Bali Cruises and Boat Rides

Bali is one of Indonesia's largest islands and is not only a tourist attraction in its own right, but is surrounded by paradisiacal archipelagos. A cruise excursion is one of the best ways to discover the maritime profile of this destination and it is from the deck of a boat that you can see some of the most outstanding wide open views and discover another profile of the beautiful local beaches.

Some of the best things to do in Bali include taking a sunset dinner cruise, taking a boat trip to Nusa Penida with snorkelling experience, touring Turtle Island on a glass-bottomed boat and visiting the Dolphin Beaches at Lovina on a sightseeing vessel.

Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful islands around Bali and one of the best ways to discover it is through a cruise along its shores. This trip will take you from the port of Benoa to the crystal clear waters surrounding Nusa Penida, a tropical paradise known for its natural beauty and fascinating marine life.

During the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to take part in a snorkelling experience at some of the region's most fascinating sites, allowing you to explore colourful coral reefs and an underwater world that reflects the richness of the local fauna up close. This experience is usually one of the best excursions you can do from Bali.

The trip, however, is not just about exploring the turquoise waters, but also about enjoying the serenity of Nusa Penida on land. Many cruises include stops at notable points of interest, such as Kelingking Beach, famous for its cliffs and panoramic views. In addition, the island offers opportunities for walking, photography and the unique experience of interacting with the local culture.

One of the most memorable moments of this cruise to Nusa Penida is undoubtedly the sunset. On your return to Bali, you can enjoy one of the best sunsets in the world as the sun slowly dips below the horizon, especially if you plan to visit the island in October or during the dry months which also feature clear skies.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
• Duration of these cruises: about 3.5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: not only do you get to see Nusa Penida but you also get to snorkel along the coral reefs and learn about the local culture of the island.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the fee for these itineraries does not include the rental of snorkelling equipment.

A glass bottomed boat tour to Turtle Island is a traditional Balinese adventure that allows you to discover the diversity of marine life off the island's shores, ranging from coral to tropical fish. During the tour, these tours allow you to snorkel without getting wet, while getting information from the expert local guide who will accompany you on the journey.

Some of these tours also include a stop on the island to enjoy the white sandy beach and crystal clear waters, as well as getting up close and personal with a local turtle population. Also, if you plan to visit Bali in summer, which coincides with the breeding season, you can learn about the turtles' mating behaviour.

Aside from the marine life and its famous inhabitants, Turtle Island also offers a spectacular setting for one of the best sunsets in the world. Most of these excursions take place in the late afternoon and at the end of the day, as the sun begins its descent over the horizon, you can capture the magic of the sunset from the deck of the boat on your return to Bali.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 25 euros per person, including the tour and the assistance of an expert local guide.
• Duration of these cruises: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to see a very famous but little explored place by the most popular excursions on the island.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: if you travel during the winter, you may see few or no turtles due to the hibernation season of this species.

If you want to explore Lovina Dolphin Beach in Bali, one of the best alternatives is to opt for a boat trip. This destination, located on the north coast of the island, is famous for its resident population of dolphins that you can spot in their natural habitat. These tours usually offer visitors the opportunity to interact with these marine mammals.

The boat trip to Lovina is not only about the dolphin watching experience, but also offers the opportunity to enjoy the calm waters and views along Bali's north coast. Many of these tours take place early in the morning, when the chances of spotting dolphins are greatest and the island's best beaches are mostly empty.

Lovina is also home to one of Bali's most famous fish markets, where you can buy fresh produce, have lunch at the street stalls or take a food tour to discover the local cuisine and also the interrelationship between fishing and the island's culinary offerings.

Please note, however, that although the dolphins are usually present at the time of the excursion, it may be the case that the sightings are not successful. To reduce the margin for error I advise you to confirm in advance what times of the year dolphins are most likely to be present in the Indian Ocean waters.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 38 euros per person.
• Duration of these cruises: between 10 and 11 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: they allow you to get up close to the dolphins and interact with them.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they are intense experiences and require a great deal of physical exertion, so they are not recommended for people with reduced mobility, unless they follow the tour exclusively from the deck of the boat.

For an unforgettable experience that allows you to discover Bali from a different perspective, you can't miss out on a sunset dinner cruise. These tours combine the serenity of the Indian Ocean with the rich local cuisine, creating a magical evening as the sun sets over the horizon. Experiences start from Benoa or Seminyak and offer a unique perspective of Bali's coastline.

