What to Bring for Snorkeling in Gili Trawangan

If you are snorkeling in Gili Trawangan for the first time, you do not need to bring a large bag. Most of the basic snorkeling equipment is already available. From our experience, the useful things to bring are mainly personal items you will want before, during or after the trip.

If you are still deciding which trip to book, see our Gili Trawangan snorkeling guide for current private and shared options, prices and trip details.

Your simple Gili Trawangan snorkeling packing list

The goal is to keep your belongings simple and practical for the boat trip.

You usually do not need a change of clothes

One practical point for first-time guests: we do not normally recommend bringing a change of clothes just for the snorkeling trip. After snorkeling, you will still be wet, so a towel is usually more useful for the trip back.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

You do not need to pack your own basic snorkeling gear unless you simply prefer to use personal equipment. Equipment available for the trip includes:

A swimming ring is also available as an additional precaution. If you want to compare the available Gili Trawangan snorkeling trips, see the main guide for current options and pricing.

Put on sunscreen before leaving your hotel

We recommend applying sunscreen before leaving your hotel because guests normally still need to walk to where the boat is waiting. A hat and sunglasses are also practical during this part of the trip.

What about lunch?

Lunch is not included in the snorkeling price. What happens during the trip depends on the trip type, timing and conditions.

Private snorkeling

If weather and timing are suitable, a private trip can sometimes include a lunch stop around Gili Meno or Gili Air. We can help book a restaurant. Guests pay for their own food, then the trip continues.

Shared snorkeling

A lunch stop on a shared trip is not guaranteed. Depending on the captain's decision, sea conditions, timing and the group situation, the boat may stop around Gili Meno or Gili Air, or continue snorkeling and return to Gili Trawangan.

If you want more control over the day's arrangement, compare our private snorkeling option with the shared trip.

Can I bring my phone and other belongings?

Yes. Guests can bring hand-carry belongings onto the boat. There is a place to keep them, and while guests are snorkeling, the captain keeps an eye on the belongings.

Even so, it is better not to bring valuables that you do not actually need. Keep the things you bring simple and practical.

Wear sandals rather than shoes

We recommend wearing sandals rather than closed shoes. They are more flexible for walking around the island and getting to and from the boat.

What if I am a beginner or not confident in the water?

If you are a first-time snorkeler or not confident in the water, tell the guide, use a life jacket and stay close to the guide while snorkeling. Follow the guide's instructions.

If you cannot swim at all, we recommend not joining the snorkeling activity because being in the sea carries risks. Being honest about your swimming ability helps the guide make an appropriate safety decision.

For more detail, read our Gili Trawangan snorkeling guide for beginners.

What to bring: the short version

• ✓ Towel
• ✓ Sunscreen
• ✓ Hat
• ✓ Sunglasses
• ✓ Cash or card
• ✓ Personal medicine if needed
• ✓ Phone, if you want it with you on the boat
• ✓ Sandals rather than closed shoes

Leave the basic snorkeling equipment to us: mask, snorkel, fins and life jackets are available for the trip.

More planning guides

Once you know what to bring, the next useful questions are usually when to go and what you can expect in the water. Read our guides to the best time to snorkel in Gili Trawangan, snorkeling spots, or Gili Meno snorkeling.

Frequently asked questions

This guide reflects our current trip setup and practical experience. Equipment, route and stops can depend on the trip arrangement and conditions on the day.