Swimming with bali dolphins. Lovina: Dolphins at the Marine Dolphinarium


photo by flickr / www.dolphindiscovery.com

As practice shows, not everyone knows that in Bali you can swim with dolphins, but here, by the way, there is a unique hotel in its kind, in the pool of which dolphins live, and there is also a natural natural area with ocean water, where you can gently hug these amazing intelligent creatures.

Dolphins - who are they?

Dolphins are some of the most mysterious creatures in the world. These animals have their own language, a trillion-word sound system. It is believed that every newborn dolphin from birth receives a name by which it is recognized in the flock. One of the amazing properties, which is already a proven fact, dolphins can heal people, especially their effect has a good effect on the psyche of children. Dolphin therapy centers exist all over the world. In particular, there is one of them in Bali.

See dolphins in Bali

Dolphins live in the Indian Ocean, in the Bali Sea, which washes the northern shores of the island. And if you, like me, do not like zoos and aquariums, but strive to observe life in natural conditions - you are in Lovina. It is worth coming here in advance, one day in advance, so that early in the morning, be ready to meet the dawn with the dolphins.


Every day, around 6 in the morning, hundreds of tiny fishing boats take tourists who want to see flocks of dolphins, welcoming the new day. The conditions are completely natural, there are no fences - it's just a water area where dolphins often come in the morning - they gather in flocks, do their acrobatic "steps". Of course, there are no guarantees that you will see marine life, but the probability is high. Our boat circled around the bush for a long time, and when it was almost ready to turn back to the shore, those for whom we had been waiting for so long appeared.
Dolphins jumped out of the water unexpectedly and right next to us, frolicking merrily in the first rays of the sun. An unforgettable experience and joy. I highly recommend being there if you come to Bali.

Swim with dolphins in Bali

Have you dreamed of hugging a dolphin? According to my observations, this is one of the strongest desires of any girl, I think guys are also peculiar, but girls simply cannot resist. Attentive men, know how to please your companions - arrange a meeting with dolphins.

In the same place, in the north of the island, in Lovina, there is a very interesting hotel- Melka Hotel, in the pool where dolphins live. You can play and swim with them under the guidance of specially trained people. The hotel also offers dolphin therapy courses.

Dolphin therapy is considered to be one of the most effective measures for returning to life and relieving mental disorders. Stress, depression, mental trauma, as well as children's mental problems are treated under the supervision of a doctor together with dolphins.

(Specify all the details separately, depending on the disease! Therapists work at the hotel)

Another interesting place is the Serangan beach, which is not far from Sanur. In a natural pool setting, there is a fenced-in area for interacting with three amazing dolphins. This is an unforgettable experience that impresses not only children, all adults also come out with a big smile on their face, overflowing with joy.

I highly recommend that you write down this item of the program as a must, during your trip to Bali. Impressions - unforgettable, the kindest childhood dreams come true. Communication with these animals and, in truth, carries a tremendous charge of kindness and unity with nature.

The excursion "Swimming with dolphins" is presented in two versions in two different places to choose from.

Swimming with dolphins in Bali (option 1)

First place on southeast coast Bali, travel time from Nusa Dua approximately 40 minutes. Here, on the very seashore, there is a swimming pool, in which 2 pairs of dolphins communicate daily, show their skills and ride on the backs of visitors. The place is very picturesque, quiet, beautiful sea. To prepare for swimming there is a shower, changing rooms, as well as a restaurant and a photo service.

Bathers are in the pool all the time, dolphins communicate alternately with each one, caress, give to touch, stroke, swim on the dolphin, hug, communicate and feed. Photographing is carried out all the time, at the end of the event you can choose your favorite photos and print (for an additional fee), you can also order video filming. Self-photography is prohibited. A non-swimmer, for example an accompanying child, is on the side of the pool in the immediate vicinity and helps, supports and prompts his child.

Bathing duration 40 min. No more than 6 swimmers, 3 for two pairs of dolphins, or one family (2 adults and 2 children) for one pair of dolphins are allowed. Bathing takes place 3 times a day in the morning at 9-00, 13-00 and 15-00. A visit to the pool must be booked in advance, you must have a bathing suit (swimming trunks) with you.

