Best Water Sports in Bali: Surfing, Diving, Rafting & More

Bali put Indonesian surfing on the map, and today the island caters to every skill level. Beginners should head to Kuta Beach, where long, gentle whitewash waves break over a sandy bottom with no dangerous reef. Two-hour group lessons cost IDR 300,000 to IDR 500,000 ($19-$32 USD) and include a soft-top board, rash guard, and instructor. Most first-timers stand up within the first session. Intermediate surfers will find their groove in Canggu, particularly at Batu Bolong and Berawa, where consistent shoulder-to-head-high waves provide perfect practice conditions. Board rental at the beachside shacks runs IDR 50,000-100,000 ($3-$6 USD) per hour. Echo Beach in Canggu delivers bigger, more powerful lefts suited to confident intermediates. Advanced surfers make the pilgrimage to Uluwatu, Bali's most legendary break. The main peak offers long, barreling left-handers that peel over a shallow reef shelf. Access is via a cave staircase cut into the cliff, and the lineup can be fiercely competitive during peak swell. Padang Padang, a short drive south, produces the heaviest barrel on the island and hosts the annual Rip Curl Cup when swells exceed 6 feet. Dry season (April-October) brings the most consistent south swells to the Bukit Peninsula.

Bali's diving scene is exceptionally diverse for a single island. The undisputed star is the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben on the northeast coast, a 120-meter-long World War II cargo ship lying just 5-30 meters deep and only 25 meters from shore. The wreck is encrusted with soft corals and sponges, and you will encounter bumphead parrotfish, garden eels, and occasional reef sharks. Two-dive packages with full equipment rental start at $65-$90 USD. Nusa Penida, a 45-minute boat ride from Sanur, is famous for Manta Point where giant oceanic manta rays glide through cleaning stations. The season runs from July to November, with visibility reaching 25-30 meters. Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida also offers the chance to spot the elusive Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) from August to October. Dive trips to Nusa Penida from Bali start at $110-$150 USD for two dives. Amed on the east coast is a quieter alternative with pristine coral walls, a Japanese shipwreck, and outstanding macro photography opportunities including pygmy seahorses and nudibranchs. Dive shops in Amed are typically more affordable, with fun dives priced at $50-$70 USD for two tanks. Padang Bai, the ferry port town, also has underrated sites like Blue Lagoon and Jepun, where turtles, reef sharks, and octopuses are common sightings.

You do not need a dive certification to experience Bali's underwater world. Snorkeling is accessible, affordable, and available at dozens of locations around the island. The easiest starting point is Amed, where you can walk straight off the black sand beach into crystal-clear water over vibrant coral gardens. Mask and fin rental costs just IDR 50,000 ($3 USD) per day from beachfront shops, and the Japanese Shipwreck is shallow enough to explore from the surface. The Tulamben USAT Liberty wreck is equally spectacular for snorkelers. The shallowest sections of the ship lie at just 3-5 meters below the surface, and on calm days you can clearly see the coral-encrusted hull, schools of fusiliers, and giant trevallies from above. No boat or guide is required, though a local spotter (IDR 100,000) can point out hidden marine life. For a dedicated snorkeling day trip, head to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida. Tour operators in Sanur offer packages from IDR 400,000-700,000 ($25-$45 USD) that include fast boat transfers, lunch, and visits to multiple snorkel spots including Mangrove Point, Crystal Bay, and Gamat Bay. At Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park, a protected marine reserve offers wall snorkeling with visibility up to 40 meters, though getting there requires a longer journey (3-4 hours from South Bali).

White water rafting in Bali is a must-do adventure that combines thrilling rapids with stunning tropical scenery. Two rivers offer distinctly different experiences. The Ayung River near Ubud is the gentler option, rated Class II-III, flowing through a deep jungle canyon adorned with ancient stone carvings, cascading waterfalls, and towering coconut palms. It is perfect for families with children (ages 5 and up) and first-time rafters. The 10-kilometer course takes about two hours and is run by numerous operators including Sobek, Mason Adventures, and Bali Adventure Tours. The Telaga Waja River near Karangasem in East Bali is the more intense ride, with Class III-IV rapids that will test even experienced rafters. The river runs through dramatic gorges with a 4-meter waterfall drop that is the highlight of the 16-kilometer course. This route is better suited to teens and adults who want genuine white water thrills. Prices for both rivers range from $30-$55 USD per person, typically including hotel pickup and drop-off, safety equipment, a professional guide, and a post-rafting lunch buffet. The wet season (November-March) delivers higher water levels and more exciting rapids, but both rivers operate year-round. Book directly with operators rather than through hotel concierges to avoid 20-30% markup. Morning departures are recommended, as afternoon thunderstorms during wet season can occasionally cause river level fluctuations.

Tanjung Benoa, a narrow peninsula jutting out from Nusa Dua in southern Bali, is the island's water sports hub for motorized adrenaline activities. The calm, sheltered bay creates ideal conditions for parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, flyboarding, and sea walker helmet dives. Most operators line the main road and offer à la carte activities or discounted combo packages. Parasailing gives you a bird's-eye view of the turquoise coastline from 80 meters up and costs IDR 350,000-500,000 ($22-$32 USD) for a single ride lasting about 10 minutes. Jet ski rentals run IDR 500,000-750,000 ($32-$48 USD) for 15 minutes, with guided routes that take you along the coast. Banana boat rides for groups of 4-6 cost IDR 150,000 per person and deliver guaranteed laughs as the boat whips across the wake. Flyboarding, a newer addition, straps water-powered jet boots to your feet and launches you up to 10 meters above the water surface. Sessions cost around IDR 600,000-800,000 ($38-$51 USD) for 15 minutes including instruction. For something more unusual, the sea walker experience lets you walk on the ocean floor wearing a specialized helmet that provides air, surrounded by fish and coral. It requires no swimming ability and costs IDR 500,000 ($32 USD). Tanjung Benoa operators generally run from 9 AM to 4 PM daily. Bargaining is expected, and booking combo packages (three or more activities) typically saves 20-30% off individual prices.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has exploded in popularity across Bali, offering a calmer but deeply satisfying way to enjoy the island's waters. Sanur is the premier SUP location thanks to its sheltered lagoon, shallow water, and minimal waves. Sunrise SUP sessions here are magical, with the water turning golden as the sun rises over Nusa Penida on the horizon. Board rental starts at IDR 100,000 ($6 USD) per hour, and guided SUP tours cost IDR 250,000-400,000. In Canggu, SUP sessions are available in the calm river mouths behind the beaches, providing a peaceful contrast to the pounding surf out front. Several yoga studios in Canggu also offer SUP yoga classes where you practice poses on a paddleboard -- expect to fall in and laugh about it. Classes cost IDR 350,000-500,000 ($22-$32 USD) and are typically suitable for beginners. Sea kayaking is another excellent low-impact option. Padang Bai's Blue Lagoon and Candidasa's coastline offer sheltered bays ideal for kayaking between snorkeling stops. Guided kayak tours including snorkel gear cost around IDR 400,000-600,000 ($25-$38 USD) for a half-day. For a mangrove experience, head to Nusa Lembongan where you can paddle through dense mangrove forests rich in birdlife. In the north, Lovina also offers kayaking combined with dolphin watching at dawn, creating a two-for-one nature experience.