Bali to Nusa Lembongan Beach Day Cruise with BBQ Lunch

Nusa Lembongan is close enough for a day trip, yet this cruise packs in more than a boat ride and a beach stop. You can snorkel, take unlimited banana boat rides, race down a 35-meter waterslide and then switch to a shaded beach-club lunch. I like that the day mixes energetic water activities with time to relax, and that the seaweed-farming visit adds a glimpse of local island work.

The trade-off is time: you share a full schedule between the pontoon and beach club, so a long, quiet stretch on the sand is unlikely. The crossing can also be rough enough to upset your stomach, so take seasickness medicine before boarding if you are prone to motion sickness.

The day at a glance

• A live DJ sets the tone at sea: The crossing from Benoa Harbour takes about 75 minutes on the planned schedule, with snacks and tea or coffee served onboard.
• The floating pontoon is the activity hub: From 11:00 to 15:00, you can snorkel, take banana boat rides, use the waterslide and try the underwater viewing chamber.
• Lunch comes with a beach-club break: A tropical BBQ buffet is served from 12:30 to 14:00, with pool access and complimentary tea and coffee at the restaurant.
• Coral restoration and seaweed farming add local context: The program includes a coral-restoration demonstration and a visit to a seaweed-farming area.
• Several useful extras are included: Snorkeling masks, lockers, sea kayaks, a children’s club, pool and beach games, and round-trip transfers are part of the package.
• Optional activities cost extra: Scuba experiences, Aquanauts and parasailing are not part of the standard Beach Club Cruise Only package.

Crossing from Benoa Harbour to Lembongan Bay

The day begins at Bali Hai Cruises in Benoa, Denpasar Selatan. The published schedule gives a 09:15 departure aboard Bali Hai II, with a safety briefing before the boat heads toward Nusa Lembongan. Sail Sensations may also be used, so confirm the vessel and your transfer details ahead of time.

The crossing is part of the outing, not dead time between activities. A live DJ provides onboard entertainment, and snacks plus tea or coffee help make the journey more comfortable. The trip is scheduled to take about 75 minutes, arriving at the pontoon in Lembongan Bay around 10:30.

The sea can be choppy, and seasickness is a recurring concern on this route. If you know you are sensitive to motion, take your usual medicine before boarding rather than waiting for symptoms to start. The crew has been known to offer seasickness medicine, but it is wiser to bring your own.

Hotel pickup is offered in South Bali, excluding Candidasa, and the operator reconfirms the pickup time in advance. If you are making your own way to the port, arrive 15 minutes before the confirmed departure time. The tour ends back at Benoa, with return scheduled between 16:15 and 16:45; weather and traffic can affect the timetable.

The pontoon: activity time and sea views

The pontoon is the main base for water activities, with the scheduled activity window running from 11:00 to 15:00. The setup is convenient: you can move between options without arranging separate transport or paying for each banana boat ride. That makes this a practical choice if your group wants to try several things in one day.

Snorkeling gear is included, and the water can offer views of fish and coral. Conditions vary, though. Some visitors have found the snorkeling rewarding, while others have seen less marine life than expected. Visibility also affects the underwater viewing chamber, which can be underwhelming when the water is cloudy. Treat it as an extra way to look below the surface, not a guaranteed clear-window view of a reef.

Unlimited banana boat rides are included, along with a 35-meter waterslide and a 3-meter diving board. These give the pontoon a playful, family-friendly feel, though queues and the fixed schedule can limit how many activities you fit in. You may want to decide early which experiences matter most rather than trying to do everything at the last minute.

A coral-restoration demonstration is part of the program. It adds a useful conservation element to a day otherwise centered on recreation, and the hands-on component gives you a closer look at efforts to support the reef. The details of participation can depend on conditions and how the activity is run that day.

Beach-club lunch, pool and a slower pace

At 12:30, the program shifts to Bali Hai Beach Club for a BBQ buffet, served until 14:00. The menu is described as tropical, with BBQ items, rice, noodles, fruit and bread among the food mentioned by diners. Tea and coffee are available at the restaurant throughout the day.

The lunch break is more than a meal stop. It gives you a chance to dry off, sit in the shade and use the club’s pool before returning to the water or relaxing. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are included, too, although time is shared across the whole day and you may need to choose between paddling and simply taking a break.

