Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis Island Snorkeling Tour

Secret Gilis with real snorkeling time.

This private day trip from Lombok’s southwest coast turns three calm, small islands into one easy outing, with a boat ride across turquoise water and time to swim where the reefs and fish are close to the surface. I like the Gili Nanggu stop for clear water, and I also like that the tour keeps things practical with a private charter boat and a local guide steering you from place to place.

My favorite part is the snorkeling focus. You get snorkeling gear, and the boat guide can help you get good results in the water—one review highlights that the guide even managed to take great underwater photos. The day also feels flexible enough to match how long you want to linger at each island, not just follow blind timing.

The main thing to keep in mind is that it’s a full day (about 9 hours), and extra costs can show up since a fuel surcharge is not included. If you’re the type who hates long boat days, you might want a shorter option instead.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Tawun Harbor departure with a scenic boat ride across calm sea in a small-group setup (max 10 travelers)
• Snorkeling gear included so you can show up ready to swim without hunting equipment
• Three islands, three different vibes: Gili Nanggu for beginner-friendly clarity, Sudak for lunch time, Kedis for shallow, walkable exploring
• Lunch included during the day so you’re not trying to hunt food between swims
• Underwater photo help from the boat guide (including tips for getting those shots while you snorkel)

Why this Gili Nanggu–Sudak–Kedis route feels like a shortcut to paradise

If you’re already on Lombok and dreaming of the tiny-island look people post online, this tour is a smart way to do it without turning the day into a complicated scavenger hunt. You head out from Tawun Harbor by private charter boat, then hop between three “secret gilis” that are close enough to do in one day while still leaving actual time in the water.

What makes this itinerary especially appealing is the rhythm. Each stop is built around snorkeling and relaxed island time, so you’re not spending your whole day on transfers. Gili Nanggu is your first payoff (clear water and reef life), then the day naturally shifts into easier swimming and meals at Gili Sudak. Finally, Gili Kedis closes the loop with shallow snorkeling and a quick walk around a heart-shaped island.

I also like that you’re not trapped in a giant crowd. With a maximum of 10 travelers, the vibe stays manageable, and your guide can keep an eye on everyone without feeling like you’re in a moving zoo.

Price and value: what the $69 really buys you

At $69 per person, this tour can look like a good deal—or a bad one—depending on what’s included. Here’s the practical breakdown of what you’re getting based on the tour details:

Included highlights:

• Private charter boat and local guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Air-conditioned vehicle (for pickup/transfer as offered)
• Lunch
• Admission tickets for each island stop
• Documentation and mobile ticket

Not included:

• Fuel surcharge
• Private expenses

So your money mostly covers the expensive parts: boat transport, guide time, island admissions, and the gear. If you’ve ever tried to piece together a snorkeling day on your own, you know how quickly costs stack up once you price out boat time and fees.

One more value note: snorkeling trips are often “half snorkeling, half waiting.” This one is structured around multiple island stops with about 2 hours at each location. That matters because time in the water is the whole point.

The logistics that make (or break) a full-day snorkeling trip

This tour is designed for an easy start and a smooth finish. Pickup is offered, and the transfers use an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real comfort when you’re heading out early or returning after a long sea day. The meeting area is also described as near public transportation, so you’re not totally stuck if you’re navigating on your own.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket, and you should receive confirmation at booking. That reduces the usual stress of “Where do I go, and do I have the right voucher?”

The itinerary runs for about 9 hours. That’s long enough to feel like a full day, but short enough to avoid turning your vacation into a travel marathon. It’s also private in the sense that you’re chartering the boat setup for your group (with a max of 10).

My best advice: plan your day around that 9-hour commitment. If you schedule a night out the same evening, keep it casual. After saltwater snorkeling and boat time, you’ll likely want a real dinner and an early wind-down.

Tawun Harbor boat ride: your first taste of the day

The tour begins with a private boat ride departing from Tawun Harbor. Even before you put your face in the water, this part is part of the experience: you’re moving across calm, turquoise sea, heading toward a cluster of small islands where visibility and reef access can be easier than from bigger, busier coasts.

Because the route focuses on multiple islands in one day, the boat ride isn’t just a transfer. It sets the tone. You’ll likely spend enough time on the water to appreciate the views, but not so long that it feels like you’re burning hours between snacks.

A practical tip: bring anything you want protected from sun and spray—sunglasses with a strap, a dry bag for your phone, and sunscreen that you’re comfortable reapplying. The tour includes bottled water, but you still want to hydrate smart as the day warms up.

Stop 1: Gili Nanggu snorkeling for clear water and easy reef time

Gili Nanggu is your first snorkeling stop, and it’s described as a place with crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and friendly tropical fish. That combo is exactly what you want when it’s the first time you’re snorkeling that day. It’s typically where you get comfortable, find your rhythm, and start enjoying the reef life without feeling rushed.

The tour gives you about 2 hours here, with snorkeling as a major focus and admission ticket included. That time window works well because you can do a first pass, re-adjust your mask if needed, then swim again when you’re more relaxed.

This is also a stop that’s commonly easier for beginners, and the tour description explicitly frames it that way. If you’re new to snorkeling, this is the stop where you’ll likely feel the quickest reward: fish close by, clear water, and reef areas that don’t demand extreme confidence.