Swimming with dolphins in Bali (option 2)

This is the longest day trip around the island. The length of the route is over 200 kilometers. The tour takes you across the island north to the area. There is the Melka hotel, which has a special pool with wonderful marine animals - dolphins. Every day, the trained inhabitants give an extraordinary performance, and at the end you can swim in the pool with the dolphins. The local dolphins, under the guidance of instructors, conduct dolphin therapy - a unique treatment for people with various disabilities. Entering the pool to these cute creatures, you will receive a huge mass of unusually positive emotions, you will feel such warmth and tenderness from communicating with dolphins that you will be very reluctant and regretful to leave the pool.

On the way, you will visit the highest Git-Git waterfall, admire the beauty of the high-mountainous Lake Bratan, feed the wild monkeys, and get to know the ancient capital of the island - Singaraja. The city is very different from the southern cities of the island, with its architecture, content and rhythm of life. In Singaraj, you will see buildings from the colonial era, during the period when the city was the capital of the colony. In Lovina you will be enchanted by the absolutely calm, warm, almost hot sea and the view of the black beaches of black volcanic sand. On way back Visit the Pura Ulan Danu Water Temple (with enough time), highly revered by the locals and one of the most significant temples on the island. You will be offered an excellent lunch buffet of the most delicious traditional Balinese and Indonesian dishes.



Full day tour... There are two options for the tour: budget and all inclusive.
Budget: guide-driver, car, parking.
All inclusive: Russian-speaking guide, driver, car, parking, refreshments, all entrance tickets to attractions (for option 2) and lunch (for option 2).

Option 1 cost:
Budget - $ 45 per car, capacity up to 4 adults inclusive and 2 children.
All inclusive - $ 65 per car up to 3 adults and 2 children.

Cost option 2:
Budget - $ 75 per car up to 4 adults and 2 children.
All inclusive - $ 65 per person for a group of 2 people, 50 for a group of 3 people, 45 for 4 people (minimum number of 2 adults).

The cost of visiting the swimming pool with dolphins:
Option 1 - Swimming with dolphins - adult ticket - $ 110, children (5-12 years old) 100, entrance as an escort of a child without bathing $ 5 some of the adults to be with the child in the pool. Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children $ 408) Bathing includes a welcome drink, towel, and Rs 50,000 voucher to the restaurant.

Option 2 - Dolphin show $ 12 adult ticket, $ 9 - child (up to 10 years old). The show is held every day at 9-00. Swimming with dolphins $ 95 for adults, $ 75 for children (5-10 years old). Children under 7 years old are allowed in the pool only if accompanied by an adult. It is possible to choose either show only or just bathing.

Dolphins are amazing and very intelligent creatures. Communication with them is a joy for both adults and children. There are several places in Bali where you can meet these animals. Within the resort are concentrated marine, artificial and isolated dolphinariums, as well as the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat. I will tell you about each type of dolphinarium in detail in this article.

In the northern part of Bali, you can see dolphins right in the sea. Lovina is the only place in the resort from where such trips are organized. To admire the sea inhabitants, you will have to rise early. Around 5: 30-6: 00 dozens of boats rush towards the sea with hundreds of tourists, so that they can see with their own eyes dolphins splashing in open waters in order to catch another fish for breakfast.

Mammals swim as close to the shore as possible, thereby arranging a real show and causing a sea of ​​delight. It will take at least 20-30 minutes to get to the place where the animals are located by boat. After 8 hours, the dolphins rush to the sea again.

It will not be difficult to organize such a trip. Firstly, you can contact any tour desk, this tour one of the most popular on the island. Secondly, you can independently come to the Lovina beach, and there you will already agree with some local residents about renting a boat. The cost of such a trip varies from 100 to 300 thousand rupees.

On the beach you can meet three species of dolphins - bottlenose dolphin, gray dolphin and long-billed stenella. There have been several reported incidents of grinda and minke whales in coastal waters.

Note! You will not have the opportunity to swim with dolphins in the sea. In the wild, animals do not let people get too close to them, plus this attraction is not the safest.

Having met dolphins in the open sea, many people have a desire to touch them with their hands or even swim with them in the same pool. An artificial dolphinarium located on the same Lovina beach, only within the Melka hotel, can help you here.

