Swimming with Turtles in Gili Trawangan: What You Need to Know

Gili Trawangan is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and laid back vibe. Most people will visit just for these things, but did you know the island has resident populations of sea turtles that you can swim with? If this doesn’t tempt you to book a trip to the Gilis, I don’t know what will.

The Magic of Swimming with Sea Turtles

Around the Gili Islands you are likely to see Green or Hawksbill sea turtles. Greens are more common, but Hawksbills are often spotted off the beach in front of Villa Almarik.

Swimming with sea turtles is one of the most peaceful experiences you will ever have. These graceful creatures create an almost meditative feeling, gliding through the water without a care in the world. The stillness of the ocean and the sunlight filtering through the water will leave you with the perfect paradise island memories.

Where to Find Turtles in Gili Trawangan

There are a number of popular turtle spots around Gili T. Turtle Point is probably the most well-known. This is to the north of the Gili Trawangan jetty, just in front of Villa Almarik. This is an easy place to get in the water straight from the beach.

Around the coral gardens between Gili T and Gili Meno is also a great spot. You will need to book a space on a boat to get there, but it is frequented by snorkelling tours so it’s also very accessible.

Optionally, there are a couple of good spots around Gili Air and Gili Meno that you can take a boat trip to.

Responsible Turtle Experiences

One of the most important things to remember when you are swimming or snorkelling with turtles is to use eco-friendly practices. Rule number one is to give the turtles space and let them go about their business as it can be easy to get overexcited and reach out to touch or swim after the turtles.

Whenever possible, you should use reef-safe sunscreen. This means choosing brands that avoid chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are very harmful to coral reefs. You also want to avoid touching or standing on coral reefs.

If you are interested in learning more about the turtles, you should visit local conservation efforts and turtle hatcheries like Gili Turtle Sanctuary on Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan Turtle Hatchery.

Tips for the Best Experience

Our number one tip is to get out as early in the morning as possible. It’s not only a beautiful time of day, but you will avoid any crowds at the popular turtle spots.

It’s best to swim or snorkel in pairs, but if you are travelling solo, tell the staff at your accommodation where you are going.

Don’t forget your camera!

Seeing sea turtles in their natural habitat can be a transformative experience. We could all learn a little from these incredible creatures. They teach us to enjoy nature, take our time, and allow ourselves to slow down. It also shows us how preserving this marine environment is of the utmost importance so future generations can also enjoy this memorable experience.

Are you ready to plan your turtle encounter in Gili Trawangan? Check out our special deals and book now by clicking this link