Beaches and Boat Rides for Children on Lembongan

Choosing Where to Go

Lembongan can be a relaxed island for children if you pick the calm side. The gentle water is at Mushroom Bay, Coconut Beach and the northern mangroves, and the hazards are on the open south-west coast and on the cliffs. Here is a simple split.

Good for children

  • Mushroom Bay for swimming close to shore
  • Coconut Beach and the mangrove area
  • Shore snorkelling
  • A mangrove boat trip with lifejackets
  • A buggy tour of the island

Look but do not play

  • Dream Beach
  • Devil’s Tear
  • Cliff jumps on Nusa Ceningan

Mushroom Bay

This is the island’s most sheltered beach and is largely safe for swimming, with care. Tour boats and speedboats come and go, so keep a close watch on small swimmers. It is calmer in the morning. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for hire. One local guide reports a rip current here, so supervise little children and stay within arm’s length.

Coconut Beach and the Northern Mangroves

These northern spots are also largely safe for swimming. The mangrove boat trip works well for children, provided each one wears a lifejacket. Ask in advance whether the operator has child sizes. Boats run at mid to high tide and cost about IDR 187,500 per person for a minimum of two.

Snorkelling for Beginners

Both Mushroom Bay and the northern mangroves give good snorkelling from the shore. Boat snorkelling at Manta Point involves strong current and surge, so wait until children are older and confident swimmers.

The Buggy Tour

An open-sided buggy takes up to five passengers and is easier for young families than a scooter. Charges depend on time: about IDR 800,000 for five hours and about IDR 1,500,000 for a full day.

A Tunnel Adventure, With Limits

The Gala-Gala Underground House in Lembongan Village has dark, narrow tunnels where adults must crouch, and it is a maze. Toddlers, nervous children and visitors with mobility difficulties may find it hard going.

Danger Spots to Avoid

Dream Beach has a strong shorebreak and rip currents. Devil’s Tear has a drop at the edge, with rope barriers that must be respected and small children kept firmly by the hand. The cliff jumps on Ceningan, at Mahana Point and the Blue Lagoon, are for confident adults only.

Boat Safety on the Way

Fast boats from Sanur take about 30 minutes. Check that lifejackets are on board before you leave. Child sizes may be missing, and the UK Foreign Office suggests bringing your own. A morning crossing is the better choice, and wet-season swell from December to March often cancels sailings. Passengers wade ashore from most boats.

Read more: activities on Lembongan gives the full list.

The UK Foreign Office sea safety page is worth a look, and Wikivoyage describes each beach. Child-friendly tours are on Viator .