Best Snorkel spots in Gili Meno to see Turtles

Gii Meno is the smallest island out of the Gilis in Indonesia and therefore often overlooked. This tiny island is two kilometres in length and one kilometre wide, making it easy to walk around in a few hours.

But the real reason people visit this little tropical paradise is because the best snorkelling spots are in Gili Meno.

If you want to see lots of turtles, vibrant coral, an array of marine life, swim in crystal-clear water, and see underwater statues and shipwrecks, then this island is for you.

In this post, we will cover the top snorkelling spots to see turtles on Gili Meno island. As well as the best snorkelling tours to go on during your time in the Gili Islands.

Let’s dive in! (pun intended).

Where is the best place to snorkel in gili Meno?

The great thing about snorkelling off the beaches of Gili Meno is that you do not have to swim far to see an array of marine life, including turtles.

However, do be aware that there are strong currents that can take you down the beach.

I was told by The Rabbit Hostel staff that if you are not a strong swimmer, do not try to visit the shipwreck on the south-west side of the island. These currents pull you out to sea, whereas the other ones around the islands are more manageable without flippers.

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Gili Meno Snorkel Map

The two main types of turtles you will see around Gili Meno are the Green and Hawksbill turtles.

You can tell the difference by how many scales they have between their eyes. If it is two, it is a green turtle, and if it is four, it is a hawksbill turtle. You can also see by the shape of their heads as the Hawksbill has a more predominant beak.

Popular marine life in Gili Meno

Gili Meno offers a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life.

During your time snorkelling around the island, you are likely to see:

• Tropical fish: butterflyfish, angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish, and more.
• Invertebrates: sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins, and crabs.
• Reptiles: sea turtles, especially green sea turtles, but hawksbill also frequent the area.
• Cephalopods: octopuses and squid.
• Larger creatures: occasionally, you might spot manta rays or harmless reef sharks.

Snorkelling the Gili Meno Spot and the Meno Wall

The snorkel spot named “Snorkelling Gili Meno” right next to the Meno wall diving location was my favourite snorkel spot to see turtles.

Located in front of Bubbles Bar and restaurant is Pink Beach.

From Pink Beach you can snorkel at the Meno Wall or you can walk into the water and within minutes be greeted by a friendly sea turtle.

I was amazed by how many turtles were chilling in the shallow water. You could very easily walk out to them.

The water on Pink beach is also crystal clear, which makes it such an enjoyable snorkelling experience.

The Meno Wall is one of the hot spots on most snorkel trips due to the wall of coral that has been created overtime. This wall has a diverse amount of coral and plenty of marine life to see.

Turtle Point Arrecife

On the west of the island, near the nest statues is another turtle hotspot. Within minutes of swimming from the shallows, you will see a variety of different fish, from butterfly fish to Moorish idols to bluedamselfish.

The decline into the deeper parts of the ocean is steady, and all abilities of snorkelers can enjoy this area.

You do not have to go out of your depth to see turtles, as they are quite often in the shallow areas eating and cruising.

These turtles are used to humans, so you can approach and observe them. But please do not touch them or disrupt them and give them a nice amount of space. I do appreciate that sometimes it is hard when the current is pulling you towards them, but just be mindful.

Nest Statues

The Nest Statues are probably the most Instagrammed place from the Gili Islands.

These 48 life-sized statues live 12 feet/4 meters under the water of Gili Meno.

This man-made reef was Bask Island resorts attempt to create a space for coral to grow and for marine life to colonise and inhabit.

The creator of the Nest statues was British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. His vision was to symbolise time, life, and continuity.

These sculptures were formed and placed in the ocean in 2017, and since then tourism has grown and people from all over come to see them.

The Nest Statues is a great place to see colourful fish and sea turtles. If you are staying on Gili Meno, I highly encourage you to visit early morning or after 4pm to avoid the mass crowds.

I tried to visit four times, but each time I failed. The current kept taking me away from the site; I nearly got squashed by a boat, and people would gather, but I couldn’t see what they were looking at, so hopefully you will be luckier than me.

BE CAREFUL when venturing out, as there are lots of boats and you cannot always see them coming until they are practically on top of you.

I also did not have flippers.

To visit the site from the beach is very simple (unless you are me!): Opposite the Bask Island Resort sign, swim straight for 100 meters, and you will probably see a small crowd of people, and that is where they are.

Turtle Heaven and Turtle Paradise

On the north side of the island, there are a couple of lovely snorkel spots called Turtle Paradise and Turtle Heaven.

Turtle Heaven is a dive site, but as you swim around that beach area, you are likely to see some turtles.

I met a girl from the hostel on my way to this spot, and she said she saw four turtles during her time in the water. Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to see any, but there were lots of fish and some very small jellyfish that can sting. I experienced more jellies on Gili Air than Gili Meno though which is good.

Turtle Paradise is another great spot to see turtles with a large population circling that area.

