The Best Boat Rentals in Bali

Most private speedboats for half‑day island‑hopping start around $500–$700 USD, with full‑day charters commonly $900–$1,400. Mid‑size motor yachts and sailing catamarans for day trips usually range from about $1,500 to $3,500+, while larger luxury yachts can run $3,000–$5,000+ depending on size, season, and itinerary. Pricing often includes a licensed captain and crew, standard fuel for popular routes (for example to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan), basic snorkeling gear, iced water and soft drinks, and safety equipment. Hotel transfers, harbor fees, drone photography, premium catering, and alcohol are typically add‑ons. Always check your specific booking for what’s included and any overtime or fuel‑surcharge rules for longer routes.

You’ll find fast private speedboats for small groups and quick hops to the Nusa islands, comfortable motor yachts and sailing catamarans for relaxed cruising and celebrations, fishing boats set up for trolling and bottom fishing, and dive/snorkel boats with easy water access. Most options are captained and set up for island‑hopping, snorkeling, and scenic coastal cruising rather than long crossings.

In Bali, nearly all leisure charters are captained and crewed, which means you don’t need a boating license to book. Self‑operated rentals are uncommon due to Indonesia’s cabotage and crewing rules and local harbor procedures. On the rare occasions a bareboat or small self‑drive is offered, expect strict experience checks, route limits, and security deposits. For most travelers, a captained charter is the smoothest, safest, and fastest way to get on the water.

The busiest launch points are Sanur Port on Bali’s southeast coast (the modern pier by Matahari Terbit Beach), Serangan Harbour just south of Sanur/Denpasar, and Benoa Harbour near Nusa Dua for dinner cruises and larger yachts. Padangbai on the east coast is a major gateway for boats heading to the Gili Islands and Lombok, and some itineraries also use Kusamba or Amed when that makes the route more efficient. Your captain will recommend the best departure based on where you’re staying and your destination.

Most day trips head across the Badung Strait to the dramatic cliffs and coves of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Highlights include Kelingking’s T‑Rex headland from offshore, the arch at Broken Beach, the pools around Angel’s Billabong, palm‑fringed Crystal Bay, and the manta‑feeding grounds around Manta Bay and Manta Point. On clear days you may cruise with views of Mount Agung, and on the mainland coast you can take in the sea cliffs of Uluwatu or watch the sunset glow near Tanah Lot from offshore. In North Bali, sunrise outings from Lovina sometimes spot dolphins.

Yes—families are welcome. Reputable operators carry life jackets for all sizes, throw rings, first‑aid kits, VHF/radios, and often supply masks, snorkels, and fins. Boats that focus on family trips typically have shaded seating and easy water access ladders. If you’re bringing younger children, tell your captain their ages and weights in advance so child‑sized life jackets are set aside, and consider morning departures when seas are calmest. As always, keep an adult within arm’s reach of kids in the water, even with flotation.

Most private charters include bottled water and soft drinks and can add light bites or full catering on request. You can usually bring your own snacks and alcohol; some boats apply a simple corkage fee for wine, beer, or spirits, and may ask for cans or plastic cups instead of glass for safety. If you have a celebration plan, ask about coolers, ice, cake service, and any no‑red‑wine or no‑staining‑foods rules for upholstery.

Pet policies are set by each owner. Many Bali boats do not allow pets, while a few private charters may accept small, well‑behaved dogs with advance approval and a cleaning fee. If you’re flying internationally, note that bringing pets into Bali involves strict quarantine and import rules, so most travelers leave pets at home. When pets are allowed on board, bring a leash, shade, water bowl, and a towel, and avoid trips when seas are forecast to be choppy.

Bali has a dry season roughly May through October and a wetter season November through March. Seas are often calmer in the morning, with brisker southeast trade winds most afternoons June through August. If marine forecasts show high swell or strong winds, the Harbormaster can pause departures from ports like Sanur, Serangan, Padangbai, or Nusa Penida; in that case operators typically reschedule you to the next safe window or issue a refund according to the policy on your booking. To maximize smooth water, choose early starts and keep your itinerary flexible.

Absolutely. Boats around Benoa, Serangan, and Sanur regularly host celebrations and can arrange decorations, custom playlists over Bluetooth, photographers, and set menus from casual bites to upscale catering. For larger groups, consider wide‑deck catamarans or spacious motor yachts, and for evening plans a sunset or dinner cruise works well. Share your headcount, vibe, and must‑have moments upfront and your captain will tailor the run‑of‑show so you can relax and enjoy.

For the calmest conditions, target May–October, with July–August the busiest months and mornings usually the smoothest. Weekdays are easier for dock space and popular swim spots, while weekends book up quickly. U.S. holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are normal operating days in Indonesia, but they fall in Bali’s dry season and attract international visitors—so reserve early if you’re traveling then. One critical local date is Nyepi (the Day of Silence), when Bali’s airport, roads, and ports close for 24 hours and boats do not operate; it typically falls in March and exact dates change each year.

No license is required to snorkel, but your crew will brief you on the local code of conduct inside the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area: don’t touch wildlife, keep a respectful distance from manta rays, avoid standing on coral, and follow your guide’s entry/exit instructions. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, yet early starts improve your chances. If you’re a certified diver hoping to see the seasonal sunfish (mola mola), the best window is usually July through October with a reputable dive operator.

Private trips typically start between 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for smoother seas and clearer water, returning mid‑afternoon before wind and chop build. Afternoon outings work well for short coastal cruises or sunset plans, but expect slightly livelier seas across the straits later in the day. If your group includes first‑timers or younger kids, morning departures are the most comfortable choice.

It’s possible, but it’s a longer run. Fast boats from Padangbai typically reach Gili Trawangan or Gili Air in about 1.5–2 hours each way in fair conditions. Many travelers make the Gilis an overnight to avoid rushing, while keeping Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan as the classic, easy Bali day‑trip loop. Your captain can advise on the best plan for your dates, group size, and sea forecast.