Bali Cruises

One of the best perspectives to discover the landscapes and the sunsets of Bali is from the deck of a boat. I tell you which are the alternatives in cruise that you can find in the island to enjoy the views and attractions from the water.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Bali Cruises

Bali Hai Cruises with Ponton |©sukaJALAN [dot] net

Bali is one of the largest islands in Indonesia and is not only a tourist attraction in itself, but is surrounded by paradisiacal archipelagos. An excursion in cruise is one of the best alternatives to discover the marine profile of this destination and it is from the deck of a ship that you will be able to contemplate some of the most outstanding wide views and to discover another profile of the beautiful local beaches.

Between the best activities that you can make in Bali they are to take a stroll in cruise with supper to the sunset, to make an excursion in boat to Nusa Penida with experience of snorkeling, to cross the Island of the Turtles in a boat with bottom of crystal and to visit the Beaches of the Dolphins in Lovina in a tourist ship.

Cruise to Nusa Penida with snorkeling experience

girl entering the water|©Rachel Claire
girl entering the water|©Rachel Claire

Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful islands among those that are located in the surroundings of Bali and one of the best ways to discover it is through a cruise by its coasts. This trip will take you from the port of Benoa towards the crystalline waters that surround Nusa Penida, a tropical paradise known by its natural beauty and by the fascinating marine life that harbors in its surrounding bed.

During the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a snorkeling experience at some of the most fascinating sites in the region, allowing you to explore up close colorful coral reefs and an underwater world that reflects the richness of the local fauna. This experience, in general, forms part of the best excursions that you can make from Bali.

The trip, however, is not only 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. Upon returning 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 that also feature clear skies.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 35 euros per person.
  • Duration of these cruises: about 3 hours and a half.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will not only get to see Nusa Penida but also participate in a snorkeling experience along the coral reefs and learn about the local culture of the island.
  • Disadvantages of these excur sions: the rate of these itineraries does not include snorkeling equipment rental.

Book a boat trip to Nusa Penida

Glass bottom boat to Turtle Island

Glass bottomed boat|©sally953
Glass bottomed boat|©sally953

A glass bottomed boat tour to Turtle Island is a traditional Balinese adventure that will allow you to discover the diversity of marine life that the island's shores harbor, ranging from corals to tropical fish. During the tour these tours will allow you to live an experience of snorkeling without getting wet, while you obtain information on the part of the expert local guide that will accompany you during the voyage.

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. In addition, if you plan to visit Bali in summer, which coincides with the reproductive season of these animals, you can learn about the behavior of this species during mating.

To the margin of the marine life and its famous inhabitants, the Island of the Turtles also offers a spectacular scene to enjoy one of the best sunsets of the world. Most of these excursions take place in the afternoon and, at the end of the day, while the sun begins its descent on the horizon, you will be able to capture the magic of the sunset from the deck of the boat during your return to Bali.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 25 euros per person, including the ride and the assistance of an expert local guide.
  • Duration of these cruises: between 2 and 3 hours.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to know a very famous place but little explored by the most popular excursions of 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.

Boat to the Beach of the Dolphins of Lovina in Bali

Sunrise dolphin watching in Lovina, Bali, Indonesia|©Sarah Haley
Sunrise dolphin watching in Lovina, Bali, Indonesia|©Sarah Haley

If you want to explore Lovina Dolphin Beach in Bali, one of the best alternatives is to opt for a boat excursion. This destination, located on the north coast of the island, is famous for hosting a 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 trip in boat to Lovina is not only about the experience to observe dolphins, but also offers the opportunity to enjoy the calm waters and the views along the north coast of Bali. Many of these tours are realized early in the morning, when the possibilities of sighting the dolphins are greater and the best beaches of the island are, mostly, empty.

In addition, in Lovina you will be able to find one of the most famous fish markets of Bali, where you will be able to buy fresh products, to have lunch in the street stalls or to participate in a gastronomical excursion to discover the local kitchen and also the interrelation between the fishing and the culinary proposal of the island.

Keep in mind, however, that although the dolphins usually show up at the time of the excursion, it could be the case that the sightings are unsuccessful. To reduce the margin of error I advise you to confirm in advance the times of the year when the presence of these mammals in the waters of the Indian Ocean are more usual.

Details of interest

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

Join a gastronomic tour

Cruise with dinner at sunset in Bali.

