Sea turtles are the most magical wildlife experience in the Gili Islands. Two species are commonly encountered: the larger green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the smaller, critically endangered hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata). Both feed around the reefs and can be seen by snorkellers and divers on virtually every outing.
Where to find turtles
Turtle Beach, Gili Air (east coast)
The single best spot for reliable turtle sightings while snorkelling in the Gilis. The reef off the east coast of Gili Air is shallow, calm, and home to a resident population of green turtles feeding on seagrass. You can swim out directly from the beach and see multiple turtles within minutes. Morning sessions (7-10am) are the most productive.
Turtle Heaven, Gili Meno
A famous dive and snorkel site off the east coast of Gili Meno. Shallow enough for snorkellers, with both green and hawksbill turtles frequently seen. The name is earned — you will almost certainly see turtles here.
Turtle Point, Gili Trawangan (north coast)
The north coast of Trawangan has a good reef with reliable turtle encounters. Accessible from the beach near the dive shops. Slightly further from the beach than the Meno and Air spots but still easily doable for a confident snorkeller.
Dive sites
Pretty much any dive around the Gilis will involve turtle encounters. They are so common that dive guides mention them casually, almost as an afterthought. Half-day dive trips typically produce 3-8 turtle sightings.
Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary
The Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary is a community-run conservation project that rescues injured and sick sea turtles, rehabilitates them, and releases them back into the ocean once they are ready. Visitors can see turtles at various stages of recovery in clean, maintained tanks and learn about threats facing sea turtles.
During hatching season (typically April to October), baby turtles from protected nests may be on display. Releases happen occasionally — ask the staff if any are scheduled during your visit.
Entry is free but donations are essential to keep the project running. Give generously if you can — the work is genuinely valuable conservation.
Location: North coast of Gili Meno, a short walk from the east-side harbour.
Hours: 9am-5pm daily.
Cost: Free (donations welcome).
Gili Trawangan Turtle Hatchery
A small conservation project on the east coast beach of Trawangan. The hatchery protects turtle eggs from vulnerable nesting sites until the hatchlings are ready for release. Visitors can see baby turtles in protected pools at various ages.
Occasionally the hatchery hosts public releases at sunset, where visitors can help carry hatchlings to the water's edge and watch them make their way into the ocean. If you are in Trawangan, stop by to see if a release is happening.
Location: East coast beach, near the main harbour area.
Hours: 9am-6pm daily.
Cost: Free (donations welcome).
Responsible turtle watching
Sea turtles are endangered species protected by international law. Responsible behaviour is essential:
Do
- Watch from a respectful distance (at least 2 metres)
- Move slowly and calmly if a turtle approaches you
- Let turtles come to the surface to breathe unimpeded
- Take photos from the side or above
- Report injured or distressed turtles to dive shops or sanctuary staff
Don't
- Touch turtles — ever
- Chase turtles or try to grab them
- Ride on turtles (yes, people do this, it's awful)
- Feed turtles
- Block a turtle's path to the surface
- Crowd around a turtle — keep groups small
- Use flash photography underwater
- Buy any product made from sea turtles (shells, jewellery, eggs)
What you might see
Green sea turtles
The more common species, with adults reaching over a metre in length. Despite the name, their shells are brown or olive. They graze on seagrass and algae and are often seen slowly moving along the sea floor or resting on coral.
Hawksbill turtles
Smaller and more agile than greens, with a distinctive hooked beak. They feed on sponges on the reef. Beautiful but critically endangered globally. Seeing one is a privilege.
Threats turtles face
Understanding what threatens sea turtles helps explain why respectful behaviour matters so much:
- Plastic waste. Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish (their natural food) and ingest them, often fatally.
- Fishing nets. Turtles get tangled in abandoned or active fishing gear.
- Coastal development. Destroys nesting beaches.
- Light pollution. Confuses hatchlings who navigate by moonlight.
- Climate change. Rising sand temperatures skew sex ratios of hatchlings (warmer sand produces more females).
- Poaching. Eggs, meat, and shells are illegally harvested.
- Boat strikes. Injure and kill turtles, especially near busy harbours.
How to help
- Reduce single-use plastic — bring reusable water bottles and bags
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Donate to the Gili Meno Turtle Sanctuary and Trawangan Turtle Hatchery
- Never buy turtle products
- Report any poaching or illegal activity
- Spread the word — educate other travellers
A sea turtle encounter is one of the most memorable experiences of a Gili Islands trip. Approach it with the respect these ancient, endangered creatures deserve, and you will leave with a lasting appreciation for the marine ecosystem of the Gilis.