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Swimming with wild dolphins in Bali is one of our TOP travel highlights. If you’re visiting Bali in 2026, consider including this in your itinerary. There is something exhilarating about seeing these fast beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. You can also arrange an affordable and amazing adventure to see dolphins in Bali.
We have done the hard work so you don’t have to. In this article we are going to tell you everything you need to know to see dolphins in Bali. We will share prices, booking information, top tips and what to expect.
If you are planning to see dolphins in Bali please read this guide carefully. There are some very important things to know before you go. We will share top tips and important information to help you prepare and make the most of your trip.
To see dolphins you need to travel right up to the remote north coast of Bali. Here is an example of a 10 day itinerary that includes some other amazing things to do in the north of Bali.
What is it really like to see dolphins in Bali
Join our crazy adventures swimming with wild dolphins in Bali. In this video we show you what it is really like to see wild dolphins in Bali:
Where is the BEST place to see dolphins in Bali?
The best place to see dolphins in Bali is in Lovina Bay located on the north coast of Bali. If you take a dolphin boat trip in Lovina you are almost guaranteed to see dolphins – and will probably see many creatures quite close. Lovina is located on the north coast of Bali – don’t miss our article on the best ways to get around in Bali.
There are hundreds of dolphins frequenting Lovina bay and they are normally divided into 4 or 5 pods. Dolphin pods are not rigid – they sometimes merge into larger groups or split into smaller groups. An experienced guide can normally predict the dolphin movements around the bay and allow you to get close without overcrowding the dolphins.
Exploring north Bali? Don’t miss the our Lovina guide – EVERYTHING you need to know to plan the perfect trip
What are Lovina Dolphin tours like?
In brief: Take a small boat around the coast of Lovina following pods of dolphins. Watch the dolphins swim and play in the water. Later you can jump in. Most boats have a hanging bar to hold onto so they can pull you along – allowing you to watch the dolphins swimming underwater! Keep your eye open for amazing flying fish in the bay too!
Dolphin watching tours are amazing and definitely worthwhile. You can see dolphins swimming and jumping, generally pretty close. Many boats have bars to hang off so you can watch dolphins swimming, jumping and diving under the water. If you’re in the water for a while and listen carefully you can also hear dolphins communicate with beautiful high pitch whilst like sounds.
Some people have the wrong expectations and find the Dolphin trips disappointing. If you’re expecting a quiet, tranquil and serene experience with no one else around, then this is not the best thing for you. Dolphin watching is one of the most popular activities in the north of Bali.
TOP TIP: Expect to see lots of other boats and people enjoying this unique experience too. Sunrise is the busiest time. Things get quieter later. If you are wanting to get away from the crowds, ask your boat driver if they can go further out in the bay. Pods can often be seen swimming several kilometers out into the bay and it is much quieter here.
Looking for other AMAZING activities in Bali? Don’t miss this EPIC guide on the best things to do in Bali
How much does it cost to see dolphins in Bali?
Dolphin tours typically cost around 75,000IDR – 300,000IDR per person (this is roughly $5 – $20 or £3.50 – £16). You can normally take a private boat trip for around 700,000IDR (around £40 or $45) with a maximum capacity of 6 people on the boat. It may be cheapest to book your dolphin watching tour online in advance.
How do you see dolphins in Bali?
If you want to see Dolphins in Bali you will need to book a boat tour. Although you might get a distant glimpse of dolphins from the coast of Lovina (if you’re really lucky), this is not likely to be a memorable experience. The only way to see dolphins up close is to book a boat tour from Lovina. You can either book your trip in advance online or book with a local tour operator in Bali.
1 Book in advance online
The cheapest way to book a tour to see dolphins in Bali is to book online in advance. You can book shared dolphin tours on Klook for around $5. This is impressively cheap! Shared tours may not include things like breakfast and drinks so make sure you bring some food and drinks on the boat with you. If you book your tour on Klook it should also include snorkeling. Life jacket, mask and find should be provided.
2 Book a private dolphin tour directly
Another way to book your dolphin tour is contact an operator directly. We were very impressed with Lovina Dolphin Holiday (The Flying Fish). For a private trip they charge 300,000IDR per person (around £16) including sunrise dolphin watching, breakfast, drinks, dolphin swimming, snorkeling and snorkeling kit. Children under 7 years old are FREE of charge. To book a tour or find out more contact Arik by Whatsapp: +6281337773330
This is a genuinely breathtaking experience. In our view Lovina Dolphin Holiday offers an amazing balance of giving the dolphins space and not overcrowding, anticipating their movements – and allowing you to see and appreciate them from a respectful distance.
Tour to see dolphins in Bali – typical itinerary
Tour details vary so this is just to give you a rough idea of what to expect. Be aware the dolphin tours can be canceled during bad weather. Most boat operators use Whatsapp to communicate with you about meeting times, places and cancellation (where relevant). Download whatsapp and swap numbers to get details of your boat trip.
5.30am – 6am Meet your boat guide in Lovina. Many dolphin watching tours meet near the Dolphin statue on Lovina beach (check exact meeting times and places with your driver). If you’re not doing a sunrise tour you may meet later.
6am – 8am Watch the sunrise and see dolphins swim and play in the bay. This part of the trip you need to remain on the boat. Follow dolphin pods around the bay. Take photos and relax on the boat.
8am Breakfast on the boat (depending on whether it is included in your trip)
8am – 10am Swim with dolphins. There is normally a bar on the boat to hang off allowing you to follow dolphin pods.
10am – 11am Snorkeling around some shallow reef (watch out for strong currents here). There are also some underwater sea sculptures around the reef. Ask your guide to show you where to go.
12pm Return to Lovina bay. Plan a relaxed afternoon.
