Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat

★ 5.0 · 9 reviews From $75 Operated by Bali Best Journey · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this private Bali fishing trip is its clear focus: you head from Candidasa to the waters around Tepekong Island and Gili Mimpang, using proper Shimano and Penn equipment rather than making do with basic rental gear. Guide Awa has more than 30 years of experience in these fishing grounds, and captain Rinta has also received strong praise for running the boat.

I like the personal setup, with only your group on board, and the chance to have your catch cooked for lunch afterward. The main consideration is the boat’s narrow 1.85-meter width, which may feel snug during a five-hour trip, and the sea can be rough enough that you should bring your own motion-sickness medicine.

Key points to know before booking

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - Key points to know before booking

  • Private fishing around Tepekong Island and Gili Mimpang: Your group gets the boat and guide without strangers along for the ride.
  • Experienced local team: Awa brings more than 30 years of fishing experience, with captain Rinta handling the boat.
  • Shimano and Penn equipment: Rods, fishing gear, and bait are supplied, so you do not need to pack tackle.
  • Several fishing methods: The crew may target amberjack, mahi mahi, ruby snapper, rainbow runners, and other reef fish.
  • Catch cooked for lunch: If you select the lunch option, a restaurant can prepare your fish after the trip.
  • Five hours on a compact boat: The vessel is 11 meters long, 1.85 meters wide, and powered by two 40pk engines.

Setting out from Candidasa at first light

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - Setting out from Candidasa at first light

Your meeting point is Ramayana Candidasa Beach Resort on Jalan Raya Sengkidu, or you can arrange pickup from your Bali hotel or villa. The exact pickup reach should be confirmed when booking, since the stated meeting point is in Candidasa and not every part of Bali is equally close.

An early start is a sensible choice for this trip. One morning outing collected guests at 5 a.m., allowing time to see the coast brighten before the fishing began. Early departures also give you a better chance of enjoying calmer conditions, though no fishing operator can promise calm seas or a particular catch.

The boat returns to the meeting point at the end of the activity. If hotel pickup and drop-off are arranged, the guide escorts you back after lunch when that meal option is included. Ask clearly about pickup timing, the return plan, and the lunch option before the day begins.

A compact boat built for active fishing

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - A compact boat built for active fishing

The boat measures about 11 meters long but only 1.85 meters wide. That narrow profile helps explain why the vessel is described as designed for fishing comfort rather than as a broad sightseeing cruiser. Outriggers are used to help balance the boat, and two 40pk engines provide the listed power.

You should picture a practical fishing platform, not a luxury yacht. There is room for your private group, the guide, the captain, and the equipment, but space may feel limited if everyone brings large bags. Pack light and keep personal belongings in a small waterproof bag.

The private format is valuable here. You can concentrate on fishing without adjusting your pace to another group. If one person wants to keep working a fishing spot while another needs a break, the guide can manage the day around your group’s interests more easily than on a shared boat.

The tradeoff is that a smaller fishing boat exposes you more directly to the movement of the sea. Bring sunscreen, a hat, water-resistant clothing, and sea-sickness medicine. Bottled water and snacks are supplied, but sunscreen and medicine are not.

Fishing the waters near Tepekong Island and Gili Mimpang

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - Fishing the waters near Tepekong Island and Gili Mimpang

The main fishing area is around Tepekong Island and Gili Mimpang, off Bali’s east coast near Candidasa. The trip is built around trying several techniques rather than sitting with one fixed method for the entire morning.

That matters because fishing conditions change. The guide may adjust the technique, bait, or target species as the boat moves through different water. Possible catches include amberjack, mahi mahi, ruby snapper, rainbow runners, and other fish. These are targets, not guarantees, so you should book for the experience of fishing at sea rather than a promised trophy.

Awa’s role is central. He has more than 30 years of experience in the local fishing area and teaches different ways to work the gear. His practical value is not only in finding a spot. He can help you handle the equipment, respond when a fish takes the bait, and keep the action moving when conditions change.

