Location: Lovina Bay, North Bali
Lovina Bay in Bali is known for its dolphin-watching tours. The bay, located on the northern coast of Bali, is particularly famous for its relatively calm waters and the presence of wild dolphins, especially the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. The area’s tranquil environment, combined with the presence of these dolphins, makes it a unique spot for wildlife observation. Lovina itself is quieter and less commercialized compared to southern parts of Bali, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
Dolphin watching here encourages a respectful observation of wildlife, Efforts to promote responsible tourism practices are ongoing to ensure that both the dolphins and the local communities benefit sustainably from this activity.
The Experience
- Travel: These tours typically take place early in the morning, as this is when the temperature is not too hot. A driver will pick you up from our villa around 3am and take you to Lovina Bay, which is around a 2 hour 45 minute drive. You may sleep in the car and when you arrive at Lovina Bay, the sun will just be rising on the horizon.
- The boat ride out into the Bay: This normally takes around 40 mins, the boat driver will take you out into the middle of the bay where everyone will try to spot the dolphins jumping in the water. Have a go at waving your hand in the water as you leave the shallows of the shoreline as here they have tiny plankton that flash different colours when disturbed.
- Dolphins Spotted!!: Once the dolphins have been spotted the skipper will drive in line with the dolphins and then close off the engine so you glide along side the dolphins. Should you be willing to, you can don on a snorkel mask and hold onto a pulley on the side of the boat (as shown in picture). You can get super close to the dolphins whilst they are enjoying themselves in their natural environment.
- Duration: This will last around 2 hours and as the sun starts to rise and the temperature also you will head back towards the shallows.
- Snorkelling in the shallows: If you want you can also take a look at the many fish and corals that are situated in the shallows of the bay.
- Further Activities: Once back on the shoreline this should be around 11am, you have a choice to head back to the villa or you can make use of time and driver and visit one of the many other attractions in the North of Bali, including but not limited to :
Strawberry Picking in the mountains., Sekumpul Waterfall, Git Git Waterfalls, Ulun Danu Brata, Handara Gate, Banjar Hot Springs.
Tips for Participants
Safety Equipment: Participants are provided with necessary safety gear, such as life jacket.
Stay Hydrated: and take a couple of bottles of water with you.
Sun Protection: We also recommend you to take suncream and a sun hat for when the temperature raises later in the morning
Swimming Gear: Don’t forget to wear your swimming clothes if you want to join in the water with the dolphins!
Conclusion
Seeing the Dolphins in Lovina Bay is a great day out, although its a very early start, it is most definitely worth it. It should be noted that it cannot always be guaranteed that you will see the Dolphins but we have done it a few times now and have seen them on every occasion. Many other great scenic and cultural spots in North Bali, so have a chat with us and see what we can tailor for you to make your adventure even more memorable!