The isolated dolphinarium is home to several animals. There is sea water in the pool, so the dolphins feel quite normal.

By visiting the Melka Dolphinarium, you will have the opportunity not only to pet the animals near the side, but also to swim with them. Mammals take an active part in dolphin therapy, which improves mood and general condition. This dolphinarium is known for just such a therapy. Children are brought here to treat nervous diseases. Experienced therapists work on the territory of the hotel, who make up the necessary program for everyone. Feedback from visitors suggests that dolphin therapy helps a lot. A friend of mine had one therapy session here and was delighted.

In the evenings, the hotel hosts a show featuring dolphins. They perform the commands of trainers, demonstrating various acrobatic tricks. The cost of the show is 125 thousand rupees, the price for bathing is calculated individually based on your needs.

Dolphinarium Bali Dolphins

It is one of the most popular and visited tourist destinations in Bali. This dolphinarium is located close to the coast, right in the open sea, which allows mammals to live in their natural environment. This is one of the few places where you can swim with dolphins. One session lasts about 40 minutes. During this time, you will get to know these amazing animals as closely as possible, feed them and swim with them in the same pool. Swimming with dolphins takes place three times a day - at 9:00, 12:30 and 15:00. If you don't want to swim, you can simply visit the dolphinarium for the mammals and the show.

Bali Dolphins has been operating for over 10 years, it is located near Sanur. Communication with dolphins helps to get rid of many diseases, which is why swimming with them is included in the course of rehabilitation therapy. It is very important that mammals live here in natural conditions, that is, in sea ​​water, to which neither bleach nor other chemicals are added. All animals look great, they always have a playful mood, which makes the shows brighter and more colorful. In addition to dolphins, a stingray lives in the pool, with which you can also swim.

You can book tickets to the dolphinarium on their official website.

Dolphinarium Bali Dolphin Interaction

To get to this dolphinarium, you will have to go to the Serangan Peninsula. This is another dolphinarium located in the middle of the ocean. As I already noted, habitat- the best conditions for animals. Only in this way they feel as comfortable as possible, look healthy and vigorous.

This dolphinarium offers a standard set of services. The program starts with a show that lasts about 30-40 minutes. After that, everyone can swim with mammals in the pool. Only fond memories remain from contact with them. The cost of services is $ 79 and $ 69 for adults and children, respectively. To book tickets, go to their official website.

Dolphin Bay Restaurant

The restaurant, which is shaped like a ship, is located in Benoa amid a salt water pool. The reservoir is home to two dolphins, with whom you will also have the opportunity to swim. Duration of one session is 45 minutes. The cost of such entertainment is $ 79.

The program includes the opportunity to feed the animals, take photographs, and fish in the nearby pool. Only the process of fishing here is more designed for pleasure, since then all the caught fish will have to be released. The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. There are 4 such sessions per day.

What kind of dolphins live in Bali?

Near the shores of Bali in Indian Ocean only one species of dolphins lives - the Indian bottlenose dolphin. In length, it can reach up to 2.5 meters, in weight - up to 230 kilograms. It differs from other dolphins in that it has a thinner body and an elongated part of the head. Representatives of this species live near the coast, feeding on small fish and mollusks.

Dolphins live in groups of up to 20 individuals in one. But there are times when the number of one such column exceeds a hundred. Today bottlenose dolphins are not threatened with destruction, their number is quite high. There are times when dolphins get caught in anglers' nets. Their real enemy is sharks and killer whales. There have been cases of dolphins saving swimmers from shark teeth.

In Bali, representatives of the bottlenose dolphin live in all Bali dolphinariums. But if you go swimming from Lovina Beach, then you have the chance to see species such as the Gray Dolphin and the Long-billed Stenella.

Dolphinariums on the map

On this map I have marked where dolphins can be seen.

Dolphins are not uncommon in Bali, so be sure to take some free time and get to know these mammals. Prices in dolphinariums practically do not differ, the cheapest trip will be from Lovina beach, where you will see animals right in the sea.

Dolphinarium in the south of Bali (Bali Dolphins) is located near the Sanur resort, on the island of Serangan. The pools, where dolphins swim, are equipped right in the sea. The conditions for keeping animals are as close to natural as possible.


