Introduction
If you’ve ever sat in Bali’s traffic between Canggu and Uluwatu, you know how long those 90 minutes can feel. GoBoat offers a different story: a 35-minute ride across open water that drops you right on the sand. Instead of honking horns, you get sea breeze and a first view of Uluwatu’s cliffs from the water.
What is GoBoat Bali?
GoBoat is a small-boat shuttle that runs between Nelayan Beach (Canggu) and Padang Padang (Uluwatu). You step straight into the water, hand your bag to the crew, and climb on board. The project works with local fishing communities, so every crossing is also a small way of supporting the coast.
🛥️ Route: Canggu ⇄ Uluwatu (Padang Padang Beach)
⏱️ Duration: 35–40 minutes
💰 Price: IDR 255,000 (~€15–17) one way
🎟️ Booking: Online only via GoBoat.id
🎒 Luggage: Small bag or backpack only
📅 Last checked: 09.09.2025
Planning more than just transport? Check out our Complete Bali Travel Guide for visas, regions and insider tips.
How to Get to GoBoat in Canggu
From most parts of Canggu, you can reach Nelayan Beach in 5–15 minutes by scooter or a short Grab/Gojek ride. There is paid scooter and limited car parking near the beach entrance. Look for the lifeguard hut as the main landmark and the GoBoat team in branded shirts.
How to Get to GoBoat in Uluwatu
Padang Padang Beach is the landing point in Uluwatu. From nearby areas such as Bingin, Pecatu, or Suluban it takes 5–15 minutes by scooter or a short Grab/Gojek ride. There is paid parking at the top of the staircase that leads down to the beach. Walk down the main steps and you will find the GoBoat team near the sand, ready to help you board.
Route and Duration
- Canggu ⇄ Uluwatu (Padang Padang Beach) – direct, 35–40 minutes.
Meeting points:
- Canggu: Nelayan Beach, near the lifeguard hut. Look for crew in GoBoat shirts.
- Uluwatu: Padang Padang Beach, on the main stretch below the staircase.
Both landings are on open sand, so expect wet feet.
Schedule & Prices
| Canggu → Uluwatu | Uluwatu → Canggu | |
|---|---|---|
| ⏱️ Times | 09:00 • 11:00 • 13:00 • 15:00 • 17:00 | 10:00 • 12:00 • 14:00 • 16:00 |
| 💰 Price | IDR 255,000 (≈ €15–17) one way | |
| 🎟️ Ticket Types |
Standard: non-refundable Flexible: 1 free change up to 1h before • Refund if cancelled | |
| 🎒 Luggage | 1 small bag/backpack per person • no suitcases | |
| 🏄 Surfboards | Allowed with add-on (1 per passenger) | |
🔎 Always confirm latest times on the official booking page.
Thinking of spending the whole day in Uluwatu? Read our Uluwatu Guide for beaches, temples, and cafés to explore once you arrive.
Why we like it
What we love about GoBoat is how it changes the mood of the journey. Normally, driving to Uluwatu feels like slowly escaping Canggu’s streets: scooters everywhere, trucks stalling on hills, and a constant stop-and-go. By boat, the day begins differently. You wait barefoot on the sand, QR code ready, while the crew push the boat through the shallows. The moment the engine starts, Canggu is already behind you. Within minutes the coastline pulls away, the spray cools your skin, and Uluwatu’s cliffs appear on the horizon. It feels like a shortcut, but also like the start of an adventure.
Things to know before you go
Weather rules the schedule: If the sea is rough, trips are cancelled for safety. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible. Morning crossings are usually calmer
Travel light: Flip-flops, a backpack, and maybe a surfboard (with an extra ticket) are fine. Large suitcases aren’t allowed. Pack a dry bag or waterproof case in case the waves are strong while entering the boat
Barefoot boarding: You’ll wade a few steps through the shallows to get on board. Most find it fun, but it isn’t suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
Punctual departures: Boats leave on time. If you miss your slot, you’ll need to book again.
Sun and spray: There is no shade on the boat. Bring sunscreen and consider a dry bag to protect phones and valuables.
Tides: At very low tide, boarding may take a little longer as rocks can be exposed. Flexible tickets are worth it with kids or tight schedules.
Facilities: There are no toilets on the boat. Use the beach facilities before boarding.
Entry fee at Padang Padang: On arrival, every foreign adult pays an entry fee of IDR 15,000, collected at the staircase above the beach.
GoBoat vs. Car vs. Scooter
There are three main ways to travel between Canggu and Uluwatu. Each option has its own balance of time, cost, and comfort. Here’s how GoBoat compares to the road alternatives.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoBoat | 35 min | IDR 255,000 (≈ €15–17) | Fastest and most scenic. Light luggage only. Lands directly on the sand at Padang Padang. |
| Car / Grab | 60–90+ min | IDR 200,000–350,000 | Comfortable and good for luggage. Travel time varies with traffic. Door-to-door service. |
| Scooter | ~60 min | IDR 60,000–80,000/day | Cheapest and most flexible. Best for experienced riders. Risky in rain or after dark. |
⚠️ Safety Note: In 2025, Bali experienced several fast boat accidents, including a tragic capsize on the Nusa Penida to Sanur route that claimed multiple lives (The Guardian). These incidents occurred on longer open-ocean crossings where boats are exposed to rough seas for extended periods. GoBoat operates only a short 35-minute coastal shuttle between Canggu and Uluwatu, provides every passenger with a life jacket, and cancels trips whenever conditions are unsafe. Compared to the thousands of safe boat journeys that run around Bali every month, the risk on this short route is considered very low.
FAQs
Can I book GoBoat on the same day? Sometimes, but tickets often sell out. It is best to book in advance, especially in high season.
What payment methods are accepted? You can pay online with credit card or Indonesian e-wallets such as GoPay and OVO.
Can I bring a surfboard on GoBoat? Yes, one surfboard per passenger is allowed with an extra ticket add-on.
Is GoBoat safe to use? Yes, crossings run only in safe conditions and are cancelled if seas are rough. Every passenger receives a life jacket.
What happens if my trip is cancelled? With a Flexible ticket you can change or get a refund if the operator cancels. Standard tickets usually convert to a voucher.
Can children travel on GoBoat? Yes, children can ride with adults. A Flexible ticket is recommended for families.
How does the cost compare to taxis? GoBoat costs slightly more than an off-peak GrabCar, but it is faster and more scenic.
Is GoBoat accessible for wheelchairs or strollers? No. Because boarding is directly on the beach and through shallow water, it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
How long does the crossing take? The ride between Canggu and Uluwatu usually takes 35–40 minutes.
Do I need to book in advance? Yes, all tickets are sold online and boats often sell out, especially in high season.
Can I carry large luggage? No. Only a backpack or small bag per person is permitted; suitcases are not allowed.
Conclusion
GoBoat is more than just transport — it’s the feeling of leaving Canggu behind and arriving in Uluwatu with the ocean wind on your face. In 35 minutes you trade traffic jams for turquoise water and step onto the sand ready to explore Bali’s cliffs, temples, and hidden beaches. If you want to see the island beyond the roads, this is one of the most memorable ways to do it.
Ready to plan the rest of your Bali journey? Dive into our Complete Bali Travel Guide for insider tips, hidden gems, and itineraries to make your trip unforgettable.
