“The highlight is taking a boat out to see the bottlenose dolphins leaping at dawn against the beautifully stretching black volcanic sand beach.”
Lovina Beach is located on the northern coast of Bali and is a destination that offers a different experience from the white sandy beaches in the south. With its calm and natural environment, Lovina’s beach has a distinctive feature: "black sand," formed from volcanic ash deposits from eruptions (such as Mount Batur and Agung), creating a rare and interesting landscape. The main and most famous activity is dolphin watching, home to large groups of bottlenose dolphins that come close to the shore to feed in the early morning.
Dolphin-watching activities start at dawn (around 06:00). Tourists board Bali’s traditional wooden fishing boats called "Jukung," narrow boats with outriggers for stability. These boats take visitors out to sea to wait for dolphins, which often leap above the water as the sun rises. It is an impressive experience and a symbol of visiting Lovina. The trip from the shore to see dolphins takes about 2–3 hours, with a high chance of sightings.
In addition to dolphin-watching, Lovina is also known for its tranquility, making it ideal for true relaxation. The black sand beach stretches approximately 8 kilometers, perfect for walking along the shore, sunbathing, and enjoying a slow-paced atmosphere. Nearby areas are also suitable for snorkeling and diving to explore the rich coral reefs and marine life of North Bali. The large dolphin monument located on the beach serves as a notable landmark and a popular photo spot.
Lovina Beach is a gem for tourists seeking relaxation and those who love nature and marine animals. Seeing dolphins in their natural environment at sunrise creates a beautiful and impressive scene, making it a destination that attracts solo travelers, couples, and families who want to create special memories in a peaceful corner of Bali.
How to Get There
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Rental car with driver: the most convenient and fastest way from main southern tourist areas (such as Kuta, Ubud), taking approximately 3–4 hours depending on traffic.
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Shuttle bus/Perama Bus: services available from various areas in Bali to Singaraja city or nearby Lovina, a more economical option.
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Motorcycle rental: suitable for those who want flexibility and are familiar with local roads in Bali; takes longer but allows stops at attractions along the way.
Travel Tips
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Best season: April to October, the dry season with sunny weather and calm seas, perfect for dolphin-watching tours.
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Preparation for dolphin-watching: arrive at the beach around 05:30 to prepare for boarding; wear long sleeves/windbreaker and bring a towel, as early morning on the boat can be cool.
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Additional activities: ask boat operators about including snorkeling near coral sites after dolphin-watching.
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Local food: try fresh seafood and Balinese cuisine at local beachside “warungs” at affordable prices.
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Notes: consider the well-being of the animals; do not make loud noises or approach dolphins too closely to avoid disturbing their natural feeding.
Admission Fee:
- Free admission beach.
Dolphin-watching boat (approximate prices):
- Shared boat: 100,000–150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) per person
- Private boat: 350,000–500,000 IDR per boat (for 4–6 people)
- Note: Prices are approximate as of 2025; please check with local operators before use.
Opening Hours:
- Beach: Open daily 24 Hours
- Dolphin-watching activity: Boats depart around 06:00 AM. generally lasting about 2–3 hours