Off Bali’s northern coast, you’ll mostly find spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Fraser’s dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, false killer whales and long-beaked dolphins.
But the two most common species are the long-beaked dolphin and Fraser’s dolphin. You’re most likely to see them in their natural habitat in the north of Bali, in Lovina. Seeing dolphins in the wild is one of the most magical sights.
Dolphins are known for their curiosity: they often swim up to boats, play in the waves, sometimes escort tourists, as if posing for photos on purpose.
Locals recall that there used to be more dolphins. Routes are now regulated to avoid disturbing the animals. Responsible guides try not to get too close, switch off the engine if dolphins come near, and do their best not to disrupt the sea’s natural rhythm.
Boatman Gede says:
“The main thing is not to expect a show. This is the wild. Sometimes dolphins play nearby, sometimes they keep their distance. We’re guests in their home.”
How the Lovina tour works
As the first rays of sun paint the sky in pink and gold, boats slowly head out to sea off Bali’s northern coast, from a place called Lovina. It’s not just an early-morning boat ride, but a chance to meet some of the smartest and friendliest creatures on Earth — dolphins.
Lovina is a quiet resort in the north of Bali, not far from the town of Singaraja. Unlike the busy southern beaches, it’s calm here: the sea is smooth, the sand is dark and volcanic, and the atmosphere feels almost meditative. Dolphins love this spot. The coastal waters are warm, there’s plenty of fish, and there are no strong currents, so they often appear close to shore.
Lovina is on the other side of the island, about a three-hour drive from Ubud or four hours from Bali’s southern resorts.
Tourists from all over the world come here to head out at sunrise and watch dolphins moving freely in the ocean, playing with each other and swimming alongside the boats.
This route has become so popular that interaction with the animals is now restricted: you can’t touch them or swim next to them, only watch from a distance. This decision is meant to protect dolphins and preserve their natural behaviour.
Some Indonesian conservation organisations still have concerns. In their view, the number of boats heading out every day may stress the animals and disrupt the marine ecosystem. When dozens of boats gather in one place, noise levels rise and the space where dolphins feel safe shrinks.
Even so, observations show that dolphins around Lovina continue to behave naturally: they actively hunt, play and show no signs of fear or distress. Perhaps that’s why the place remains so appealing to tourists.
It’s worth bearing in mind that, because the route is so popular, the sea can be crowded in the morning. Sometimes a whole flotilla of boats gathers around the dolphins, and any sense of solitude disappears. So, despite romantic expectations, the trip can feel less peaceful than it looks in photos.
Still, for many visitors to Lovina, meeting dolphins remains one of the most memorable moments in Bali. It’s simply a reminder of how important it is to treat nature with care.
Dolphins at sunrise, photo from Google Maps
You can book a dolphin tour with local guides or through your hotel. The average price is 150,000–300,000 IDR per person. You can also book a two-day Lovina tour with MyBaliTrips. The best time to go is considered to be the dry season from April to October, although dolphins often come close to shore even during the rainy months.
Every morning, shortly after sunrise, dozens of boats head out to sea. Experienced fishermen know where to look for dolphins, but each day is still special for them — no one can predict how the dolphins will behave in the water.
Boats usually head out at around 5:30 am. The tour lasts two to three hours. After dolphin watching, many guides offer a stop for snorkelling. The water here is clear, the corals are bright, and there are lots of tropical fish.
It’s better to choose trusted guides, bring a light jacket — it’s cool at sunrise — and remember to put your phone away for at least a minute, just to be present and enjoy the moment.
Here are a few trusted contacts:
- North Coast Dolphin Tour - Captain Nemo
Contact: +62 819-1791-4911
- Cakrawala Dolphin Lovina
Contact: +62 852-3787-8392
- Guide Arik
Contact: +62 813-3777-3330
Price: 350k per person for morning dolphins and evening plankton
- Guide Nono
Price: 300k per person
Phone: +6287757981179
Recommendation! (It’s best to go around the new moon, when the night is darker and the plankton is easier to see.)
If you’re happy to bargain and want to find a boat yourself, just come in the evening one day before the tour to the Lovina Dolphin Statue, and boatmen will start offering their services straight away.
Keep in mind there are lots of captains and boats, but some have very loud engines and some are quite old. If you want a newer, quieter boat, ask in advance.
There’s also an option to swim while holding onto a bar with your head down, with a mask and snorkel in the water. It’s worth agreeing this with the captain as well.
By the time the boat returns to shore, the sun is already high above the mountains. Sometimes dolphins swim up to the boats themselves, and it feels like they’re watching you, not the other way round.
