Lombok Secret Gili: Island Hopping & Snorkelling Trip

Three islands, one private boat, little fuss. This Lombok day trip works because it combines quiet island stops with a flexible private schedule. I like the clear-water snorkeling at Gili Nanggu and the relaxed pace, where you can swim, snorkel, walk, or simply sit on the beach. I also like that lunch is included at a local restaurant, rather than leaving you to sort out food on your own.

The main thing to watch is the snorkeling equipment. One set of gear was reported to leak, and there were no spare snorkels on board. That is a fixable problem, but I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, especially for a child or anyone who wants a reliable fit.

Five things to know before booking

• The boat is private for your group: The $147 price covers up to two people, with a private vehicle, boat, guide, and pickup included.
• Gili Nanggu is the main underwater stop: Expect clear water, coral, and plenty of fish during about 90 minutes on and around the island.
• Gili Sudak combines snorkeling with lunch: You get about two hours here, including free time, swimming, beach time, and a Lombok meal.
• Gili Kedis is tiny and photogenic: This final island is made for short walks, swimming, photos, and a last taste of island quiet.
• The tour takes most of the day: At 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours, it is a full outing rather than a quick boat ride.
• Bring backup snorkeling gear if possible: The only clear criticism concerns the quality and condition of some snorkels.

Why these three Secret Gilis make a good day out

The islands west of Lombok offer a different mood from a large resort beach. Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis are small, easygoing stops where the day is built around salt water, sand, and short boat rides.

I like the variety. You are not asked to spend the entire day doing one activity. At each island, you can choose your own level of energy. Swim for a while, snorkel with a guide, walk along the beach, take pictures, or do very little. That freedom matters on a private tour, especially if your group includes different ages or fitness levels.

The trip begins with pickup at your hotel or cruise ship port. Pickup areas include Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, and Pujut. You then travel by private vehicle to the harbor and change to a private boat.

The advertised rate is $147 per group of up to two people, not per person. That makes the price easier to justify for a couple who values privacy and direct transport. It includes the vehicle, boat, snorkeling equipment, snorkeling guide, lunch, entrance ticket, and mineral water. Cold beer and personal spending are extra.

The ride from Lombok to Gili Nanggu

The first boat ride is part of the appeal. You leave the harbor and sail toward Gili Nanggu, with views across the southwest coast of Lombok. The boat is not just a transfer between points. It gives you time to see the coast from the water and settle into the slower rhythm of the day.

Gili Nanggu is the strongest stop for underwater time. You have around an hour and a half for sightseeing, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. The focus is the water, where you can expect coral and many fish in clear conditions.

A snorkeling guide is available to show you the better places to look. That is useful if you are not sure where to position yourself or if you want help spotting marine life. One family with a five-year-old chose to move at its own pace, and the guide adjusted to their wishes rather than pushing everyone through the same schedule.

You may see turtles, clownfish, other fish, and coral. Those sightings are not guaranteed, but turtles and clownfish were specifically encountered during the trip. If you are bringing children, you should still judge the water conditions and your child’s swimming confidence for the day.

The main weakness here is equipment quality. One account described two leaking snorkels out of four, with no spare available. The guide gave up his own snorkel to help, which solved part of the problem, but one person still had to use a leaky set. Bring your own gear if you can. If not, check your mask and snorkel before leaving the harbor.

Gili Sudak gives the day a slower middle

After Gili Nanggu, the boat continues to Gili Sudak. You get about two hours here, making it the longest stop and the natural center of the trip.

Gili Sudak works well because it is not only a snorkeling stop. You can swim again, relax on the white beach, take a walk, or look across toward the southwest coast of Lombok. The scenery is a good reason to pause rather than rush straight back into the water.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant and is included in the price. The meal features Lombok dishes, giving the day a little local flavor beyond the usual fruit and packaged snacks found on boat outings. One arrangement included a table set up on the island, creating a simple private lunch stop. The food was described as generous and well prepared.

Do not expect a formal dining experience. The appeal is the setting and the ease of having food arranged for you while you are already on the island. If you need special meals, the supplied information does not confirm that dietary requests can be handled, so ask before booking.

Gili Sudak is also a good place to judge how much activity you really want. By this point, you have already spent time in the water. You can snorkel again, but you do not have to. On a private trip, taking a quiet beach break is perfectly reasonable.

Gili Kedis is the small final stop

The last island is called Gili Kedis in the schedule, while the trip title uses Gili Kedis as well. It is described as a small, especially scenic island and a strong place for photographs.

