Gili Trawangan: Stand-Up Paddle with Drone Shot & Guide

Travelers seeking a peaceful, picture-perfect start to their day will find this stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience on Gili Trawangan offers more than just exercise — it’s a chance to witness nature’s beauty in tranquil surroundings. This 2-hour tour combines a beginner-friendly lesson, guided exploration, and the thrill of capturing stunning drone images from above. Whether you’ve never stepped on a paddleboard or you’re a seasoned paddler, this adventure promises gentle waters, gorgeous views, and a memorable morning.

What truly stands out is the timing — early morning on Gili Trawangan offers calm, glassy waters that make paddling easier and more relaxing. Plus, the extra touch of a free drone shot elevates the experience from simply paddling to creating a keepsake from your trip. But, it’s worth noting that this tour is weather-dependent, and rescheduling might be necessary if conditions turn unfavorable. Still, for those who want a quiet, authentic way to start the day and see the island from a new perspective, this tour hits the mark.

This activity suits anyone looking to combine light adventure with breathtaking scenery — perfect for beginners, solo travelers, or couples wanting a peaceful, guided experience. It’s also ideal for those wanting to avoid crowded tourist spots and instead enjoy the coast in serene solitude.

Key Points

• Calm, glassy waters create ideal conditions for paddling and photography.
• Guided instruction helps beginners feel confident on the board.
• Drone photos offer a stunning aerial view of your sunrise adventure.
• Flexible self-guided time allows exploration and relaxation.
• Small group setting ensures personalized attention and safety.
• Timing around sunrise maximizes tranquility and scenic beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Point & Accessibility

The tour begins at a designated meeting point in Pongkor, with the guide easy to spot in a GetYourGuide T-shirt. The coordinates (-8.348084449768066, 116.04287719726562) make it simple to find, and the meeting is straightforward, ensuring you start your morning with minimal hassle. The location is close enough to Gili Trawangan to set the tone for an authentic island experience without the crowds.

Safety Briefing & Introduction

The activity kicks off with a brief safety talk — a quick but comprehensive 5-minute overview ensures everyone understands how to navigate the boards and stay safe in the water. This is especially reassuring for total beginners or those anxious about falling in. The instructor, who speaks English, takes a friendly approach, making sure everyone feels comfortable before hitting the water.

Guided Paddleboarding (15 Minutes)

Once everyone is prepped, the first 15 minutes are spent with an instructor guiding you through the basics, helping you get used to balancing on the board, handling the paddle, and understanding water safety. Reviewers have mentioned how helpful this initial guidance is; one noted that the instructor “helped me a lot and guided me,” which boosted confidence significantly. Expect to learn the essential techniques while soaking in the first light of dawn, with Mount Rinjani softly illuminated in the background.

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Self-Guided Exploration (Approximately 100 Minutes)

After the initial guided phase, you’re free to paddle at your own pace for about 100 minutes, exploring the coastline, gliding over calm waters, or just floating and soaking in the scenery. The quietness of dawn enhances the experience — the waters are typically “calm and glassy,” perfect for reflection, balance, and capturing scenic photos. Many reviewers have appreciated this free time, with one mentioning, “Hat Spaß gemacht und man durfte danach noch alleine etwas paddeln,” emphasizing how relaxing and flexible the experience is.

Scenic Views & Photo Opportunities

As you paddle, the views are nothing short of spectacular. The first light lights up Mount Rinjani and the turquoise waters, creating a painting-like scene. You’ll love the way the soft pinks, oranges, and golds reflect on the water, making every moment feel surreal. You might find yourself just floating and taking it all in, which is exactly what many reviewers describe as the highlight.

Drone Photos & Memorable Keepsake

To make the experience even more special, a drone operator captures a free aerial shot of your sunrise session. This bonus adds significant value, as it’s not only a unique perspective but a professional-quality memory to take home. Note that the drone photo is included in the package, and many guests have mentioned how “beautiful” and “unforgettable” these images turned out.

