Swimming with Dolphins Bali

A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Your First Visit in 2026

Imagine an exciting experience where you stand at the edge of a vast seawater pool and a dolphin slowly approaches you. This marine mammal will look directly into your eyes, just a few centimetres away. This encounter takes place in a pool designed to resemble a lagoon.

Swimming with Dolphins Bali has now become one of the most sought-after tourist experiences on the Island of the Gods. For beginners, the questions that usually arise are the same: is the interaction safe? Which program is suitable? What should you bring? And most importantly, is this truly ethical for the dolphins?

This guide will answer all these questions in detail.

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Why is Bali the Best Destination for a Dolphin Experience?

In recent years, the island of Bali has developed into a hub for marine education tourism. One of the reasons for this is the presence of the Bali Exotic Marine Park (BEMP). BEMP is the only officially recognised dolphin conservation organisation, having been in operation since 2019.

BEMP is located at Jl. Bali Eksotik No. 8, Pedungan, South Denpasar. Thanks to its strategic location, the park is just a 10-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The ease of access means visits can be arranged at any time.

What sets BEMP apart from other dolphin attractions in Southeast Asia is the capacity of its seawater habitat. The park’s pool holds approximately 2,506,000 litres of seawater, making it one of the largest seawater pools in Indonesia.

This large pool allows the dolphins to move freely, maintaining their physical and mental health, and providing a more natural space for interaction.

BEMP is also an officially recognised institution licensed by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia. Furthermore, the organisation helps align its programs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

4 Swimming with Dolphins Bali Programs at BEMP

Swimming with Dolphins Bali | Dolphin at Bali Exotic Marine Park | BEMP | balidolphinmarinepark.com — Swim with Dolphins Bali

Before booking tickets, it is important to understand that there is more than one type of dolphin swim program at BEMP. The four program options are:

1. Discovery+ Bundle

The Discovery+ program is the most comprehensive as participants enjoy a full swimming session with the dolphins. They also gain access to all campus facilities and receive professional photo documentation.

2. Discovery Program

The BEMP Discovery Program offers swimming and dancing sessions with dolphins in the water. Participants will experience the sensation of swimming with dolphins, giving hand signals, and receiving a ‘dolphin kiss’ – a favourite moment among visitors.

3. Encounter Program

The Dolphin Encounter is designed for visitors who wish to interact with the dolphins without having to fully enter the water. Participants play at the poolside, touching, feeding, and taking photos with the dolphins.

4. Explorer Pass

The shortest and most affordable program for BEMP visitors. Dolphin Explorer is perfect for those who want to get to know the dolphins up close without spending too much time. You can interact briefly, take photos, and receive a basic explanation of dolphin behaviour from a trainer.

What Happens During the Session? A Step-by-Step Real-Life Experience

Here is the sequence of events during a Dolphin Experience Bali session:

Registration and Safety Briefing. Upon arrival at BEMP, participants register and receive a briefing from a professional trainer. Participants will be taught how to interact with the dolphins, the correct body position, the hand signals to use, and what is strictly prohibited.
Pool Preparation. Participants will put on their swimwear and remove all sharp accessories. The trainer will explain the personality of each dolphin you will meet that day.
Interaction Session. The session you experience will depend on the program chosen. Experience touching the dolphins, swimming alongside them, and the iconic ‘dolphin kiss’ moment.
Short Educational Session. After the interaction, the trainer will share interesting facts about dolphins, ranging from their feeding habits and communication methods to their role in the marine ecosystem. This is where Bali family activities go beyond mere entertainment to become a meaningful learning experience.
Documentation and Souvenirs. Before heading home, you can choose photos or videos from the session. BEMP also offers a range of merchandise and further educational resources for those wishing to delve deeper into the world of marine conservation.

Who Can Join the Swimming with Dolphins Bali Program?

Swimming with Dolphins Bali at BEMP is designed to be inclusive and does not require participants to be proficient swimmers for any program. Here is a general guide based on participants’ conditions:

Children aged 0–4 years: May participate, but a guardian must sign an insurance waiver
Children aged 5–7 years: Suitable for the Encounter or Explorer programs with parental supervision
Children aged 8 and above: Can join the Discovery program if they have basic swimming skills
Non-swimming adults: Are very welcome in the Encounter program as there is no need to enter deep water
Special health conditions: It is recommended to consult a doctor first; inform the trainer before the session

There is no upper age limit. Bali Exotic Marine Park is open to all generations, from toddlers to grandparents.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Proper preparation is key to ensuring your Bali swim with dolphins session runs smoothly. Here’s what you need to note:

Essentials to bring:

