Kuta isn’t just about surfing and beach lounging—it’s also a launchpad for some fantastic boat tours and cruises that open up Bali’s surrounding islands and underwater world. Whether you want to snorkel with manta rays, hop between Gili islands, or enjoy a luxurious day on a catamaran, Kuta offers something for every water lover. We’re particularly fond of the Bali Hai Reef Cruise, which combines adventure, comfort, and a great value in one package, or the Nusa Penida Day Trip, perfect for those short on time but eager to see the highlights of Bali’s most Instagram-worthy island.
If you’re after a quick, budget-friendly ride, the fast boats from Sanur or Nusa Lembongan deliver reliable, scenic trips with minimal fuss. And for a more exclusive experience, private boat tours and land-and-sea combos make your Bali holiday truly memorable. Read on for our detailed reviews of each option.
1. Bali Hai – Reef Cruise
At number 1, the Bali Hai Reef Cruise is a top-rated day trip that blends adventure and relaxation. It’s a 7-hour journey on a luxurious catamaran heading to Nusa Lembongan, a small island known for its vibrant coral reefs. This tour is a favorite because of its full range of activities: snorkel, banana boat rides, a water slide, and the semi-submersible coral viewing chamber. Plus, you can upgrade to helmet diving or scuba—perfect if you’re certified or just curious.
The tour departs from Benoa Harbour at 9:15 AM, with hassle-free hotel transfers in south Bali and Ubud included. Guests love the well-organized process and the choice to indulge in a buffet aboard the Bali Hai II, after playing in the water. The 35-meter water slide is a true highlight, offering a thrill that’s hard to beat. Reviewers mention the “top-notch organization” and a “great day for families or couples.”
Bottom line: If you want a full day of fun, with plenty of options for all ages and skill levels, this cruise offers excellent value for $143. It’s particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and comfort.
2. Bali Hai Beach Club Cruise
Coming in at number 2, the Bali Hai Beach Club Cruise shares many features with the Reef Cruise but emphasizes relaxing at a private beach club on Lembongan Island. This 7-hour trip on the Bali Hai II includes lunch, snacks, and hot drinks, plus endless opportunities for snorkeling, banana boat rides, and coral viewing. The tour also offers an island tour, giving a glimpse of local life and scenery.
The highlight is the day spent at Hai Tide Beach Resort’s private beach, where you can swim in the pool or kayak, or simply lounge in the sun. Upgrades are available for underwater sea walking or scuba diving, making it a great choice if underwater exploration is your priority. From the comfort of door-to-door transfers to the tropical barbecue lunch, reviews mention the “smooth experience” and “great value for a full day’s adventure.”
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for families or groups seeking a relaxed yet active day, with the extra luxury of a beachside setting and food included for $143.
3. One-way Ticket Fast Boat from Sanur Bali or Nusa Lembongan
For those who prefer to keep their options open, number 3 is the handy One-way Ticket Fast Boat. It’s a quick 30-minute ride between Sanur or Nusa Lembongan, with flexible departure times and the ability to choose your closest port. This service is perfect for travelers who want to arrive or depart quickly without fuss.
You can select departure slots that fit your schedule and even book transfers from your hotel to the port, making the entire process seamless. The boats are modern, comfortable, and operated by reputable providers. Many reviews speak of smooth, on-time journeys and helpful staff. This ticket is a sensible choice if you’re on a tight schedule or doing a quick hop between Bali and Nusa Lembongan.
Bottom line: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those with a flexible itinerary, this fast boat offers reliable, quick transit, starting at just $12.63.
4. The Cheapest Fast Boat Ticket to Gili – Lombok
Number 4 is all about affordable island hopping, with the Fast Boat Ticket to Gili Lombok at only $60. It takes about 3 hours to reach Lombok from Bali’s Kuta, with comfortable seats and scenic coastal views. The service promises safety, experienced crew, and multiple departure points, including early mornings and late afternoons.
Guests appreciate the affordability combined with a smooth ride aboard a well-maintained vessel. The boat is designed for comfort, with scenic views along the way, and the experience suits travelers looking to explore Lombok or the Gili Islands without breaking the bank. It’s a straightforward, no-frills option that gets you where you need to go efficiently.
Bottom line: This is a solid choice for budget travelers wanting to hop between Bali and Lombok quickly, especially for short stays or day trips.
5. PRIVATE Nusa Penida on Boat Snorkeling & Island Tour (INCLUSIVE)
Number 5 is a premium private tour that combines snorkeling at three top sites and a land tour of Nusa Penida’s best Instagram spots. For $135 per person, you get a full 9-hour day including all transfers, snorkeling gear, and lunch. The focus is on marine life, especially the chance to see manta rays at Manta Bay and other top snorkel sites like Gamat/Wall Point and Crystal Bay.
The tour is perfect for those who want a personalized experience, with small groups or private options. It appeals to travelers eager to explore the island’s underwater riches while enjoying the comfort and flexibility of a private guide. The reviews highlight the unforgettable manta ray encounters and the professional guidance.
Bottom line: If marine life and personalized service matter most, this tour offers excellent value at $135, especially for snorkelers and nature lovers.
6. Fast Boat Transfer Sanur to Nusa Penida by Penidago
Number 6 is a reliable, short ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida, taking approximately 30 minutes to an hour. The Fast Boat Transfer by Penidago offers multiple departure times, and you can upgrade to include hotel transfers from Bali—making logistics simpler for travelers. The service boasts modern, well-maintained boats with safety equipment.
