REVIEW · UBUD
Bali: Fishing Charter Private Boat
Book on Viator →Operated by Bali Travel Escape · Bookable on Viator
Saltwater and Mount Agung, all in five hours.
This private Bali fishing charter pairs an East Bali drive with time on the water around islands like Gili Mimpang and Biaha, with views that stretch toward Mount Agung. You’re not stuck in a big group, so the day feels more personal and way less rushed.
I especially like the easy start and stop: hotel pickup/drop-off (if you choose it) and an English-speaking driver handle the logistics. I also like that fishing gear and bait are included, so you can show up, grab a rod, and start fishing without extra shopping.
One thing to think about: big-fish action can depend on the season. The trip describes targets like giant trevally and dogtooth tuna, but if conditions aren’t right, you may catch smaller fish instead.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you cast a line
- East Bali pickup from Ubud: faster than you think
- Boarding the boat: what “private” usually means here
- Where you fish: Gili Mimpang, Biaha, Pekong, and Mount Agung views
- How the fishing time actually feels (and why your guide matters)
- Optional Blue Lagoon snorkeling: 2 hours in the water, 3 hours fishing
- Lunch and BBQ: the catch-cook payoff
- Price and value: why $90 can make sense here
- Who should book this Bali fishing charter?
- A few smart checks before you go
- Should you book?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- Where is this Bali fishing charter starting from?
- How long is the trip?
- How much does it cost?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- Is this a private tour?
- What fishing equipment is provided?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Can I add snorkeling at Blue Lagoon?
- What fish species does the trip target?
- Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key things to know before you cast a line

- Private boat feel: your group goes out together, not mixed into a crowd.
- Gear, reel, and bait included: you’re set up for fishing from the start.
- East Bali island spots: you fish around Gili Mimpang, Biaha, and Pekong.
- Blue Lagoon snorkeling option: snorkeling is separate time (about 2 hours) and changes the fishing time.
- Catch gets cooked: you’ll enjoy a BBQ of your fish with Balinese spices.
- Season affects results: the size of your catch isn’t guaranteed.
East Bali pickup from Ubud: faster than you think
The day starts with a drive from Ubud toward the coast. If you select pickup/drop-off, you’re picked up from your hotel and you don’t have to figure out transport, timing, or meeting points. That matters because a fishing day runs on a clock—get there late and you lose prime time.
You’ll also get a scenic East Bali drive as you head toward the water. It’s the kind of route where you’re glad you’re not the one navigating. And once you reach the coast, the switch is immediate: you go from Bali roads to boat life.
A practical note: this is listed as about 5 hours, so plan your day around it. If you’re hoping to squeeze in other activities afterward, you’ll likely want a slower evening buffer.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Ubud
Boarding the boat: what “private” usually means here

This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group is on the boat. In plain terms, that tends to make communication easier and the guide can adjust on the fly if you’re learning, you want a certain style of fishing, or you want to spend more time at one spot.
Fishing assist is part of the package. You’ll have expert staff on hand to help you with setup and getting lines into the water, plus the fishing gear and bait are included. So even if you’ve only fished at the end of a pier back home, you won’t be standing there trying to assemble mystery equipment.
You’ll also have mineral water and soft drinks on the trip, plus lunch is included (an Indonesian menu). That’s not just comfort—it’s real value on a morning out on open water, where hunger can mess with your focus fast.
Where you fish: Gili Mimpang, Biaha, Pekong, and Mount Agung views

Once you’re on the water, the plan is to fish in the Indian Ocean around a chain of spots that are close enough to feel like a day trip, but far enough to be worth calling “real fishing.”
The described island areas include:
- Gili Mimpang
- Biaha
- Pekong
You’ll also spend the day taking in views of islands and Mount Agung that you don’t get from inland Ubud. That’s a big part of the appeal for non-fishers too. Even if you’re not chasing a trophy, you’re still getting a scenic, coast-to-open-water outing.
What fish can you realistically expect? The trip description names targets like:
- giant trevally
- dogtooth tuna
Here’s the honest part: size and variety depend on what’s biting that day. One disappointment mentioned that the fishing wasn’t what they expected for giant-tuna or large trevally action, with catches running much smaller than described. The provider’s response pointed to a lack of big-fish season at that time, and also noted that big-fish availability can be seasonal.
So I’d treat the named species as likely goals, not a guaranteed haul. If you love the process—casting, feeling the bite, learning the area—that’s still a solid day.
How the fishing time actually feels (and why your guide matters)

This is not a “good luck out there” charter. The goal is for you to fish with local help at spots where you’re more likely to get bites. That’s especially important in Bali water, where technique and timing make a difference.
You should expect:
- fishing guidance from the staff
- assistance with gear setup
- support around bait and casting
And since this is private, the guide can spend more time on the details that matter for your group. That shows up in the day-to-day experience: instead of waiting your turn in a group, you can get help when you need it.
One extra detail worth knowing: a review highlighted the friendliness and respect of the crew and praised the whole flow from pickup to drop-off. Another mentioned that a driver who also fishes joined the boat team. That combination—driver + fishing support—often leads to smoother communication and quicker adjustments on the water.
If you want a confidence boost, here’s a real example from the provided feedback: one person reported catching a 12 kg humperjack—about a meter long—very quickly, within the first few minutes. Again, not a promise, but it tells you that the day can produce serious fish when conditions line up.
Optional Blue Lagoon snorkeling: 2 hours in the water, 3 hours fishing