Dolphin watching from a boat
Interesting stories and legends
Locals love telling stories about their sea neighbours. Once, a dolphin swam up to a boat and started playing with the anchor rope, as if helping to pull it up. Fishermen believe that if dolphins jump especially high, it will be a lucky day.
An old Balinese legend says that the souls of sailors who died at sea turn into dolphins to guard the island’s shores.
Bali Dolphin Interaction: meeting dolphins on the Serangan Peninsula
You can book a visit on the centre’s official website or by phone: +62 361 8352668.
If in the north of Bali you can only see dolphins in the sea, in the south of the island there’s a place where you can meet them more closely and in a calmer setting. This is Bali Dolphin Interaction, located on the Serangan Peninsula, near Sanur and Denpasar.
Unlike the early-morning Lovina tours, everything here is organised: small groups, a clean lagoon and a team of instructors who care for the animals and help guests interact with the dolphins safely.
Bali Dolphin Interaction is suitable for families with children, couples and anyone who dreams of a safe and gentle introduction to the world of marine life. It’s a chance to feel part of the ocean without travelling far from the island’s main tourist areas.
Dolphin show, photo from the Bali Dolphin Interaction website
Programmes:
- Discovery programme - Interaction and swimming with a dolphin
Here you’ll have the chance to get to know this wonderful mammal up close — for example, touch it, hug it, feed it, kiss it, play, and swim with dolphins in a saltwater pool, for an unforgettable experience. During the programme, you’ll be closely supervised by experienced trainers, who will share information about dolphins, their habitat, diet, anatomy and migration patterns.
PROGRAMME PRICE:
The price for the “Swim with Dolphins” programme is 1,499,000 IDR per adult (12+).
The price for children (aged 2 to 11) is 1,350,000 IDR per person.
It’s recommended to book at least a week in advance, or earlier. This is not a show, but a true encounter: you can touch a dolphin, watch how it reacts to gestures and sounds, and even feel how these amazing creatures respond to human attention. Dolphin riding is prohibited.
The programme lasts about 45 minutes. Before it starts, there’s a short briefing explaining how to behave in the water so the animals feel comfortable. Participation is in a group (maximum 6–7 people).
Children under 12 must be in the water accompanied by at least one adult (with the combined child+adult ticket).
Children/infants under 1 year old are only allowed to observe the dolphins.
Included in the programme: a welcome drink, feeding the dolphins, interaction with dolphins, a shower and towel, 1 free digital photo of your choice, which can be redeemed when placing your order (file only).
- Discovery Plus programme - “Swim with Dolphins”
This programme is similar to the first one but more private. It’s designed for a quieter, more exclusive swim. You’ll have dedicated areas, a snack basket and non-alcoholic cocktails. The programme duration is also 40 minutes.
The price for the programme is 8,580,000 IDR.
- Dolphin watching
This programme is for accompanying family members who are taking part in the swimming or interaction programme.
However, you won’t enter the water and can move freely around the lagoon. You can take photos of your family members, and at the end of the programme you’ll be offered the chance to touch a dolphin from the steps and, possibly, even get a kiss from a dolphin.
Price: 350,000 IDR per person
Reviews of Bali Dolphin Interaction are mostly very positive, but there are complaints about service and customer care. Travellers note the cleanliness of the area and the friendliness of the dolphins themselves. Many write that it’s one of the most vivid experiences of a trip to Bali, especially for children.
Dolphinarium at Marine Safari Bali
Contact: +62 823-4076-5609
You can visit Bali Safari and Marine Park, located in the Gianyar area. The marine section of the park includes a “Dolphin Presentation” programme — a demonstration featuring dolphins and other marine animals.
The dolphin show is scheduled for 10:30 and 16:00.
Ticket prices vary depending on the package.
If you only want to see the dolphins, it’s worth choosing the first package: park entry, access to the marine zone/dolphin presentation, the Water Play Zone (waterpark), family leisure areas, and marine animal shows.
Or you can buy tickets that also include entry to Bali Safari Park.
Ticket and package prices
It’s worth noting that the dolphin programme in this park is a presentation: visitors watch the animals.
The option to interact with dolphins is only included in the VIP package. The adult ticket costs 1,880,000 IDR, and the child ticket costs 1,500,000 IDR.
The VIP package includes:
- An exciting dolphin presentation, a playful sea lion show, and the culture-rich Pachamaya show
- Unforgettable dolphin interaction
- Time in nature on the Jungle Odyssey trail + time for swimming in the water play zone
- 1× ride in the Fun Zone
- A relaxed lunch at the River Café and afternoon tea
You can add one right now!