A well-fitting swimsuit (avoid anything too loose as it restricts movement)
A towel and a change of clothes
An action camera or GoPro (optional, as BEMP provides a professional photographer)

Items strictly prohibited in the water:

Chemical-based sunscreen and body lotion, as these can damage the dolphins’ sensitive skin
Sharp jewellery such as rings, bracelets, and earrings, which pose a risk of injuring the animals’ skin
Food or any foreign objects

Additional tips:

Arrive 30 minutes before your session time for registration and a briefing
Morning sessions around 11.00 WITA are usually quieter and offer better lighting for photos
Book tickets well in advance, especially during the holiday season, as BEMP limits the number of participants per session to ensure the comfort of both the dolphins and visitors

Understanding BEMP’s Conservation Standards

A high-tech seawater filtration system ensures the water quality of the habitat remains optimal every day. BEMP uses natural seawater that matches their natural habitat.
The number of interactions per day is limited to prevent the dolphins from becoming easily exhausted. Each animal is given sufficient rest time between sessions.
The medical and daily care team routinely monitors the health of each individual dolphin, including physical examinations, diet, and mental stimulation.
A strict ban on unsupervised touching is enforced. Visitors may only touch the dolphins in designated areas and in the manner taught by the trainers.
BEMP also actively collaborates with wildlife rescue organisations and runs dolphin therapy programs for people with disabilities as a tangible expression of its conservation commitment that goes beyond mere tourism.

Choosing Bali Exotic Marine Park for your Dolphin Experience Bali means you’ll enjoy a truly unforgettable personal experience. Participants also contribute directly to marine ecosystem conservation programs.

How to Book Swimming with Dolphins Bali Tickets at BEMP

Booking tickets for the dolphin swim program at BEMP can be done via their official online booking platform. The steps are simple:

Visit the booking page on BEMP’s official website
Select the appropriate program (Discovery+, Discovery, Encounter, or Explorer)
Select the date and time slot
Enter the number of participants (foreign nationals and Indonesian citizens have different rates)
Make your payment and save your booking confirmation

Early booking is highly recommended, especially if you are visiting during the school holidays. BEMP operates a limited-bookings policy to ensure the quality of the experience and the welfare of the dolphins.

FAQ

Do I need to be able to swim to take part in the ‘Swim with Dolphins’ program in Bali?

No, you don’t. The Encounter and Explorer programs are designed so that you do not need to go in the water. The Discovery program involves full swimming activities. All sessions are supervised by experienced trainers who are ready to assist beginners.

What is the minimum age for the Swimming with Dolphins Bali program at BEMP?

Infants and toddlers (0–4 years) may participate provided a guardian signs an insurance waiver. The Discovery program is recommended for children aged 8 and above with basic swimming skills. For younger children, the Encounter or Explorer programs are more suitable.

Is the ‘Swim with Dolphins’ program in Bali safe for children?

BEMP is designed to be family-friendly with strict safety standards. Every session is directly supervised by certified trainers. The dolphins at BEMP are animals accustomed to interacting with humans in a controlled environment.

How long does a single interaction session last?

The duration of the interaction varies depending on the program chosen. Generally, interactions last around 20 to 45 minutes for active interaction sessions.

Is swimming with dolphins Bali ethical and legal?

BEMP is an official conservation organisation holding an operational licence from the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The animal welfare standards applied include water quality, limits on daily interactions, routine medical care, and a ban on unsupervised contact.

Can the ‘swim with dolphins’ session be combined with an educational program?

Yes. As a dolphin conservation organisation in Bali, BEMP offers a combination of interaction and educational programs that provide a more comprehensive experience. You don’t just play, but also gain an understanding of the behaviour, intelligence, and importance of dolphin conservation.

What happens if the weather is bad or there are unforeseen circumstances?

All Swimming with Dolphins Bali activities at BEMP take place in protected indoor and outdoor facilities. For sudden cancellations, BEMP’s refund policy can be viewed on their official terms and conditions page.

Is Swimming with Dolphins Bali Worth Including in Your Itinerary?

If you’re looking for an activity in Bali that’s entertaining, educational and meaningful all at once, then the answer is clear: yes.

Swimming with dolphins at BEMP is where the wonders of nature, marine science and environmental responsibility come together in a single experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

By choosing Bali Exotic Marine Park as your destination for a dolphin experience in Bali, you’ll enjoy the highest standards in terms of safety, ethics, and the quality of interaction.

Don’t wait too long, as slots are limited and your experience with the dolphins in Bali won’t disappoint.

Swimming with Dolphins Bali: A Complete Beginner’s Guide 2026