Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you anything, they will help us keep this site running and free for everyone.
Gili Air might be small, but there's an endless amount of fun activities and things to do during your visit. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation or a mix of both, the island has something for everyone.
During our 5 days on the island, we set out to experience everything Gili had to offer - and we were not disappointed! We've put together this guide of the 15 best things to do in Gili Air to help you make the most of your trip.
Chloe Butcher
1. Go Snorkelling
Snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Gili Air - the waters here are calm, warm and full of marine life. Just off the beaches, you’ll find colourful coral, schools of tropical fish and lots of turtles.
Snake Beach/Turtle Point is a great area for snorkelling and spotting turtles, but you'll definitely need water shoes or fins as there's sharp coral here.
You can either rent a mask and snorkel to explore straight from the beach, or join an organised Gili Air snorkelling tour that takes you to multiple reefs around the three islands, which we highly recommend!
We booked a private tour which lasted around four hours and took us to 3 different locations, including the famous Bask Nest underwater statues near Gili Meno.
Top Rated Snorkelling Tours
2. Go Scuba Diving
As the Gili Islands are full of vibrant coral reefs, turtles, reef sharks and other marine life, it's the perfect place to go scuba diving.
We spent a morning diving with Gili Air Divers and did two different dive sites - we saw lots of turtles, fish, coral, a reef shark and even a ship wreck!
If you've never scuba dived before, you can easily learn here as there are a few dive schools offering PADI courses.
3. Cycle Around the Island
One of the simplest yet most enjoyable things to do in Gili Air is to hire a bike and cycle around the island. Since there are no cars on Gili Air, cycling is the easiest and most relaxing way to get around.
It takes around 30 minutes - 1 hour to cycle around the island, but you’ll want to stop along the way at little beach bars, local markets or for a quick swim in the sea.
Bikes are available to rent almost everywhere and only cost around £1-2 a day! Cycling gives you the perfect chance to get your bearings on Gili Air and soak up the slower pace of island life.
4. Watch a Movie at the Outdoor Cinema
For a laid-back evening, nothing beats the Gili Air outdoor cinema experience.
Several beachfront spots host outdoor cinema nights, usually showing a mix of classics and new releases. You can relax on the beach, with some food and drinks while enjoying a good film - this is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Gili Air.
5. Join a Silver Jewellery-Making Workshop
If you’re looking for a more creative activity, try a jewellery making class, where you can make your own silver ring or braclet. These hands-on workshops are led by local guides who show you the process of melting silver and designing it into jewellery.
Jewellery-making is popular across Bali and the Gili Islands, and Gili Air has a few studios offering half-day classes. We did ours in Bali and loved it, it was such a fun experience and a great way to bring home a personal souvenir.
6. Learn Freediving
You might see a trend here with underwater activities, but that can only be expected when you're on a tropical island!
Gili Air is a great place to learn to freedive (or practise your skills if you're already a freediver) with calm waters, great visibility and good dive schools.
You can take beginner courses to learn the skills, improve your breath-holding, and learn how to dive safely to impressive depths. It’s a unique challenge and a great way to connect with the ocean on a more mindful level.
7. Take an Indonesian Cooking Class
A cooking class in Gili Air is not only a fun activity but a great way to learn more about the local culture. You’ll learn how to make a traditional Indonesian dish like nasi goreng, gado-gado or satay and be able to enjoy the food at the end.
Gado Gado & Tempe Kecap
It’s a great activity for couples, groups of friends or even solo travellers who want to meet others.
8. Go to the Spa
One of the most relaxing activities in Gili Air is indulging in a massage or spa session. The island has plenty of spas offering everything from traditional Balinese massage to full-body treatments at very affordable prices.
We visited Slow Spa, a lovely spa complex hidden away in nature, offering a range of relaxing massages and facials.
After a day of snorkelling, diving or cycling around the island, there’s nothing better than letting your muscles recover while you enjoy the calm atmosphere of a spa.
9. Play a Game of Padel
If you’re after something active and social, go for a game of Padel at Padel Gili Air, tucked away in the north of the island.
The padel court is located right next to Il Baretto, an italian bakery and cafe, so it's the perfect place to get some exercise and relax after with a coffee and pastry.
Its the perfect activity if you’re travelling with friends or family and a fun way to get in some exercise.
10. Go Beach Hopping Around Gili Air
With its white sandy shores and turquoise water, beach hopping in Gili Air is an activity you can enjoy every single day.
The island is small enough that you can walk or cycle around and stop at different beaches, each with its own vibe - from quiet, secluded stretches perfect for swimming to lively spots with beach bars and beanbags.
Pack a towel, spf and maybe a good book, and spend the day soaking up the sun while moving between your favourite beach spots.
11. Join a Yoga Class
We're all aware that Bali is a hot spot for Yoga and Gili Air is no different, with plenty of yoga studios offering everything from sunrise flows to evening sessions.
Many classes are held in open-air shalas surrounded by palm trees or overlooking the ocean, so it's the perfect place to take a yoga class - even if you're a beginner.
12. Island-Hopping around the Gili's
If you fancy getting off Gili Air for a day, why not visit the other two Gili islands; Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan? The islands are all very close together, so you can just hop on a boat to the other islands; or even join it in with a snorkelling trip.
Island hopping is perfect if you want to experience the different personalities of each Gili: Gili T’s lively beach clubs, Gili Meno’s quiet charm and Gili Air’s balance of the two.
13. Try Paddleboarding
If the water is calm, give paddleboarding a try! The island’s gentle waves and shallow shores make it ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddleboarders can head further out.
You can rent paddleboards from a few different spots around the island, such as the Blue Marine Dive Resort in the north east of the island.
It’s a peaceful way to explore the coastline, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sea is at its calmest.
14. Shop in the Boutiques and Markets
Gili Air has some lovely boutique shops and local markets where you can find everything from handmade jewellery, beachwear and unique souvenirs.
You could spend an entire afternoon cycling around the island and stopping off at all of the beautifully designed boutiques. We absolutely loved the shopping here and could've spent a fortune on the clothing!
15. Go Café Hopping
In our opinion, one of the most enjoyable (and delicious) things to do in Gili Air is café hopping. The island is full of cute cafés serving everything from smoothie bowls and fresh juices to delicious coffee and homemade cakes.
It’s the perfect way to spend a laid-back afternoon, moving between different cafés, trying new treats and soaking up the island’s chilled vibe. A few of our favourites to add to your list are: Gili Coffee Roasters, Kopi Susu and Teras Bambu!
Final Thoughts
That concludes our top 15 things to do in Gili Air! From snorkelling and diving to relaxing yoga classes, boutique shopping and café hopping, this little island really does offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
For a full breakdown of how to spend your time, check out our 5-day Gili Air itinerary.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other Indonesia travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
