Swim with Dolphins Bali: Everything You Need to Know (2026 Guide)

Swim with dolphins Bali is an experience that rarely happens twice in a single vacation. This activity isn’t just about taking photos in a pool; visitors will experience the thrill of swimming alongside dolphins. These intelligent creatures can respond to hand gestures and look back at you with a gaze you’ll never forget.

Before making a reservation, there are important things tourists need to know. These include the right location, animal welfare standards, the most suitable program, and what to prepare.

Where Is the Best Place to Swim with Dolphins Bali?

The island of Bali offers several destinations that can be options for trying to interact with dolphins. However, not all destinations can adequately ensure animal welfare. Travelers looking for a “swim with dolphins” experience in Bali often find two main location options. They can choose a boat tour in Lovina or a visit to a specialized facility in Denpasar.

The tour in Lovina takes tourists out on a boat in the morning to see wild dolphins. Interaction isn’t guaranteed because the dolphins can become stressed by the noise of the engines. Additionally, swimming with them isn’t possible directly.

However, you can opt for a different, more responsible experience. Bali Dolphin Marine Park (BEMP), located in Denpasar, is the only ethical dolphin tourism facility officially licensed by the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia in Bali. The park is located at Jalan Bali Eksotik No. 8, Pedungan, Denpasar, just 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport.

Read other articles:

• What to Expect for Dolphins Swim Bali: A Step-by-Step
• Dolphins in Bali: 5 Unique Encounters You Only Have at BEMP
• Complete Guide to Swim with Bali Dolphins 2026

Why Is BEMP the Top Choice for a Dolphin Experience in Bali?

The establishment of Bali Dolphin Marine Park was not merely as a vacation destination. The park’s inception dates back to 2017 when a group of academics, conservation experts, veterinarians, and business leaders discussed the plight of dolphins in unsuitable captivity. BEMP was officially opened on September 19, 2019, as a conservation institution.

Some additional facts:

• It features the largest lagoon pool in Indonesia. The pool has a capacity of approximately 2,506,000 liters of seawater. Dolphins can move freely, just as they would in their natural habitat.
• Each session is limited to a maximum of 6–7 participants. Participants are accompanied by one IMATA-certified trainer (International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association) and one educator.
• In April 2021, BEMP successfully rescued 7 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) from the illegal “Dolphin Lodge” facility in Sanur, which was operating without a permit.
• BEMP has also been an official partner with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Udayana University since 2023 for research and animal health monitoring.

When you choose to swim with dolphins Bali at BEMP, the fees you pay directly fund conservation programs, animal care, and marine environmental education.

4 Dolphin Experience Programs in Bali at BEMP — Which One Is Right for You?

BEMP offers four options for dolphin experiences in Bali with varying levels of interaction.

Discovery+ — A VIP Experience with Complete Privacy

Bali Marine Park’s Discovery+ program offers private access for groups of up to 6 people. Participants enter the lagoon to swim and interact directly with the dolphins. This program includes a snack basket, beverages, digital photos saved on a wooden USB drive, and priority check-in. Ideal for anyone seeking a more personalized “swim with dolphins Bali” experience.

Discovery — The Most Recommended Core Program

The Discovery program is the most popular choice among tourists. Participants enter the pool for a swimming session with the dolphins. You can touch the dolphins, feed them, and even dance with them. The dolphins will perform a trick where they push you with their fins while gliding across the water’s surface. The session lasts approximately 40 minutes in the water, with one instructor accompanying you the entire time.

Encounter — Meaningful Interaction Without Getting Wet

Not everyone is comfortable with swimming. BEMP’s Encounter program allows participants to simply stand at the edge of the lagoon. From the shore, they can feed, touch, and learn about the dolphins from professional trainers without having to get in the water.

Explorer Pass — Explore the World of BEMP on a Budget

This most affordable program grants access to all of BEMP’s premium facilities. Visitors can access the pool deck, a lounge with views of Benoa Bay, and a close-up introductory session. The package includes an Afternoon Tea Set from Ang Restaurant. This program is the best option if you’re looking for unique things to do in Bali but don’t want to get in the water.

