There is nothing more magical than watching dolphins leap and splash in their natural habitat. While these majestic marine mammals can be found throughout the warm waters of Indonesia, Lovina is one of best locations for dolphin watching in Bali.
Bali’s north coast is frequented by several different dolphin species, and sightings are common throughout the year. If you’re interested in booking a dolphin watching tour in Lovina, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
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How to get to Lovina?
Lovina is located on Bali’s north coast, around 70 kilometers north of popular tourist areas like Ubud, Seminyak, Uluwatu and Canggu.
The best way to reach Lovina would be with a private taxi service, although most dolphin watching tour operators in Lovina offer hotel pickups from the famous tourist areas in Bali.
Alternatively, you could hire a motorbike or a car and make your way to Lovina on your own. However, we don’t recommend this option as the road to Lovina is very busy, full of trucks, not in a good state, and it is a long (night) drive.
You could also make your way to Lovina one day earlier and sleep there the night before your dolphin watching excursion. There are plenty of great hotels and guesthouses in the area, including Binaria Museum Hotel, Lovina Beach Hotel, Villa Teman and Summer Guesthouse.
How long does a Lovina dolphin watching tour last?
Dolphin watching tours in Lovina are usually full-day excursions, lasting between 8 and 10 hours including roundtrip hotel transfers from accommodation in southern Bali.
The time that you’ll spend on the water looking for dolphins and watching them play in the Indian Ocean is usually around 2 to 3 hours.
What is the typical itinerary?
While each dolphin watching tour in Lovina is slightly different depending on what tour operator you choose, most offer similar itineraries. You can expect to start your day with an early-morning pickup service (around 2:30am) from your hotel in south Bali.
Once you’ve been picked up by your driver, you’ll make your way to Lovina in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. After a drive lasting approximately 2:30 hours, you’ll arrive in Lovina and board the specialized dolphin watching vessel.
If you have booked a group tour, you might need to wait for the other guests before boarding your boat.
You’ll spend the next couple of hours searching the Indian Ocean for dolphins and other types of marine life. The boat’s skipper knows the best spots to look for dolphins, and sightings are almost always guaranteed.
On your way back to your hotel, you may stop at a few nearby attractions, such as Banyumala Waterfalls, Wanagiri Hidden Hill and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple among many others.
You may also stop at a local restaurant for lunch, which is typically at your own expense. At the end of your action-packed excursion, your driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Can I swim with dolphins?
Most tour operators have snorkeling gear onboard the boat, which you can use during the dolphin watching experience. This allows you to get up close and personal with the dolphins without disrupting them.
If you’re looking forward to swimming with dolphins during your dolphin watching tour in Lovina, you may just want to check that your preferred tour operator offers snorkeling and swimming.
Read more: 25 Best Snorkeling Spots in Bali
How much does a Lovina dolphin watching tour cost?
When looking for a dolphin watching tour in Lovina, there are many different companies to choose from—most of which offer very similar experiences.
You can expect to pay US$20 per person for tours that don’t include hotel transfers, and between US$40 and US$90 per person for tours that include hotel transfers. The price will depend on the tour’s other inclusions and whether or not it’s private.
How to book a Lovina dolphin watching tour?
When it comes to dolphin watching tours in Bali, there are many wonderful options to choose from. So much so that it can become overwhelming and you may find it difficult to choose the right tour for you.
Here at TourScanner, our platform allows you to easily compare prices of different tours and read online reviews. We aggregate every offers available on the web, ensuring that you don”t miss out on any special offers.
What is the best time to see dolphins in Lovina?
One of the best things about dolphin watching tours in Lovina is that dolphins can be seen throughout the year. However, you should keep in mind that the ocean becomes quite choppy between February and April.
Ideally, you’d want to go on a dolphin watching excursion in May, June, September, October, or November so that you can enjoy the best ocean conditions while still avoiding peak tourist times.
The best time for seeing dolphins is at sunrise when the dolphins are most active, with most dolphin watching vessels leaving Lovina Beach at around 6 AM.
What should I bring?
- Towel: A must-have for drying off after any spontaneous swims or just to sit on during the boat ride. The sea breeze can be chilly, especially in the early morning, so a towel can also double as a wrap.
- Hat: Essential for sun protection. Choose a hat with a wide brim to shield your face and neck from the sun’s rays, as you’ll be spending several hours on the open water where sun exposure can be intense.
- Swimsuit: Even if you don’t plan on swimming, it’s a good idea to wear a swimsuit under your clothes. Opportunities for a quick dip in the ocean can arise, and you wouldn’t want to miss out!
- Sunscreen: The sun can be deceptively strong on the water. Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays, and remember to reapply after swimming or sweating.
- Sunglasses: Glare from the water can be quite harsh, so sunglasses are crucial. They will protect your eyes and make it easier to spot dolphins in the bright sunlight.
- Tip for the Captain and Driver: Tipping is a wonderful way to show appreciation for their guidance and expertise. Ensure you have some cash on hand to thank them for their role in making your dolphin-watching experience memorable.
Are there other places to visit along the way?
If you’re traveling from south Bali to Lovina Beach, there are plenty of amazing places to see along the way, including waterfalls, temples and lakes. Depending on which tour you choose, your guide may stop at a variety of these local attractions.
Located on the shores of Lake Beratan, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of the island’s must-see attractions. The temple is only around 30 kilometers away from Lovina, making it the perfect landmark to visit on the way back to your hotel.
Another place you may visit is the beautiful Banyumala Waterfalls, which are twin waterfalls that flow into a tranquil jungle pool. The falls are not very touristic, providing you with the perfect opportunity to swim in peace and take photographs.
Wanagiri Hidden Hill is another one of the most popular destinations visited on the way back from Lovina. The picturesque location offers incredible views over the surrounding landscape, which includes twin lakes!
Travel tips
- Your captain must not chase the dolphins or get too close to them. It is important to keep your distance so that you don’t disturb the dolphins in their natural habitat.
- Ensure that you read tour itineraries and inclusions carefully so that you choose a tour that best suits your preferences, budget and schedule.
- Remember to bring a snug-fitting swimsuit, especially if you plan on swimming with the dolphins, as the water pressure is often strong.
- You may also want to bring a camera for taking photos of the dolphins, as well as some of the iconic attractions that you may visit on the way back to your hotel.
That’s a wrap! We hope you enjoyed our Lovina dolphin watching guide. if you are looking for other fun activities, make sure to have a look at our selection of the best water sports in Bali. If you are traveling with your love one, check our selection of romantic things to do in Bali for couples.
As always, happy travels!