turtle Sightings
Respectful Snorkeling Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rent snorkel gear locally
Snorkel gear is readily available for rent on the beach for a small fee, around $2. +1
East side for turtles
Head to the east side of Gili Trawangan for the best chances of spotting sea turtles.
High tide is best
Snorkel at high tide for better visibility and to see turtles feeding in shallow waters.
Respect the wildlife
Never touch or chase the turtles. Keep a safe distance and let them swim freely.
Tips
from all over the internet
Rent snorkel gear locally
Snorkel gear is readily available for rent on the beach for a small fee, around $2. +1
East side for turtles
Head to the east side of Gili Trawangan for the best chances of spotting sea turtles.
High tide is best
Snorkel at high tide for better visibility and to see turtles feeding in shallow waters.
Respect the wildlife
Never touch or chase the turtles. Keep a safe distance and let them swim freely.
Consider a tour
Local tour operators offer affordable snorkeling trips to multiple spots, including Turtle Point.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Turtle Point for its incredible abundance of sea turtles, often seen just meters from the shore. The clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a snorkeling paradise. Some note that large groups can sometimes disturb the turtles, emphasizing the importance of respectful observation.
"Turtle Point in Gili Air was one of the best snorkeling experiences across all three islands! We saw so much marine life – from pufferfish and sea turtles to corals in every color imaginable. Truly a dream if you love snorkeling!
What makes it even better is that you can relax afterwards in the hammocks if you use the facilities from the nearby beach restaurants. A perfect mix of adventure and chill time. Absolutely recommended!"
Eduardo Gonzalez
"Dozens of turtles here at any time literally meters from the beach. You can get right up and close to them. Water generally quite clear. You get some larger groups that hoard and surround them and start grabbing them when they find one which I don’t agree with at all, that isn’t right. You can get close in small groups and as long as you don’t touch them you don’t disturb them. They get scared off a bit when they’re approached by large groups"
Lee Kemp
"Turtles galore but do yourself (and the coral) a favour by only snorkeling at high tide when turtles come right into the shoreline to feed on sea grass. The visibility is much better at high tide and you’ll get a better look at the turtles in shallow water. Scrambling over coral at low tide is not fun and neither are coral grazes."
Elaine Seager
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turtle Point is located off the coast of Gili Trawangan. You can reach Gili Trawangan by fast boat from Bali or Lombok. Once on Gili Trawangan, you can swim or snorkel directly from the beach to reach the turtles, or hire a local boat tour.
Gili Trawangan is a car-free island. The main modes of transport are bicycles and horse-drawn carts (cidomos). You can easily rent a bike to explore the island and find snorkeling spots.
Yes, Turtle Point is often accessible right from the beach, especially on the eastern side of the island. Many accommodations are within walking distance to good snorkeling areas. +1
Walking or cycling are the best ways to get around Gili Trawangan. For specific snorkeling spots like Turtle Point, you can often swim directly from the shore or arrange a short boat trip.
Absolutely! Many local operators offer snorkeling tours that include stops at Turtle Point and other popular spots like the underwater statues. These tours are often affordable when booked locally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Turtle Point itself. You only need to pay for snorkel gear rental if you don't bring your own. +1
Snorkel gear rental is very affordable, typically around 25,000 to 50,000 IDR (approximately $2-$3 USD) per day. +1
Yes, numerous local guides and tour operators offer snorkeling trips. They can take you to Turtle Point and other prime locations, often for a reasonable price if booked on the island.
Snorkeling is generally a year-round activity. The best times are during daylight hours, with high tide offering the best conditions for seeing turtles.
Private snorkeling tours can be arranged, though they might be more expensive than group tours. It's often best to inquire locally upon arrival for the most competitive prices.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see numerous sea turtles, often very close to shore. You'll also likely encounter a variety of colorful fish, corals, and possibly other marine creatures. +1
Visibility is generally quite good, especially during high tide. The clear turquoise waters offer excellent views of the marine life.
Yes, Turtle Point is great for beginners as the water gets deep relatively quickly from the sandy beaches, and turtles are often found close to shore.
Currents can sometimes be strong, particularly between tides. It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings and swim with a buddy.
Wear a swimsuit and consider a rash guard for sun protection. Bringing reef-safe sunscreen is also recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
An underwater camera or waterproof phone case is ideal for capturing photos and videos of the turtles. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid flash photography that might disturb them. +1
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and be mindful of other visitors and wildlife when flying a drone.
The entire area around Turtle Point is a photo opportunity! The clear water and abundant turtles make for stunning underwater shots.
Action cameras like GoPros or waterproof phone cases are popular and effective for capturing underwater moments at Turtle Point.
Definitely use a waterproof camera or a reliable waterproof case for your phone. The ocean spray and submersion require protection.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack reef-safe sunscreen and ensure children are supervised at all times. The ease of access from the beach means you can easily take breaks or return to shore if needed, making it a stress-free adventure for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider joining a group snorkeling tour booked locally rather than pre-booking online, as prices can be significantly lower. Many local restaurants offer affordable meals, allowing you to enjoy the island experience without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be patient and respectful; the best shots often come when you let the turtles approach you naturally. The clear waters and vibrant marine life provide a beautiful backdrop for your underwater photography endeavors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Swimming with Gili Trawangan Turtles
To ensure the best experience and to protect these magnificent creatures, it's crucial to follow responsible snorkeling practices. Avoid touching or chasing the turtles, and maintain a respectful distance. The local community is passionate about conservation, and many tour operators emphasize these guidelines. By being mindful, you contribute to preserving this incredible natural spectacle for future visitors.
Beyond the turtles, the waters around Gili Trawangan boast vibrant coral reefs and a rich variety of marine life. While Turtle Point is the main draw, exploring nearby areas can reveal even more underwater wonders, making a snorkeling trip here a truly immersive experience in the marine ecosystem.
Responsible Snorkeling and Conservation Efforts
Many travelers actively participate in keeping the waters clean by picking up any plastic debris they encounter. This collective effort helps maintain the health of the coral reefs and the overall marine environment, ensuring that the turtles and other sea creatures have a thriving habitat.
Local tour operators often provide brief educational talks before snorkeling trips, highlighting the importance of conservation and responsible interaction with marine life. This community-driven approach ensures that visitors leave with not only amazing memories but also a greater appreciation for marine conservation.
Maximizing Your Turtle Point Experience
While many spots offer turtle sightings, the eastern side of Gili Trawangan is frequently mentioned as a prime location. Renting snorkel gear is straightforward and affordable, available right on the beach. Consider booking a local snorkeling tour, which can be a cost-effective way to visit multiple prime spots and benefit from the guides' knowledge of turtle locations.
Remember to bring an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case to capture the incredible moments. However, always prioritize observing and enjoying the natural behavior of the turtles over getting the perfect shot. The sheer joy of witnessing these gentle giants in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience.
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