Snorkelling with Turtles on Gili Trawangan: A Guide to Halik Reef

Few places make it as easy to swim with sea turtles as the Gili Islands. With just a mask, snorkel and fins, you can float above coral gardens and watch green and hawksbill turtles graze, rest on the reef or rise slowly to the surface to breathe. Sightings are never guaranteed, but they are wonderfully frequent.

On Gili Trawangan, one of the best spots is Halik Reef, along the island's quiet north coast. The reef starts close to shore, with turtles, schools of reef fish, blue-spotted stingrays and plenty of colourful corals, including Biorock structures planted by the Gili Eco Trust. Morning, when the water is calm and clear, is usually the best time.

Currents around the Gili Islands can be strong and change with the tide. Enter the water up-current from where you want to end up and let yourself drift gently along the reef, staying close enough to shore to swim back easily. If you are unsure, ask locally about the conditions before you go.

For a wider tour, glass-bottom boat trips leave daily from Gili Trawangan's harbour and stop at several snorkelling spots around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Wherever you swim, give turtles space: never touch, chase or feed them, and use reef-safe sunscreen.

Halik Reef lies right in front of The Gili Beach Resort, and we lend snorkelling gear to every guest, so your first turtle may be just a few strokes from your villa.