The Dolphin-Watching Tours is being enhanced by tour operators in Bali, they have collaborated to increase dolphin watching tours in Bali for tourists while promoting environmental sustainability ahead of the high tourism season.
The Buleleng Tourism Office, in coordination with local tour operators and fishing communities, has reached an agreement to offer dolphin-watching tours from four designated beaches in North Bali. These beaches include Lovina Beach, renowned for its joint dolphin-watching tours, as well as Penimbagan Beach, Happy Beach, and Pantai Celuk Agung.
Gede Dody Sukma Oktiva Askara, the Head of the Buleleng Tourism Office, stated that the selection of these four locations was the result of discussions with the villages and traditional leaders in each area. To streamline the experience for tourists, the tourism board will appoint managers for each beach, providing a direct point of contact for arranging the magical morning sunrise tours.
These four locations aim to facilitate access to dolphin-watching tours for both tour operators and independent tourists. Centralized bookings and streamlined tour arrangements make it convenient for visitors. Sunrise dolphin-watching tours have been particularly popular among domestic tourists in Indonesia, given the frequent visits of local tourists to Northern Bali. However, the tide is turning, with international tourists increasingly expressing interest in the hidden treasures of Northern Bali. The popularity of sunrise dolphin-watching tours and the influence of social media have contributed to this shift.
Askara acknowledged that more work remains to be done and confirmed that dolphin-watching tours will be conducted in a more organized manner from Lovina Beach, Penimbagan Beach, Happy Beach, and Celuk Agung Beach. The tariffs for these experiences are still under discussion. Earlier this year, a focus group meeting was held to determine the appropriate tariff rates for dolphin-watching tours in Northern Bali. This proposed model aims to ensure fair pricing for tourists and establish standard operating procedures that all operators must adhere to for formal tours. This approach helps balance the market while prioritizing the safety and well-being of wild dolphins.
Regarding ticket prices, Askara mentioned that discussions would continue with the beach managers at the four locations. However, the ticket prices are expected to be the same across all four beaches. As demand increases, dolphin-watching tours may be expanded to other beaches in the future, with consideration given to factors such as limited parking capacity, particularly for families.
The selection of these four locations was based on the availability of facilities that provide a comfortable experience for tourists. Accessible parking, public bathrooms, and nearby cafes and restaurants are important considerations for visitors when planning their vacations and day trips. Although Northern Bali is less developed in terms of tourism compared to popular destinations like Kuta or Legian in the south, it offers a wealth of attractions for international tourists.
As the Bali dolphin-watching tours experiences gain viral attention online and attract more international visitors, concerns have been raised about the increasing number of tour boats in the dolphins’ natural habitat. Askara and the Buleleng Tourism Board have expressed their commitment to preserving the safety and welfare of wild dolphins. This includes implementing mandatory distance regulations between tour boats and dolphin pods and prohibiting boats from chasing or herding the dolphins in the water.