You can add snorkeling at Blue Lagoon, but it changes the balance of the day. The schedule note says that when snorkeling is selected, it becomes snorkeling for about 2 hours and fishing for at least 3 hours, with the full experience still totaling about 5 hours at sea adventure time.
That matters because you can’t assume you’ll get full fishing time plus snorkeling. If your main goal is to fish hard and focus, select snorkeling only if you genuinely enjoy water time that’s more about seeing fish than catching them.
Also, the snorkeling option notes that you should contact if you need snorkeling. So if snorkeling is important to you, make sure you’ve selected it clearly at booking and confirm timing expectations before the day starts.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Ubud
Lunch and BBQ: the catch-cook payoff

This trip doesn’t stop at fishing. After the fishing session, you return to shore and enjoy a meal built around your catch.
There’s BBQ of your fresh catch seasoned with Balinese spices. That’s the part many people remember, because it turns fishing from an activity into an experience with a real payoff. There’s also lunch with an Indonesian menu included, plus water and soft drinks during the trip.
In practical terms:
- If the fish bite is decent, you get the BBQ as a centerpiece.
- If the bite is slower or catches are smaller, you still have the included lunch, so you’re not left hungry or disappointed.
Based on the feedback, people commonly praised the food and how friendly the team was. So you’re not just buying a boat ride and a rod—you’re buying a full day with a meal at the end.
Price and value: why $90 can make sense here

At $90 per person, this charter can be good value if you compare it to the real costs of fishing logistics you’d otherwise piece together: boat time, guide help, gear, bait, transportation from Ubud, food, and the cook-up afterward.
Here’s where the value shows up most:
- Private setup (your group only)
- Pickup/drop-off if selected
- Fishing gear and bait included
- Lunch + drinks
- BBQ of your catch
It’s also listed as offering group discounts, which can reduce the per-person cost if you’re booking with friends or family.
The main reason price might feel high is if you go expecting guaranteed giant trevally or dogtooth tuna every time. Since results can be seasonal, you’re paying for the experience and support—not a guaranteed trophy. If you’re cool with that, the day can feel worth it fast.
Who should book this Bali fishing charter?

This charter fits best if you:
- want a private, more intimate fishing day versus a big mixed tour
- like the idea of fishing with gear and bait included
- care about food as part of the outing (BBQ of your catch is a big deal)
- enjoy views and scenery even when you’re waiting for a bite
It’s also a solid family choice. One review mentioned an 11-year-old son having a great time, with the team being friendly and the driver also involved with the day.
You might rethink it if:
- you’re only happy with a specific target species or very large fish, no matter what
- you want long snorkeling time (snorkeling is about 2 hours and reduces fishing time)
A few smart checks before you go
To protect your expectations, I’d do two things before booking or at least before the morning of:
- Ask what the current conditions are like for the big targets. The fish-size issue from a disappointment makes this a real consideration.
- Confirm whether you’re choosing snorkeling, and what the day plan looks like with snorkeling added (about 2 hours snorkeling, about 3 hours fishing minimum).
Also, if you have dietary needs, you’ll want to note them at booking. The trip can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Should you book?
If you want an easy, private fishing day from Ubud with gear included, guide help, drinks, lunch, and a BBQ of your catch, this is an enjoyable way to spend a half-day to five hours in Bali water. The vibe is friendly, the flow is organized, and the “catch gets cooked” part gives the day a strong finish.
Just go in with one mindset: fish results aren’t guaranteed, and season can affect whether you get giant species or smaller fish. If you’re there for the whole experience—boat time, learning, scenery, and the BBQ—this charter is a strong yes.
FAQ
FAQ
Where is this Bali fishing charter starting from?
It’s based in Ubud, Indonesia, with pickup offered from your hotel if you choose that option.
How long is the trip?
The duration is listed as about 5 hours.
How much does it cost?
The price is $90.00 per person.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the option. The trip also includes an English-speaking driver.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.
What fishing equipment is provided?
Fishing equipment is included, including gear, reel, and bait, so you don’t need to bring your own.
What food and drinks are included?
You get mineral water/soft drinks, lunch with an Indonesian menu, and a BBQ of your fresh catch with Balinese spices.
Can I add snorkeling at Blue Lagoon?
Yes, snorkeling can be added if the option is selected. The schedule note says snorkeling is about 2 hours and fishing is about 3 hours at least, with the full experience still about 5 hours.
What fish species does the trip target?
The description mentions targets such as giant trevally and dogtooth tuna, but what you catch can vary by conditions.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes. The provider says they can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements if you indicate them during booking.
What is the cancellation policy?
There is free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancelling less than 24 hours before start time isn’t refundable.



