Animal Welfare Standards: Why This Matters Before You Book

Choosing ethical dolphin tourism isn’t just about personal comfort; it also involves your responsibility as a traveler. Here are signs of good animal welfare standards:

• No mandatory shows. The dolphins at BEMP are not forced to perform for visitors. Interactions are natural and based on enrichment—behavioral stimulation that aligns with their natural instincts.
• International-standard pools. The large pool size, holding 2.5 million liters, meets the recommendations of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA).
• Strict session limits. Each daily session is limited to a maximum of 6–7 people to prevent stress on the dolphins caused by large crowds.
• Routine medical monitoring. Since BEMP also has a partnership with Udayana University, students ensure the dolphins’ health status through scientific monitoring.

What Should You Prepare Before Arriving?

To ensure your Bali swim with dolphins experience goes smoothly without any surprises, please note the following:

• Appropriate swimwear. BEMP enforces a Swim Attire Policy, requiring participants to avoid clothing with metal accessories, zippers, or sharp objects that could injure the dolphins. Sports bras and swim trunks are the safest options.
• No personal cameras in the pool. For the dolphins’ safety, only cell phone cameras are permitted in designated areas. Professional photo documentation is available, and you can take the photos home.
• Arrive 45 minutes early. BEMP offers four daily sessions at 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM WITA. If you are late for registration, you may miss the session without a replacement.
• Certain health conditions must be reported. Guests with specific medical histories, such as heart conditions, epilepsy, or mental disabilities, must report this at check-in so the BEMP team can arrange appropriate assistance.
• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum age for participants to join the Bali dolphin interaction session is 4 years old. Parents wishing to participate in the same program as an escort must book a separate ticket.

How to Book Swim with Dolphins Bali Tickets at BEMP

Booking through the official website is highly recommended as capacity per session is limited. Here’s the process:

1. Visit balidolphinmarinepark.com and click “Get Tickets”
2. Select the appropriate program (Discovery+, Discovery, Encounter, or Explorer Pass)
3. Select your desired date and session
4. Fill in the participant details and complete the payment (Visa/Mastercard credit card or bank transfer)
5. Present your booking confirmation + ID card (Indonesian citizens) or passport (foreign nationals) upon arrival at the location

For groups of more than 8 people, BEMP recommends contacting the operations team directly at +62 853-3883-3678 for special arrangements.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to swim to participate in the Swim with Dolphins Bali program at BEMP?

For the Discovery and Discovery+ programs, basic swimming skills are highly recommended. However, if participants cannot swim, the Encounter program is the best alternative, as it offers full interaction from the lagoon’s edge.

Is this considered true ethical dolphin tourism?

Yes. BEMP operates under an official government license and adheres to AMMPA and IMATA standards. Therefore, this interaction does not use dolphins for paid performances that force behaviors outside their natural instincts.

How long is the total visit to Bali Marine Park?

For the Discovery or Discovery+ programs, allow 2–3 hours, including registration, briefing, the session, and rinsing off. If the interaction session includes lunch at Ang Restaurant and enjoying the facility area, the total time can reach 4–5 hours.

Is BEMP a family-friendly destination among things to do in Bali?

Yes. All programs are open to children aged 4 and up with adult supervision. The Encounter program is a great choice as it is very child-friendly and does not require entering the water.

Is a refund available if the interaction is canceled?

Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the session allow for rescheduling without additional fees. Last-minute cancellations are non-refundable.

It’s Time to Book Your Interaction Program at BEMP

Swimming with dolphins in Bali at BEMP is an experience that shouldn’t be put off for too long. Don’t let your session slot slip away, as they’re very limited and often sell out well before the event date. If you already know which program you want to choose, there’s no reason to wait to book.

Visit balidolphinmarinepark.com now and secure your tickets or Booking via TripAdvisor BEMP. Because some moments in life, like swimming side-by-side with dolphins in Indonesia’s largest pool, are truly worth planning for seriously.