Cruise in Bali|©goenharto setyabudi
Cruise in Bali|©goenharto setyabudi

If you want to live an unforgettable experience that allows you to discover Bali from a different perspective, you can't miss a sunset dinner cruise. These tours combine the serenity of the Indian Ocean with the rich local gastronomy, 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 in calm waters. The sea breeze and the 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 ride into a live concert.

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

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

Details of interest

  • 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 of Bali.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: the drinks are not included in the rate of the stroll.

How to reserve an excursion in cruise in Bali?

girl with laptop at the table|©cottonbro studio
girl with laptop at the table|©cottonbro studio

You can reserve an excursion in cruise in Bali in advance by Internet or contract it once you are in the island. If you opt for this last alternative you will have to bear in mind that if you plan to visit this destination in October or during the months of high season, the places in the tours can be sold out or the tariffs, which are dynamic, increase in the purchases of last minute.

On the other hand, these experiences, in general, are during the morning or during the afternoon, reason why if you reserve with anticipation you will be able to arm an itinerary to cross different points of this destination, as they can be the best temples of Bali or to participate in an excursion of adventure in cuatrimoto, that in general are in the afternoon.

Consider, in addition, that many of these experiences are for small groups or are private excursions, reason why if you have planned to visit Bali in group and you reserve with anticipation you will be able to make sure that you and your companions are the only navigators on board.

Join a quad biking adventure tour

What am I going to see in this type of excursions?

beach view in bali|©Timur Kozmenko
beach view in bali|©Timur Kozmenko

In the excursions in cruise by Bali you will be able to know some of the best landscapes of the island, but also to marvel with the local sunsets, which are considered among the most outstanding of the world and are one of the main attractions of these marine crossings. From the deck of the ship, then, you will find an ideal view of the sunsets.

In addition, during these tours, you will have the opportunity to explore many of the best beaches of Bali. Some excursions include, also, strategic stops that will allow you to step on the white sand, to submerge in crystalline waters and to enjoy aquatic experiences to explore the rich marine life of the region through activities like snorkeling or scuba diving.

On the other hand, the coast of Bali is adorned with cliffs and unique rock formations that will allow you to know a different and little explored profile of this destination. Some itineraries will take you to emblematic places like the Beach of the Dolphins, where you will be able to see these marine mammals and to interact with them.

Also, the excursions in cruise can also take you to the islands near Bali, like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, where you will be able to know in depth the dynamics of the island life, to explore virgin beaches and to participate in aquatic activities.

Tips for a cruise excursion in Bali

Bali - Indonesia|©Enrico Djakman
Bali - Indonesia|©Enrico Djakman

As first measure, at the moment of choosing the cruise in which you want to participate have in mind that this one adjusts to your preferences and necessities. There are a variety of options available, from romantic sunset cruises to excursions that include snorkeling experiences, so researching the itinerary beforehand will avoid 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 year-round, it is important to consider that the rainy season coincides with summer in Bali. To be aware of these details will allow you to save you mishaps.

During the cruise trip do not forget to carry essential elements for the trip like solar protector, dark glasses and comfortable clothes. Sun exposure in the ocean can be intense, so be sure to protect yourself adequately to enjoy your trip without worry. Also, if you participate in activities such as snorkeling, 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. Do not miss the opportunity to discover the marine life, take pictures of the sunset and do not forget that the tour to the port, once the sunset is over, is one of the best activities to do in Bali at night.

Why is it advisable to make an excursion in cruise in Bali?

people near the beach|©bborofka
people near the beach|©bborofka

To make an excursion in cruise in Bali is a recommendable experience for several reasons. The wide variety of available options allows the visitors to choose the experience that better adapts to its preferences and desires, but it is very difficult that they do not find an alternative that satisfies them to know the island from a different perspective to the traditional one of mainland.

In addition, Bali counts on an extraordinary natural beauty, and a cruise allows you to appreciate it from the Indian Ocean. The crystalline waters, the beaches of white sand and the cliffs are only some of the landscapes that you will be able to enjoy from the deck of the ship. From the sea also you will be able to take dimension of the intimate connection that exists between the marine spirit of Bali and the surrounding environment.

The experience of making an excursion in cruise in Bali is also recommendable by its relaxing component. While sailing through serene waters, you will be able to enjoy the marine breeze, relax on the deck of the boat and surrender to the tranquility of the ocean. This tranquil getaway offers a respite from the urban hustle and bustle and a chance to disconnect from the big crowds through panoramic views and magical sunsets.

Note also that the chance to explore nearby islands, participate in water activities such as snorkeling 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.