The beach-club facilities are useful, but approach them as a comfortable base rather than a luxury resort experience. Lockers are provided, which is handy when you want to swim without keeping valuables beside you. The children’s club and pool and beach games can also help families spread out their activities.

The beach itself may have small stones rather than soft sand throughout, so water shoes could be useful if you prefer not to walk barefoot over a pebbly shore. Pack sun protection as well: the pontoon and beach can leave you exposed to strong sun for long stretches.

Seaweed farming and the island visit

The program includes a visit to a local seaweed-farming area. This is a welcome change of pace from the water sports, offering a glimpse of an island livelihood and a reason to look beyond the beach-club setting. It is a visit, not a full cultural tour, so keep expectations in line with a short stop within a packed day.

You will also have flexible time between the pontoon and beach club, with boat transfers connecting the two during the day. That arrangement makes the outing easier to manage, but it does not turn the trip into a free-ranging exploration of Nusa Lembongan. If your priority is to see more of the island, ask whether a separate guided island tour is available and what it costs before booking.

The overall schedule has a clear rhythm: cross to the island, spend the late morning and early afternoon on activities, have lunch at the beach club, then fit in the seaweed-area visit and some leisure time before the return cruise. Weather and traffic may change the order or timing. Keep a little flexibility in your plans after getting back to Bali.

What the price includes, and what costs extra

The listed starting prices are not identical across the supplied package details. The general price is shown from $116.40, while the Beach Club Cruise Only option is listed from $126.55. Check the total for your date and selected package before paying, especially if you are comparing it with a simpler fast-boat ticket.

For the price, the appeal is the bundle: round-trip transport, snacks, lunch, snorkeling mask, banana boat rides, locker facilities, sea kayaks, pool and beach games, children’s club and the island visit are included. You are paying for a managed day with activities and facilities in place, not just the crossing. That can be good value for families or groups who expect to use several inclusions.

Scuba experiences, Aquanauts and parasailing are optional extras. If one of these is the main reason you want to go, compare package prices in advance rather than assuming it is included. Photos and videos may also be offered for purchase during some extra activities, so ask about the price before agreeing if you want to avoid an unexpected add-on.

Scuba has important conditions. Certified participants must present their diver license at check-in. Anyone with asthma, heart problems or diabetes needs clearance from a suitable physician in the form of a recent signed doctor’s letter. A refresher or check session in Lembongan Bay is required on the first scuba outing if you have not logged a session within one year or have fewer than 15 logged sessions. You should not take a flight for at least 18 hours after scuba.

Who should choose this Nusa Lembongan cruise?

This outing suits you if you want a full day of varied activities without arranging boats, meals and water sports separately. Families can make good use of the children’s club, lockers and mix of pool and ocean activities. Couples and groups of friends may prefer the combination of snorkeling, banana boats, paddling and an easy lunch break.

It is less suited to anyone hoping for a slow, mostly beach-based day or an in-depth island visit. The schedule is busy, and the snorkeling and waterslide windows can feel short if you want to linger. If you are seasick-prone, dislike organized activity days or would rather set your own pace, an overnight stay or a simpler boat transfer may fit better.

For a full day out, I like the practical mix of sea time, included activities and a proper lunch stop. Just go in with realistic expectations about visibility, the compact schedule and the chance of rough water. Book it if the range of activities is the point; skip it if what you really want is an unhurried beach afternoon.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave Bali?

The scheduled Bali Hai II departure from Benoa Harbour is 09:15, with arrival at the Lembongan pontoon planned for 10:30. Your pickup time is confirmed after booking, and you should arrive at the departure location 15 minutes early.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transfers are included, and hotel pickup is offered in South Bali, excluding Candidasa. The operator will reconfirm your pickup time in advance.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The package includes a BBQ buffet lunch at Bali Hai Beach Club, scheduled from 12:30 to 14:00. Tea and coffee are served at the restaurant throughout the day.

Which water activities are included?

The package includes snorkeling equipment, unlimited banana boat rides, a 35-meter waterslide, a 3-meter diving board, sea kayaks, and pool and beach games. Scuba experiences, Aquanauts and parasailing cost extra.

Can children join the cruise?

Children aged 0 to 3 can join free of charge. A children’s club is included as part of the package.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Changes are allowed until 24 hours before the activity starts, subject to the stated booking exceptions. A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, in destination local time.