Are you planning to island hop in Bali or explore nearby gems like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or the Gili Islands? Choosing the right boat company can make or break your experience. On my last trip to Bali, I was overwhelmed by the number of options. Some fast boats are super comfortable, others… not so much.
Over the years, I’ve taken multiple routes. To save you the guesswork, I’ve researched, tested, and compared the most reliable and traveler-approved boat companies in Bali. Here’s a clear, no-fluff guide to the best boat companies in Bali, based on service, safety, and traveler reviews.
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1. BlueWater Express – Premium & Reliable
If I had to pick one company I trust the most, it’s BlueWater Express. Their boats are spacious, the seating is cushioned, and there’s even a shaded outdoor deck to enjoy the sea breeze. I’ve always found their crew professional and attentive, and having clean onboard toilets makes longer trips much more comfortable. They operate from Serangan and Padang Bai, giving you flexibility depending on where you’re staying.
📍 Routes: Bali ↔ Gili Islands / Lombok / Nusa Penida
💰 Price: From 950,000 IDR ($62) one-way
⏱ Travel Time: 2–3 hours depending on the destination
💡 Tip: Opt for morning departures when the sea is calmer.
2. Gili Getaway – Great Service & Little Extras
On my last trip to the Gilis, I used Gili Getaway, and I was impressed. The staff helped with luggage, offered sunscreen, and made the boarding process stress-free. It’s little touches like this that make a difference when you’re traveling. This is a great choice for the Gili Islands or Nusa Lembongan.
📍 Routes: Bali ↔ Gili Islands / Nusa Lembongan
💰 Price: Around 900,000 IDR ($59) one-way
⏱ Travel Time: 2–3 hours
💡 Tip: Book early during high season, their boats sell out quickly.
3. Rocky Fast Cruise – Best for Nusa Lembongan
Whenever I head to Nusa Lembongan, Rocky Fast Cruise is my go-to. They have multiple daily departures from Sanur, and I’ve always felt safe on their boats. Just be prepared to get your feet wet, boarding here means wading through shallow water.
📍 Route: Sanur ↔ Nusa Lembongan
💰 Price: Around 300,000 IDR ($20) one-way
⏱ Travel Time: 30 minutes
💡 Tip: Sit at the back of the boat for a smoother ride on windy days.
4. Marlin Fast Boat – Reliable for Nusa Penida
I like Marlin Fast Boat for quick trips to Nusa Penida. Their departures are frequent, boarding is organized, and they even offer island tour packages that make day trips super convenient.
📍 Route: Sanur ↔ Nusa Penida
💰 Price: 200,000–250,000 IDR ($13–$16) one-way
⏱ Travel Time: 35 minutes
💡 Tip: Morning trips are usually less crowded.
5. Eka Jaya Fast Boat – Budget-Friendly & Spacious
Eka Jaya strikes a nice balance between price and comfort. Their larger boats feel more stable, which I appreciate when the water gets a bit rough. I’ve taken them to both the Gilis and Nusa Penida without issues.
📍 Routes: Bali ↔ Gili Islands / Lombok / Nusa Penida
💰 Price: From 500,000 IDR ($33) one-way
⏱ Travel Time: 1–3 hours depending on route
💡 Tip: Choose seats in the middle for less motion.
6. Scoot Fast Cruises – Flexible Island Hopping
With over 20 years in operation, Scoot Fast Cruises has built a solid reputation for safety. Scoot Fast Cruises is my pick when I want to visit more than one island in a single trip. They’ve been around for decades and connect Bali with Lembongan, Penida, Lombok, and the Gilis..
📍 Routes: Bali ↔ Nusa Lembongan / Nusa Penida / Lombok / Gili Islands
💰 Price: From 800,000 IDR ($52)
⏱ Travel Time: Varies by route
💡 Tip: Book all your island hops in one go for better rates.
7. Golden Queen Fastboat – Efficient & Direct
When I’m staying in the east, I prefer Golden Queen because they depart from Padang Bai. This saves me the long drive to Sanur or Serangan, and their boats are comfortable enough for the 1–3 hour rides.
📍 Routes: Padang Bai ↔ Nusa Penida / Gili Islands / Lombok
💰 Price: Around 550,000 IDR ($36) one-way
⏱ Travel Time: 1–3 hours depending on route
💡 Tip: Bring a light jacket — it can get windy on the upper deck.
How to Book Fast Boat in Bali
I’ve booked fast boats in several ways, but here’s what works best for me:
- Directly through the boat company’s website – This is best for securing a spot in advance, especially during high season (June–September and December–January).
- Through your hotel or villa – Many accommodations can arrange tickets and transfers to the port.
- Online travel platforms – Sites like 12Go Asia, Direct Ferries, or Bookaway allow you to compare schedules and prices.
- At the harbor – Possible for last-minute trips, but not recommended in peak season due to limited availability.
My booking tip: If I’m staying far from the port, I always choose a ticket that includes pickup and drop-off. It’s worth avoiding the hassle.
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Top Tips Before Going on a Fast Boat in Bali
- Check the weather: Avoid traveling during stormy conditions, as trips may be delayed or canceled.
- Travel light: Most companies have a luggage allowance of around 20kg.
- Arrive early: Boarding areas can be busy, especially in Sanur where you board from the beach.
- Wear sandals: Many departures require wading through water.
- Bring seasickness tablets: Even calm seas can get choppy.
- Protect your electronics: Use a dry bag for phones, cameras, and passports.
- Know your port: Some destinations (like Nusa Penida) have multiple arrival points, check your tour oraccommodation’s pickup location.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fast boat in Bali really depends on where I’m going and what I value most — comfort, price, or flexibility. For the smoothest ride, I stick with BlueWater Express or Gili Getaway. For a budget trip to Nusa Penida, Marlin Fast Boat is my choice. And when I want to hop between multiple islands, Scoot Fast Cruises makes planning easy.
No matter which company I choose, I’ve learned that part of the charm of island-hopping is embracing the sea, and enjoying that first magical glimpse of a new shore. Hope this list will help you, and hope you enjoy your island-hopping experience!
