Bali Blue Lagoon Snorkeling: 2 Reefs, Pickup & Lunch

Summary

Swim Bali’s coral reefs with local guides and fresh lunch

You’ll float above Bali’s coral reefs with a local guide pointing out cuttlefish and angel fish, split your time between Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun, enjoy an Indonesian lunch by the sea after showering off salt and sand, and return to your hotel with sun-warmed skin and memories of quiet underwater colors.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll see the cow fish if you look close — they’re shy,” our snorkeling guide Wayan grinned as he handed me my mask. I’d barely finished my coffee when the driver picked us up in Ubud, but by the time we reached Padangbai, the air smelled salty and everything felt wide awake. The sand at Blue Lagoon Beach was warm underfoot, and there was this soft clatter from fishermen sorting their nets nearby. Wayan explained the basics again (I always need a refresher), then we squeezed into our fins and shuffled down to the little boat bobbing just offshore.

The ride out to Tanjung Jepun was quick — maybe ten minutes? I lost track because I was busy trying to remember how to breathe calmly through a snorkel (never gets easier for me). When I finally dipped in, it was like someone turned down the world’s volume except for my own breath and the distant clicks of parrotfish nibbling coral. We floated over sandy patches and clusters of reef; Wayan would point out things I’d never spot myself — once he waved frantically at a cuttlefish hovering near some sea fans. At one point a tiny angel fish darted right past my mask and I almost swallowed seawater from laughing.

After about an hour at each reef (Blue Lagoon itself was even brighter than Tanjung Jepun), we climbed back on the boat with wrinkled fingers and salt-sticky hair. The showers near the beach were basic but honestly felt like heaven after all that sun and seawater. Lunch was simple Indonesian food — rice, fried tempeh, spicy sambal that made my nose run — eaten barefoot under a thatched roof while watching kids play in the shallows. There was this easy feeling in the air, like nobody was in a rush for anything.

I didn’t expect to feel so mellow after just half a day out here. Maybe it’s something about watching those slow-moving moray eels or just being far from traffic noise for once. Either way, if you want a Bali snorkeling trip that’s more about gentle moments than ticking boxes, this is it. I still think about that soft blue light underwater sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and lunch at Blue Lagoon

• Pickup from accommodation at 08:00 or 09:30
• Transfer to Blue Lagoon Beach near Padangbai
• Receive snorkeling instructions from guide
• Wear provided safety snorkeling equipment
• Snorkel at Tanjung Jepun for 1 hour
• Snorkel at Blue Lagoon for 1 hour
• Shower and change clothes
• Enjoy Indonesian lunch near the beach
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How long does the Bali Blue Lagoon snorkeling tour take?

The trip lasts around 6 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are hotel transfers included in this snorkeling tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from most areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran and more.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, all snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour.

Is lunch included during the Bali snorkeling trip?

Yes, an Indonesian lunch is included near Blue Lagoon Beach after snorkeling.

What marine life can I see at Blue Lagoon Bali?

You might spot cuttlefish, angel fish, cow fish, moray eels and other tropical species.

How much time do we spend actually snorkeling?

You’ll have about 1 hour at each of two spots: Tanjung Jepun and Blue Lagoon.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

The minimum age is 12 years old; guides provide instruction so beginners are welcome.

Are showers or changing rooms available after snorkeling?

Yes, there are basic shower facilities and changing rooms near the beach for use after your swim.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from major Bali areas like Ubud or Seminyak, all necessary snorkeling equipment provided by local guides who know these reefs well, boat transfers to both Tanjung Jepun and Blue Lagoon spots for roughly two hours of water time total, access to showers and changing rooms afterward so you can freshen up before enjoying an Indonesian lunch right by the beach before heading back home again.