Water Sport
Water Sport
Below are a few suggestions of exciting land-based and aquatic activities. If you know what you like – go for it!
Cruises
The 13,677 islands of the Indonesian archipelago stretching over an area 5,200 km into the pacific ocean present a plethora of choices for “boaties” to explore. Bali has three main ports – Benoa in the south, Padangbai in the east and Gilimanuk in the north. Several major shipping lines make Padangbai and Benoa ports of call on around the world cruises. If you would like to explore the islands near Bali you have wide range of choices for boating expeditions from a day cruises to longer overnight trip on yachts or luxury cruisers. Here’s the selective list of some sea cruise companies on the island. To Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida – 1 Day
Nusa Lembongan is an island of 12km2, situated 28 km east of Benoa. It’s one of Bali’s most popular destinations for wonderful day trips; its marvellous coral reefs make it an excellent spot for diving, snorkelling and surfing. Nusa Penida is a larger island off the southeast coast of Bali with a dry climate and a population of 45,000 people. This island is also is a great spot for diving and snorkelling but beware of strong currents. Be safe and never dive alone! Several cruise companies offer day tours to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida islands. Alternatively there is a local boat from Sanur Beach that leaves daily for both islands.
Bali Hai Cruises
Indonesia’s leading Marine Tourism Company, Bali Hai Cruises, operates exciting Day and Evening Cruises from a private reception facility at Benoa Harbour, Bali. Aboard a fleet of the most luxurious, modern vessels in Bali, our experienced, professional and friendly crew ensures the very best blend of Indonesian and Western hospitality to Lembongan Island daily. Benoa Harbor T. +62361 720 331 | www.balihaicruises.com
The Bounty Cruises
Cruise in comfort aboard Bali Bounty Cruises 400 passenger catamaran. With a cruising speed of up to 30 knots, you may sit back, relax and enjoy full staff service while reading the daily newspaper or viewing the onboard video entertainment. They sail from Bali every day. Benoa Harbour –
- +62361 726 666
Quicksilver Cruises
Venture into paradise each day with Quicksilver Cruises to the picturesque island of Nusa Penida, where it ties up alongside a floating pontoon for the day. Head Office: Jl. Kerta Dalem Raya no.96 Bali 80224. | T. +62361 721 521
Blue Marlin Bali YacHT
Take a trip on the open water and escape the stress of life with Blue Marlin Bali yachts as you discover exotic spots and delve deep into the natural beauty of Bali. Offering private charters for day trips, Blue Marlin Bali is perfect for groups of up to 18 guests maximum. Couples can also enjoy a private romantic getaway in the yacht’s cosy double cabin or twin cabin. Choose from a half-day cruise, full-day cruise to Lembongan Island, full-day cruise to Gili Islands and Sundowner Cruises with fun activities like snorkeling and diving. To book your next private charter, please visit
Tropical Yacht Charters
Explore the beauty of Bali with Tropical Yacht Charters’ wide range of yachts, sailboats and fast boats available for private charter. Choose Jenna, a fast cruiser boat ideal for the Indonesian waters, perfect for groups of up to 20 passengers, or the Forever Rizzardi Top Line 50, an imported Italian Luxury Yacht for your dream trip around the islands of Bali and Lombok, ideal for groups of up to 8 guests. Each excursion is tailored to your expectations: whether relaxing in the turquoise waters of a secluded anchorage or an action-packed onboard adventure. Contact www.tropicalyachtcharters.com to make your booking today.
Diving & Snorkeling
Everyone should know that Bali has a wonderful underwater world with abundant marine life and beautiful coral garden awaiting to be explored. There are many diving sites in Bali that attract divers from around the globe. Some of the diving sites, like USAT Liberty Shipwreck and Amed diving sites are suitable for beginner divers. If you’ve not yet tried these sports, we recommend that you start at Sanur or Tanjung Benoa Beach where you can hire the necessary equipment, either right on the beachfront (at a beach club) or at one of the hotel-run dive centres. Instructions are available at these diving centres. Most of the centres offer International (PADI) diving certificates but be sure to check their PADI Resort Code as well, for the insurance and medical facilities. It is advisable to look for diving centres that have a ‘five-star’ PADI Approval Rating. Please note that Bali’s only decompression chamber is at Sanglah Public Hospital in Denpasar (see ‘Hospitals’ in the ‘Essential Info’ section for more info).
Where to dive
Tulamben Bay inc. USAT Liberty Shipwreck (north east Bali) – (*P4) – World-famous for the 120m USAT Liberty Shipwreck, Wall/Drop-off and Coral Garden, and offering incredible shore-diving with very easy conditions, Tulamben Bay is Bali’s most popular dive location. Amazing selection of resident marine life. Suitable for all levels including Try-Diving and snorkelling. 2.5hrs by minibus from South Bali.
