Sanur Port to Nusa Lembongan: Best Boats, Ferry, and Schedule

The journey from Bali port to Nusa Lembongan is very easy. Rated as one of the best weekend trips from Bali and is preferred by many expats. Overall, the trip is short, with just 30 minutes to one hour and a half on the sea and over 20 departures daily. 

Also, going from Sanur Port to Nusa Lembongan is cheaper than you expect, and even if you are on a tight budget, you can easily discover a hidden gem close to Bali.

This guide to the best fast boat to Nusa Lembongan also provides schedules, ferry operators, and some tips on how to save money.

How to get the tickets for the fast boat Sanur to Nusa Lembongan

Below, you will find step by step how we secured our tickets for the fast ferry to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur Port in Bali:

Best Ferry Companies departing from Sanur Port Bali – At a glance

Ferry/Speed Boat	Weekly Schedule	Duration	Ticket
Scoot Fast Cruises	14 weekly departures	30 min	Book here
D’Camel Fast Ferry	3 daily departures	30 min	Check now
Rocky Fast Cruise	4 daily departures	30 min	Reserve
Arthamas Express	3 daily departures	40 min	Book now

Where do you get the boat to Nusa Lembongan?

The boats from Bali to Nusa Lembongan depart all from Sanur Fast Boat Harbour. This is one of the main ports of Bali, closer to Denpasar and the airport, by Sunrise Beach.

This harbour offers regular ferries and speed boats, and it’s a modern terminal on two levels. Inside the terminal you will find some bars, snacks and quick food to go for the journey.

Where boats get to Nusa Lembongan

There are two disembarkation points in Nusa Lembongan. Mushroom Bay is the most popular for fast ferries from Sanur Port, but you can also get tickets to and from Jungutbatu Beach.

The disembark in Nusa Lembongan isn’t at a proper port, so prepare to get your feet wet.

How long it takes from Sanur Port to Nusa Lembongan

Several companies cover the Sanur to Nusa Lembongan distance, which takes 30 minutes to 1 hour and a half. The high-speed ferry only takes 30 minutes.

The Speed boat, on the other hand, goes slower, covering the distance in 1 hour and a half. If you have motion sickness issues, we suggest the second option, as it is more gentle. The sea between Bali Island and the minor nusas is rough, and it can make the journey a little stressful.

Is it worth going to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida?

We did both and have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of both islands off the coast of Bali. We prefer Nusa Lembongan for its laid-back atmosphere, pristine beaches where you can swim, crystal-clear waters, and better options in terms of homestays, budget resorts, and even restaurants.

You can get to the major Nusa island, Penida, by ferry from Sanur Port. However, we suggest staying at a base in Lembongan and going on day trips and snorkelling/diving activities to Nusa Penida.

Best Boats and Ferries

Making the right choice about the ferry and the company to go with is important; it means spending more or less time on the sea and working with your schedule and budget. Let’s break down the best options for your Nusa Lembongan adventure.

High-Speed Boats

A speed boat is usually larger than others and definitely faster. Taking a speedboat is the fastest way to get from Sanur Port to Nusa Lembongan. The trip takes about 30 minutes, and there are several reliable operators to choose from:

• DCamel Fast Ferry: The most comfortable and less crowded. You pay what you get, and it is the best for the route.
• High Speed Ferry by Arthamas Express: Less fancy than the previous, but the best budget option, covering the route in 30 minutes.
• Scoot Fast Cruises: Another great option is offering two departures per day and the option of pickup from the hotel.
• Glory Express: This service provides a swift and scenic ride to Nusa Lembongan.

Ferries

If you prefer a more relaxed journey or some bucks along the way without rushing to get to Nusa Lembongan, the ferry is a good option. Taking a ferry means getting to your destination in about one hour and a half.

• DStars Fast Ferry: Offer the service on the route for a ridiculous price, only $5 if you book in advance. Be aware that these are often the most crowded boats.
• Arthamas Express: This company also offers a high-speed boat, but this 1.5-hour ferry is the cheapest option.

Sanur Port to Nusa Lembongan Boat Schedule

To make the most of your trip, planning is key. Here’s a general boat schedule to help you out:

• Rocky Fast Cruise: Departures at midday, 2:00 PM, and 5 PM
• Scoot Fast Cruises: Departures at 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM
• Glory Express: Departures at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM
• Arthamas: Speedboat – 9:15 AM; 2:30 PM; 5:00 PM. High Speed – 2:30 PM; 5:00 PM
• D’Camel: 9:30 AM; 1:30 PM; 5:00 PM
• Dream Beach Express: 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 3:00 PM (This is the one we took on return—highly suggested)
• DStars Fastferry: 9:15 AM; 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM

Mind that times are subject to change, so check the online booking website for an accurate schedule.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance to secure your spot and avoid paying more at the port on the day of travel. We had to deal with that once.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your trip from Sanur Harbour to Nusa Lembongan goes smoothly.

Arrive Early

Arrive at Sanur Port at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. This gives you enough time to check-in and board without stress.

Travel Light

While the boats are comfortable, space is often limited. Pack light and bring only what you need for the day. When boarding you are requested to leave your bags on the side for the crew to take on board for you in a dry place.

If you don’t have much luggage like us, you don’t need that, and you can carry it for 30 minutes next to you.

You might get wet

Boarding can be a bit of an adventure, especially if the tide is high. Arriving or departing from Mushroom Bay means you must land on water. Don’t wear shoes on the disembark. Wear sandals and shorts that you don’t mind getting wet.

Take water, snacks, a book or something to spend time on

The journey is short but can easily get boring. Make sure you have fresh water, some snacks, and a good book with you.

Book Your Tickets in Advance, are cheaper than purchasing at the port

We learned from our mistakes, and while planning the escape to Nusa, we wanted to try our luck and save some money by getting the ticket directly at the port. Well, to our surprise, the ticket costs more at the port on the day you are departing.

Luckily, we had a screenshot of the online rates from the day before, and after hanging for a bit, we secured the same price as we expected, plus a little markup.

Don’t commit the same mistake. Avoid last-minute hassles and higher prices by booking your tickets from Bali to Nusa Lembongan ahead of time. This not only secures your spot but also ensures you get the best deal.

Is it worth going for a weekend away to Nusa Lembongan?

Yes, a weekend in Nusa Lembongan is perfect. We actually ended up extending our stay. The little island is perfect for enjoying the vibes with no crowds and nice beaches.

It was definitely an adventure, from the ferry journey from Sanur to riding the scooter without gas stations on the island to secluded beaches and unique sunsets.