Gili Nanggu,Gili Kedis & Gili Sudak Hopping island & Snorkeling Tour

Three tiny islands can feel huge.

This private boat day trip from Lombok takes you to Gili Nanggu plus two more close-by gilis, with swim time and snorkel-ready water right on schedule. The big win is that everything runs together: pickup, a short drive to Sekotong port, and then a small-boat ride that keeps your day feeling calm instead of chaotic.

I also like that you get snorkeling gear and a guide included, so you’re not fumbling with rentals or second-guessing your route once you’re out there. Lunch and bottled water are built in, and the island stops are short and focused. One consideration: pickup is only included around Senggigi and Mataram, while areas like Kuta, Mandalika, Lembar, and Tanjung Bloam may cost extra, and the day depends on good weather.

Key points to know before you go

• Hotel/area pickup around Senggigi and Mataram saves you from figuring out transfers on your own
• A small wooden boat (capacity about 10) makes the ride feel more personal
• Snorkeling gear + snorkeling guide are included, so you can concentrate on the water, not logistics
• Lunch and mineral water are part of the day, which helps keep the schedule smooth
• Gili Kedis is tiny (about 200 square meters), so it’s ideal for photos and a quieter break

Getting to Sekotong: the Senggigi/Mataram pickup that sets the tone

Your day starts at 8:00 am with pickup from hotels around Senggigi or Mataram. The transport is in an air-conditioned car, which matters when the morning starts warm and you’re heading toward the coast. From there, your driver takes you about 1.5 hours to Sekotong, the port on the western side of Lombok.

This matters because island hopping works best when the morning feels organized. Instead of paying separate transport costs or coordinating multiple stops yourself, you get bundled timing: pickup, transfer, port arrival, boat boarding. If you’re staying farther out—like Kuta, Mandalika, Lembar, or Tanjung Bloam—the tour notes an extra car charge depending on your exact area, so check that early to avoid surprises.

The boat ride: small group energy on a wooden outrigger

At Sekotong, you board a wooden boat (the described capacity is around 10 people). Before you head out, you’ll want to take care of the practical stuff fast: sun block on, life jacket on, and your swim essentials ready.

I like this setup because it keeps you from wasting the best part of the morning. You’re not spending the first hour figuring out where your gear goes or how to get comfortable in transit. Also, a smaller boat generally means less time waiting for everyone to catch up, and more time enjoying the coastal views as you head toward the gilis.

Gili Nanggu: clear water, colorful fish, and a simple island feel

Gili Nanggu is your first stop, and the water tends to be the star right away. Once you arrive, you’re looking at the classic combo: clear water, white sand, and schools of colorful fish you can spot while you’re preparing to snorkel.

This island is also described as having a resort and not much else. That’s a good thing for a day trip. You can keep your focus on water time and snorkeling instead of walking a long commercial strip. Your snorkeling here is straightforward: gear is available, and you spend about 1 hour total at this stop (admission included).

What to watch for: because this is the first island, you’ll likely be freshest here—so if you have one “must-see” swim, aim to make it during the first stop. You’ll also want to keep sunscreen handy, since the sun can hit quickly once you’re outside on the water.

Gili Sudak: lunch on the island, then sand-and-snorkel time

After Gili Nanggu, you move to Gili Sudak for another 1-hour island block. This stop is designed for a reset: lunch is provided here, plus snorkeling activities and time to relax on the sand.

For me, the value of this stop is that it’s not just a short photo break. You get an actual meal in the middle of the day, so you don’t end up rationing energy for a late snack later back on Lombok. That’s a big deal on an 8-hour itinerary where timing matters.

Possible drawback: because Sudak is also part of the rotation, the stop length is tight. If you’re someone who can snorkel for hours, you’ll probably wish Sudak gave you more time. The tradeoff is that you get three different environments in one outing.

Gili Kedis: tiny size, great photos, and calm snorkeling

Next comes Gili Kedis, described as only about 200 square meters. That tiny footprint is exactly why this stop can feel so peaceful. You’re not here to explore a large island—you’re here to rest, take pictures, and spend time in the water.

The tour notes that Gili Kedis has no resident population and is mainly for visitors, which helps explain the quieter, laid-back vibe. You’ll have another 1 hour here, with time set aside for snorkeling and a break where you can just be near the shoreline without constant movement around you.

My practical tip: go to Kedis with the mindset of quality over quantity. Grab your photos early, then settle in for a calmer swim once the immediate arrival rush passes. This is also a great island stop if your group includes mixed interest levels—someone can snorkel while someone else enjoys the sand and scenery.