If photography matters to you, you’ll also be in a good spot to try. One highlight from the experience is that the boat guide can help with underwater photos—including getting the timing and technique right while you snorkel.

Stop 2: Gili Sudak for lunch and a calmer swim

After Gili Nanggu, the day shifts into a more relaxed mode at Gili Sudak. This stop is described as peaceful, with snorkeling in shallow waters and the chance to have a beachside lunch and unwind.

You get about 2 hours here, and lunch is included, so this isn’t just a “swim and run” stop. It’s a built-in break from the water-focused pace, which can help you avoid that salty, tired feeling that hits after repeated snorkeling sessions.

In plain terms, Sudak is where you recharge. If you want to enjoy the sea without constantly swimming hard, this stop fits. The shallow-water snorkeling means you can stay comfortable while still seeing more marine life than you might expect from a quick surface glance.

A practical consideration: since this stop is described as peaceful, don’t count on it being a loud party scene. Think quiet beach time, calm water, and an easy meal between swims. If your ideal day is loud nightlife and constant activity, a different style of Lombok tour might match you better.

Stop 3: Gili Kedis, the heart-shaped island with shallow snorkeling

Then comes the smallest, most romantic-feeling island of the day: Gili Kedis, shaped like a heart. The tour keeps expectations realistic here: it’s tiny, so you can walk around the entire island in minutes. That means even on a day where you snorkel less than planned, you still get something satisfying to do.

You’ll also have the chance to snorkel in the shallow waters around it. The island’s size makes it a good match for swimmers who want to stay close and explore without committing to long open-water swims.

The stop is again about 2 hours, and island admission is included. This is a great final act because you can end your day on a “lighter effort” exploration: swim near the reef, then come back to the island and do your short walk while the day’s energy is still good.

If you like quirky island shapes, this one scores. Heart-shaped landforms are rare enough to feel like a novelty, and the fact that it’s easy to circumnavigate adds to the fun.

Gear, guide, and comfort: the part you feel most

This is where the tour quietly shines. You get snorkeling equipment included, plus bottled water. That removes the usual friction of finding gear or paying extra for rentals. You also get a local guide, who helps you navigate between stops and supports your snorkeling time—especially around the early parts of the day when you’re figuring out what settings and techniques work for you.

Comfort-wise, you get an air-conditioned vehicle for the pickup/transfer portion (as offered). On a full-day tour, that matters more than people expect. A/C doesn’t make the sea prettier, but it does make the start and finish easier on your body.

Group size helps too. With a max of 10 travelers, your guide can keep things organized without losing everyone. And since the tour includes documentation plus a mobile ticket, you spend less time chasing paperwork and more time watching the water.

Timing and pacing: how to get the most from two hours at each island

The itinerary is structured around about two hours per island, with a full day total of roughly 9 hours. That’s a good balance: enough time to snorkel properly, but not so much you feel stuck waiting.

Here’s how I’d plan your own energy:

• Use the first stop (Gili Nanggu) to get your gear dialed in and find the fish and coral zones.
• Use Sudak for lunch and a calmer swim, not for trying to “win” the snorkeling contest.
• Use Kedis as your flexible finale—snorkel if you’re feeling it, then walk the island if you want a change of pace.

One more nuance from how the tour operates: while the itinerary is scheduled, the day can feel adjustable in practice. That means if you’re loving a stop or want to spend a little more time somewhere else, your guide can help you manage your time without turning the day into chaos.

Who this tour is best for (and who should think twice)

Best fit:

• You want a private boat snorkeling day without complicated planning
• You care about clear-water snorkeling and seeing lots of fish close to the surface
• You like having lunch included so your day doesn’t break into “find food now” moments
• You prefer small-group pacing (max 10)

You might think twice if:

• You dislike full-day commitments (it’s about 9 hours)
• You’re watching every dollar and want to avoid any extra fees, since a fuel surcharge isn’t included
• You want a long beach hang with zero snorkeling (this tour is structured around snorkeling stops)

This is also a solid pick if you’re traveling with mixed abilities. The first stop is framed as beginner-friendly, and the later stops still offer shallow-water snorkeling options while giving you a way to enjoy island time even if you snorkel more slowly.

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

I think it’s a strong choice if your goal is simple: snorkel three different “secret gili” stops in one day, with the hard parts handled—boat, guide, gear, island admissions, and lunch. At $69, it’s not just paying for views. You’re paying for organization and time in the water, which is the real currency on a snorkeling trip.

If you do book, set yourself up for success with a few basics: sunscreen, a dry bag, and a flexible mindset about pace. The best days are the ones where you don’t rush the reef—you just snorkel, breathe, look around, then move on when it feels right.

FAQ

How long is the Gili Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis snorkeling tour?

It runs for about 9 hours (approx.), with around 2 hours at each island stop.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour departs from Tawun Harbor.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included during the day.

Are island admission tickets included?

Yes. Admission tickets are included for Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis.

Does the tour offer pickup?

Pickup is offered, and transfers are handled with an air-conditioned vehicle as part of the included service.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is there a refund if plans change?

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

Is the total price $69 all-in?

The listed price is $69 per person, but a fuel surcharge is not included, so your final total may depend on that additional charge.