A day of clear water and quiet islands. This Secret Gilis trip in West Nusa Tenggara mixes a private boat sail, snorkelling at three spots, and plenty of chill beach time with big views toward Lombok. I especially like the pacing (you get repeats of swim, jump, snorkel, relax) and the fact that the plan is built around a private group instead of squeezing you in with a crowd.

What I like most is the hands-on setup: a snorkelling guide, snorkel equipment, and time in three different gili settings so the day doesn’t feel like one long slog. The second big win is lunch: it’s included and served at a local restaurant for the mid-day break, so you’re not stuck grazing snacks on a boat.

One thing to consider: snorkelling gear quality can be hit-or-miss. In at least one case, some snorkel equipment wasn’t in perfect condition, and it sounds like having a backup would make this trip even smoother.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Three islands, one flow: Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis, with multiple chances to swim and snorkel.
• Private sailing from the harbour with a West Lombok view that’s part of the day, not just transportation.
• Included snorkel guide support so you spend more time in the water and less time guessing where to go.
• Lunch is built into the schedule on Gili Sudak, so you don’t waste time hunting food.
• Mineral water + entrance tickets included, which helps keep the day simple.

The Secret Gilis Day Plan: What Makes It Feel Worth It

This trip is designed like a simple recipe: sail, stop, swim, snorkel, relax, repeat. You’re not rushing between places every five minutes. Instead, each gili gets its own rhythm—some walking and sightseeing on arrival, then time in the water, then a slower stretch of beach time.

Because it’s private, your day has room to move at a sane pace. That matters on islands where the sea can be lively and conditions change during the day. A private setup also means you’re less likely to feel like you’re being herded between photo stops.

And the whole concept is built around “untouched island” energy—smaller gili settings where you can still feel like you’re out there, not just passing through a theme park of the sea.

Pickup on Lombok: How the Day Starts (and Why It Matters)

You get picked up from several Lombok-area locations: Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, or Pujut. That flexibility is useful, because Lombok can be spread out. If you’re coming from a cruise port, pickup is also part of the plan.

From the pickup point, you head to the private harbour. This is where the day usually becomes real: the moment you’re on the boat, with snorkel gear ready and the guide coordinating the stops. It saves you the stress of figuring out boats, timetables, and where to meet.

The trip is 510 minutes long (just over 8 hours). That’s plenty of time for three islands without it feeling like a sprint. It’s also long enough that your “relax” moments aren’t just a couple minutes on the beach.

Stop 1: Gili Nanggu for Snorkel Time and First Views

Your first island stop is Gili Nanggu, with about 1.5 hours on site. The day here is about getting your sea legs, then settling into snorkelling quickly.

On arrival, you can do a mix of sightseeing and walking, then jump into crystal-clear water for snorkelling. This spot is described as a place where you can see lots of fish and coral reefs, and the idea is that you get that underwater variety early, before the day gets tired.

Why this first stop is smart: it sets your expectations. If the water and fish action clicks for you, you’re in a good mood for the rest of the day. If you’re just trying to enjoy the scenery, you still get a nice island rhythm without needing to do anything hardcore.

Stop 2: Gili Sudak Lunch + Beach Break With Southwest Lombok Views

Next up is Gili Sudak for about 2 hours. This is your long stop—and it’s where the trip balances water time with a proper break.

You’ll get lunch as part of the plan (included), plus free time, sightseeing and walking, and more chances for snorkelling and swimming. There’s also time to relax on the white beach, and you’ll get views toward the southwest coast of Lombok.

That southwest Lombok viewing angle is more than scenery trivia. On a day like this, it helps you reset between snorkel sessions. You look up, you stretch, you eat, then you head back to the water feeling refreshed.

One small practical note: lunch is included, but personal expenses aren’t. If you want extra drinks, you’ll need to pay separately.

Stop 3: Gili Kedis for Photos, Vibes, and One Last Swim

Your last stop is Gili Kedis, again with about 1.5 hours. This is the “end-of-day magic” gili, the one described as the best spot to capture moments.

Here, the focus shifts a bit from activity and more toward vibe: swimming, enjoying the island feel, and doing final laps of snorkel time if you still have energy. Since it’s the last stop, it’s also where you’ll likely slow down and just enjoy the moment—no racing, no ticking boxes.

