Lovina dolphin tours — Attraction in Pulau Bali

DON'T GET RIPPED OFF – OR BETTER YET, STAY AWAY!

I had an absolutely terrible experience here, and after two months of traveling in Indonesia (primarily Bali), this is the only negative review I've felt compelled to write.

Firstly, be aware that the price for swimming with dolphins is around 150k IDR. Keep reading, and you'll see that some people may try to charge you even 1 million!

I was simply strolling along the beach, inquiring about prices, as I've found it's the best way to gauge the range of services available. I was offered a private ride to see the dolphins for 250k (just me on the boat). However, I had plenty of time, so I continued walking and politely declined the offers, searching for a group of people to join so I could potentially lower the price. Eventually, I found one. The guy (named Dzahle or something similar) initially quoted high prices, but when he noticed I was walking away after declining, he swiftly changed his tune. He offered to let me join the couple he was taking for only 150k, promising the same experience as them but with the condition that I shouldn't disclose my price to the couple. I agreed, and everything seemed fine at first.

However, when we reached the spot with the dolphins, it wasn't a pleasant sight at all. Imagine 50 motorboats chasing a small group of dolphins (and this happens every day). You enter the water and hope that the boat driver can get close enough for you to catch a glimpse without colliding with other boats. If I had known there would be so many boats, I would have definitely reconsidered the trip.

On the way back, we were supposed to stop by the shore for a short snorkeling session. However, when I tried to jump into the water, Dzahle informed me that it wasn't included in my "package." I was already wearing my swimming goggles and ready to dive in, so I was puzzled. Clearly, he just wanted more money. He demanded an additional 100k just for the privilege of jumping into the water, despite previously assuring me that I would have the same experience as the couple. He also mentioned that he was charging the other guys 1 million and that I should consider myself lucky. This infuriated me – not only was he overcharging naive tourists who hadn't checked the actual prices, but he was also trying to squeeze more money out of me just for a simple swim. I decided to remain on the boat and forgo snorkeling, which obviously angered him. He began taunting me, calling me names, and even challenged me to fight him to prove I wasn't a pus*y (he was the stereotypical muscle-bound guy with little intellect). He only stopped when the couple returned to the boat, and suddenly, he was back to being a "nice guy."

Upon reaching the shore, I approached a man whom I believed was in charge there, intending to file a complaint about being harassed on the boat for no reason (I had paid the agreed-upon price in advance). Unfortunately, he was of no help. Suddenly, I felt a kick from behind, and unsurprisingly, it was the same individual from the boat, who was clearly devoid of rational thinking. I reiterated that I had no intention of fighting him, but he persisted in physically assaulting me. I had to flee to the nearest restaurant, where a burly European man was sitting. Only after seeking assistance there did other guys from the boat company come and dragged Dzahle away (until then they were just looking and I almost felt like they're having fun).

I've attached a photo of the guy, although it may be a bit difficult to identify due to the sun's position. In any case, I strongly recommend spending your money elsewhere – go snorkeling and enjoy the beautiful corals and turtles for free without bothering...

One of my life goal is watching wild dolphins in lovina. And yes… goal achieved ..yaayy. It was my best decision to choose Pak Edi (thanks to tripadvisor where i got his name and number) among other tour guides i met on beach who also offer me the dolphin tour. At first i was a bit surprised on the price they offered (which a bit lower than the price i got from pak edi). But during the tour, i know that the price gap has provide us a priceless experience, which i believe different with those with lower price) Pak edi work with his heart, he provide quality in serving his guests. While others keep chasing the dolphins (which i believe really threaten those dolphins 😢), pak edi did it differently. His patience, experience and strategy resulting unbelievable , breathtaking and amazing dolphins view very close to our boat. Those dolphins swim very calm.. as if they were not afraid at all with our existence. It was totally worth the price . We found 2 types of dolphin during the tour in large amount.

Pak edi also bring us to a nice snorkeling spot. Overall… we really enjoy the dolphin tour with pak edi and definitely will do it again one day.

Just in case anyone want to do the dolphin tour, he can be contacted by whatsapp at...

We had the most enjoyable trip to Lovina, Bali. I arranged a Dolphin Watching trip for the sunrise and also a sunset/ plankton trip through Bali Dolphin Tours under Pak Ketut Suitra. We went out on a boat just before sunrise for the Dolphin watching trip and it was so exhilarating with dolphins swimming really close to the boat. After resting for half the day, we went out with Pak Ketut again later in the evening for the sunset trip. He took us to a spot for snorkeling and we could see alot of fishes swimming in the coral reefs. As my daughter couldn't swim, Pak Ketut was really responsible and took extra attention to make sure she is safe and doesn't panic. He patiently taught her how to use the snorkeling gear and how to breathe. After we had enough of snorkeling, he sailed further out for us to see the beautiful sunset of Lovina. We waited until it was pitch black before we went to a spot where there were plentiful of plankton and with his encouragement I jumped into the dark sea to witness the bioluminescent plankton using the snorkeling gear. Wow!!! What a sight!!! It is so beautiful as the sea light up with blue sparkles. Thank you Pak Ketut for giving me an experience of a lifetime!!...