In this article you will find detailed description dolphinarium in the south of Bali, it is told what is its uniqueness and what entertainment it offers. There is also detailed instructions how to get to it, what you can see nearby. The guide's advice will help you navigate the prices, choose the right time for the trip, and take the necessary things with you. I must say right away that the dolphinarium is very popular, so it is worth booking places in advance.

Description of the dolphinarium

The Bali Dolphins Dolphinarium opened about 10 years ago. Unlike many other similar places, dolphins swim in the sea water here. Chlorine and other disinfectant solutions are not added to it, which harm animals and lead to their early death. Veterinarians work here, who constantly monitor the health of dolphins. Once a week they are released into the open sea. Surprisingly, all the animals come back. After all, in the dolphinarium they can always get fresh food and care.


The dolphinarium consists of several fenced pools right in the middle of the sea. They are surrounded by wooden platforms from which you can observe marine mammals. One of them has comfortable tables with armchairs and umbrellas, where it is pleasant to sit and admire an interesting show.

Each pool has small platforms that are lowered into the water by 1.2 meters. They are designed to enable visitors to get to know the dolphins better. There are also changing lockers, a small bar with drinks and a room with a screen where instruction takes place.

What interesting things will the dolphinarium offer you? There are several types of entertainment programs here:

1. Dolphin show.


Experienced trainers and trained animals will delight you with interesting tricks in the water. According to many tourists, the smartest and smartest dolphins on the island, well trained, live here.

  • Duration - 3 0 minutes
  • Adult price - $ 39.5
  • Price for a child - $ 34.5
  • Free admission for babies under one year old

2. Swimming with dolphins (suitable for small children).

It takes place on a platform in the pool. You need to put on life vest and go down to a small platform, where you will be waist-deep in water. The dolphin will swim up to you, you can stroke it and even kiss it.

  • The program is designed for small groups of 4-6 people
  • Session duration - 3 0 minutes
  • Children over 5 years old, taller than 135 cm are allowed
  • Adult price - $ 79
  • Price for a child - 69 dollars

3. Swimming with a dolphin.

After descending to the platform, you can plunge into the pool and play with the dolphin. A group of 4-6 people is also selected for swimming. An experienced trainer is always nearby to help you interact with the dolphin.

  • Duration - 30 minutes
  • Children over 12 years old are allowed
  • Adult price - $ 79
  • Price for children - 69 dollars

Tourists are brought to the pools on a special boat. Before that, they must carry out detailed instructions, especially for those who have chosen the program of interaction or swimming with dolphins.

Then they offer to change clothes, leave clothes in the locker, if desired, drink a cocktail or a soft drink.

Dolphins are amazing animals. Swimming with them or just watching improves mood, calms and pacifies. No wonder these animals are used for the treatment of many diseases, rehabilitation. Both adults and children will like the dolphinarium. The main thing is that dolphins live here practically in natural conditions, healthy, playful and do not suffer, as in small indoor pools. In addition to mammals, you can see a real stingray in the dolphinarium and even swim with it.

How to get there

To get to the dolphinarium in the south of Bali from the central and northern part of the island, you need to drive to Denpasar. From there you can get directly to the dolphinarium. Public transport Ser Angan does not go to the island.

They are considered to be among the best on the island. They will appeal to diving enthusiasts and surfers.

Here you will see a sculpture that is still under construction, but will soon become the most high monument in the world.

Since a visit to the dolphinarium does not take much time, the excursion can be combined with a visit to 2-3 other attractions in the south of Bali. For animal lovers, I would recommend the Turtle Park. For those for whom history and spiritual development are important, there is a direct road to the temples. If you like to bask on the soft warm sand, I advise you to stop by Lembongan Island with its beautiful white beach. Those who love diving should visit the coral reefs, which have many diving spots.

What is important to know before going to the Dolphinarium in the south of Bali? Here are some helpful tips:

  • You need to book a seat in advance, as there are a lot of visitors. I would advise you to sign up no later than a week in advance.
  • It is important to arrive at the dolphinarium on time, latecomers may not be admitted.
  • It is forbidden to enter the water for children under five years old, patients with epilepsy and pregnant women (or with suspected pregnancy). They can watch dolphins from a wooden platform.
  • If you are going to swim with dolphins, do not put sunscreen on your body. It is advisable to leave jewelry at home, or take them off just before bathing.
  • To take photos and videos in the dolphinarium, it is better to take waterproof equipment.

