Want to set sail in style? We tried the one-day boat tour to Nusa Penida with Bluuu. Here's how our day went and why we’ll be booking again.
Boat excursions in Bali are a dime a dozen. But after spending a full day on the water with Bluuu, we now understand why they’ve earned their stripes as the most trusted (and most luxurious) boat operator on the island.
As a travel editor who’s tried just about every kind of Bali day trip, I couldn’t wait to join Bluuu’s Premium Shared Tour. It’s a one-day itinerary aboard a brand-new yacht, with a small group of like-minded guests heading out on snorkelling adventures to spot manta rays, plant coral, and, of course, raise a toast along the way.
If this sounds like your kind of Bali boat tour, now’s a great time to book. September and October are two of the best months for a cruise around the islands. These shoulder-season months are consistently sunny, the crowds have thinned, the seas are calmer, and the dry season winds are easing off. In short: ideal conditions for a smooth, sun-soaked day on the water.
Here’s exactly what our day out with Bluuu looked like, and why it might just be your best day in Bali too.
Pre-departure: The business class of boating
It all began in Bluuu’s private guest lounge in Serangan Harbour, which felt more like checking into a business-class airport lounge. It was calm and organised, with coffee, fresh juice and croissants laid out while we checked in.
At the counter, we met Widya, Bluuu’s warm and welcoming Customer Service Manager, who introduced us to our guides for the day and played a short, well-produced safety video before boarding (check it out below!).
From there, the crew took us through a roll call, fitted our life jackets, and talked us through the day’s itinerary. The whole process felt smooth and reassuring. You could tell safety is baked into how Bluuu operates, not just a box they tick. It was a noticeably elevated experience from the start, and a refreshing change from the more chaotic boat rides I’ve been on.
The Boat: Beautiful, clean and dazzlingly new
Our vessel for the day was a MW40 yacht, part of Bluuu’s Premium fleet. It was bigger and sleeker than I expected, with polished leather seating, a shaded upper deck and thoughtful touches everywhere – right down to the royal blue towels.
Even though it was a shared tour, it felt private and spacious, with a maximum of 13 passengers on board. There was plenty of room to stretch out and soak it all in. We cruised across the water towards Nusa Penida, cutting smoothly through calm seas while we got to know the crew and took in the view.
As we neared Nusa Penida, that’s when the experience really ramped up. The island looks like it’s straight out of Jurassic Park, and as soon as we came into dock, the bubbles popped open and our day of lounging and exploring really began.
The Highlights: Manta rays, coral planting, and total freedom
I’ve snorkelled Nusa Penida before, but never like this. The Bluuu crew had their ears to the ocean, adjusting the day’s stops based on where manta rays and turtles had been spotted that morning. This meant we had the best possible chance of encountering something magical.
And sure enough, we did. Majestic mantas glided beneath us, and I lost count of how many turtles we spotted. Bluuu’s crew clearly know these waters inside-out, and it shows.
As much as the mantas took our breath away, one of the other highlights was Bluuu’s newest initiative: coral planting at Bluuu’s own Coral Garden. Guided by the crew, we planted small coral fragments back onto the reef, ready for them to grow, flourish, and improve the local ecosystem.
Right now, the Coral Garden is just beginning, but in a few years, it’ll be teeming with life. It’s all part of the company’s wider commitment to marine conservation, and I absolutely loved it. It felt so good to give a little something back, rather than just be a tourist for the day.
The Bluuu Touches: Lunch with a view
At lunchtime, we docked at a quiet bay where we shuttled off to a cliffside restaurant, all included as part of the Premium experience. The grilled fish and fresh salads were spot on, and we took our sweet time soaking up the sea breeze and views of Mount Agung in the distance. It felt a world away from your typical “tour lunch.” It didn’t feel rushed or over-orchestrated… just easy, well-paced and beautiful.
The setting was laid-back but elevated, with breathtaking views and plenty of shade. It was the perfect reset before heading back out to sea, ready for our return to Bali.
The Verdict
I’ve joined a lot of Bali day trips over the years, but this was right up there with the very best. Bluuu executed everything thoughtfully without being over the top – from the pristine boat and small group size, to the professionalism of the crew and the eco-conscious coral planting.
Spoiler: I’m already planning my next tour with Bluuu… A Premium Private Tour with a group of friends is next on the list!
How much: IDR 2,687,000 per person.
What’s included: A welcome drink, complimentary prosecco, snorkelling gear, underwater GoPro footage, lunch, entrance tickets, bottled water, towels, land tour, insurance.
WhatsApp: +62 813 2605 1950