During this cruise you will have the opportunity to sample a dinner of local dishes while cruising on calm waters. The sea breeze and panoramic view of the ocean add a romantic tinge to the experience. Many cruises also offer live entertainment, from traditional Balinese music to contemporary performances, turning the cruise into a live concert.

The highlight of this cruise, however, is the chance to watch the sunset from the deck of the ship. Bali is famous for having some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world, and this cruise will give you the opportunity to enjoy this natural phenomenon that enhances the scenery of the island's already paradisiacal beaches.

These cruise tours are often included in the list of the best Bali tours because while the sun paints the sky with warm, golden hues, the view from the boat gives you a unique perspective of the beauty of this island.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 79 euros per person, including dinner.
• Duration of these cruises: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to participate in one of the most traditional experiences in Bali.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: drinks are not included in the tour price.

You can book a cruise excursion in Bali in advance online or you can book it once you are on the island. If you opt for the latter alternative you should bear in mind that if you plan to visit this destination in October or during the peak season months, places on the tours may sell out or the rates, which are dynamic, may increase for last minute purchases.

On the other hand, these experiences usually take place in the morning or afternoon, so if you book in advance you can put together an itinerary to visit different parts of the destination, such as Bali's best temples or take part in an ATV adventure tour, which usually take place in the afternoon.

Bear in mind that many of these experiences are small group or private tours, so if you plan to visit Bali as a group and book in advance you can ensure that you and your companions are the only ones on board.

On Bali cruise excursions you'll get to see some of the best scenery on the island, but also marvel at the local sunsets, which are considered among the most outstanding in the world and are one of the main attractions of these sea voyages. From the deck of the boat, then, you will find an ideal view of the sunsets.

In addition, during these tours, you will have the opportunity to explore many of Bali's best beaches. Some excursions also include strategic stops that allow you to step onto the white sand, dive into crystal clear waters and enjoy aquatic experiences to explore the region's rich marine life through activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving.

On the other hand, Bali's coastline is adorned with unique cliffs and rock formations that allow you to experience a different and undiscovered side of the destination. Some itineraries will take you to iconic sites such as Dolphin Beach, where you can spot and interact with these marine mammals.

Cruise excursions can also take you to Bali's nearby islands, such as Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, where you can get an in-depth look at the dynamics of island life, explore pristine beaches and take part in water activities.

As a first step, when choosing which cruise you would like to join, make sure that it suits your preferences and needs. There are a variety of options available, from romantic sunset cruises to excursions that include snorkelling experiences, so researching the itinerary beforehand will save you from surprises on these tours, which are among the best tours in Bali.

Another crucial tip is to check the weather conditions and seasons in Bali before planning your cruise excursion. Although the island's tropical climate offers warm temperatures all year round, it's important to consider that the rainy season coincides with summer in Bali. Being aware of these details will help you to avoid any mishaps.

During the cruise don't forget to pack travel essentials such as sunscreen, sunglasses and comfortable clothing. Sun exposure on the ocean can be intense, so be sure to protect yourself adequately to enjoy your trip without worry. Also, if you are participating in activities such as snorkelling, check if the necessary equipment is included or if it is advisable to bring your own equipment.

Finally, relax and take the opportunity to explore the island from a different perspective. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the marine life, take pictures of the sunset and don't forget that the ride back to the harbour after sunset is one of the best things to do in Bali at night.

Taking a cruise excursion in Bali is a recommended experience for several reasons. The wide variety of options available allows visitors to choose the experience that best suits their preferences and desires, but it is very difficult not to find a satisfying alternative to experience the island from a different perspective than the traditional mainland one.

Bali also boasts extraordinary natural beauty, and a cruise allows you to appreciate it from the Indian Ocean. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and cliffs are just some of the sights you can enjoy from the deck of the ship. From the sea you can also get a sense of the intimate connection between the marine spirit of Bali and the surrounding environment.

The Bali cruise experience is also recommended for its relaxing component. As you sail through serene waters, you can enjoy the sea breeze, relax on the deck of the boat and surrender to the tranquillity of the ocean. This tranquil getaway offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and a chance to disconnect from the crowds with panoramic views and magical sunsets.

Also note that the chance to explore nearby islands, take part in water activities such as snorkelling or scuba diving or enjoy the beauty of a Balinese sunset from the water are unique experiences that make a cruise excursion highly recommended for its versatility and carefree atmosphere.