Tulamben Area inc Kubu Wreck – (*P5) – Only a short distance south of Tulamben Bay (by jukung, local outrigger fishing boat) are other wonderful sites such as Emerald, Alamanda, Batu Kelebit and Seraya Slopes. 10 mins by road, north of Tulamben Bay, Kubu is the location of Bali’s newest shipwreck. Suitable for all levels.
Amed (north east Bali) – (*P5) – The diving outside this sleepy fishing village combines reef and wall diving that can be accessed from shore or by jukung. Pretty corals, good variety of fish, warm water. Suitable for all levels including Try-Diving and snorkelling. 2.5hrs by minibus from South Bali.
Blue Lagoon (Padangbai, east coast Bali) – (*N8) – The closest area to South Bali with good diving. There are companies offering diving around Sanur/Nusa Dua but it is only for people who want to Get Wet. Blue Lagoon has a white sand bottom and is a treasure-trove of marine life. A good choice for Try-Diving and snorkelling. 1.5hrs by minibus from South Bali.
Mimpang/Tepekong (Padangbai, east coast Bali) – (*O8) – These two sites offer breathtaking diving, however are for experienced divers only due to the steep walls, cold water and (often strong) currents. Expect schooling fish, Mola-Mola (Ocean sunfish) in season, White-tip reef sharks and maybe turtles. 1.5hrs by minibus from south Bali then 10 mins by boat.
Gili Biaha (Padangbai, east coast Bali) – (*P7) – Chiselled black walls with healthy corals, good diversity of fish, sharks and frequent pelagic visitors; good visibility. Best dived at slack high tide; can be surgy. AquaMarine is of only a few companies offering Biaha. For experienced divers only. 1.5hrs by minibus from South Bali then 30 mins by boat.
Gili Selang (Padangbai, east coast Bali) – (*P7) – Small island on Bali’s eastern point, like all exposed sites, can have ripping currents but you may see White-tip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, turtles – even dolphins. For experienced divers only. 1.5hrs by minibus from South Bali, then 40 mins by boat (can be accessed from Amed).
Nusa Penida (offshore island on Bali’s east coast) – (*N10) – Nusa Penida is the largest of the three offshore islands. The water here is fairly cold (due to the ocean currents) but often startlingly clear, with gorgeous corals and prolific fish, occasional turtles, reef sharks and in August to September Mola-Mola (Ocean sunfish). Some dive experience required. Accessed by boat from Padangbai and Sanur.
Toyapakeh (Nusa Penida) – (*N9) – Nusa Penida’s most popular dive site, has good visibility and rich, impressive coral formations with big bommies. The profusion of colourful soft corals provides hiding places for many kinds of marine life. Some dive experience required. Accessed by boat from Padangbai and Sanur.
SD, Ped, Sental (Nusa Penida) – (*N9, *O9) – Three lovely dive sites on one long reef with many soft corals and fish such as sweetlips, lionfish, moray eels, scorpionfish and reef sharks, in addition to turtles, nudibranchs and crabs. Some dive experience required. Accessed by boat from Padangbai and Sanur.
Manta Points I and II (Nusa Penida) – (*N10, *N11) – With dramatic limestone cliffs descending straight into the ocean, the surge can be strong; no currents. The Mantas are 2-4m wide and seen quite shallow. Mola-Molas, Bamboo sharks, Shark rays, tunas, Tigermackerels and dolphins may also be seen. Some dive experience required. Accessed by boat from Padangbai and Sanur.
Nusa Penida (Crystal Bay) – (*N10) – Best known for Mola-Mola in July-November’s cold waters! The bay itself is quite beautiful with good numbers and variety of fish; gorgeous corals. You may see Eagle rays and the Bali Wobbegong shark – yes, it’s only found in Bali. Experienced divers only. Accessed by boat from Padangbai and Sanur.
AquaMarine Diving – Bali’s expert diving company operates 1 Day Dive Trips and Multi-Day Bali Diving Safaris (dive/accom packages to see the best of Indonesia). They also offer PADI courses from beginning to professional level. Ph. +62 361 4738 020. Website: www.AquaMarineDiving.com
Lombok – Bali’s neighbouring island. Off its coast are the famous Gili Isles, with some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the region. Be aware of potentially strong currents around and between these islands.
- Han’s Reef (Off the coast of Gili Air)
Off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands, offers some of the best diving in the region. Han’s Reef is a wonderful dive site to see turtles and a must for macro lovers. You will find beautiful coral bommies, bat fish, angelfish, box fish, frog fish, leaf scorpion fish, spotted morays, pipe fish, mantis shrimps, nudibranchs and so much more. Suitable for all levels of divers.