The water is crystal clear and a really great place to enjoy a swim and a snorkel.

Other Gili Meno Snorkelling Spots

Coral Gardens

If you want to see colourful, alive coral, then head to the Coral Gardens located on the east of the island above the pier routes.

Here you will see an array of marine life thriving in this reef of colour. This spot is only a short distance from the shoreline, and the crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility.

During your time at the coral reef, you might be lucky enough to see tropical fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. You might also spot a turtle, as Gili Meno is a favourite spot for them.

Since you’re on the East side, be mindful of the boats using the pier.

Bounty Wreck

Diving Spot The Bounty Wreck is located on the southwest side of the island and has very little information surrounding it. One article stated that the jetty was bombed in the 2000s, and another article states that the bridge collapsed.

Regardless of the reason, this wreck has created a home for soft and hard coral to form, attracting sea life to the area.

Only swim out to the Bounty Wreck site if you are a strong and confident swimmer. The site is characterised by a moderate to strong current, making it unsuitable for beginner snorkelers or those with limited swimming abilities.

It is essential to have the necessary skills and stamina to navigate the underwater landscape safely.

However, saying that it is a great spot for beginner divers.

What you need to pack for snorkelling in Gili Meno

If you are planning on snorkelling on multiple occasions during your trip to Indonesia, I recommend investing in some gear. Although it is very easy to hire a snorkel mask and fins from most hotels in Gili Meno, there is something nice about having your own kit.

Snorkel Mask – I recommend the snorkel masks with separate nose, eyes, and mouthpiece. Too many things can go wrong with a full-face snorkel. I like the snorkel mouthpieces that have a ‘lid’ on top of them to stop water from getting in.

Fins – If you have room in your bag, a pair of fins is great when navigating a current. They also provide you with the freedom to go further.

Water shoes – If fins are going to take up too much room, then invest in a good pair of waterproof shoes. There will be a lot of walking on dead coral in the shallows of the water, and that can be sharp on your feet.

GoPro – A GoPro is an amazing tool to get footage of your underwater experiences. I had (until someone stole it in a hostel) the GoPro 12 and the quality was amazing!

Reef-safe sunscreen– We want to protect our reefs from harmful chemicals. Finding a reef-safe sunscreen is one way to help, and also applying it 20 minutes before heading into the water.

Rashguard – If you plan to spend multiple days snorkelling in the hot sun, a rashie will protect you from becoming a lobster like I was.

Best Snorkel Tours in Gili Meno

If you are staying on the island of Gili Meno, then it is not really necessary to go on a snorkel tour, as you can get to these locations from the beach. However, I understand not everyone is confident in the water, and some people are beginners.

A lot of snorkel tours come from the surrounding islands like Gili T and Gili Air.

However, some do provide Gili Meno pick up.

Where to stay in Gili Meno

Hostel Option:

There is only one hostel on the island of Gili Meno, and it is called The Rabbit Tree Hostel.

This hostel is weird, fun but weird.Each room has a theme; there is a ball pit room, Grandma’s room, a tree house room, a babies room, a flying boat room, and a couple more.

I stayed in the babies room, where I was in a giant cot (like I said, weird!), and then I moved to the flying boat room, which was literally suspended in the sky.

I would not recommend the flying boat room as it is above the common area, so you can hear everyone’s conversations morning, noon, and night.

Even though the hostel was odd, it was a fun crowd. We played music quizzes, the hostel put on a family dinner, and they organised volleyball and sunset cruises. They also rent out snorkel gear for 30k a day (£1.50).

Budget Hotel Options:

Meno Dream Resort may not appear budget, but with a cost of £30 a night, it makes luxury affordable.

The rooms come as traditional-style bungalows that overlook the pool or the Balinese garden.

Each room has hot water, free wifi, pool access, and free drinking water.

The Meno Dream Resort is also located 4 minutes walk from the beach.

Another beautiful place is Gili Meno Escape; this adults-only hotel also has bungalow-style rooms that overlook the pool area.

Rooms come with a fridge, a terrace area, free wifi, and air conditioning.

As cycling and snorkelling are the main activities on the island, you can rent the equipment out at reception.

Rooms are around £45 a night.

Luxury Hotel Option:

If you would prefer to stay in pure luxury that is beachfront then you are going to want to look at Bask Gili Meno. This place is gorgeous! It comes with a private pool, free bike hire, and stunning rooms.

You can choose from suites, villas, lofts, or studio apartments.

The Nest statues are also located at the front of this resort. The beach club is also a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy their 2-for-1 cocktails.

Suites start at around £250 per night.

Final thoughts

In summary, the small tropical paradise known as Gili Meno lsland is one of the best snorkelling spots when visiting Lombok and the Gili Islands. Home to turtles, tropical fish, environmental art installations, and crystal-clear waters. By the end of the trip you will be so happy you didn’t overlook this tiny, beautiful island.

As always, happy exploring!