Reviewers mention punctuality and smooth boarding, especially if booked in advance. It’s suited for day-trippers or travelers combining Bali with Nusa Penida. The flexibility allows you to plan your trip around your schedule, whether you’re arriving or leaving the island.
Bottom line: Budget-friendly, dependable, and flexible, this transfer is ideal for travelers needing quick, hassle-free transport to Nusa Penida.
7. Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour
This is our top-rated full-day Nusa Penida tour, with an impressive 1,449 reviews. For $96, you’ll enjoy round-trip fast boat rides, four snorkeling stops including the chance to see manta rays, and a land tour of key scenic spots. It’s a full-package trip designed for maximum exposure in just 9 hours.
The tour is great for travelers who want to optimize their time, avoiding long ferry waits or complicated logistics. The guides are praised for their helpfulness, and the small group size (or optional private upgrade) ensures personalized attention. Reviewers mention seeing stingrays, turtles, and a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience with marine wildlife.
Bottom line: For those who want a comprehensive, hassle-free day in Nusa Penida, this tour offers excellent value and the chance to see all the highlights, including manta rays.
$96.00 per person
8. Fast Boat Transfer Sanur to Nusa Lembongan by Penidago
Number 8 offers another quick, modern service between Sanur and Nusa Lembongan at about $14.99. With departures throughout the day, it suits travelers who prefer flexibility and reliable service. The process is straightforward: meet at the Tanis Fast Cruise Office, check in, and board.
This well-reviewed transfer is perfect for short trips or those planning a day visit. The boats are comfortable, and the online booking system provides peace of mind for your schedule.
Bottom line: If you’re on a budget and need a quick, dependable ride to Nusa Lembongan, this service gets you there comfortably and efficiently.
9. The Best Fast Boat Transfer: Bali – Lombok – Gili Trawangan
Number 9 is perfect for island hopppers, offering fast, direct transfers from Bali to Lombok and the Gilis for around $19. The boats operate with multiple daily departures and include hotel pickup and drop-off, saving you the hassle of finding a meeting point. The ride takes about 3 hours, giving you more time to relax or explore.
This service is especially good for travelers planning to visit multiple islands on a tight schedule. The reviews emphasize the convenience, scenic coastal views, and smooth operation, making it ideal for independent travelers with their own transport.
Bottom line: A cost-effective way to hop between Bali, Lombok, and the Gilis quickly and comfortably, especially if you value door-to-door service.
10. Round Trip Fast Boat Transfer Nusa Lembongan
Number 10 offers a simple, prebooked round-trip transfer, with prices starting at $26.88. It includes transfers from Jungut Batu Port to your hotel on Nusa Lembongan, with the flexibility to confirm your return trip on the spot. You can also upgrade to include two-way transfers from various Bali hotels, making logistics easy.
This option appeals to travelers who want the convenience of prearranged transportation without the hassle of last-minute arrangements, especially for longer stays. Review comments mention punctuality and ease of use.
Bottom line: A practical, flexible option for those planning a longer stay on Nusa Lembongan, combining affordability with convenience.
11. Fast Boat Ticket One way: Gili Trawangan, Lembongan, Penida & Lombok to & from Bali
Number 11 is designed for travelers making multiple island connections, with a one-way ticket for around $19. It transports up to 210 people on a fast, four-engine vessel, simplifying cross-island travel. Port fees and island fees apply, so budget accordingly.
It’s ideal if you’re planning to explore Gili Trawangan or Lombok and need a reliable, straightforward ticket. The reviews note the modern boat and efficient service, making it a dependable choice for island-hopping adventurers.
Bottom line: Perfect for multi-island travelers who want to avoid booking multiple tickets or dealing with unreliable schedules.
$19.00 per person
12. Boat Tickets to Nusa Penida – 2 way
Our final pick is a simple two-way boat ticket for about $18.98. It’s a practical service that includes insurance per passenger and allows you to travel comfortably between Bali and Nusa Penida in roughly 40 minutes. Flexibility is built-in, with the ability to change schedules depending on weather conditions.
This service works well for travelers who want a straightforward, insured ride without fuss. It’s especially good for those who prefer online booking and planning ahead, avoiding last-minute hassles.
Bottom line: Reliable and easy, this ticket is suited for travelers seeking a quick, insured crossing with flexible scheduling.
$18.98 per person
How to Choose the Right Boat Tour or Cruise
Choosing between these options depends on your priorities. For a full day of adventure with all the bells and whistles, the Bali Hai Reef Cruise or Nusa Penida day trip (see details here) are excellent picks. Budget travelers or those rushing through can opt for the fast boat transfers from Sanur or Nusa Lembongan (see options here).
If marine life is your focus, the private Nusa Penida tour gives you personalized attention, while island-hoppers wanting to explore multiple locations should consider the Gili or Lombok fast boats (see here).
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. Check if transfers from your accommodation are included or available as add-ons; this can make your experience smoother.
Final Thoughts
Kuta’s boat tours cover an impressive range—from exhilarating water slides off a luxury catamaran to quick island hops and private snorkeling adventures. For families and adventure seekers, the Bali Hai Reef Cruise offers a great blend of fun and comfort. Solo travelers or budget-conscious visitors will appreciate the efficiency and affordability of the fast boats from Sanur or Nusa Lembongan. And if marine wildlife is your passion, the private Nusa Penida tour is hard to beat.
No matter your style, planning ahead and booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these fantastic water experiences. Dive in, explore the islands, and enjoy the best of Bali’s aquatic adventures.