Nusa Dua: Tanjung Benoa Snorkeling Tour with Pickup Options — An Honest Look
If you’re dreaming of slipping into Bali’s clear waters to see vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs, the Tanjung Benoa snorkeling tour might be just what you need. Offered with pickup from Nusa Dua and surrounding areas, this tour promises a straightforward, no-fuss chance to dip your toes into Bali’s underwater world.
We’re impressed by how accessible and budget-friendly this experience is—at just $21 per person, it offers a quick taste of snorkeling’s magic. The hotel pickup and included gear make it especially appealing for travelers seeking convenience. But, it’s worth noting that the location can get a little crowded and the marine sights may be modest compared to deeper or more exclusive dive spots.
This tour fits best for first-timers, families with young children, or visitors on a tight schedule who want a quick, safe intro to Bali’s marine environment. If you’re looking for an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path experience, this might be too simplified. But for those seeking an easy, guided introduction to snorkeling in Bali, it’s worth considering.
Key Points
- Convenient pickup from Nusa Dua and Jimbaran makes planning easier.
- Guided experience with instructors ensures safety and helpful tips.
- Short duration of about 1 hour makes it suitable for a quick addition to your day.
- Overcrowding noted at the snorkeling site, which may limit the number of fish or coral you see.
- Includes necessary gear, towel, locker, and shower—a simple, clean setup.
- Additional costs for hotel drop-off and extra water activities or food should be considered.
What to Expect from This Bali Snorkeling Tour
We appreciate the straightforward nature of this tour. You’ll start by choosing one of six pickup locations—like The Trans Resort Bali or Bali Collection—making it simple to coordinate your day. Once your driver arrives, you’ll be whisked to Tanjung Benoa, where the real fun begins.
The activity lasts roughly one hour, which is enough time to get a quick taste of Bali’s underwater world without feeling rushed. The guides provide a safety briefing, give you a snorkeling set, and help you gear up. Expect to wade into the shallow waters, where you’ll be encouraged to look for colorful fish, coral, and other sea creatures.
One of the benefits here is the local guides’ attentiveness—they seem eager to ensure everyone is safe and comfortable. As one reviewer noted, guides were “great, attentive, and after care was fantastic,” even going out of their way to return belongings left behind. This personal touch can make or break your experience, especially with younger travelers or first-timers.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Indonesia.
The Snorkeling Experience in Tanjung Benoa
The actual snorkeling spot may not be the most expansive or pristine, especially when compared to Bali’s more remote reefs. Reviews highlight that the site can be crowded, with limited visibility and fewer marine species than you might expect. One traveler said it was “overcrowded and small and not much to see aside from a few fish,” which is important to consider if you’re hoping for a coral and fish-filled adventure.
The “underwater camera package” was a mixed bag for some—while it offers a fun way to capture memories, one reviewer joked about returning with “more photos of arms and legs” than fish! So, if snapping pictures is on your priority list, keep realistic expectations.
The water clarity depends heavily on weather conditions, and there’s no guarantee of perfect visibility. Nature is unpredictable, so don’t be surprised if the water looks a little murky. Still, even a modest snorkeling trip here offers a chance to see Bali’s underwater life in a relaxed, guided setting.
The Practical Aspects: Transportation, Duration, and Costs
The hotel pickup is a major perk, especially if you’re staying within Nusa Dua or Jimbaran. The tour provider states pickups are only guaranteed if confirmed at least 24 hours in advance—so don’t leave it to the last minute. The pickups from other locations incur extra charges, ranging from $10 to $25, depending on distance, so plan accordingly.
The tour lasts about 1.5 hours total, which includes preparation, the actual snorkeling, and wrapping up. This quick pace suits travelers with busy itineraries or those new to snorkeling who want a low-stakes introduction.
The cost of $21 per person is quite affordable, especially considering gear, towel, locker, and shower room are included. It’s a basic package, but it offers good value for a short, guided experience. If you opt for hotel drop-off, expect to pay an additional fee similar to the pickup charge.
Who Will Enjoy This Tour?
This snorkeling tour is ideal for families, first-timers, or travelers on a tight schedule. It’s perfect if you want to sample Bali’s marine life without the commitment of a full-day boat trip or scuba diving. The guides’ attentiveness and convenient pickup make it accessible and hassle-free.