Snorkeling that’s actually easy: gear, life jackets, and timing

A big reason this tour works is that snorkeling is treated like a real plan, not an optional add-on. You’ll get snorkeling gear equipment provided, plus a snorkeling guide. Even if you’re comfortable in the water, a guide helps you get set up faster and stay oriented once you’re out there.

You’ll also be given a life jacket before boarding the boat, which is a helpful safety step for any water day. And since the tour includes multiple snorkel opportunities—Nanggu, Sudak, and Kedis—you can choose how much energy you want to spend each time.

How to get more from your snorkel time:

• Use your first swim to orient yourself—how current feels, how deep the water seems where you enter, and how long you like to stay in.
• At later stops, you can adjust. If you loved the first coral area, you’ll know what to look for.
• Keep it simple: sun block before the boat ride, then focus on swimming rather than gear management.

Also, don’t forget to pack a changing cloth and towel. You’ll likely want to dry off and freshen up before your ride back.

What’s included (and what you’ll pay for yourself)

Included is refreshingly straightforward:

• Hotel/port pickup & drop-off around Senggigi and Mataram
• Private boat
• Lunch
• Mineral water (bottled water)
• Snorkeling gear equipment
• Snorkeling guide

Not included:

• Gratuities (recommended)
• Drinks beyond what’s stated
• Pickup from Kuta, Mandalika, Lembar, Sembalun, and Tanjung Bloam areas (listed as an extra car charge)

That simple included list is part of the value. It reduces the chances you’ll show up and then spend a chunk of money figuring out snorkeling rentals or meals. The only extra cost you need to think about is where you’re coming from and whether you’ll want to top up with additional drinks during the day.

Price and value: is $79.49 reasonable for this private day?

The price listed is $79.49 per person for an approximately 8-hour private island-hop covering three islands. On paper, it’s not a bargain-basement option, but it’s also not priced like a luxury charter.

Here’s why I think it’s fair for the target experience:

• You’re paying for private boat time plus transport from your hotel area around Senggigi/Mataram.
• You’re not paying separately for snorkeling gear and a snorkeling guide.
• You’re also getting lunch and mineral water, which is usually where day trips sneak in extra spending.

If you compare it to doing it yourself, you’d need to arrange boat transport, deal with snorkeling gear logistics, and coordinate island transfers. This tour wraps those moving pieces into one cost, which is often what you really buy when you choose a structured trip.

The main “value reducer” is location. If you’re outside the included pickup area, the extra car charge can change the math—so it’s worth checking that before you book.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This day trip is a good match if you:

• Want a private outing where your group sets the pace
• Like the idea of short, well-defined island stops rather than long wandering days
• Care about snorkeling but don’t want to manage gear rentals and timing on your own
• Are staying around Senggigi or Mataram and want an easy one-day island break

It may feel less ideal if you’re someone who wants:

• Long hours at just one island
• A lot of hiking or extended island exploring (these gilis are for water time and rest)
• Pickup convenience from farther areas without any added car fees

A minimum booking of 2 persons is also noted. So if you’re traveling solo, you’d need to confirm whether you can join as part of a small private group arrangement or whether the minimum affects your plan.

What to bring: the small checklist that keeps the day pleasant

The tour’s bring list is simple, and I agree with all of it:

• Swim suite
• Sun block
• Sandal
• Towel
• Changing cloth
• Sun glass

If you pack only one thing, make it sunscreen. The day mixes boat time with strong sun and repeated water time, and it’s easy to overestimate how quickly you’ll feel the heat.

So, should you book it?

Yes—if you want a clean, easy island-hop that delivers real snorkeling without extra planning. The combination of private boat, included snorkeling gear and guide, and lunch plus bottled water makes this a practical way to see Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis in one day.

Before you book, check two things: first, whether your hotel area falls under the included pickup zone or needs the extra car charge. Second, be ready for the weather dependency—this style of day trip needs good conditions to work smoothly.

If your goal is clear water, coral viewing, and a calm day on the water with minimal logistics headaches, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

What islands are included on this tour?

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

How long is the tour?

The tour is listed as approximately 8 hours.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear equipment is included, and there is also a snorkeling guide.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and mineral water/bottled water are included.

Do I get pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is included around Senggigi and Mataram. There’s an extra car charge if pickup is from Kuta, Mandalika, Lembar, or Tanjung Bloam (amount depends on your hotel area).

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s described as private, so only your group participates.

What should I bring?

You should bring a swim suit, sun block, sandal, towel, changing cloth, and sunglasses.