The exact itinerary depends on your boat operator. If you have specific needs or requests we recommend asking them. The boat operators tend to be very friendly and want to help people enjoy the experience.
What do dolphin watching tours in Bali normally include?
Transport to and from the meeting point is generally not included. We recommend finding a good hotel in Lovina close to the beach.These things are normally included in your trip (check when you book):
- Boat (shared or private) with a guide
- Breakfast and drinks (may be included with some of the more expensive trips)
- Sunrise, dolphin watching, dolphin swimming and snorkeling
- Equipment (life jackets, masks and fins)
Are dolphin tours in Bali family friendly?
Dolphin tours in Bali are very family friendly. In fact, this is probably one of our top pick family activities in Bali. However, it is worth being aware that older children will get a lot more from the experience. Dolphin tours in Bali are ideal for children 5 years and older. A reasonable level of confidence in water is recommended. It is still possible to enjoy the activity without swimming.
Many of the boat operators in Bali should be able to provide children’s life jackets – especially if you contact them in advance. Most operators have a minimum age requirement of 3 years old. Children from 3 – 7 years old may be able to get a reduced rate. Children 8 years and over are normally charged an adult price for this activity.
When is the BEST time of year to see dolphins in Bali?
It is possible to see dolphins in Lovina bay all year round in Bali. However, the weather tends to be the worst in December. During periods of stormy weather boat tours may be canceled at the last minute. We recommend using whatsapp to communicate with your boat operator.
Things to bring for a dolphin tour in Bali
If you’re planning to see dolphins in Bali we recommend packing a bag the night before. Many of the dolphin tours start early in the morning. Here is a list of things that we recommend bringing on a dolphin tour in Bali:
- Snacks and water (check what is provided – you may need to arrange your own breakfast before the trip)
- Sunglasses and sunhat
- Camera (waterproof camera if possible)
- Selfie stick can be handy, a buoyant selfie stick is recommended
- Sun cream – we recommend at least SPF 50
- Swimming kit (TOP TIP: wear this under your clothes if you’re planning to swim)
- Towel
- A change of clothing
- Sandals or flip flops are ideal (you may need to paddle to your boat)
- Dry sack is recommended for valuables but not essential
If you really want to capture a high impact dolphin watching video consider an Insta360 action camera with a dive case. This really is the BEST way to capture the action.
Are Bali dolphin tours ethical?
Dolphin tours in Bali are a fun, unique and ethical way to see wild dolphins. The main problem with dolphin tours in Bali is overcrowding. This is such a popular activity boats can potentially overcrowd the dolphins. In our opinion this is not a big problem. Dolphins in Lovina Bay are wild dolphins and can swim around freely. If they are feeling overcrowded they just move on. Some of the tour operators are very good at keeping a respectful distance – and anticipating their movements to allow you to get close without disturbing the dolphins.
What are the best places to stay in Lovina?
If you’re planning to see dolphins in Bali we highly recommend finding a hotel or guest house located in Lovina. Dolphin tours in Bali tend to start very early in the morning. Therefore being located close to Lovina beach means that you can sleep as long as possible before your tour – the more rest the better as this is a big day. Also, Lovina is a very beautiful area to stay. There are plenty of hotels and guest houses in the area and this is a less crowded and busy area of barley. So if you are hoping to escape the crowds then take a few days in Lovina.
1 Murni’s Guest House
Cheap, simple and comfortable. Murni’s guest house is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a good budget option. They only have double rooms available. Rooms are private, en suite and have A.C. Around 0.5km (5 – 10 minute walk) from the Dolphin Tour meeting location (Lovina Beach dolphin statue). £10 – £20 per night.
2 Binaria Museum Hotel
Boutique, retro, vintage and packed with character. This charming hotel has an outdoor pool, gardens, breakfasts and an onsite restaurant. Rooms are super stylish and pretty comfortable too. Double and twin rooms are available and they can add an extra mattress to your room. There is a small on site carpark. AND this hotel is located a stone’s throw from the meeting point on Lovina beach. Just roll out of bed and jump on your boat! Expect to pay £20 – £40 per night.
3 Lovinalife Room & Cafe
Light, arty and stylish – Lovinalife is a stunning mid-range hotel. There is an outdoor pool, sun loungers and an on site restaurant. Double and twin rooms available. Located a 5 minute walk from Lovina beach and the meeting place for dolphin tours. Expect to pay around £30 – £40 per night.
4 Ju’Blu Hotel
Stylish, spacious and natural vibes. This lovely hotel offers tranquil, clean and luxurious accommodation for awesome prices. There is an outdoor pool and a good range of room options including a spacious and well furnished villa! Located a few minutes walk from the dolphin tour meeting place on Lovina beach. Expect to pay around £30 – £60 per night
5 Villandra Lovina
If you’re looking for a splash of luxury in Lovina don’t miss the stylish beach front Villandra resort. This lovely property offers spacious, stylish private villas with private pools and ocean views. Just be aware – this is around 4km east of Lovina beach (this would take around 1 hour to walk). So this is ideal if you have your own wheels or you can grab a taxi to Lovina beach. Expect to pay £90 – £500 per night.
6 Munduk Moding
Munduk Moding is a superlative luxurious mountain resort located in the hills overlooking Lovina. This serene resort has an onsite coffee plantation, an infinity pool, restaurant and breathtaking views. Everything about this resort is amazing. We highly recommend a stay – or even drop in as a day guest. There are some stunning waterfalls nearby. The main disadvantage is the distance from Lovina. You would need to have your own ride if you’re planning to stay here for the dolphin tour. Allow around 30 – 45 minutes to drive to Lovina beach. Expect to pay around £200 – £750 per night at Munduk Moding.
