Swimming With Green Sea Turtles In Gili Trawangan – Indonesia
Swimming with turtles in Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, is one of the most memorable and ethical wildlife experiences you can have in Southeast Asia. These majestic sea creatures thrive in the turquoise waters around the Gili Islands, and best of all, you don’t need to book an expensive tour or hire a guide to see them.
With the right timing, you can simply walk off the beach, snorkel in the shallows and encounter green sea turtles and the rarer hawksbill turtles in their natural habitat.
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Introduction to the Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands located just off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, around a two-hour ferry ride from Bali.
These islands are famed for their white sandy beaches, car-free roads and vibrant marine life, making them a haven for snorkellers and divers alike. If you haven’t travelled to the area before and aren’t sure how to begin planning your trip, you might benefit from joining a multi-day group tour which will take you to all the hotspots in and around Bali.
Each island has its own unique character:
- Gili Trawangan is the largest and most developed, often dubbed the “party island”.
- Gili Meno is the quietest, perfect for honeymooners and couples.
- Gili Air offers a relaxed, bohemian vibe with excellent snorkelling spots.
While it may seem that you can swim between the three Gilis, the distance is actually larger than you might think.
There are regular boats available connecting the three, so you can try island hopping, allowing you to experience as much as possible. Generally, it’s easiest to see turtles on Gili Trawangan or possibly Gili Air. They spend a lot of time in shallow water, and since the islands are so small, it’s very easy to spot them.
There is no motorised traffic on the Gili Islands, and everyone gets around by bike or horsecart. However, horses are often treated very badly, so animal lovers should avoid this option.
Sea turtles in Indonesia
Indonesia is home to several species of sea turtles, but around the Gili Islands you’ll most commonly see two:
- Green sea turtles, which are the most frequently spotted. They prefer shallow waters, feeding on seagrass and can often be seen just a few metres from shore.
- Hawksbill turtles, which are more elusive and classified as critically endangered. These turtles are smaller, with a distinctive beak-like mouth and jagged shell edges. They are usually found in deeper waters, feeding on sea sponges and soft corals.
While green sea turtles are the most likely to be seen while snorkelling close to the beach, hawksbill turtles are sometimes spotted near the reefs, particularly in quieter areas around Gili Air or deeper snorkelling sites.
Both species rely on the beaches to lay their eggs, which presents challenges due to tourism and coastal development. Sun loungers, beachfront bars and restaurants often take up prime nesting space, threatening their already fragile populations.
How to see and swim with turtles in Gili
One of the unique advantages of snorkelling in Gili Trawangan is that you don’t need a guide. Turtle sightings are so common that locals often offer a “see a turtle or get your money back” deal.
Best Places to See Turtles
The top snorkelling spot is Turtle Point on the east coast of Gili Trawangan. This area has several beach shacks where you can rent snorkelling gear.
- Snorkelling kits (mask, snorkel and fins) typically cost around £1.50 to £2 per day.
- Fins are highly recommended due to strong currents, especially during tidal changes.
Most rental shops will also provide a sunlounger or beanbag, and some may ask that you purchase a drink to use their facilities.
Snorkelling with turtles
You can book snorkelling tours, but they often take you to deeper areas where it’s harder to spot turtles. Tours start at around £8 per person for a shared boat and can go up to £100 for a private tour that fits up to 15 people.
That said, the best experience is often from the beach. Being able to enter the water directly and observe turtles in the shallows offers a more peaceful and respectful interaction.
Equipment and Photography Tips
Definitely make sure you have a GoPro or rent one from the beach to take the best turtle pictures. You can also get a waterproof case for your phone, but it can be difficult to operate underwater and if it floods then you will not have a phone.
Best time to see turtles in Gili Trawangan
You can see sea turtles in the waters around Gili Trawangan all year round, but the best conditions are during the dry season from June to September. This is the high season with hot, sunny weather and excellent water visibility.
During the wet season (October to May), visibility may be reduced and ocean currents can bring plastic waste to the shores, affecting the snorkelling experience.
Try to visit Turtle Point during high tide, when turtles are often feeding in the shallows, and early in the morning, when the beaches are quieter.
How to make sure you don’t stress or confuse turtles
Turtles are sensitive animals, and it’s important to respect their space. Here’s how you can help:
- Do not touch or chase turtles – they can become stressed and may avoid surfacing for air, which is dangerous for them.
- Avoid flash photography, particularly with hatchlings.
- Maintain a respectful distance at all times.
- Pick up any litter you see on the beach or in the water.
- Discourage guides from handling turtles or disturbing them to get better tourist photos.
Your behaviour in the water has a direct impact on turtle safety and wellbeing.
Turtle conservation in Indonesia
Gili Trawangan previously had a turtle hatchery, but after the 2019 earthquake it was relocated to Gili Meno. The facility is small and basic, with shallow tanks that hold hatchlings for a short period before release.
Although the conditions aren’t perfect, these conservation efforts aim to increase hatchling survival rates. In the wild, only a tiny percentage of baby turtles survive to adulthood. By raising them briefly and releasing them under better conditions, their chances are significantly improved.
It is possible to combine a snorkelling trip with a visit to the hatchery. This can be booked in advance with local pick up.
If you do visit the centre, remember that education and awareness are its core goals. Supporting responsible turtle conservation is a great way to give back to the islands that offer such incredible marine life experiences.
Gili Islands Green and Hawksbill Turtle Summary
The Gili Islands, and particularly Gili Trawangan, are one of the best places in Southeast Asia to swim with sea turtles. Both green sea turtles and the more elusive hawksbill turtles can be found in the area, and in many cases, no tour is needed to encounter them.
- Best location: Turtle Point, Gili Trawangan
- Species: Green sea turtles (common), hawksbill turtles (rare and endangered)
- When to visit: Year-round, but best visibility from June to September
- What to bring: Snorkel, fins, GoPro or waterproof phone case
- What to avoid: Touching turtles, using flash, unethical tours or animal mistreatment
Respectful wildlife travel makes it possible for future visitors to enjoy these same unforgettable moments. Swimming with turtles in the Gili Islands is not just a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it’s a chance to connect with nature in a truly responsible and rewarding way.
More Marine Encounters in Indonesia
- Pygmy Seahorses in Misool
- Manta Rays in Raja Ampat
- Anemone fish in Indonesia
- Below the surface in Papua
This wildlife encounter was experienced by Guide Your Travel