The equipment is another useful advantage. Shimano equipment from Japan and Penn equipment from the United States are supplied, along with bait. That gives you a more dependable setup than many casual shore-based fishing options, especially when you are trying to manage a strong fish.

Several outings connected with this team produced memorable catches. One fishing day focused on rainbow runners and brought in 15 fish, including a green job fish. Another early trip combined fishing with snorkeling and produced plenty of fish. Those results show that the crew knows how to put people in productive water, but they should not be read as a fixed promise for every departure.

What the five-hour schedule feels like

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - What the five-hour schedule feels like

The activity lasts about five hours, which is long enough for a proper morning on the water without taking up an entire day in Bali. After meeting the crew, you board the private boat and head toward the fishing grounds. The exact order of the fishing areas and techniques depends on sea conditions and the guide’s plan.

Expect much of the experience to be hands-on. You will use the supplied rod and tackle, watch the water, and follow the guide’s instructions when a fish strikes. Fishing can involve periods of waiting, so the trip suits people who enjoy the process as much as the catch.

The crew’s approach appears particularly good for first-time sea anglers and for people who have fished before but do not want to bring their own equipment to Bali. Awa has been praised for being patient, accommodating, funny, and highly experienced. Those qualities matter when you are learning how to fight a fish from a moving boat.

The trip also suits a small group with mixed experience. A serious angler can focus on the fishing, while a less experienced companion can learn at a comfortable pace. Since the boat is private, your group does not need to worry about holding up other passengers.

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The fish lunch option adds real local flavor

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - The fish lunch option adds real local flavor

After fishing, the guide takes you to a restaurant where your catch can be cooked, if you choose the lunch option. This is one of the most appealing parts of the day because it turns the catch into a meal rather than leaving the fishing as a separate activity.

The supplied details do not specify the restaurant, menu, cooking method, or exact lunch price when the meal is not selected. Confirm those points before booking if the meal is important to you. Lunch is listed as included only when that option is selected, so do not assume every $75 booking includes it.

Fresh coral fish served soon after being caught can be a satisfying end to the morning. It also gives you a taste of the local fishing culture in a direct way. You catch the fish, take it to be prepared, and eat it as part of the same outing.

The practical catch is that the meal depends on catching fish and on the restaurant’s ability to prepare it. If you have dietary restrictions, ask ahead about the cooking method and available side dishes. If you do not select lunch, clarify what happens to the catch.

What the $75 price really covers

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - What the $75 price really covers

At $75 per person, the trip offers solid value for someone who wants a private boat, equipment, guide, bait, water, and snacks in one package. You are not paying only for a boat ride. You are paying for local fishing knowledge, boat handling, tackle, and a five-hour outing focused on your group.

The value improves when two or more people share the private experience, especially if you would otherwise need to rent equipment and arrange a separate boat. Hotel or villa pickup can also save time and transport planning, though you should confirm whether your accommodation is within the pickup area.

Lunch is a separate choice within the booking. If you want to eat your catch, select that option rather than treating it as automatic. The price does not include sunscreen or sea-sickness medicine, so budget for those small but important extras.

A private tour usually costs more than a shared boat on a per-person basis, but the comparison is not quite even. Here, you get control over the group, the pace, the techniques, and the amount of instruction. For a family, couple, or group of friends with fishing as the main goal, that privacy can be worth more than a lower shared-boat fare.

Who will enjoy this most

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to people who want fishing to be the main event, not a short add-on to a sightseeing cruise. It is also a good match for anyone who values instruction and wants to use supplied gear rather than organize tackle before arriving in Bali.

The tour is well suited to:

  • Couples who want a private morning on Bali’s east coast
  • Small groups of friends who want to fish together
  • First-time anglers who need help with technique
  • Experienced anglers looking for local targets such as mahi mahi or amberjack
  • Families with older children who can manage a moving boat and active fishing
  • People who like the idea of eating a catch cooked after the trip

It may be less suitable if you want a wide, roomy boat, guaranteed calm water, or a luxury service with extensive onboard facilities. The boat is designed for fishing, and its narrow width means comfort comes from the practical layout and private setting, not from lots of spare space.

