Dolphin Watching Lovina — Attraction in Pulau Bali

Before you consider going on this trip, you need to answer a few personal questions. NUMBER ONE: do you suffer from motion sickness or get sea sick? NUMBER TWO: Are you desperate to see a dolphin. NUMBER THREE: Will you be disappointed if you see dolphins at a distance but can't get close to them or study them?

If the answer to any of those questions is YES, you may want to consider this trip before you plan it.

Firstly, the grounds you launch from is not much different from the beaches. People are lined up ready to sell you everything from cellphone pouches to use of the toilet. The fees are small but small fees add up. There are some nice vendors with smaall stores selling food and drink, but if you do choose to eat anything you may regret it during the boat ride.

In my entire life, I've never gotten motion sickness or sea sick to the point of vomiting. The boats leave the shore headed towards the deep sea in search of dolphins. They spread out waiting to spot them and then the boat drivers call each other to signal where they find the pod and then every boat races over to chase them. APPARENTLY the dolphins haven't learned that humans are doing this because they haven't adjusted their behavior to welcome their following tourists. Most animals will flock to humans who feed them or come observe them but the dolphins keep on swimming away - rather than presenting themselves.

It goes like this: The group sees a pod, they swarm the pod, the pod leaves, then they scatter till they find the pod again, wash rinse repeat.

I don't want to sound negative because some people's livelihoods depend on this and many other reviewers love the outing, but you're on the water for around 2 hours in high waves. If you suffer from motion sickness, don't even bother going. YOU WILL GET SICK. My stomach pinched me numerous times till I heaved. Furthermore, if you head out early in the morning, you'd better have had enough sleep because you're stuck sitting on a small boat in waves till the tour's over. I was exhausted and sick simultaneously.

I can see many people did have fun. Some even got in the water allowing the boat to pull them while they swam while holding the boat. Others dipped their feet in the water. Swimwear is a must as you have no idea how violent the waves will be. Elderly people may want to just go to the aquarium because the waves can get violent as the boats speed towards the pods.

If you love boats and you love chasing waves - this is for you.

I WILL NEVER GO ON ONE OF...

Our driver told us the day before that there was a dolphin watching near the beach and asked if we were interested. It sounded okay for us hence we told him to book it. But this was the only information we had. What we did not know was the fact that this was a mass tourism event with a massive number of boats and tourists.

The next morning we prepared and had to be ready by the beach in Lovina at 5h30. Only then I have noticed that this will be a mass organisation.

So the boats have been filled either with one or two people for people who booked a private session or with 6 to 7 people if chosen the cheaper version. And right before sunrise we went to the sea to ride in the direction where the dolphins were thought to be.

The ride took around 60 to 70 minutes which was a bit too long for my taste. Imagine you wake up at 5 am and an hour later you are sitting in a shaky boat for so long. And there was no further communication because the guys running the boats are not necessarily speaking English.

What was quite disturbing was the following. We reached a certain spot and stopped. With us approximately 70 to 80 boats, at least you get the feeling that it's this many. And as soon as someone spots a fin of a dolphin all boats run their engines and ride in the direction of the dolphins, literally like hunters. And this happened for the whole 90 minutes. I did not only feel annoyed and embarrassed to be part of such a low level activity, I also felt sorry for the animals. In all respects, seeing a dolphin in nature is one thing but chasing them in a completely uncivilised way is another thing. I still feel ashamed to have been part of this event and do not recommend it to anybody who has a heart for animals.

I hope this activity stops soon and we let these beautiful animals live peacefully in their natural habitat.

Ps: I will post a video once I have reached my home country in order to show how it was. It is not as romantic as we see in the videos of the...

Dolphin viewing in Bali is an experience that effortlessly blends nature's beauty with a sense of adventure. This activity, often centered around the coastal town of Lovina, provides a unique glimpse into the lives of these intelligent and playful marine mammals.

Pros:

Spectacular Sunrise: The early morning trips, usually starting around 6 AM, offer breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Bali Sea, adding a magical touch to the entire experience. Close Encounters: Witnessing dolphins in their natural habitat is awe-inspiring. The dolphins often swim close to the boats, showcasing their acrobatic skills and playful behavior. Tranquil Atmosphere: The calm sea and the peaceful ambiance of early morning create a serene setting, perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Knowledgeable Guides: Local guides are typically well-informed about the dolphins and the marine ecosystem, providing insightful commentary and ensuring a respectful and environmentally friendly approach. Cons:

Early Start: The early departure time might be challenging for some, especially those who prefer a more relaxed vacation schedule. Variable Sightings: Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. While the chances are high, the unpredictable nature of wildlife means there might be occasional trips without any sightings. Crowded Waters: Popularity can lead to numerous boats converging in the same area, which may detract from the tranquility and potentially disturb the dolphins. Weather Dependence: The experience is highly dependent on good weather and calm seas. Rough weather can lead to cancellations or a less...