Bali to Nusa Lembongan: Reef Cruise, Snorkeling & Pontoon Fun

Summary

Snorkel, slide and laugh on a Bali reef cruise with family

You’ll spend your day cruising from Bali to Nusa Lembongan with hotel pickup included. Dive into snorkeling or glide down a huge water slide right off the pontoon. Enjoy unlimited banana boat rides, try local snacks at lunch, and wander through an island village—all with guides who know their stuff. It’s lively one moment and peaceful the next—you’ll probably want to do it again.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if banana boat rides are as wild as they look? I found out the hard way—clinging on for dear life as my youngest shrieked with laughter beside me. We’d left Benoa harbor just after breakfast, coffee still warm in my hands, and by the time we reached Nusa Lembongan the sun was already bouncing off the water like someone had turned up the brightness. Our guide, Putu, grinned when he handed out snorkels—he said the coral was “singing” today (not sure what that means but it made us all smile).

The pontoon itself is bigger than I expected, almost like a floating playground. The kids disappeared down the 35-meter water slide before I could even get my shoes off. There’s this salty tang in the air and you can hear little splashes from every direction. I tried the semi-submersible thing—felt kind of surreal watching fish dart around from inside a glass bubble while people above were shouting about banana boats. Lunch happened somewhere in there; buffet style, lots of choices, and honestly I ate too much watermelon.

After lunch we joined a short village tour on Lembongan. The pace slowed down—saw local women weaving baskets and kids waving at us from doorways. It’s funny how just an hour earlier everything was chaos and now it was all quiet smiles and soft sandals on dusty paths. On the way back to Bali I sat outside for a bit, letting sea spray hit my face. Still thinking about that underwater world—so close but feels like another planet sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bali Hai Reef Cruise to Nusa Lembongan

• Depart Benoa harbour at 9:15 AM
• Cruise from Bali to Nusa Lembongan
• Anchor at pontoon with activities
• Enjoy unlimited banana boat rides
• Experience 35-meter water slide
• Scuba dive with PADI instructors
• Eat buffet lunch on Bali Hai II
• Return to Bali at 3:15 PM

Top questions

What time does the Bali Hai Reef Cruise depart from Bali?

The catamaran departs Benoa harbour at 9:15 AM.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip to Nusa Lembongan?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle hotel transfers are included.

Are meals provided during the reef cruise?

Yes, morning tea/coffee with pastries and an international buffet lunch are served onboard.

Can beginners go snorkeling or diving on this cruise?

Yes, snorkeling equipment and instruction are provided; introductory scuba diving is available as an optional activity.

What activities are available at the pontoon in Lembongan?

You can enjoy unlimited banana boat rides (11 AM–2 PM), a 35m water slide, snorkeling, coral viewing chamber, diving board, and more.

Is there a guided tour of Nusa Lembongan village included?

Yes, there is a guided village tour as part of your day trip.

Are lockers available for personal belongings during activities?

Yes, lockers are provided for guests’ use at the pontoon.

What time does the return journey to Bali start?

The return journey begins at 3:15 PM from Nusa Lembongan back to Bali.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from your accommodation in Bali, morning tea or coffee with pastries onboard after departure from Benoa harbour, full use of snorkeling equipment with instruction if needed, unlimited banana boat rides between 11 AM and 2 PM plus access to a 35-meter water slide and diving board at the pontoon in Nusa Lembongan. You’ll have an international buffet lunch served onboard in air-conditioned comfort before joining a guided village tour on Lembongan island. Lockers are available for your things throughout the day before you head back to Bali in the afternoon.