You should also think carefully about sea conditions. The activity requires good weather, and the operator may offer a new date or a full refund if poor weather forces a cancellation. That is a useful safeguard, but it means your Bali schedule needs some flexibility.

Gear, fitness, and what to pack

Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat - Gear, fitness, and what to pack

A moderate level of physical fitness is required. You will need to board the boat, stay steady on a moving vessel, and handle fishing equipment. Fighting a larger fish can also require effort, even with help from the guide.

The operator supplies fishing equipment and bait, including Shimano and Penn gear. Bottled water and snacks are included. Bring your own:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sea-sickness medicine
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Light clothing that can get wet
  • A small waterproof bag for valuables
  • Any personal drinks or snacks you specifically need

Do not bring a large suitcase onto the boat. The 1.85-meter width leaves little reason to carry more than the basics. It is also wise to charge your phone before departure, since you will likely want photos of the boat, the coast, and any fish you catch, though phone charging facilities are not specified.

English and Japanese guiding are available. If your group needs another language, ask before booking rather than assuming it will be provided.

A note on the feedback and what it tells you

The experience has a listed rating of 5.0 from nine reviews, though the feedback includes related fishing and snorkeling activities as well as other outings. The clearest praise centers on the crew, the success of the fishing, the early start, and the pleasure of having the catch cooked afterward.

Awa is repeatedly singled out for his friendly manner, practical skill, and ability to make the day enjoyable. Captain Rinta is also associated with a well-run fishing outing. One trip produced 15 fish while targeting rainbow runners, and another included sunrise, strong catches, and good knowledge of fishing locations.

That is encouraging, but fishing always contains an element of luck. A five-hour trip can be successful even if the catch is modest, provided you enjoy the boat ride, the instruction, and the effort. Go in expecting a real fishing session, not a guaranteed haul.

Booking and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is private for your group only. The standard meeting point is Ramayana Candidasa Beach Resort, and the activity ends back at that meeting point unless hotel transport has been arranged.

Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted. Since the trip depends on good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions should result in a different date or a full refund.

Because the trip is often booked about 16 days ahead, reserve early if you have a fixed holiday schedule. That is especially sensible if you want an early departure, hotel pickup, or the lunch option.

Should you book the Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat?

Book it if you want a serious, small-group fishing morning near Candidasa, with proper tackle, local instruction, and the option to eat your catch afterward. The combination of Awa’s long experience, the Shimano and Penn equipment, and the private boat makes the $75 price reasonable for anglers who would rather not join a crowded shared outing.

Before booking, confirm pickup coverage, the lunch supplement or option, and your preferred departure time. Pack for sun and motion, and remember that the sea decides how comfortable and productive the day will be.

I would skip it if your main goal is a roomy cruise, guaranteed fish, or a soft sightseeing boat with plenty of space. For people who want to hold a rod, learn local techniques, and spend a focused morning on Bali’s east coast, this is a practical and appealing choice.

FAQ

Where does the Bali Fishing Trip Private Boat start?

The stated meeting point is Ramayana Candidasa Beach Resort, Jalan Raya Sengkidu, Sengkidu, Manggis, Karangasem, Bali 80871. Private pickup from a hotel or villa in Bali may also be available, so confirm the arrangement when booking.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

What fishing equipment is provided?

Fishing equipment and bait are included. The operator states that it uses Shimano equipment from Japan and Penn equipment from the United States.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included only if you select the lunch option. After fishing, the guide can take you to a restaurant where your catch can be cooked.

What should I bring?

Bring your own sunscreen and sea-sickness medicine. You should also pack light clothing suitable for a boat trip and keep valuables in a small waterproof bag.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time.

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