If you’re seeking pristine reefs, abundant marine species, or more advanced snorkelers or divers, you might find this experience too limited or crowded. It’s also not suitable for very young children—recommended for ages 7 and up—nor for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
More Great Tours NearbyFinal Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For just around $21, this tour offers a straightforward way to dip into Bali’s underwater world, with the comfort of guided assistance and hotel pickup. You’ll appreciate the ease of logistics, especially if you’re staying in Nusa Dua or Jimbaran, and the included gear makes it effortless to just show up and enjoy.
However, the site’s popularity does come with overcrowding, which might limit how many fish you see or how peaceful the experience feels. If you’re after more secluded diving spots or a deeper exploration of Bali’s reefs, you may want to look elsewhere. But if your goal is a quick, safe, guided introduction to snorkeling with friendly guides and easy logistics, this tour hits the mark.
In summary, it’s a solid choice for beginners, families, or travelers seeking a brief, uncomplicated water adventure. Just keep your expectations in check and prepare for a busy, lively watersports scene.
- ATV Quad Bike Bali With Waterfall Gorilla Cave and Lunch
- Surf Lesson With a Personal Instructor at Kuta Beach
- Ubud: Monkey Forest, Jungle Swing, Rice Terrace, and Water Temple
- Best of Ubud Attractions: Private All-Inclusive Tour
- Kintamani Cultural and Nature Cycling Tour
- Mount Bromo Private Sunrise Tour – From Surabaya (23:30-15:00)
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup from specified locations in Nusa Dua and Jimbaran, but confirmation is needed 24 hours in advance.
How long does the snorkeling activity last?
The actual snorkeling lasts about one hour, making it a quick, manageable experience.
Can I book without paying upfront?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in your travel plans.
What should I bring for snorkeling?
Bring a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, and water. These items will keep you comfortable and protected.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the activity is not suitable for children under 7, or for wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, and people over 95.
What if I want a drop-off after the activity?
Drop-off is available for an additional fee, ranging from $10 to $25, depending on your location.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Since water visibility depends on weather, there’s no guarantee of clear water, and the experience can be affected by weather conditions.
Can I go if I want to see more marine life?
While you may see some fish and coral, this site is small and sometimes overcrowded, so marine sightings may be limited.
To sum it up, this snorkeling tour offers a practical, budget-friendly introduction to Bali’s underwater world, with the benefit of guided help and easy logistics. Perfect for beginners, families, or those with limited time, it provides a fun, safe way to enjoy Bali’s marine environment without the complexity or expense of more elaborate excursions. Just remember, the site can get crowded, and the marine life may be modest—adjust your expectations accordingly, and you’ll likely have a memorable, hassle-free experience.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Snorkeling Tours in Indonesia
- Nusa Penida: 1-Day Snorkeling and Land Tour with Hotel Stay
- Nusa Lembongan from Bali: 3 Spots Snorkeling & Islands Tour
- Private Snorkeling Gili Gede, GIli Asahan, Gili Goleng Tour
- Lombok: Gili Kondo, Petagan, dan kapal Snorkeling Tour
- Nusa Dua: Tanjung Benoa Snorkeling Tour with Pickup Options
- Snorkeling Adventure with Lucky Snorkeling
More Tours in Indonesia
- Lombok Bonjeruk Village Biking Tour + City Tour
- East Lombok: One Day Tour in Sembalun Village
- From Malang: 1 Day Tumpaksewu Sharing Tour
- Nusa Penida: 1-Day Snorkeling and Land Tour with Hotel Stay
- Bali : Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and UNESCO Rice Terrace Tour
- Nusa Lembongan from Bali: 3 Spots Snorkeling & Islands Tour
More Tour Reviews in Indonesia
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Indonesia we have reviewed
- Lombok: Ride the Rapids for Unforgettable Rafting Adventure
- Lombok Bonjeruk Village Biking Tour + City Tour
- East Lombok: One Day Tour in Sembalun Village
- Ijen Crater: Blue Fire Hiking Adventure Departure from Bali
- Explore ubud
- From Malang: 1 Day Tumpaksewu Sharing Tour
- Nusa Penida: 1-Day Snorkeling and Land Tour with Hotel Stay
- Bali: Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise With Hotspring Option
- Bali : Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and UNESCO Rice Terrace Tour
- Bali: Glass Bridge Admission Ticket
- mount rinjani One day trek
- Malang: 3D2N Tumpak Sewu Bromo Ijen Bali in one go!