Snorkeling on Bali’s east coast feels surprisingly easy. The tour pairs guided snorkeling at Blue Lagoon (Padang Bay Village) and Tanjung Jepun with an expert instructor who helps you spot wildlife like sea turtles, butterfly fish, and moray eels. My favorite part is the hands-on guidance that keeps first-timers and confident snorkelers on the right track. One consideration: getting on and off the small boat can be tricky because the ladder isn’t always friendly for everyone.
What rounds it out is how smoothly they handle the rest of your day. You’ll stop at Puri Rai Restaurant for briefing and downtime, then enjoy a set menu Balinese lunch with shower and changing room facilities back on land (plus free Wi-Fi). The east coast setting generally means less crowd pressure than Bali’s busier coasts, but visibility and wildlife encounters still depend on weather, and you should expect some days to be messier around the beach than you’d like.
In This Review
- Key things that make this snorkeling tour work
- Bali’s east coast snorkeling: Blue Lagoon plus Tanjung Jepun
- Price and what you get for your $40
- Ubud pickup to the coast: plan for time, and pack like a realist
- The Puri Rai Restaurant stop: briefing, comfort, and regrouping
- Blue Lagoon Beach snorkeling: coral, fish, and the boat step challenge
- Tanjung Jepun: a second reef chance for turtles and variety
- Lunch at the right moment: set menu, showers, and getting back to normal
- Your guides and drivers: the difference between okay and great
- Who should book this snorkeling day (and who should rethink it)
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the Bali snorkeling tour at Blue Lagoon Beach?
- Do you get pickup from your hotel in Ubud?
- Which snorkeling locations are included?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Is lunch included, and do you get a place to shower after?
- What’s the minimum age and fitness level?
- Is swimwear provided?
- What happens if weather affects visibility?
- How many people are in the group?
- Should you book this Bali snorkeling tour at Blue Lagoon?
Key things that make this snorkeling tour work
- Two snorkeling spots: Blue Lagoon + Tanjung Jepun, so you’re not counting on one reef alone
- Wildlife spotting help: expect a real chance at sea turtles, butterfly fish, moray eels, and sometimes reef sharks, lionfish, and squid
- Comfort after the water: shower facilities, changing room, and a set menu Balinese lunch
- Door-to-reef convenience: private air-conditioned car with round-trip transfers from your hotel or a designated meeting point
- Small-group feel: maximum 15 travelers, with all snorkeling equipment included
- Easy add-ons: upgrade options can include Ubud, a waterfall tour, or Gate of Heaven Lempuyang Temple
Bali’s east coast snorkeling: Blue Lagoon plus Tanjung Jepun
This tour is built around a smart idea: two snorkeling locations instead of one. Blue Lagoon is the headline, but Tanjung Jepun gives you a second shot at cleaner water, different fish patterns, and more chances at standout sightings like sea turtles. In other words, you’re less likely to feel like your day depended on one coin flip.
Also, the tour targets Bali’s east coast. That matters. The east side is typically calmer than the south and west, so your snorkeling day feels more relaxed in motion and less like a cattle schedule.
One thing to keep in mind: what you see isn’t only about skill or luck. Visibility depends on favorable weather. So if skies get rough, your day can change, and the operator may adjust plans.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Ubud
Price and what you get for your $40
At $40 per person for roughly 6 hours, you’re paying for more than just water time. You’re getting hotel pickup/round-trip transfers, all snorkeling equipment, a set menu lunch, shower/changing facilities, and even insurance included. Those add up fast if you try to DIY it.
Is it a budget deal? Yes, relative to the convenience and included extras. But it’s not a luxury speedboat day. You should expect a practical, well-managed outing that focuses on snorkeling and getting you fed and back comfortably.
My advice: treat this as a “workday logistics done for you” tour. You’re buying less stress, not marble floors and private beaches.
Ubud pickup to the coast: plan for time, and pack like a realist
Pickup is offered from your hotel (or a designated meeting point). The coast drive can take about an hour from places like Kuta or the airport, and traffic is part of Bali life. The good news is they run a private air-conditioned car, and multiple drivers in the tour reviews are praised for being friendly, informative, and smooth over long distances.
Still, plan your expectations. You’re spending time in the vehicle. It’s comfortable, but it’s not instantaneous. If you’re sensitive to heat, bring a light layer for the ride.
What to pack (because the tour itself nudges you in this direction):
- Change clothes and a towel (they provide shower/changing facilities, but you’ll want to be ready)
- Your own swimwear (it’s not included)
- A small bag you can keep dry enough for the boat and changing moments
The Puri Rai Restaurant stop: briefing, comfort, and regrouping
Before and after snorkeling, you’ll gather at Puri Rai Restaurant. This stop is practical. It’s where you settle in, get briefed, and reset your day’s rhythm—especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids or you’re new to snorkeling.
The time here is about an hour. That can sound “too long” until you realize it prevents the classic travel-tour chaos of people scattered everywhere while someone hunts for fins or wetsuit sizing. Having a set place for instructions and regrouping makes the later boat steps smoother.
