REVIEW · GILI TRAWANGAN
Best Sunrise SUP Or Kayak With Drone Shoot
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by LombokGiliCheap · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Dawn on open water feels different than any other hour. This sunrise SUP or kayak includes a guided paddle, a free beginner lesson, and a drone shoot so you can actually keep the moment. You’ll launch early from Moana Bar, then glide while the sky wakes up.
Two things I’d plan around first: the free lesson (so you don’t feel behind), and the drone photos and video (so your sunrise memories aren’t just shaky phone shots). One thing to consider: it starts just before dawn, and it depends on weather, so you’ll need to be ready for an early morning schedule.
If you’re choosing a calm, beginner-friendly way to do sunrise, this is a smart pick. Just be honest about comfort in the water and your comfort with a short, guided session before breakfast.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Moana Bar 5:30 AM: Meeting Before the Sky Turns
- SUP or Kayak: What You’ll Do During the 1.5–2 Hours
- A Beginner Lesson That Gets You Balanced Fast
- Drone Shoot at Sunrise: Photos, Video, and the Easy Way to Get Results
- What You Might See on Calm Morning Water (Turtles Included)
- Gear, Rules, and What to Bring So You Don’t Get Flustered
- Price and Value: Why Around $20 Makes Sense
- Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip the Dawn Paddle)
- The Simple Game Plan for a Better Sunrise Session
- Should You Book This Sunrise SUP or Kayak With Drone Shoot?
- FAQ
- What time should I arrive?
- How long is the sunrise SUP or kayak experience?
- Where does the tour start?
- Do beginners get a lesson?
- What equipment is included?
- Is the drone shoot included?
- What should I bring?
- What is not allowed during the activity?
- Who is this experience suitable for?
- What if the weather is bad?
- Can I pay later?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you’ll care about

- Free beginner lesson to help you balance fast, even if it’s your first time on a board or in a kayak
- Drone shoot for sunrise photos and video, handled by the guide (Anto is named in one experience)
- Waterproof bag + life jacket included, so you’re not improvising safety or storage
- Calm-water vibe designed for an easy glide around dawn rather than a workout race
- Turtle-spotting potential reported during the session, so keep your eyes open near the surface
- Weather-dependent timing that may shift for safety, even though the vibe is always early and peaceful
Moana Bar 5:30 AM: Meeting Before the Sky Turns

This starts early enough that you’ll feel it in your phone alarm. You need to be ready at the meeting point by 5:30 AM, and the trip begins just before dawn. The meeting point is at a bar called Moana Bar, and you end back there.
What matters here is mindset. You’re not rolling in at “vacation o’clock.” You’re showing up while the world is still quiet, before the water warms up, before crowds, and before the day starts adding noise. If you’re the kind of person who likes to beat the rush, you’ll enjoy the payoff.
Also, arrive prepared for water conditions. This is a guided session that runs about 1.5 to 2 hours, and you’ll want to be comfortable getting on the water quickly after a short intro.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gili Trawangan.
SUP or Kayak: What You’ll Do During the 1.5–2 Hours

You’ll choose a stand-up paddle board (SUP) or a kayak. The whole design is about stability and ease—especially on calm waters—so you can focus on sunrise instead of fighting the equipment.
Here’s the flow you should expect:
- You meet at Moana Bar, then get briefed with your guide
- You receive the paddle (or kayak setup), plus a life jacket
- You get a short intro and then start paddling as the sunrise opens up
- The guide stays with you and helps along the way
- You return to the meeting point after the session
Why this setup works: sunrise looks great, but the real win is having someone keep the pace simple. The experience is guided throughout, so you’re not figuring out every stroke while your attention is split between balance and the horizon.
You’ll also be thinking about photography from the start. This trip is built for capturing the morning, not just sightseeing.
A Beginner Lesson That Gets You Balanced Fast

One of the best parts is that beginners aren’t treated like a problem. You get a free lesson even if you’ve never tried SUP or kayak before. The idea is straightforward: a quick primer on how to hold your paddle, how to stay stable, and how to move safely on the water.
If you’re new, you’ll probably appreciate how the lesson is short and practical. You’re not sitting through a long lecture. You’re out there with your guide helping you get your bearings fast.
If you’ve paddled before, the lesson is still useful. You can use that time to confirm technique and avoid common beginner mistakes—like gripping too tightly or positioning your weight in a way that makes the board feel less stable.
And yes, the water safety gear is included. That means you can focus on learning rather than shopping, borrowing, or guessing what fits.
Drone Shoot at Sunrise: Photos, Video, and the Easy Way to Get Results

This is the trip’s signature: a drone shoot paired with sunrise paddling. That’s the difference between “cool view” and “I have a real story in my camera roll.”
The drone side matters for two reasons:
- Sunrise views are wider than what a phone can frame well while you’re on the water
- The guide can capture angles that you can’t easily reach yourself from the paddle
In the experiences shared, a guide named Anto is called out for taking great photos and videos. If you’re serious about getting good sunrise shots, this is one of the more efficient ways to do it because it’s built into the experience rather than something you have to coordinate separately.
Practical tip: bring a waterproof camera or make sure your phone is stored in a waterproof bag/case during the paddle. You’ll want to capture the sky as it changes, but you also don’t want to spend half the morning worrying about gear.
What You Might See on Calm Morning Water (Turtles Included)
This trip is designed around calm conditions. That’s not just for comfort—it’s also when wildlife is easier to spot because the water stays smooth and movement is slower.
In one of the experiences, the group saw plenty of turtles, which tells you the timing can line up with wildlife sightings. You shouldn’t assume every session will have the same sightings, but you can reasonably hope for a chance.
How to maximize your odds without turning it into a search mission:
- Keep your eyes up near the surface during slower moments
- Stay calm and avoid sudden paddling bursts
- Ask your guide what to watch for if you’re unsure
The bigger point is the overall vibe: quiet, early, and paced like you’re experiencing the ocean rather than just passing through it.
Gear, Rules, and What to Bring So You Don’t Get Flustered

