You can drive to Tawun harbour and hire a boat on the quay, and many people do. But the islands are far from most hotels and the boatmen’s cooperative sets its own rates, so a packaged day — driver, boat, snorkel gear and often lunch — is usually no dearer and a good deal simpler.
There are two classic circuits in the south-west: the Nanggu–Sudak–Kedis trio, close to shore and ideal for families; and the wilder Gede–Asahan–Layar–Rengit group further west, with better coral and almost no other visitors. A third option goes to the east-coast islands, a long drive from the west but very rewarding. All listings below are real GetYourGuide products with prices and ratings from its partner feed in October 2026.
Our pick of tours & tickets in the Secret Gilis
from €44 Lombok: Private 5 Secret Gilis Snorkelling Tour
The outer group by private boat: Gili Asahan, Layar, Gede, Rengit and Goleng, with snorkelling over some of the best coral in south-west Lombok. Far fewer boats come this way than to Nanggu.
from €44 3 Secret Gilis: Nanggu, Sudak & Kedis Tour with GoPro
The classic trio with hotel pick-up: fish-feeding shallows at Nanggu, lunch on Sudak and a photo stop on tiny Kedis, with underwater pictures included.
from €20 Lombok: Gili Nanggu, Sudak & Kedis Private Snorkelling Tour
The same three islands as a private boat trip at a lower price point; check whether land transfers are part of your option.
from €48 Lombok: Gili Nanggu, Tangkong, Sudak and Kedis Islands Tour
Adds Gili Tangkong to the trio for a fourth snorkelling stop — a fuller day for those who want more time in the water.
from €50 Bali to/from Gili Gede: Fast Boat (Optional Bali Transfer)
A direct fast-boat link between Bali and Gili Gede, the gateway to the south-western islands, with optional hotel transfers. Useful if you want to skip the mainland drive altogether.
from €67 From Lombok: 4 Gilis Snorkelling & Mangrove Boat Tour
East Lombok’s islets: the mangrove channels of Gili Petagan, snorkelling off Gili Bidara and the sandbanks of Gili Kapal and Gili Kondo. A long but memorable day.
Also bookable from here
These real GetYourGuide listings belong to a neighbouring island or harbour but are regularly used by visitors staying here — check the pick-up point before you book.
Kuta Lombok & the South from €44 Lombok: Pink Beach & 3 Gilis All-Inclusive Snorkelling Tour
A private wooden-boat day in Lombok’s remote south-east: the pink-tinged sand of Tangsi beach and snorkelling stops at small islets nearby. The pink is subtle and depends on the light — the operator says so too — but the day is a favourite.
Senggigi & the Harbours from €31 Lombok: Private Car or Van Charter with Driver
A car and driver for a full day, with the route up to you: the coast road, Mataram’s temples, a waterfall, a weaving village. Good value shared between three or four people.
Booking tips
- Do not feed the fish. Bread-feeding at Nanggu is widespread and harmful to the reef. The fish come anyway.
- Bring cash and water. There are no ATMs, and island warungs are basic.
- Sun protection. Open outrigger boats have little shade; wear a rash vest and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Weekends are busier. Nanggu, Sudak and Kedis are popular with Lombok families on Sundays and holidays. Go midweek for empty sand.
- East-coast trips start very early from the west — consider overnighting in Sembalun, Tetebatu or the east coast to shorten the drive.
- Coming from the famous Gilis? Allow a full travel day: boat to Bangsal, then two hours or more by car to Tawun or Tembowong.