You have about an hour and a half for visiting, walking, swimming, snorkeling, and free time. Because Gili Kedis is a mini island, the attraction is less about a long list of activities and more about the simple setting. You can take pictures, enjoy the island atmosphere, and have one last swim before returning to the harbor.

I would save some energy for this stop. The day already includes two earlier water sessions, and the final island is a pleasant place to slow down. If you are hoping for the most varied snorkeling, Gili Nanggu is likely the key stop. If you want photographs and a quiet ending, Gili Kedis may be the highlight.

The boat then returns to the harbor, followed by private transport back to your hotel or cruise ship port.

What the private format changes

A private group is the biggest reason to choose this tour over a cheaper shared boat. You are not tied to the preferences of a large mixed group. If you want more time swimming at Gili Nanggu, less time in the water at Gili Sudak, or a longer beach break, the guide can respond to your group.

That flexibility was particularly useful for a family with a five-year-old. The guide adjusted the pace and responded to requests throughout the day. It also means couples can avoid spending the day with strangers if privacy matters to them.

The private format does not mean luxury service at every step. The boat crew is described as very helpful, and the lunch can feel special because it is arranged just for your group. But the snorkeling equipment may be basic, and the meal is a local island lunch rather than a polished restaurant event.

I also like the fact that an English-speaking guide stays involved from pickup through the boat trip. The guide identified as Paul in one account and Pol in another, and the descriptions suggest the same kind of full-day support: hotel pickup, transport to the harbor, help on the islands, and conversation about Lombok along the way.

Timing, transport, and what is included

The stated duration is 510 minutes, or roughly eight hours and 30 minutes. That includes the land transfer, sailing, three island visits, lunch, snorkeling, and the return drive. Your actual day may feel longer or shorter depending on the pickup area and road conditions, but you should keep most of the day free.

Pickup is included from the listed areas of Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, and Pujut. You can also be collected from a cruise ship port. Wait in the hotel lobby at the agreed time.

The package includes:

• Private pickup and drop-off vehicle
• Private boat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Snorkeling guide
• Lunch
• Entrance ticket
• Mineral water

It does not include cold beer or personal expenses. That is a small point, but it helps you budget properly. You may also want money for anything not covered by the included meal and water.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and lets you reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Lombok plans are still shifting.

What the day is really worth at $147

At $147 for up to two people, the value depends on what you want from a boat trip. For a couple, the effective cost is $73.50 each before any personal spending. In return, you get door-to-door transport, a private boat, lunch, equipment, a guide, and three island stops.

That is a fair price if you care about privacy and not having to arrange separate transport to the harbor. It is also good value for people who want a flexible day. You are paying for convenience and control as much as for snorkeling.

The price is less compelling if you only want one short swim or if you already have a boat and transport arranged. In that case, the included vehicle and guide matter less. You should also consider that the gear may not match the quality you would bring yourself.

One extra service may be available for a small added charge: filming you underwater near turtles and clownfish. This is not part of the listed package, so ask about the current price and arrangement before agreeing.

Who will enjoy this Lombok island trip most

I would recommend this outing to couples, small families, and anyone who wants a full private day without a crowded schedule. It suits you if you like mixing swimming and snorkeling with beach time, lunch, and scenic boat rides.

Families should appreciate the ability to set the pace. Still, young children need suitable supervision in the water, and bringing familiar snorkeling gear can make the day easier.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in Kuta, Senggigi, Pujut, or the listed Praya areas and want transport handled from start to finish. Cruise ship passengers may find the port pickup especially useful, provided the timing fits the ship schedule.

You may want a different option if you expect high-end equipment, a large luxury boat, or a tightly focused marine-life tour. The strongest parts of this trip are the private format, the island variety, the guide support, and the relaxed pace. Equipment quality is the area most in need of improvement.

Should you book the Secret Gili trip?

I would book this tour if you want a private, flexible island day with three different stops and lunch included. Gili Nanggu offers the best chance for a full snorkeling session, Gili Sudak gives you the longest break and local food, and Gili Kedis provides the small-island photo finish.

Before you go, ask about current snorkeling equipment and bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. If that one concern is manageable, the package offers a pleasant mix of water time, quiet beaches, Lombok scenery, and helpful personal service for a reasonable group price.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The stated duration is 510 minutes, which is about eight and a half hours.

What islands are visited?

The trip visits Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis. The schedule spells the final island as Gili Bedis, while the tour description calls it Gili Kedis.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It is a private group tour with a private vehicle and private boat.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $147 per group of up to two people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Private pickup and drop-off are included from Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, and Pujut. Pickup from a cruise ship port is also available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, along with mineral water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a snorkeling guide are included. Some equipment has been reported to need improvement, so bringing your own gear may be wise.

What language does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.