If you’re the type who likes to end tours on a strong visual note, this is the right structure. You start with underwater variety, you hit a longer mid-day island with lunch, and you finish with a more scenic payoff.

The Private Boat Experience: Sailing Time That Doesn’t Feel Wasted

The trip includes a private boat, and you also get a full sailing segment between stops. That matters because the “in-between” time is part of the experience here, not just travel.

You’re sailing to islands described as less visited, and you also get a stunning view of west Lombok from the water. When a tour includes real sailing time, it changes how the day feels. It’s less like you’re doing three random check-ins and more like you’re actually on an island journey.

Also, because this is a private group, the boat experience tends to feel calmer. You’re not constantly sharing space with strangers whose idea of snorkel time is different than yours.

Snorkelling Gear and Guide Support: What’s Included, What to Watch

You get snorkelling equipment and a snorkelling guide, and that’s a big deal. Snorkelling isn’t just about gear; it’s about knowing where to go and how to move comfortably once you’re in.

In a case where things didn’t go perfectly, some snorkels weren’t in the best condition, and there wasn’t an immediate reserve. The guide handled swapping, but one person still ended up snorkelling with a leaking snorkel. That’s the only weak spot I can point to from the experience details you provided.

What you can do: check your snorkel before you get fully committed, and if something feels off, speak up early. A good guide can often sort it fast when you catch it quickly.

Price and Value: Does $147 Make Sense for You?

The price is $147 per group up to 2. That means the cost is basically for privacy, not per-person math. For couples, or for two friends who want to avoid the chaos of shared tours, this can be strong value—especially since a private vehicle, private boat, guide, lunch, entrance tickets, and mineral water are all included.

If you’re the type who hates coordinating logistics and would rather pay for a smooth day, this price structure fits your style. You’re paying to remove friction: meeting points, crowded boats, and uncertain timing.

If you’re traveling solo, this can still work, but you’re paying the “up to 2” group rate. In that case, it’s more about whether you want a private day badly enough to justify the price.

Either way, remember what’s not included: cold beer and personal expenses.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This is a good match if you want:

• A private group day with hotel pickup and drop-off
• Multiple snorkel opportunities across three different gili islands
• A schedule that includes real downtime, not just nonstop water time
• Included lunch and basic water so you can focus on the day

It also works well for people who want to see a mix of sea and island scenery: walk a bit, snorkel where the guide suggests, then relax on the beach when you’re done.

If you’re picky about snorkel equipment quality, I’d still book—just do a quick equipment check when it’s handed to you.

The Best Way to Plan Your Day Around It

Because you’re out for 8+ hours, treat it like a full outing, not a half-day splash. Eat a normal breakfast, then let lunch become your mid-day reset.

Also, your pickup and drop-off are fixed to set locations, so you’ll want your hotel or cruise port to match one of the listed zones: Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, or Pujut.

And since snorkel time is the heart of the day, come ready to get in the water. You’ll be much happier if you accept that the day moves around the sea, not around a strict land schedule.

Should You Book the Lombok Secret Gili Trip?

I’d book this if you want a calm, private-feeling island day with enough snorkel time to feel satisfied and enough beach time to feel human. The structure is practical: three islands, included lunch, included guide support, and the kind of sailing views that make the day feel like more than a checklist.

I’d hesitate only if snorkel gear quality is a deal-breaker for you. It sounds fixable with quick attention, but the equipment issue is real enough to mention. If that’s your top concern, bring extra care to your gear check and be ready to ask for a swap fast.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Lombok Secret Gili island hopping trip?

The total duration is 510 minutes.

What is included in the price?

It includes private vehicle pickup and drop-off, a private boat, snorkelling equipment, a snorkelling guide, lunch, entrance tickets, and mineral water.

What is the price and group size?

The price is $147 per group up to 2.

Where can pickup happen?

Pickup is available from Praya Barat, Praya Barat Daya, Kuta, Senggigi, or Pujut.

Where can drop-off happen?

Drop-off is available at Praya Barat, Kuta, Senggigi, Praya Barat Daya, or Pujut.

Which islands are visited?

You’ll visit Gili Nanggu, Gili Sudak, and Gili Kedis.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and part of the time on Gili Sudak.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?

No. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Is cold beer included?

No. cold beer is not included, and personal expenses are also not included.