Several races are held at the dolphinarium every day. Here is their exact time:

  • 8.00-11.30
  • 9.30-13-30
  • 12.30-15.30
  • 14.00-17.30

This or that time of the day has no particular advantages, you can choose the most convenient for yourself. As for the season, it is better not to come during the rainy season. Dolphinarium administration reserves the right to cancel visits due to weather conditions. Therefore, in the rainy season, you have a greater risk that the trip will fail.

Who would I recommend to go to the dolphinarium? The entertainment will appeal to animal lovers, children and adults. Before the trip, take into account the age restrictions for this or that program, small children are not allowed to enter the pool.

A trip to the Dolphinarium in southern Bali is a great way to relax and interact with some of the smartest mammals. Here you can not only watch them, as in many other dolphinariums, but also swim together. I recommend visiting this attraction to anyone who loves animals.

To show on the map

Finns in Bali sail to the southern coast of the island almost every day. This is a great opportunity to meet these animals in their natural habitat. I suggest you a short excursion, or rather a walk in the sea in the south of Bali, during which you will meet the sunrise with dolphins and look at them from a close distance.

I must say right away that this is not a closed dolphinarium, where animals are in artificial pools. You will be taken to the open sea, to the dolphin habitat. You will not be able to consume them, and even more so to swim, but you will be sure that they are not harmed and are not limited in freedom.

How the excursion is organized

Dolphins appear near the coast very early, then swim again into the sea. Therefore, you should leave at about seven in the morning. Your car will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the pier in Benoa harbor. There will be a comfortable high-speed raft waiting there, which departs at 07:30. Before boarding, everyone is treated to hot coffee, tea and cakes. The tour participants then take their seats on the boat. For safety reasons, passengers are asked to buckle up. The raft is arranged so that it can be opened from any seat beautiful view to the ocean. You will not miss a single detail while traveling.




The Indian bottlenose dolphin (subspecies of the large bottlenose dolphin) is found off the coast of the island. During the walk, you will have the opportunity to see marine animals that swim very close to the boats. They can jump out of the water, somersault and greet people. Flocks number from 3-4 to 20 individuals. Sometimes even whales swim here. The sea is inhabited by fish that periodically emerge and fly over the water like birds. There is a chance you will see them too.








Boats swim to the dolphins at a safe distance so as not to frighten or harm. If they get too close, there is an increased risk of animals getting caught between the blades of the outboard motor. Thanks to my experienced team, you can admire dolphins, take great photos and shoot videos without the slightest risk of causing them trouble. Dolphins should not be touched so as not to harm them with a careless movement.

Dolphins are most likely to go during the dry season. When it rains and the sky is overcast, marine mammals are less likely to swim to the shore, preferring to hide under water. It is impossible to predict their behavior in the wild with absolute certainty. However, in 9 0% of all such excursions, tourists manage to look at the del Finns. If you're unlucky, you'll get a breath of fresh sea ​​air, admire the sunrise, Nusa Dua island, the beach and Uluwatu temple, past which the boat sails.



How to book an excursion

This sea ​​cruise I'm not personally guided, so you can buy tickets yourself.

There are several ways to book a cruise:

  • Buy tickets directly at Benoa harbor
  • Contact the organizers directly - a small company
  • Contact me

How may I help you

What benefits can you get by booking a sea cruise with me?

One of the main advantages is the absence of a language barrier. The staff of the cruise line know only Indonesian and English. If you contact me, I can become a translator for you, find out all the conditions you are interested in, tell you about the details of the tour. After all, without fully understanding the nuances of the trip, you may be disappointed or find yourself in an unpleasant situation for yourself.

On the eve of the cruise, I learn about the weather conditions, which largely determines the likelihood of meeting dolphins at sea. I will settle everything organizational issues, I will help you get answers to your questions regarding the tour. And the most pleasant bonus of our cooperation is that the price of the tour will be the same as when ordering directly from the company or buying a tour in the port.