Ozzy Snorkeling 3 Islands Visit Baby Turtles

The main attraction here is the chance to swim around 48 underwater statues at Gili Meno, then look for sea turtles at Turtle Point. I like the low price, and I like that the trip combines views from the boat with several stops in the water. At about $12 per person, it gives you a simple way to see several famous Gili sites without arranging your own boat.

The catch is group size and boat quality. The vessel may be a wooden boat with only a small viewing window rather than a true glass-bottom boat, and a crowded group can make the water stops awkward. You should also be ready for a basic operation, not a polished small-group cruise.

Key points at a glance

• The 48 statues at Gili Meno: Swim around a circular underwater art installation that gives this trip its most unusual stop.
• Turtle Point: You may see sea turtles, but sightings and water conditions are never guaranteed.
• Blue Coral stop: This is part of the planned route, but the exact stops can change, so confirm the day’s schedule before departure.
• Very low price: At $12, the tour offers good value if you accept shared transport and a basic boat.
• About four and a half hours: The 270-minute outing leaves time for several water stops and a lunch break at your own expense.
• Bring cash and breakfast: Food and drinks are not included, and the operator recommends eating before you go.

What the $12 Gili Islands tour really offers

Ozzy Snorkeling Centre runs this as a shared boat trip around the Gili Islands. The advertised duration is 270 minutes, or four and a half hours, which is enough time for a few snorkel stops, a break on Gili Meno, and the return ride.

The price is the biggest reason to consider it. For about $12, you get round-trip boat transport, snorkel equipment, swimming stops, and a captain and crew. That is a useful deal if you want the classic Gili snorkeling circuit without paying for a private boat.

Still, the price tells you what kind of outing this is. You are buying access to the route, not a quiet charter with personal attention. If the boat fills up, you may spend much of the ride sitting close to other people. Fins can bump together in the water, and getting back aboard may be less graceful than you hope.

The overall rating is 4.3 out of 5 from 37 ratings, which fits the mixed picture. The main praise centers on the beautiful snorkeling locations, especially the statues and turtles. The weaker experiences focus on crowding, a boat that needed repairs, and promised stops that did not always happen.

Meeting at Ozzy Snorkeling Centre

You need to exchange your voucher at the ticket counter inside the Ozzy Snorkeling Centre before the trip begins. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the office.

The check-in point may not be as clearly marked as you would like. Give yourself a little time to find the counter rather than arriving at the last minute. Your voucher is useful here, since the staff will exchange it for the information or access needed for the boat.

The listed languages are English and Indonesian. That should cover basic instructions, equipment help, and meeting arrangements, but do not expect a long marine biology talk. This is a practical boat outing with a crew, not a guided classroom session.

Eat breakfast before you arrive. The trip includes a stop for lunch at your own expense, but lunch is not supplied and the schedule may leave you hungry during the morning. Bring cash for food, drinks, and any other personal purchases.

Gili Meno’s circle of 48 underwater statues

The statue site at Gili Meno is the most distinctive part of the route. Forty-eight figures sit underwater in a large circle, creating a strange and memorable scene beneath the boat.

You can see the installation from the water, and the boat’s viewing area may give you a second angle before or after you swim. The statues are not simply a reef stop. They give you something specific to look at, photograph, and circle while snorkeling.

The site can also be the busiest part of the outing. Underwater statues draw boats from several operators, so you may find people close by in the water. Keep your fins under control, watch where you kick, and give other swimmers room when you can.

A waterproof camera is worth bringing if you have one. The shapes of the statues show best when the water is clear, but a phone in an ordinary case is a poor choice around salt water. The supplied information specifically recommends a waterproof camera, so take that warning seriously.

Turtle Point and the search for sea turtles

After the statue stop, the boat continues to Turtle Point. This is the part most likely to delight children and first-time snorkelers, provided everyone keeps a respectful distance from the animals.

You may see turtles swimming below or moving through the water near the reef. You should not treat a sighting as guaranteed. Conditions, timing, crowding, and animal behavior all affect what appears during your stop.

The quality of this section depends heavily on how the group moves through the water. On a full boat, swimmers can spread out quickly, and the vessel may end up farther away than some people expect. If you become tired, signal the crew early rather than trying to push on.

Use your own pace. You do not need to chase a turtle to have a worthwhile stop, and you should avoid touching wildlife. The best moments usually come when you stay calm and let the animal pass at a comfortable distance.

Several people have found that the turtle count and fish life were modest on their particular outing. That does not make the stop pointless, but it does mean you should book this for a chance to see marine life, not a guaranteed wildlife show.

Fish, lunch, and the uncertain Blue Coral stop

The planned route also includes time to watch fish and, according to the advertised program, feed them. This can be a pleasant short stop when the water is clear and the fish are active.

Do not assume the fish-feeding portion will always happen. Conditions, timing, and the crew’s decisions can change the order or length of the stops. It is better to regard this as an added possibility rather than the main reason to book.

Lunch comes after the water activities, and you pay for it yourself. The supplied details do not name a specific restaurant or set menu, so bring cash and expect a simple stop rather than an included meal.

The final planned site is Blue Coral. The description presents it as a broad area of blue coral, with a striking underwater color when visibility is good. It sounds like a worthwhile last swim, but the schedule may not always include it. One reported outing returned after lunch instead of continuing to Blue Coral.

That is an important point for anyone comparing tours. Before boarding, ask the crew to confirm the actual stops for the day. If Blue Coral matters to you, do not rely only on the printed description.

The boat is the biggest practical question

The trip is sold as a glass-bottom boat tour, allowing you to watch the sea from above as well as from the water. In practice, the boat may be wooden with a small window in the middle rather than having a broad glass floor.

That difference matters if you are booking mainly for the boat viewing experience. A small window can offer a quick look at the water, but it is not the same as sitting above a wide viewing panel. You should think of the boat as transportation with a limited viewing feature.

Boat condition can also vary. A reported trip had a motor that stopped several times. That does not prove every departure will have the same problem, but it is a fair reason to allow flexibility in your day and avoid scheduling an important activity immediately afterward.

Getting back aboard may be difficult for some people. The boat can sit higher than expected, and the ladder or boarding point may not feel easy after swimming. If you have limited mobility, recent surgery, or trouble climbing from water into a boat, this is not a good choice.

The operator lists the activity as unsuitable for pregnant women, babies under one year, people with mobility or visual impairments, and people with recent surgeries. It also gives weight limits of 280 pounds, or 127 kilograms, and 300 pounds, or 136 kilograms, in different parts of the information. Since those figures do not match, ask the operator to confirm the current limit before booking.

Crowds, fins, and comfort in the water

This is a shared group tour, and the group can be large. That affects nearly every part of the day, from where you sit on the boat to how much space you have at the statue and turtle sites.

In a crowded group, you may need to watch for fins near your face. You may also find it hard to stop and look down without someone swimming close behind you. Stay aware, keep your arms close, and avoid sudden turns.

The crew’s ability to manage the group matters. If the boat moves well away from swimmers, weaker swimmers may feel uneasy or tired before they return. Stay within sight of the boat and signal for help as soon as you need it.

A private boat would give you more control over timing and space, but it would cost more. At $12, this trip is aimed at people who accept a basic shared outing in exchange for a very low fare.

What to pack for a smoother morning

Bring swimwear, a towel, a waterproof camera, and cash. You will need your own money for lunch and drinks, since neither is included.

Eat before you go. The operator specifically recommends breakfast, and that is sensible for a morning built around swimming. Bring only what you can keep secure and dry, since the boat may have limited space.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed. This is also a practical safety rule, since swimming from a moving boat requires clear judgment and steady coordination.

You should also be comfortable spending time in open water. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or recent surgery, and the crew may not be able to provide the level of physical support you need.

Who will get the most from this boat trip

I would choose this tour if you want the lowest-cost way to visit the famous Gili snorkeling sites and you are comfortable with a shared boat. The statues give the trip a clear focus, and the possibility of seeing turtles adds a strong wildlife element.

It also suits people with a flexible schedule. If the engine needs attention, a stop is shortened, or Blue Coral is skipped, you will cope better if the rest of your day is not tightly planned.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet boat, a guaranteed full itinerary, or a wide glass viewing floor. A private boat or a smaller group may suit you better, especially if you are an experienced snorkeler who wants time to explore without bumping fins.

Families should consider the swimming ability and age of everyone in the group. Babies under one year are not suitable for this activity, and the operator does not recommend it for pregnant people or anyone with the listed medical and mobility concerns.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before confirming. Since hotel transport is not included, factor in your own route to the Ozzy Snorkeling Centre.

Should you book Ozzy Snorkeling?

Book it if price matters most, you want the Gili Meno statues and a chance to see turtles, and you can accept a crowded, basic boat. The $12 fare is strong value for the transport, equipment, crew, and four-and-a-half-hour route.

Skip it if the glass-bottom boat is the main attraction for you, or if you need reliable access to every advertised stop. The small viewing window, possible crowding, uncertain Blue Coral stop, and occasional boat problems are real considerations.

My practical advice is to eat breakfast, arrive early at the Ozzy Snorkeling Centre, ask which stops are operating that day, and keep your schedule open afterward. With those expectations, this can be an inexpensive way to see the Gili Islands from both the boat and the water.

FAQ

How long does the Ozzy Snorkeling tour last?

The activity lasts 270 minutes, which is about four and a half hours.

What places does the tour visit?

The planned route includes the underwater statues at Gili Meno, Turtle Point, and Blue Coral. It also includes time to watch fish and a lunch stop at your own expense.

Is the boat really glass-bottom?

The tour is described as a glass-bottom boat trip, but the boat may be wooden with only a small viewing window in the middle. Do not expect a broad glass floor.

Are snorkeling equipment and boat transport included?

Yes. The price includes round-trip boat transport, snorkeling equipment, swimming stops, and a captain and crew.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring cash and plan to pay for lunch yourself.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a waterproof camera, and cash. It is also best to eat breakfast before the tour.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.