Also, the tour includes free Wi-Fi, which is useful if you want to message family, sort photos, or just not fry your brain during downtime.
Blue Lagoon Beach snorkeling: coral, fish, and the boat step challenge
Blue Lagoon sits at Padang Bay Village on Bali’s east side. It’s a beach stop designed for snorkeling from the waterline and boat access. People describe it as clean and clear in the spots they snorkel, and they often mention colorful fish and sea turtle sightings.
But here’s the reality check that helps you have a better day: some reviews note rubbish or plastic in and around the area. The water can also vary in how “perfect” it feels. On the positive side, you’ll see guides paying attention and even picking up plastic they spot in the water, which tells you the crew cares about the conditions.
The other big consideration is the boat entry and exit. Multiple comments call out that the ladder can be awkward to use when you’re wet and a bit shaky on balance. If you’re older, traveling with limited mobility, or just hate the idea of climbing onto small boats, this is the part you should think about first.
My tip: go slow at the ladder, hold what you can, and don’t rush. If you’re nervous, ask the crew to guide you step-by-step before you’re already half in the water.
Tanjung Jepun: a second reef chance for turtles and variety
Tanjung Jepun is the second snorkeling location in the itinerary. This matters because reefs don’t behave the same every hour. Fish show up where currents and tide shifts feel right. So a second site increases your odds of seeing something special again even if Blue Lagoon is quieter that day.
In the tour’s wildlife theme, Tanjung Jepun fits well: you’re chasing a mix of reef residents like butterfly fish and moray eels, plus the bigger wow-factor animals like sea turtles. Some people also report more standout sightings at the first site, so it’s smart to think of the second location as “another chance,” not as a guarantee.
If you really want turtles, I’d keep your mindset flexible: you might see one big moment at the first stop and then get a calmer, fish-focused session at the second.
Lunch at the right moment: set menu, showers, and getting back to normal
Lunch is included as a set menu Balinese meal. Reviews call it basic but tasty, and that’s exactly what you should expect. This isn’t a gourmet food tour. It’s a fueling stop so you can come up for air, shower off, and still enjoy the second half of your day.
What makes lunch better here is timing and facilities. After snorkeling, you can use the shower facilities and changing room. That small comfort upgrade makes a big difference in how you feel on the ride back.
You’ll also have free Wi-Fi at the stop, which helps if you want to check maps, share a photo, or just get a few minutes of normal-life time between ocean scenes.
Your guides and drivers: the difference between okay and great
The tour experience hinges on the human side: the snorkeling instructor for what happens in the water, and the driver for how smoothly the day moves.
From the feedback, guides and staff are frequently described as friendly and attentive—especially with first-timers. Names that show up in positive comments include Soma, Wayan, and Deyoo. Drivers praised include Aldeii, Johnny, Septa, Nova, and Rukmana. If you get any of these kinds of staff, you can expect clear instructions and a crew that actively scans the water to pull you over to interesting sightings.
One more detail I like: the tour encourages learning. You’re not just tossed in and told good luck. Instruction helps you feel steadier, which leads to better viewing instead of frantic flailing.
Who should book this snorkeling day (and who should rethink it)
This tour fits best if you:
- Want a guided snorkeling day with equipment, lunch, and showers included
- Prefer Bali’s east coast vibe over the busiest regions
- Like the idea of hitting two snorkeling stops for better odds
- Are okay with a full half-day schedule and some vehicle time
It’s also family-friendly in practice. The minimum age is 5 years, and reviews mention great experiences with kids. The tour can be a strong option for a “first real snorkeling” moment.
Rethink if:
- You’re very uncomfortable with climbing steps from small boats (ladder issues come up)
- You’re extremely sensitive to heat during long transfers (one comment cited inadequate AC for passengers in the back)
- You hate any chance of encountering plastic or rubbish near the waterline, since conditions can vary
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Bali snorkeling tour at Blue Lagoon Beach?
It runs about 6 hours in total.
Do you get pickup from your hotel in Ubud?
Yes. Pickup is offered from your hotel or a designated meeting point.
Which snorkeling locations are included?
You visit Blue Lagoon Beach and Tanjung Jepun.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. All snorkeling equipment is included.
Is lunch included, and do you get a place to shower after?
Lunch is included as a set menu. The tour also includes shower facilities and a changing room.
What’s the minimum age and fitness level?
The minimum age is 5 years, and travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
Is swimwear provided?
No. Swimwear is not included, so you should bring your own.
What happens if weather affects visibility?
Clear visibility depends on favorable weather. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How many people are in the group?
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.
Should you book this Bali snorkeling tour at Blue Lagoon?
If you want a smart-value snorkeling day with less planning stress, I’d book it. For $40, you’re covered for pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch, showers, and insurance, plus you get two reef chances instead of one.
Just be honest with yourself about two things: boat ladder access and how much you can tolerate variable water conditions. If you’re okay with a practical setup and you show up ready to move calmly on and off the boat, this tour is an easy win for an east-coast Bali snorkeling day.






























