Snorkeling in Lombok is one of the main reasons travelers fall in love with the island. If you’re planning to snorkel in Lombok, you’ll find clear water, colorful coral, and an impressive variety of marine life can be found all around the coast — often just a few steps from the beach or directly from the beachfront. Clear water, colorful coral, and an impressive variety of marine life can be found all around the coast — often just a few steps from the beach.
What makes Lombok special is how easy snorkeling is here. Unlike Bali, where many good reefs require long boat rides, Lombok offers excellent snorkeling close to shore, plus dozens of small islands (locally called gilis) that feel untouched and quiet.
Below is a carefully researched, experience-based guide to the best snorkeling spots in Lombok — where to go, what you’ll see, and who each place is best for.
Why Lombok Is One of the Best Places to Snorkel
One of the reasons people choose to snorkel in Lombok instead of Bali is the proximity of the reefs to shore and how quiet many spots still feel. Lombok sits between the Bali Sea and the Indian Ocean. This mix creates strong water circulation, which helps coral grow and keeps the water clear.
Snorkelers love Lombok because:
- Coral reefs are healthier than in many parts of Bali
- Fish are easy to spot, even in shallow water
- Many spots work without a boat
- Crowds are still limited outside the Gili Islands
Add warm water year-round and relaxed beach access, and Lombok becomes one of Indonesia’s most rewarding snorkeling destinations.
Best Time to Snorkel in Lombok
The best time to snorkel in Lombok is during the dry season, from April to November, when visibility is highest, and seas are calmer.
Best months: April to November
Best hours: 8:00–10:30 AM
Seasonal tips:
- North & West Lombok: Good almost all year
- South Lombok: Only snorkel on calm days
- East Lombok (Pink Beach): Choose mornings with little wind
Early mornings offer better visibility, calmer water, and more active marine life.
1. Snorkeling at the Gili Islands (Best Overall)
The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — are Lombok’s most famous snorkeling destination.
They sit on a shallow reef system with excellent visibility and calm conditions.
What You’ll See
- Green and hawksbill turtles
- Clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish
- Coral gardens are just a few meters from shore
Best Spots by Island
- Gili Meno: Best coral health and turtles, plus the famous underwater statues
- Gili Air: Easy beach entry, great for beginners
- Gili Trawangan: Turtle hotspots with more activity and boat tours
Snorkeling here is simple: walk in, float, explore. Boat tours let you visit all three islands in one morning.
Best for: Beginners, families, first-time snorkelers
Reality: Gili Trawangan is busy — go early
2. Sekotong & the Secret Gilis (Best Coral Quality)
Southwest Lombok, around Sekotong, hides some of the most beautiful reefs on the island.
These small islands are often called the Secret Gilis.
Best Islands
- Gili Nanggu – Calm water, coral close to shore
- Gili Sudak – Shallow reefs, relaxed atmosphere
- Gili Kedis – Scenic stop with turquoise water
The coral here feels untouched, and fish are plentiful. Many locals consider this the best snorkeling area in Lombok.
Best for: Quiet travel, couples, coral lovers
Tip: Go by local boat from Sekotong village
3. Pink Beach (Tangsi Beach) – Snorkeling with a View
Pink Beach Lombok is famous for its pink-tinted sand, created by crushed red coral mixed with white sand.
The snorkeling here is best just offshore or by a short boat ride to nearby reefs.
What to Expect
- Soft coral gardens
- Reef fish and occasional rays
- Fewer snorkelers than on the Gilis
Conditions depend heavily on the weather, so choose calm days.
Best for: Day trips, scenery + snorkeling
Tip: Bring your own gear
4. North Lombok Beaches (Easy Shore Snorkeling)
North Lombok offers relaxed snorkeling similar to Amed in Bali, but quieter.
Best Beaches
- Pantai Sira – Coral patches near resorts
- Nipah Beach – Fish close to shore
Perfect for slow mornings and casual snorkeling.
Best for: Beginners, no-boat snorkeling
Reality: Coral is patchy but healthy
5. Snorkeling Near Kuta Lombok (When the Sea Is Calm)
South Lombok faces the Indian Ocean, so snorkeling depends on conditions.
Possible Spots
- Tanjung Aan – Sheltered areas on calm days
- Mawun Beach – Early morning only
- Gerupuk Bay – Boat access to calmer reefs
Snorkeling here works best between surf sessions.
Best for: Convenience, strong swimmers
What Marine Life Can You See in Lombok
- Sea turtles
- Clownfish and anemones
- Parrotfish and butterflyfish
- Reef squid and sea stars
- Hard and soft coral formations
Turtles are especially common around the Gili Islands and Sekotong.
Do You Need a Snorkeling Tour?
One of the things travelers love about Lombok is that many snorkeling spots are accessible directly from the beach, without needing a boat.
You don’t need a tour for:
- Gili Air & Gili Meno
- Sekotong beaches
A tour helps if:
- Visiting Pink Beach
- Wanting to go island-hopping in one day
Typical cost: IDR 150,000–400,000 depending on location.
Snorkeling Gear in Lombok
You don’t need to bring equipment. Snorkel masks and fins are widely available and often included in tours. If you snorkel usually, bringing your own mask improves comfort and visibility.
Where to Stay for Snorkeling in Lombok
- Gili Islands: Stay close to reefs, limited variety
- Sekotong: Quiet eco-lodges near Secret Gilis
- Mainland Lombok: The best base to explore multiple regions
Staying on the mainland gives you access to more snorkeling areas with day trips.
Quick Comparison: Best Snorkeling Spots in Lombok
| Area | Coral | Turtles | Crowds | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gili Islands | Very good | Very high | Medium | Easy |
| Sekotong | Excellent | Medium | Low | Easy |
| Pink Beach | Good | Low | Medium | Moderate |
| North Lombok | Good | Low | Low | Easy |
| South Lombok | Variable | Low | Low | Limited |
FAQ: Where to Snorkel in Lombok
Is Lombok suitable for snorkeling?
Yes. Lombok has clear water, healthy coral, and fewer crowds than Bali.
Where is the best snorkeling in Lombok?
The Gili Islands and Sekotong area are the most reliable.
Can beginners snorkel in Lombok?
Yes. Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Sekotong are ideal.
Can you snorkel year-round in Lombok?
Yes, especially on the west and north coasts.
Final Thoughts
If you’re deciding where to snorkel in Lombok, focus on three areas:
- Gili Islands for easy, reliable snorkeling
- Sekotong for the healthiest coral
- Pink Beach for scenery and adventure
Lombok rewards travelers who go early, choose calm days, and explore beyond the obvious spots.
For more slow-travel guides, hidden beaches, and island tips, explore more on Sandays Lombok.