- Shark Point (Off the coast of Gili Trawangan)
Shark Point is one of the most popular dive sites in the Gilis. It offers an amazing reef fish life and excellent pelagic life with white tip reef sharks, humphead parrot fish, tuna, giant trevally… Turtles are almost guaranteed to be seen in the shallow parts and pygmy seahorses can also be found in the sea fans if you have got the eye for them! Suitable for all level divers
7SEAS
Located only two hours from Bali on the beach of Gili Air, 7SEAS International is a full service PADI 5-Star dive resort. 7SEAS offers dive trips around the Gili Islands and courses for all levels of divers. Beginners and children are more than welcome to join to discover the amazing sensations of diving in the turquoise waters of the Gilis. The turtles and tropical fish are all waiting for you! Accommodation also available in charming cottages.
- +62 (0)370 647 779 | E. contact@7seas.asia
KITE SURFING
Operating from an ideal lagoon location, the Rip Curl School of Surf offers the ultimate rush with this amazing new sport. Offering IKO certified lessons at all levels. Move from classroom to lagoon to riding offshore waves in three easy lessons, using the latest Cabrinha and Airush kites, boards and equipment.
T.+62361 735858 | info@ripcurlschoolofsurf.com
PARASAILING
Try the beach clubs in Sanur and Tanjung Benoa for a safe yet thrilling parasailing experience over Nusa Lembongan. For your own safety, make sure the companies have insurance coverage.
RAFTING
If you’re a thrill-seeker craving for something exciting and new, this holiday, feed your adventurous soul with a gripping white-water rafting adventure. Bali’s mountainous central area is perfect for such an exhilarating experience as you plunge down the raging rapids of the mighty river. While there are plenty of rafting companies now in Bali offering rafting experiences on the mighty Ayung River, we recommend Mason Adventures for a fun yet safe experience for the whole family. For the past 3 decades, Mason Adventures has been synonymous with quality adventure and hospitality experiences in the heart of Bali. The company is passionate, driven and committed to excellence and comes with a ‘5-Star Guarantee’, comprising of the very best in Experience, Facilities, Services, Safety, Ethics and Value for Money. Book your packages at www.masonadventures.com.
SAILING
You can choose from a range of different charter yachts, sailing boats, and traditional schooners with expert crew and Western tour guide for charter cruises from Bali through the Lesser Sunda Islands, to Sulawesi, and through the Moluccas.
Charter rates include all meals and soft drinks during your cruise as well as shore excursions and the services of the crew and tour guide. Air fares, any accommodation ashore, and insurance are NOT included. Please note that charter rates may vary depending on your routing and special requirements. As a rule of thumb, calculate US$150 per person per day including everything. That’s usually less than you’d spend in a good hotel in Bali!
See here are a couple of the yachts you can charter with expert crew and tour guide for your voyage:
- Sea Safari V/VI/VIII: 721 212
- The Waka Motor Yacht: 723629, 723659
Mobile: +62 (0)813 3819 4740
SURFING & BODY BOARDING
In Bali there are definitely waves for everyone to surf. If you don’t have your own board, check out the Kuta or Sanur beaches for rentals. Rip Curl School of Surf on Blue Ocean Beach in Seminyak guarantees you’ll learn! If you’re not standing up on your board by the end of the day, your next lesson is free.
Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago of 18,700 islands and lies approximately 8°C south of the equator. Bali is blessed by nature with a short, hot wet season and a longer, cooler, dry season and tourists flock here all year round. Many tourists choose to arrive in the dry season which nowadays appears to cover a longer period from April to late November. The busiest period is during the holiday season of August, which is also the coolest month on this Island of the Gods.
Airport Lefts K10
Season – Dry Season (May-September), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – at 4-5 ft – Airport Lefts begins to close when it gets bigger than this. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Airport Rights J10
Season – Dry Season (May – September), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 3 – 6 ft. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Kuta Reef J10
Season – Dry Season (May – September), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 4 – 5 ft is the best and also better on a middle to high tide. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Canggu J9
Works best on the mid and high tides with a swell size of 5-6ft. Surfing hazards are the rips and rocks in the surfing area. A number of locals surf this break so be prepared for a little attitude from some of them. The surf can blow out if the wind picks up and the break can get crowded at high tide as it only supports about 25 surfers.
Sanur L10
Season – Wet Season (November – April), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 4 – 6 ft. Best Winds – West South West
Padang Galak in Sanur L10
Padang Galak is a beach break with standard right and left waves that will suit all levels of surfers. The break generally suits all tides and works best on a South West or Southerly swell of 3ft – 8ft with winds from the North West or West.
Keramas L10 – M9
Tides are best at mid and high tide with a swell from 3-5 ft up to 8ft and the wind is best from the West on a North West or Easterly swell.