Return & Wrap-Up

After your paddleboarding adventure, you’ll return to the starting point, feeling refreshed and inspired by the early morning adventure. Some guests have shared that they even continued to paddle solo after the guided session, enjoying the freedom of the calm waters.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The Timing: Early Morning Calm

The tour’s timing around sunrise is a game-changer. As one reviewer put it, “The waters around sunrise are typically calm and glassy,” making paddling easier and more enjoyable. This period offers a peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the day, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature.

Expert Guidance & Support

The presence of an instructor during the first 15 minutes ensures even complete beginners won’t feel overwhelmed. Many guests appreciated the friendly, attentive guidance — “the instructor was super nice and guided us,” said a reviewer. This focus on safety and comfort is crucial for a positive experience.

Drone Photography: A Gift from Above

The included drone shot transforms this paddleboard session into a visual storybook. The aerial images beautifully capture the island’s scenery and your moment of tranquility, making it a highlight for many. Reviewers have called the drone photos “incredible” and a “beautiful memory from paradise.”

Flexibility & Freedom

With 100 minutes of self-guided paddling, you have ample opportunity to explore at your own pace. This freedom to drift along or sit and reflect enhances the overall sense of serenity. Guests have noted how they appreciated the ability to paddle around Gili’s coastline without feeling rushed.

Practical Details & Considerations

Duration & Group Size

The entire experience lasts around 2 hours, with a small group limitation of nine participants. This ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed vibe. The tour is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers, making it accessible to almost everyone.

Cost & Value

While the price might seem modest, the inclusion of the drone photos and guided instruction adds great value. You’re getting a comprehensive, memorable experience at a competitive rate, especially considering the stunning scenery and personalized attention.

What to Bring & Wear

Guests should wear swimwear or beachwear, and bring along sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. Since the waters are calm and safe for most, no special equipment is needed beyond your bathing suit and a towel. The tour explicitly prohibits weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs, ensuring the environment remains safe and respectful.

When to Book & Rescheduling

Since weather plays a key role, rescheduling might occur if sea conditions are unfavorable. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot, especially since spots are limited.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This SUP tour is ideal for beginners eager to try paddleboarding in a calm, supportive environment. It’s perfect for adventurers wanting a peaceful way to enjoy Gili Trawangan’s early mornings without the crowds. Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to see the island from above with drone photos and watch the sunrise over Mount Rinjani. It’s also great for couples or small groups seeking a memorable, scenic activity with a relaxed pace.

The Sum Up

This paddleboarding experience on Gili Trawangan offers a rare blend of tranquility, stunning scenery, and personalized attention. The early morning timing creates an atmosphere of peace and reflection that’s hard to beat, especially with the added bonus of drone photos capturing the unforgettable sunrise. Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or just looking for a serene way to enjoy the island’s beauty, this activity offers excellent value and authentic enjoyment.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who want a gentle adventure, nature lovers craving spectacular views, or anyone who appreciates a special memory from their trip. The calm waters, friendly guides, and breathtaking scenery make this a worthwhile addition to any Gili Trawangan itinerary.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, the tour includes a free introductory lesson and 15 minutes of guidance with an instructor, making it accessible for those new to paddleboarding.

How long do I get to paddle on my own?
After the initial guided session, you’ll have approximately 100 minutes for self-guided paddling, giving plenty of time for exploration or relaxing.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear or beachwear, along with sun protection like sunscreen and a hat. It’s also advisable to carry a towel if needed.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, rescheduling may occur if sea conditions are unfavorable, so booking in advance and being flexible is recommended.

What makes the drone photos special?
They provide an aerial perspective of your sunrise paddle, capturing the scenic beauty of Gili Trawangan from above — a fantastic memory to keep.

Is there a group limit?
Yes, the small group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.

Can I continue paddling after the guided session?
Absolutely, many guests choose to paddle solo afterward, enjoying the calm waters and scenic views at their own pace.

Is this activity ideal for families or older adults?
It’s best suited for those over 70 or with back problems to avoid, but for most others, it’s a safe, enjoyable activity.

In essence, this SUP tour offers the perfect blend of gentle adventure, stunning scenery, and memorable photography — ideal for anyone wanting a peaceful start to their Gili Trawangan day.

You can check availability for your dates here: