When it comes to snorkeling, Lombok offers an experience that’s hard to beat. Unlike Bali, where many of the best reefs require long boat rides, Lombok boasts incredible underwater worlds close to the shore. With its quiet beaches and nearby islands, you’ll find plenty of options for day trips or spontaneous snorkeling adventures right off the beach.
The coral reefs here are vibrant, the waters crystal-clear, and marine life abundant, offering a more relaxed and intimate experience than Bali’s often crowded spots. Whether it’s exploring the famous Gili Islands or uncovering hidden gems along the coast, there’s something here for everyone.
While we don’t include every snorkeling spot on our Lombok Loop trip, we’re always happy to help you plan your own adventures. That’s why we’eve written this guide to help you make the most of your trip to our beautiful island!
1. Snorkeling at the Gili Islands
Access: Reachable via public or private boats departing from Bangsal Harbor. Boats are frequent, with options for shared or private charters.
Location: Just off the northwest coast of Lombok, a 15-minute boat ride from Bangsal Harbor.
The Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are the go-to snorkeling destination for visitors to Lombok, and for good reason. These islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Gili Meno, in particular, is famous for its turtle population; it’s not uncommon to spot several sea turtles while snorkeling just off the shore.
Gili Air offers coral gardens with plenty of colorful fish, and Gili Trawangan combines snorkeling with a lively island vibe.
Gili Snorkeling
The water here is calm, making it great for beginners, and the visibility is usually excellent. If you’re more experienced, hire a boat to take you around all three islands for a full day of exploring. Compared to Bali’s famous snorkeling spots like Nusa Lembongan, the Gili Islands are much easier to access and have fewer crowds!
2. Snorkeling at Pink Beach
Location: Southeast Lombok, near the small village of Sekaroh.
Access: Around a 2-hour drive from Kuta Lombok, followed by a short boat ride to nearby reefs.
Pink Beach is one of Lombok’s most unique snorkeling spots, known for its blush-colored sand created by crushed red coral mixed with white sand. While the beach itself is stunning, the real magic lies underwater. The reefs just offshore are teeming with vibrant marine life, including clownfish, angelfish, and soft corals. For the best snorkeling experience, we recommend hiring a boat from the beach to take you to nearby spots like Gili Petel or the surrounding coral gardens.
Compared to the Gili Islands, the coral here feels more pristine, and the quieter setting makes it a standout. That said, the visibility can sometimes be affected by currents, so it’s best to go on a calm day.
We personally love Pink Beach for its remote vibe and the opportunity to pair snorkeling with exploring the surrounding coastline. It’s not part of our Lombok Loop trip, but we can easily connect you with local guides to arrange a visit. If you’re looking for a snorkeling adventure that’s as photogenic as it is peaceful, Pink Beach is a must-see.
Pink Beach Snorkeling
3. Snorkeling at Gili Rengit and Gili Layar
Location: Off the southwest coast of Lombok, near Sekotong, just beyond the Secret Gili Islands.
Access: About a 2-hour drive from Senggigi to Sekotong, followed by a 15- to 20-minute boat ride to the islands.
Gili Rengit and Gili Layar are lesser-known snorkeling spots that offer a pristine and quiet experience for those willing to venture off the beaten path. These islands are part of the same cluster as the Secret Gili Islands but are often overlooked by visitors, making them even more tranquil.
Gili Rengit is surrounded by clear, shallow waters, making it ideal for beginners and casual snorkelers. You’ll find vibrant coral gardens and schools of colorful fish just a short swim from the beach. Gili Layar, slightly larger, features stunning underwater landscapes with diverse coral formations and even more marine life, including occasional sightings of small reef sharks.
What sets these islands apart is the unspoiled nature of the reefs and the lack of tourist infrastructure, which keeps the environment pristine. In our opinion, this is an excellent alternative to busier spots like the Gilis or Pink Beach.
4. Snorkeling at Senggigi
Location: Along the west coast of Lombok, around 30 minutes from Bangsal Harbor or 15 minutes from Mataram.
Access: Easily reached by motorbike or taxi, with plenty of spots to park along Senggigi Beach or Kerandangan Beach.
Senggigi isn’t known for its snorkeling, but there are a few spots worth exploring if you’re staying nearby. The best access is on the north side of Senggigi Beach, near Basilico Restaurant by the Kila Senggigi Beach Hotel. You’ll find some coral here with small fish, but it’s important to visit during low tide when the water is calm. At high tide, the water can be murky, and strong currents make snorkeling challenging and potentially dangerous.
In our opinion, Senggigi isn’t the best option for snorkeling compared to places like the Gili Islands. For clearer water and healthier reefs, we recommend taking a short trip to Gili Air or Gili Meno for a much better experience. Alternatively, head south to Sekotong to catch a boat to Gili Nanggu and the smaller islands nearby, which are quieter and less impacted. If you do choose to snorkel in Senggigi, be mindful of the tides and avoid walking on the coral to help preserve what’s left.
