Bali Water Sports and Adventure Activities: Prices, Best Spots and Tips

Bali is an adventure playground. On the water, you can parasail over the bay, ride a jet ski or banana boat, walk on the sea floor in a diving helmet, snorkel with turtles and dive with manta rays. On land, you can raft down a jungle river, ride an ATV through rice fields or trek a volcano at sunrise. And for families, there are water parks, safari parks and theme parks.

This guide covers the best Bali water sports and adventure activities, where to do them, typical prices, safety tips and which are included in our packages.

The calm, reef-protected waters of Tanjung Benoa, next to Nusa Dua, are where most Bali water sports take place. Operators line the beach, offering:

• Banana boat: a fun, splashy ride for the whole family; included in most of our packages.
• Parasailing: soar above the bay, towed by a speedboat.
• Jet ski: ride with an instructor or on your own after a briefing.
• Sea walker: walk on the sea floor wearing a helmet with an air supply; no swimming or diving experience needed.
• Flying fish and donut boat: inflatable rides towed at speed, for thrill-seekers.
• Glass-bottom boat to Turtle Island: a gentle trip to see fish and a turtle conservation centre.

Prices vary by operator, season and whether you book a package of several activities. As a rough guide, single activities such as a banana boat or parasailing ride cost a few hundred thousand rupiah each, while sea walking and jet ski cost more. Combination packages usually offer better value. Always confirm what is included (time, number of rounds, insurance and photos) before you pay, and check that life jackets are provided. On our packages, the banana boat is included and other Tanjung Benoa water sports can be added on the spot.

Ayung River rafting, near Ubud, is the most popular rafting trip in Bali: about two hours on grade II to III rapids through a jungle gorge with waterfalls and rice terraces above. It suits beginners and children above the operator's minimum age, usually around 7 or 8. For bigger rapids, the Telaga Waja river in east Bali is more challenging. Trips include equipment, guides and usually lunch.

A Bali ATV ride takes you through rice fields, villages, jungle tracks, muddy puddles and sometimes a river or cave, mostly around Ubud and Payangan. You can ride solo or tandem, and children can usually ride as passengers. Expect to get very muddy; operators provide boots, helmets and showers.

• Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan: snorkel or dive with manta rays at Manta Point and, in season, the giant sunfish (mola mola).
• Tulamben: the USAT Liberty shipwreck, reachable from the shore, one of the world's most accessible wreck dives.
• Amed and Menjangan Island: calm coral gardens, great for snorkelling.
• Gili Islands: snorkel with sea turtles; see our Bali and Gili Islands packages.

Beginners can take a try-dive or a full open water course with an internationally certified dive centre.

On the north coast, Lovina is known for sunrise boat trips to watch wild dolphins. It is a long drive from the south, so it works best with a night in the north or as part of a north Bali tour. Choose operators who keep a respectful distance from the dolphins.

• Waterbom Bali in Kuta: one of Asia's best water parks, with slides for all ages and a lazy river.
• Bali Safari and Marine Park in Gianyar: safari rides, animal shows and a water play area.
• Bali Zoo near Ubud: breakfast with orangutans and close animal encounters.
• Trans Studio Bali: an indoor theme park with rides and shows, included in some of our packages.

See our Bali family tour packages for child-friendly itineraries.

• Use licensed operators with proper safety equipment and insurance.
• Check that your travel insurance covers adventure activities.
• Follow the guide's instructions, wear a life jacket and tell the operator if you cannot swim.
• Avoid water sports in rough weather, and do not drink alcohol beforehand.
• Wear reef-safe sunscreen and protect your phone in a waterproof pouch.

Bali is one of the world's great surf destinations. Beginners take lessons on the gentle waves of Kuta and Legian, where surf schools provide boards, rash vests and instructors, and most people stand up on their first lesson. Experienced surfers head to Uluwatu, Padang Padang and Canggu. The dry season brings the best waves to the west coast, while the east coast works better in the wet season. Lessons usually last two hours and are a fun activity for teenagers.

After all the activity, Bali's spas are the perfect reward. A traditional Balinese massage uses long strokes, acupressure and aromatic oils, and is available everywhere from simple local spas to luxury resorts. Many spas also offer body scrubs, flower baths and couple's packages. Our Bali Adventure, Island & Spa Holiday includes a 60-minute Balinese massage.

Most of our Bali tour packages include a half-day at Tanjung Benoa with a banana boat ride, and the Bali Adventure, Island & Spa Holiday adds GWK, Trans Studio and a massage. Rafting, ATV, diving, Waterbom and safari parks can all be added on free days. Read our guide to places to visit in Bali for more ideas.