Top Water Sports in Bali

Bali is a wonderland. From beaches to an exquisitely verdant landscape, this place has it all. But what makes Bali truly a hotspot for tourists is the sheer variety of thrilling water sports. Every year thousands of adventure seekers throng to Bali to enjoy and play in the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Bali has tons of water sports centres that not only offer training to beginners but also let people choose from a host of water sports like surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, snorkelling, etc. So, whether you want to swim with Manta Rays or explore the vast coral reefs under the sea, Bali has something to offer to everyone.

Before you book your tickets, it would be best to know what are the top water sports in Bali and how much to budget for each one of them.

1. Surfing: Bali with its soft white sand and its incredible view of the vast blue Indian Ocean, is famous for one of the most popular water sports in the world – surfing. One of the top water sports in Bali, surfing started on the Kuta beach way back in the 1930s, and the beach continues to attract avid surfers from across the world. Uluwatu is one of the biggest spots for surfing, but surfers who want privacy can head to Suluban. And these adventures are not just for experienced surfers; even beginners can learn surfing at the many surfing centers.

Average cost: INR 1000-2000. Time: 1 Hour

2. Snorkelling: Snorkelling is the best way to explore the sea without any experience in diving or even swimming. Bali has numerous spots that offer visitors snorkelling equipment and training. Snorkelling lovers can choose from a wide range of options to dive depending on their interests and mood. Does the colourful coral gardens in Tulamben sounds magical? What about exploring the wreckage of the USAT Liberty in Tulamben again? Snorkellers who want to spot reef manta rays can even go to Manta point to glide among these magnificent creatures.

Average cost: INR 5000-10000. Time: 1 hour

3. Scuba Diving: Bali is heaven for scuba diving; in fact, scuba diving is one of the best water sports in Bali. It is, in fact, one of the best places to scuba dive in the world offering a vast coral landscape for adventure seekers. Divers can swim among flamboyantly coloured fishes, sea turtles and sharks. Yes, sharks! Bali has many scuba diving centres across its numerous beaches. Nusa Penida, Menjangan Island, Seraya Secrets, and Nusa Lembongan are some of the best scuba diving places that avid divers swear by.

Average cost: INR 3000-10000. Time: 30 minutes

4. Sea Walking: Sea Walking definitely tops all the best water sports in Bali, and is certainly the most unique and best. Sea Walking takes divers one step further from scuba diving and lets them walk on the floor of the sea. Divers get the extraordinary experience of walking among marine life. Sea walking mostly lasts between 15-30 minutes. Most places that offer scuba diving also offer sea walking and not just that, this adventure also comes with an underwater guide!

Average cost: INR 2000. Time: 30 minutes

5. Rafting: Bali is not just about the sea and surfing; its winding landscape is a hotbed for adventures like river rafting as well. In fact, the tourist hotspot is famous for white water river rafting which is counted among one of the top water sports in Bali. . While there are many amazing rivers in Bali, three of the most popular rivers for rafting are Telaga Waja, Melangit, and Ayung. Among these, the Melangit river is a magnet for adrenaline junkies with more than 30 drops while the Ayung river offers a more relaxed but fun ride for children and families.

Average cost: INR 1600-3000. Time: Depends on the distance.

6. Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Stand Up Paddleboarding is one of the best ways to enjoy the deep blue waters of the sea. Paddleboards are similar to surfing boards, but they are designed in a way that a person can stand upright on them while using a long paddle to navigate in the water. Also known called SUP, it is one of the most relaxing water sports that can be experienced in Bali. Nusa Dua and Sanur are some of the beaches where tourists can learn and experience Stand Up Paddleboarding.

Average cost: INR 600-1000. Time: 1 hour

7. Kitesurfing: This water sport is for high-adrenaline lovers and takes surfing one step further by adding speed to the activity making it one of the most popular water sports in Bali. Also known as kiteboarding, kitesurfing is similar to wakeboarding and paragliding. Unlike in wakeboarding, in kitesurfing the surfer is tied to a power kite and using wind power they ride water at great speed. Tanjung Benoa is one of the most famous spots for kitesurfing. Mertasari Beach and Nusa Dua are also very popular choices for kitesurfing.

Average cost: INR 3500-5000. Time: 15 minutes

8. Banana Boat ride: This is one of the most fun and top water sports in Bali that visitors can experience In Banana Boat rides, a long inflatable boat is pulled by a colourful motorised boat. Banana boat rides are meant for groups just like river rafting. Each boat accommodates around 5-6 people and each round lasts for around 15-30 minutes. Tanjung Benoa, Sanur Beach, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan are some of the best places to experience a Banana Boat ride in Bali.

Average cost: INR 400-600. Time: 15 minutes

9. Jet Ski: Jet Ski is easily one of the most exciting water sports in Bali. A mix of speed and balance makes Jet Ski a popular sport among water sports lovers. Bali has lots of spots that offer Jet Ski. Nusa Dua, again, is among most popular sports for Jet Ski. Water sport lovers can rent a jet ski ride in Tanjung Benoa Beach and can decide to either ride the ski alone or with a guide.

Average cost: INR 2000-3000. Time: 15 minutes

10. Parasailing: Who does not like parasailing; it is, perhaps, one of the most exhilarating and relaxing water sports that one can experience in Bali. In Parasailing, a person on a parachute is towed behind a motorised boat for around 6-10 minutes. There’s both single-person as well as tandem parasailing available in Bali. Again, Tanjung Benoa in Nusa Dua Beach locality is the best place to go for Parasailing in Bali.

Average cost: INR 1000-4000. Time: 10 minutes.

                                                                 Happy surfing!