SeranganK11 – L10
Season – Wet Season (November – April), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 4 – 6 ft. Best Winds – West South West
Nusa Dua L12
Season – Wet Season (October – April), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 4 – 8 ft. Best Winds – West North West
Balangan K12
Season – Dry Season (May – October), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 4 – 8 ft. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Bingin J12
Season – Dry Season (May – October), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 3 – 5 ft. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Impossibles J11
Season – Dry Season (May – October), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 4 – 8 ft. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Padang Padang J11
Season – Dry Season (May – October), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 5 – 8ft. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Uluwatu J11
Season – Dry Season (May – October), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 3 – 10ft Uluwatu always seems to have waves and rarely goes flat. All conditions seem to work. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
Green Ball J11
Season – Wet Season (November – April), Swell Direction – South, ideal Size – 4 – 6ft Uluwatu always seems to have waves and rarely goes flat. All conditions seem to work. Best Winds – West North West
Nyang-Nyang J11
The break has a quality right and left wave that produces a ride of 50 – 150 meters depending on conditions. A wave that should be sampled and not missed on your next surfing trip to Bali. The break tends to work on all tides and begins working with a swell of about 3ft through to 8ft plus.
Balian I8
The break is made up of reef and rocks and has a quality right & left hand wave producing a ride of about 150 meters on a good day and is suitable for all levels of surfer. The break can work on all tides and optimum swell size is from 3ft – 8ft. The lefts are usually longer and better shaped than the right handers. When you enter the water you will be taken out by the current to the right. Do not try to master the current because you simply will not succeed.
Medewi F6
Season – Wet & Dry Seasons – Early mornings are best as the winds can blow the surf out by midday. Swell Direction – South, ideal Wave Size – 4 – 6ft. Best Winds – Early morning with light winds.
School surf and Surfboard rental place:
STAND UP PADDLE
Experience the latest aquatic fitness craze with Stand Up Paddleboard. Great for a gentle workout or a more intensive fitness session, the Stand Up Paddleboard is a great way to work out on the water.
Rip Curl School of Surf offers lessons and equipment rentals, suitable for all ages and levels of experience. Guided tours along the Bali coast are available in conjunction with equipment rentals!
- +62361 735858 | info@ripcurlschoolofsurf.com
WATERBOM BALI
A world-class fun hub filled the industry’s most exciting engineering feat nestled within 3.8 acres of tropical garden in bustling Kuta. Asia’s number 1 waterpark as rated by TripAdvisor is home to 22 outstanding slides and rides that adhere to strict international safety and hygiene standards. Enjoy world-class amenities, private cabanas, comfortable lounge chairs, restaurants & kiosks, massages, nail salons and more.
Jl. Kartika, Tuban, Kuta, Badung, Bali | Ph: +62 361 755676
WIND SURFING
A combination of surfing thrills, sailing tranquility, and puts you in touch with nature better than a good hike – no sport other than windsurfing can give you the unbeatable feeling of being out in the open, gliding effortlessly over beautiful, clear waters. It’s a sport where you can cross great expanses with a friend or explore unchartered waters alone. In Bali, the best spots to do this extreme sport are in Sanur and Tanjung Benoa beaches. For more info contact The Rip Curl School of Surf at: T. +62361 735858.- 4 – 8 ft. Best Winds – South East Trade Winds
WAKE BOARDING
From beginner to expert, Rip Curl’s elite team with their custom wakeboard boat will teach you everything you need to shred with the pros. Lessons are offered on a range of boards, including traditional bindings, using loose foot straps and the ultimate ride – the wake skate, a freestyle board with grip top and no bindings at all. Board and boat rentals always available.
- +62361 735858
SEA WALKING
This is an alternative way to discover marine life in the underwater world in addition to diving and snorkeling. The difference is that sea walking is simple, easy yet friendly, and of course safe. No diving, swimming abilities and complicated equipment are needed. To do this activity, you will wear a uniquely designed helmet that will enable you to breathe normally without dive tank. Going down about 3 – 5 meters deep, you can walk at the bottom of the ocean, get face to face with colorful fishes, beautiful corals and abundant marine life. Some tour operators in Sanur and Nusa Dua will assist you enjoy the most of Sea Walking.
KAYAKING
This is one of our favorite beach activities, and it is really fun. In Bali, you can easily find kayak rental on the beach with calm and soft waves like Sanur Beach, Pandawa Beach and Nusa Dua Beach. It is safe and suitable for all ages. You can jump in the kayak by yourself or double with another member, and move exploring the shallow part of the ocean. Beware not go to far from the beach! For a more adventurous kayaking, go to Ubud to try river kayaking along the Ayung River.