Good news: key safety and comfort items are included. You get:
- Stand-up paddle (for SUP)
- Lesson
- Waterproof bag
- Life jacket
But you still need to pack the right personal items. Based on the recommended list, bring:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Camera (ideally waterproof)
- Waterproof camera and/or waterproof bag or case for valuables
If you want smoother logistics, plan your outfit around getting wet. Wear something you can paddle in and dry off afterward.
There are also rules you’ll need to follow for safety and practicality. Not allowed include:
- High-heeled shoes
- Baby strollers, baby carriages
- Luggage or large bags
- Shoes indoors
- Electric wheelchairs and scooters
- Making fire
This list is mainly about keeping the meeting and gear area safe and simple. If you travel light, you’ll feel more relaxed—especially when you’re heading out before dawn.
Price and Value: Why Around $20 Makes Sense

The price is listed at $20 per person. On paper, that sounds budget-friendly, but the value comes from what’s included.
For this kind of sunrise adventure, the “good deal” isn’t only the paddle. It’s the combo:
- Guided time on the water for beginner-friendly pacing
- A free lesson (so you’re not paying extra for instruction)
- Safety gear (life jacket)
- A waterproof bag so you can actually bring valuables
- A drone shoot for sunrise photos and video
If you’ve ever tried to coordinate a drone session yourself, you know it’s rarely cheap or easy. Here, it’s part of the experience plan, which is why the price can feel like a steal.
One more value point: you’re getting a structured activity lasting 1.5 to 2 hours instead of half-planning multiple components. Early tours can be pricey when everything is separate. This one keeps it bundled.
Also, you can choose Reserve & Pay Later, meaning you can lock in a spot without paying today.
Who Should Book (and Who Should Skip the Dawn Paddle)

This trip is best for people who want a calm sunrise experience and don’t want stress. It’s guided, beginner-friendly, and short enough that you won’t feel trapped in a long outing.
You should consider it if:
- You’re comfortable being in the water
- You have at least a moderate fitness level
- You want photos/video beyond what you’ll get on your own
- You like early mornings and quiet starts
Minimum age is 10. There are also multiple “not suitable” conditions listed, including:
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- People over 65 years (and also other upper age limits listed)
- People over certain weight limits (multiple thresholds are provided)
- People with certain medical conditions, including altitude sickness
- Children under 2, under 3, under 4, under 5 (listed as not suitable)
If you’re unsure, treat this as a safety-first activity. The morning start and the water comfort requirement mean it’s not ideal for everyone.
The Simple Game Plan for a Better Sunrise Session

If you want your morning to feel smooth, do this:
- Be at Moana Bar by 5:30 AM-ready time
- Bring a towel and sunscreen even if you think it’ll be cool—sunrise can still burn quickly once you’re out
- Use the waterproof bag for valuables and keep a waterproof solution for your camera
- Wear swimwear and something comfortable you don’t mind getting wet
- Bring only what you need (no large bags) so you move quickly from meeting to gear to water
And if you’re nervous about SUP balance, don’t fight it. Listen to your guide during the free lesson. Go slow. Give yourself one or two minutes to find a stable stance before worrying about anything else.
Should You Book This Sunrise SUP or Kayak With Drone Shoot?
Yes—if you want a guided sunrise paddle that’s friendly to beginners and includes results for your camera. The free lesson lowers the barrier, the waterproof bag and life jacket reduce hassle, and the drone shoot is the big “why bother” factor for many people.
I would hesitate only if:
- you don’t handle early mornings well
- you’re not comfortable in the water
- you fall into the not-suitable categories listed (age, pregnancy, mobility, medical limits)
- you’re hoping for guaranteed weather conditions (it’s weather dependent)
If you’re a fit, water-comfortable traveler with a flexible morning and a desire for real sunrise photos, this is an easy yes.
FAQ
What time should I arrive?
You should be ready at the meeting point by 5:30 AM since the trip starts just before dawn.
How long is the sunrise SUP or kayak experience?
It lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Where does the tour start?
It starts at Moana Bar, and it ends back at the same meeting point.
Do beginners get a lesson?
Yes. There is a free lesson for beginners, and the guide assists you throughout.
What equipment is included?
You’ll get the SUP or kayak equipment, a lesson, a waterproof bag, and a life jacket.
Is the drone shoot included?
Yes. The experience includes a drone shoot for photos and video.
What should I bring?
Bring a camera, ideally a waterproof camera, and a waterproof bag or case for valuables. Swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are also recommended.
What is not allowed during the activity?
High-heeled shoes, baby strollers, luggage or large bags, making fire, and shoes indoors are not allowed. There are also restrictions listed for scooters and electric wheelchairs.
Who is this experience suitable for?
Minimum age is 10 and you should be comfortable in the water with a moderate fitness level.
What if the weather is bad?
The activity is weather dependent and may be rescheduled for safety.
Can I pay later?
Yes. Reserve & Pay Later is available, so you can book and pay nothing today.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.






