Gili Trawangan Best Sunrise SUP Or Kayak With Drone Shoot

Imagine slipping onto calm, glassy waters just before dawn, the sky slowly lightening as the sun rises over the Gili Islands. That’s exactly what this sunrise paddle tour offers—an experience that combines serenity, stunning scenery, and the thrill of capturing it all from above with incredible drone photography.

We love that this tour is suitable for beginners and all fitness levels, making it accessible to a broad range of travelers wanting a peaceful start to their day. The professional drone photos and videos are a major highlight, giving you breathtaking keepsakes. The chance to see glowing bioluminescent plankton adds a magical, almost otherworldly touch.

A possible consideration is the early start—begins at 5:30 AM, which might be a challenge for some, especially those not accustomed to waking before dawn. However, for sunrise lovers or early risers, it’s a small price for the peace and beauty you’ll experience.

This adventure suits anyone craving a quiet, scenic, and memorable moment on the water, whether you’re a complete newbie or a seasoned paddler eager for unique photos.

Key Points

• Early morning tranquility delivers peaceful water and stunning sunrise views.
• Bioluminescent plankton can glow in the early light, adding a magical glow to your paddle.
• Professional drone photography captures high-quality photos and videos you’ll cherish.
• Suitable for all skill levels thanks to stable equipment and a helpful guide.
• Weather-dependent activity might be rescheduled for safety.
• Booking in advance helps secure a spot for this popular experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Sunrise SUP or Kayak Experience

What makes this tour special?

This 1.5-hour morning adventure stands out because it combines serenity, natural beauty, and tech-savvy photography. Gili Trawangan offers calm waters early in the day, perfect for a relaxed paddle without the usual crowds. The tour captures a moment when the island is still waking up, and the water is often mirror-like, reflecting the changing sky.

From the reviews, it’s clear that the guides are not only knowledgeable but also attentive. One reviewer, Daniela from Germany, praised the guides for their professionalism, mentioning how they kept an eye on everyone and even allowed guests to choose the color of their paddleboards. This personalized touch makes the experience feel more special and comfortable, especially for those new to SUP or kayaking.

The itinerary: what to expect

Meeting point: You’ll check in at the SUP GILI office, located at coordinates -8.34926986694336, 116.0434341430664—easy to find with Google Maps. It’s best to arrive by 5:30 AM, giving enough time to gear up and listen to a brief safety introduction before heading out.

The activity starts with an introduction from your English-speaking guide, who will give a short paddling demo. Whether you’re new to SUP or have some experience, the wide deck and non-slip surface provide stability, making it manageable for beginners.

Once on the water, the group paddles across calm, glassy waters with stunning views of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air in the distance. The early light creates a beautiful tableau—pink, orange, and purple hues coloring the sky, reflected perfectly in the water.

The highlight: glowing bioluminescent plankton

One of the most talked-about features, according to reviews, is the chance to see glowing plankton. In the early morning, when the water is still and dark, these microorganisms emit a gentle glow when disturbed—creating a magical, almost fairy-tale effect. This natural light show elevates the experience from simply paddling to witnessing a rare spectacle.

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Drone photography: capturing the moment

Included in the package are professional drone photos and videos, which many reviewers have described as spectacular. Anto, the drone pilot, is noted for his friendly demeanor and skill in capturing memorable shots. Reviewers like Vasilisa from Russia and Mirjam from Germany mention that the drone photos and videos are “incredible” and “insane”. These high-quality images serve as perfect souvenirs or social media content, with views from angles you simply can’t get from the water.

What about the equipment?

All necessary equipment, including paddleboards and paddles, are provided. The boards are designed for stability, and the lightweight construction makes them easy to handle. It’s important to note that basic paddling skills are helpful but not mandatory—guides are there to assist beginners and ensure safety.

Practical details

Timing: Starting around 5:30 AM, the tour lasts about 1.5 hours but can extend up to 2 hours depending on conditions. The early start means you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy an intimate connection with the water and sunrise.

Weather: The activity is weather-dependent, meaning if conditions are unsafe—like strong winds or rain—they’ll reschedule. Most reviews suggest that the weather is usually suitable early mornings, but it’s worth confirming closer to the date.

Group size: While not explicitly stated, reviews indicate small, friendly groups, allowing for personalized attention from guides.

Cost & value: Though not detailed here, the experience seems to offer good value considering the professional photos, equipment, and guide service included. It’s a worthwhile investment for a memorable, Instagram-worthy morning.

Who will love this?

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and early risers wanting a peaceful start to their day. It’s suitable for beginners and those with moderate fitness levels, thanks to stable equipment and a helpful guide. Highly recommended for travelers who want more than just a boat ride—they seek a meaningful, picture-perfect moment on the water.

The Sum Up: Is it worth it?

If you’re after a calm, scenic way to begin your day on Gili Trawangan, this sunrise paddle tour offers a blend of tranquility and visual delight. The chance to see glowing plankton and capture stunning drone photos makes it more than just a workout—it’s a memorable experience that will leave you with beautiful images and a sense of serenity.

The early start might be a challenge, but for those who enjoy quiet mornings and breathtaking views, it’s absolutely worth waking up for. The guides’ attentiveness and the high-quality photography elevate this experience above a typical water activity.

For travelers craving a peaceful, scenic, and photo-worthy adventure with a touch of magic, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for those who value authentic, well-organized experiences that bring you closer to nature’s quiet wonders.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 5:30 AM, just before dawn, so plan to arrive early to gear up and start on time.

Is this activity suitable for beginners?
Yes, the paddleboards are designed for stability, and guides provide a short intro. It’s accessible even if you’ve never paddled before.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, waterproof case or bag, towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. All equipment is provided.

Can I see bioluminescent plankton?
Yes, the early morning conditions make it possible to see glowing plankton when the water is disturbed, adding a magical element to your paddle.

How are the drone photos taken?
Anto, the drone pilot, captures stunning aerial shots during the tour, providing high-quality videos and pictures as part of the experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity is weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe, the tour may be rescheduled or canceled for safety reasons.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 10, and participants should be comfortable in water with a moderate fitness level. It’s not recommended for very young children or those with limited mobility.

How long does the tour last?
The activity runs around 1.5 hours but can extend up to 2 hours depending on conditions and group pace.

This sunrise paddle tour on Gili Trawangan offers an authentic, peaceful way to start your day, with stunning scenery and the bonus of professional drone shots. Whether you’re after a calm moment on the water or incredible photos, it’s an experience worth waking up early for.

You can check availability for your dates here: