North Bali Wild Dolphin Tour & Waterfall Adventure

Lovina Dolphin Watching & North Bali Nature Day Trip

If you want to see wild dolphins up close, feel the spray of Bali’s tallest waterfall, sip local coffee, and wander through rice terraces—all in one day—this tour is for you. It’s a real look at North Bali’s nature and culture, with plenty of time to just take it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dolphin Watching and Waterfall Visit

• Watch dolphins at Lovina Beach
• Visit Gitgit Waterfall

Day 2 — Diving and Twin Lakes Exploration

• Try diving in Bali waters
• Explore Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan

Day 3 — Temple and Coffee Plantation Tour

• Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Tour Coffee Plantation and try Luwak coffee

Day 4 — Rice Terrace Visit

• See Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The Experience

It was still dark when we left our hotel, the air a bit cool with that salty tang you only get near the sea. By the time we reached Lovina Beach, the sky was just starting to lighten. Fishermen were already out, their boats bobbing quietly. Our guide handed us a life jacket and we hopped into a small boat—nothing fancy, just enough space for us and a couple of other early risers. The engine buzzed to life, and soon we were gliding over gentle waves. Suddenly, someone pointed—a pod of dolphins arched out of the water, so close I could hear their quick breaths. They played around us for a while, leaping and weaving between boats. It felt like we were just guests in their world.

After breakfast by the shore (the coffee was strong and slightly earthy, just how I like it), we headed inland. Gitgit Waterfall was next. The path down is lined with little stalls selling snacks and sarongs—one lady waved us over to try her fried bananas. The waterfall itself is loud, crashing down from way above. Mist clings to your skin, and if you get close enough, you’ll feel the spray on your face. Locals say it’s the tallest in Bali—standing there, I believed it.

We kept moving, passing through villages where roosters crowed and kids waved from doorways. At the twin lakes—Buyan and Tamblingan—the air turned cooler again. There’s this quiet up there, broken only by birds or the occasional motorbike echoing across the water. Our guide explained how volcanic eruptions shaped these valleys ages ago.

Lunch was simple but filling—rice, veggies, some grilled fish—before we stopped at a coffee plantation. The smell hit me before I even saw the trees: rich, almost chocolatey. We watched as beans were roasted over an open flame, then tried a cup of that famous luwak coffee. Honestly? Smoother than any espresso back home.

Our last stops were Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. The temple sits right at the lake’s edge; sometimes mist rolls in so thick it feels like you’re floating. There were locals making offerings, incense curling up into the air. At Jatiluwih, green paddies stretch out forever, broken up by narrow paths and the odd scarecrow. We wandered for a bit, shoes muddy but spirits high.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, breakfast by Lovina Beach, all entrance tickets (including dolphin boat ride), bottled water, private transport with a friendly driver-guide, plus time at each stop to explore or relax as you like.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by CMP Bali

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What time does the dolphin tour start?

The dolphin watching begins early in the morning, usually before sunrise, to catch the dolphins when they're most active.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, it's great for families with kids who are comfortable on boats and can handle some walking.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?

No need—breakfast is included along with bottled water. Lunch stops are arranged along the way.

How long does the whole trip take?

The tour lasts most of the day, from early morning until late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic and stops.

Is swimming allowed at Gitgit Waterfall?

You can get close enough to feel the mist but swimming isn’t always recommended due to strong currents.