Lovina Snorkeling: Dolphins, Swimming & Coral Reefs

Watch dolphins jump at sunrise, then swim alongside them and snorkel the reef below

Snorkeling at Lovina Beach combines dolphin watching from a private boat at sunrise with in-water swimming and reef exploration, all in about 3 hours. Hotel pickup from across Bali (2.5 hours from central areas like Ubud or Canggu) is included with an English-speaking driver. The boat holds a maximum of 5–6 people. You'll receive snorkeling gear, mineral water, and a Balinese welcome drink of tea or coffee with banana fruit once you arrive at the beach. The boat captain guides the experience, and you choose whether to add a lunch stop or visit Lake Bratan Temple on the return (both at your own expense).

The experience

The day starts before dawn with hotel pickup from wherever you're staying in Bali, whether that's Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Sanur or the Nusa Dua area. The drive to Lovina Beach takes about 2.5 hours through changing landscape, and the operator notes it's worth the journey for the scenery alone. Once you reach the beach, you board a traditional Balinese jukung boat (a wooden outrigger) with the captain, and if your booking is the only one that day, you'll have the entire boat to yourself: maximum 5 or 6 people either way.

Dolphins come to Lovina waters in the early morning to feed and play, so you're on the water as the sun rises, watching them jump and swim in their natural habitat. You can get close enough to see them clearly. After the dolphin-watching window, you'll have the chance to swim in the ocean. You can hold onto a wooden float attached to the boat and move through the water alongside the dolphins from below the surface. The boat captain sometimes fishes during the return journey, a local tradition the operator shares with guests.

Once the dolphin time winds down, you move to the snorkeling portion. Lovina's waters hold coral reefs and a variety of fish, and the equipment is provided. The whole experience runs about 3 hours, though it can stretch longer or shorter depending on how long the dolphins stay and how much time you spend in the water. On the way back to your hotel, you can stop for lunch (your cost) or visit Lake Bratan Temple (entrance ticket 75,000 IDR per person, also your cost), or skip both and head straight back.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off with an English-speaking driver (in the pickup option you choose).
• snorkeling equipment.
• air-conditioned vehicle for transport.
• traditional Balinese jukung boat with captain.
• mineral water per person.
• Balinese welcome drink (tea or coffee) and banana fruit upon arrival at Lovina Beach.

Options for this experience

3 options

Meeting point for the dolphin tripGuide in English · 06:00 and 08:30This 3-hour option includes breakfast, a boat and snorkel equipment, but does not include transport back to your accommodation. On arrival at Lovina Beach you can enjoy a Balinese welcome drink (tea or coffee) and banana fruit. Note: the meeting point Google Maps link will be sent via WhatsApp after booking, so please make sure your number is linked to WhatsApp.

Pickup and drop-off in central BaliGuide in English · 03:00 and 05:00Hotel pickup and drop-off is included with this option, covering Lovina, Ubud, Gianyar, Sanur, Canggu, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. The 8-hour option also includes breakfast, a traditional Balinese boat and snorkeling equipment. On arrival at Lovina Beach you can enjoy a Balinese welcome drink (tea or coffee) and banana fruit. MVP: the car seats up to 6 passengers. Pickup is included.

Pickup and drop-off in east BaliGuide in English · 03:00 and 05:00Hotel pickup and drop-off is included with this option, covering Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Temoekoes, Kubutambahan, Tianyar, Kubu, Amed and Nusa Dua. The 8-hour option also includes breakfast, a traditional Balinese boat and snorkeling equipment. On arrival at Lovina Beach you can enjoy a Balinese welcome drink (tea or coffee) and banana fruit. MVP: 6-passenger capacity. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 03:00, 05:00, 06:00 and 08:30

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (5 to 70 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Gede Bali Tour

Is this one for you?Choose the meeting-point option if you're already in Lovina or prefer to arrange your own transport. Pick the East or Central Bali pickup if you're staying elsewhere on the island and want the driver to handle the early start and the long drive. The private boat (maximum 5–6 people) means you're not competing with a large group for the best dolphin views or snorkeling time.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?

Pickup happens early in the morning so you reach Lovina Beach in time for the sunrise dolphin-watching window. The exact time depends on where you're staying: central Bali locations like Ubud or Canggu require pickup around 5–6 AM to account for the 2.5-hour drive.

What's included in the snorkeling equipment?

The operator provides snorkeling gear for the reef portion of the activity. Mineral water bottles are included per person, and you'll also receive a Balinese welcome drink (tea or coffee) and banana fruit when you arrive at Lovina Beach.

Can I swim with the dolphins, or just watch them from the boat?

You can swim in the water alongside the dolphins by holding onto a wooden float attached to the boat, so you experience them from below the surface as well as from above. After the dolphin time, the snorkeling portion focuses on the coral reefs and fish in Lovina's waters.

Is the boat ride rough, or is it comfortable?

The traditional jukung boat is described as safe and comfortable, with all necessary equipment for sailing. The ride itself depends on sea conditions that morning, but the boat is designed for this activity and holds a small group of no more than 5–6 people.

What if I want to add lunch or visit Lake Bratan Temple?

Both are optional stops on the return journey to your hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant and the Lake Bratan Temple entrance ticket (75,000 IDR per person) are at your own expense and can be arranged with the driver on the day.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel at Lovina?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels. However, it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, since the morning involves early pickup, a long drive, and time in the water.