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With close to 700 kilometres of tropical coastline under its belt, Bali beckons with the promise of surf, sand, sun, and plenty of water-based fun.
Traditional faves like surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving are all on the table, as are more fast-and-furious water sports such as banana boating, white water rafting, parasailing, and even flyboarding!
Not sure where to begin? Here’s a checklist of ten great things to do on the water in Bali, as recommended by the experts at Best Bali Adventures.
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1. Hit the beach
First things first. Everyone who comes to Bali wants to get in some towel time, and the island’s beaches are truly sublime. If you want to be surrounded by plenty of buzz, Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta will all do the trick. However, there are plenty of other less frenetic options around the Bukit Peninsula. Fronting Benoa Bay, Nusa Dua is a great option for those travelling with kids, as is sweeping Sanur with its golden sand and calm turquoise water. And a 45-or-so-minute drive from Nusa Dua, the up-and-coming beach retreat of Pandawa offers a change of scene when you need it.
For true hidden gems and zero tourists, try Green Bowl Beach (a 20-minute drive from Pandawa) and the much-favoured-by-locals Tegalwangi Beach.
2. Go snorkelling
All righty, time to get wet! And let’s start with spot of snorkelling — far and away one of the most popular water activities in Bali. Gliding effortlessly above the reefs that surround the island is akin to a very pleasant dream. These gorgeous coral gardens offer sanctuary and sustenance to a diverse array of sea life, and getting on the trail of Nemo is accessible to all ages. All you need are a mask and flippers to make the magic happen!
3. Do a dive
Amed Beach on Bali’s far-flung north-east coastline and the small neighbouring island of Nusa Penida offer exquisite snorkelling opportunities — but if you want an even more immersive experience of these marine wonderlands, book a scuba diving trip. It will open the door more widely to the colourful reefs and fascinating shipwrecks off the coast from Amed, while over on Nusa Penida you may have the opportunity to meander alongside manta rays. Every dive is different, but the commonality is that you’ll surface with a unique glimpse of the world beneath the waves.
4. Ride a banana boat
Above the water line, the most popular activity in Bali would have to be banana boating — and it’s offered at many spots along the coast (including Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa, and Sanur). Towed by a speedboat, these giant inflatable banana-shaped rafts are always a hit with families seeking a safe-but-exhilarating time on the water.
5. Raft over rapids
Away from the beach, a wet and wild experience awaits you outside the charming hill town of Ubud. White water rafting is another of the island’s signature aquatic activities, and will see you navigating strings of rapids, gliding beneath waterfalls, and yes, getting dunked from time to time.
6. Hang ten
Bali is a surfer’s dream destination and experienced board riders flock here from across the planet to navigate the island’s most hectic breaks. Never hung ten before? There’s always a first time! Kuta is the ideal spot for beginners to have a go at getting upright, and you’ll find all the necessary gear on hand for hire.
7. Jet across the ocean on a jet ski
Feel the rush as you zoom across Bali’s turquoise coastal waters on a jet ski. It’s a fast and fun way to explore, and most operators offer guided sessions for beginners.
8. Fly high on a parasailing trip
Elevate your time on the water, literally, by booking a parasailing flight. As the ground drops away noiselessly below, you’ll get an inkling of just how a bird must feel taking wing on the ocean breeze. Breathtaking is the adjective that springs to mind, and this experience will stay with you long after your flight comes to an end.
9. Walk on the sea floor
Would you like be, under the sea, strolling in an octopus’s garden in the shade? You can, because ‘sea walking’ in Bali is a thing! You’ll explore the deep wearing a special oxygenated helmet and weighted boots, and avoid the need for diving certification in the process.
10. Lift off on a flyboard
Release your inner Iron Man on a flyboard as a high-pressure water hose propels you into the air to hover, spin, and dive as only a superhero can! It’s epic!
Planning the best Bali adventures
There’s no need to spend hours poring over tour websites, comparing products and prices, dealing with endless booking confirmations, and arranging transfers. Best Bali Adventures curates everything for you — so that you’re free to focus on making the most of your holiday. Create lasting travel memories and enjoy the trip of a lifetime with the help of the team at Best Bali Adventures.
This post was published thanks to Best Bali Adventures.
Browse our range of Bali tours and experiences here.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of great things to do on the water in Bali? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.
The information contained in this story is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice in any way. We make every effort to ensure this content is accurate, but we do not guarantee it. You should do your own research and seek the advice of professionals before acting or relying on any of the information provided in this story. Check your travel insurance policy to find out what water-based activities are covered in the event of an accident or emergency.
Additional images: Depositphotos and Envato
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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