The 5 Best Places to Snorkel in Indonesia

With thousands of islands scattered across the Coral Triangle, Indonesia is one of the best destinations in the world for snorkelling. Warm, clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and an extraordinary range of marine life can be found just below the surface. Many of Indonesia’s top snorkelling spots are easily accessible, making them ideal for travellers who prefer to explore the ocean without diving.

Here are five of the best places to snorkel in Indonesia, each offering something unique, from vibrant coral gardens to encounters with manta rays and turtles.

Raja Ampat, West Papua

Best for: Biodiversity, coral reefs, and calm lagoons

Raja Ampat is widely regarded as one of the most biodiverse marine environments on the planet. Although often associated with diving, many of its reefs are shallow and accessible to snorkellers, especially in the calm bays around the Dampier Strait.

Snorkellers in Raja Ampat can expect to see vibrant hard and soft corals, huge schools of reef fish, turtles, and occasionally blacktip reef sharks cruising through the shallows. Sites such as Friwen Wall and Yenbuba Jetty are particularly good for snorkelling, with colourful corals starting just a metre or two below the surface.

The waters around Arborek and Sawandarek are also excellent, often with superb visibility and calm conditions. Marine conservation efforts in the region mean that reef health is consistently high, and many community-run snorkelling areas are well maintained.

Gili Islands, Lombok

Best for: Sea turtles, beginners, and ease of access

The Gili Islands, Trawangan, Air, and Meno are popular for their laid-back atmosphere and turquoise waters. Snorkelling here is straightforward and accessible, with reefs located just off the beach at most spots.

The islands are particularly well known for their resident green and hawksbill turtles, which are often seen feeding or swimming slowly over the reef. Turtle Point, located off Gili Meno, is one of the most reliable places in Indonesia to snorkel alongside these gentle creatures.

The clear water and gentle currents make the Gilis ideal for families and beginner snorkellers. Equipment is widely available to rent, and several beachfront guesthouses offer guided snorkelling trips by traditional boat to the best sites around the islands.

Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara

Best for: Manta rays, drift snorkelling, and marine diversity

Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers exceptional snorkelling alongside its world-famous diving. The park’s nutrient-rich currents bring in a variety of marine life, from tiny reef fish to manta rays and even dolphins.

One of the highlights for snorkellers is Manta Point, where it’s often possible to see manta rays gliding through the shallow water as they feed and visit cleaning stations. Pink Beach and Kanawa Island are also excellent for snorkelling, offering clear waters, sandy coves, and reefs teeming with fish.

The park’s strong currents mean that snorkelling is best done with a guide who understands the tides. While not always suited to beginners, the diversity of marine life makes Komodo one of Indonesia’s most rewarding snorkelling destinations.

Bunaken Marine Park, North Sulawesi

Best for: Wall snorkelling, coral health, and turtle encounters

Bunaken Island, off the coast of North Sulawesi, is known for its dramatic underwater walls that drop off steeply just a short distance from the shore. While popular with divers, these vertical reef walls also provide excellent snorkelling opportunities along the upper sections.

The water is usually calm, and visibility is excellent, often reaching 20 to 30 metres. Snorkellers can drift along the reef edge and see an impressive variety of reef fish, healthy coral formations, and sea turtles that are commonly seen surfacing for air.

Bunaken’s proximity to Manado makes it an easy destination to reach, and local guides are available to lead snorkelling trips to the best parts of the reef. The marine park is protected, and conservation efforts have helped maintain the health of the reefs.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, Bali

Best for: Manta rays, reef snorkelling, and vibrant marine life

Just off the southeast coast of Bali, the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offer some of the best snorkelling near Bali. Known for their clear waters and abundant marine life, they are easily reached by fast boat from Sanur.

The main attraction for snorkellers is the chance to see manta rays at sites like Manta Bay and Manta Point. These graceful animals can often be seen near the surface, feeding in large groups. Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point also offer excellent reef snorkelling with a wide range of tropical fish and corals.

While the waters can sometimes be choppy, conditions are generally calm in the mornings, and local guides are experienced in choosing the safest locations. The combination of reliable manta sightings and thriving reefs makes this region a firm favourite for snorkellers visiting Bali.

Common Creatures to Look for While Snorkelling in Indonesia

1. Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Often seen grazing on seagrass beds or resting on coral ledges, green sea turtles are one of the most iconic species encountered while snorkelling. They are gentle and slow-moving, making for unforgettable underwater encounters, especially around islands like Gili Trawangan and the reefs of Raja Ampat.

2. Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Known from the “Finding Nemo” films, clownfish are small but easy to spot due to their bright orange colouring and strong association with sea anemones. They are common in many reef systems, often poking in and out of anemone tentacles in shallow lagoons and protected bays.

3. Nudibranchs (various species, including Chromodoris lochi and Hypselodoris bullocki)
These colourful sea slugs are tiny but fascinating to spot for those who take the time to look closely. Nudibranchs come in an array of vivid colours and patterns and are often found crawling slowly over coral, rubble, or sponge-covered rocks in calm, shallow water.

4. Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus spp.)
Sweetlips are often found resting or moving slowly near coral bommies, usually in small groups. Their striking black-and-white patterns as juveniles and bold yellow markings as adults make them a favourite among snorkellers and underwater photographers alike.

5. Giant Clam (Tridacna gigas)
Although not a mobile species, the giant clam is a highlight for many snorkellers. Often embedded in reef crevices, their colourful mantles—shimmering in greens, blues, and purples—make them easy to spot. Some individuals can reach over a metre in length.