Best Beaches on Gili Air for Snorkeling, Swimming, and More

If you’re visiting Indonesia and searching for the best beaches on Gili Air to dip your toes in the sand, the quick answer is: all of them. This tropical island paradise has postcard-perfect beaches at every corner, and you can’t go wrong wherever you lay down your towel.

However, we’ve organized the beaches on Gili Air into the guide below, for the best experience based on what you’re searching for.

Jump to:

• Best for Coral Reefs and Snorkeling
• Best for Swimming
• Best for Turtle Spotting
• Best for Solitude
• Best for Restaurants and Beach Bars
• Best for Sunset
• Best for Beach Swings
• Recommended Itinerary (to Experience Every Beach on Gili Air!)

Best Beaches on Gili Air for Coral Reefs and Snorkeling: Northwest and Southeast

While tropical reefs line the entire island, the best coral lies off these two opposing corners of Gili Air. Here you’ll find lively underwater worlds of brightly colored fish and vibrant coral.

Northwest directions: Blue Marlin Dive is a good reference. Expect to wade through 50 meters of shallow waters and sea grass, before you reach the reef.

Southeast directions: Head offshore from Turtle Beach.

Best Beach for Swimming: East

Yes, the warm tropical waters of Gili Air mean that anywhere you dive in makes an enjoyable swimming spot. However, as mentioned above, many of the western and northern shores have 50 – 100 meters of shallow ankle-deep water and sea grass before you get anywhere deep enough to immerse.

For that reason, we consider the eastern coast the best for swimming. While still shallow, it’s probably only 20 meters or so before you arrive at waters deep enough to actually swim.

Directions: Sunrise Resort is a good reference point to venture offshore from.

Best Beach for Turtle Spotting: East

The eastern shore of Gili Air has the highest concentration of these hard-shelled residents. Between the aptly named Turtle Beach and the Google Maps-designated Turtle Snorkeling Area just north of it, you have a strong likelihood of encountering either a Hawksbill or Green turtle.

Directions: between Turtle Beach and Turtle Snorkeling Area

Runner Up: even if the population may not be as concentrated, we’ve also spotted sea turtles along the northwest coast near Blue Marlin Dive. Refer to the section “Best for Coral Reefs and Snorkeling” above.

Best Beach for Solitude: Northeast

While the crowds naturally congregate closer to the southern harbor and the various concentrations of beach bars around the rest of the island, the northeastern tip of Gili Air offers a quiet escape. Here, with less amenities to sustain the masses, you’ll find unspoiled stretches of pristine sand and gently swaying palms.

Directions: Sandy Beach Bungalows are a good reference. From here, head north to then find your own personal hideaway.

Best Beaches on Gili Air for Restaurants and Bars: Southwest, North, Southeast

You’ll find most of the island perimeter lined with beachside restaurants and bars, where a meal or drink are consumed with your toes in the sand. However, some of the most famous spots include Mowie’s (on the southwestern coast), Legend (north) or Chill Out Bar (southeast). Each of these establishments also offers lounge chairs and bean bag chairs, to further elevate your beachside zen.

Directions: Mowie’s (southwest), Legend Bar (north), Chill Out Bar (southeast)

Best Beach for Sunset: Southwest

Intuitively, anywhere along the western coast will offer sunset views. However, the best spot (in our opinion) is the southwestern shore.

Here you have access to a slew of restaurants for a sunset aperitif or dinner (including Mowie’s as mentioned above, which is a Gili Air institution).

The ocean here is extremely shallow, allowing you to wade 50-100 meters before it even gets knee-deep. Many sunseekers will even settle into the water offshore, rather than grab a lounge chair. It makes a unique vantage point to watch the sun sink over distant Mount Abung, visible from Bali.   

Directions: Mowie’s

Best Beach for Beach Swings: North

Yes, it’s cheesy, but beach swings are often in high demand from visiting tourists. As of fall 2023, Pelangi Beach is your best bet for grabbing the iconic photo. Older internet photos show swings at Lumbung and Pink Coco, but these recently have either been removed or fallen into disrepair.   

Directions: Pelangi Beach

Recommended Itinerary to Experience Every Beach on Gili Air

Can’t decide which beach to explore? Gili Air is not large, and you can walk from one end to the other in 20 – 30 minutes. Thus, it’s easy to enjoy multiple beaches in a day, if you so desire.

Start along the southeast corner (you can even catch sunrise if you’re early enough). Here, enjoy some mid-morning snorkeling and swimming at Turtle Beach.

Venture up to the northern shores for lunch, grabbing a bite at one of the many restaurants situated along the sand, before continuing on to the northwest coast for a lazy afternoon nap. Blue Marlin Dive is a good reference point, and you may be able to snag a beachside lounge chair in the vicinity.

Lastly, finish the day along the western shores, preferably with a sunset cocktail at the famous Mowie’s. It’s a perfect vantage point to watch the sun light up the sky, before it sinks slowly over distant Mount Abung on Bali.

If you’re looking for more ideas of things to do on Gili Air, then check out our guides for 3 days on Gili Air and the best island restaurants for authentic Indonesian and wellness cuisine.