A new sea taxi route is set to launch in early 2025 between Bali's most popular resorts.

Bottom Line: The private company GoBoat already offers sea taxi routes connecting Canggu ↔ Jimbaran and Canggu ↔ Uluwatu, with tickets available online via Klook. It’s an alternative for navigating traffic-heavy areas. The government-led expansion of the sea expressway plan is expected to gradually add more inter-resort routes starting in 2025, aiming to ease road congestion. For now, land-based private car hires and ride-hailing remain the primary means of inter-area travel, while GoBoat is a viable option for short coastal trips.

Bali’s Traffic Congestion: The Current Situation

As one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, Bali attracts millions of visitors each year. However, with the rapid growth of tourism and expanding infrastructure, traffic congestion has become one of the biggest local challenges. Whether during peak hours or the high season, the journey from the airport to Seminyak or Ubud can take hours, even though these areas are only a few dozen kilometers apart.

Key factors contributing to traffic congestion:

1. Road Design: Most roads in Bali are narrow two-lane roads that cannot handle the surge in vehicle traffic.
2. Rising Vehicle Numbers: Not only local residents’ vehicles but also a flood of rental cars and taxis.
3. Scattered Tourist Hotspots: Attractions like Seminyak, Jimbaran, Ubud, and Uluwatu are spread out, creating high transportation demand.
4. Lack of Public Transit Options: Bali’s public transportation system is currently limited, with most visitors relying on private car hires or ride-hailing services.

The direct result of traffic congestion is a decline in visitor satisfaction, especially among short-stay travelers, who may find it hard to make the most of their trip due to delays.

---

Plan Background and Approval Process

To address this issue, Bali’s local government and tourism authorities have been actively pushing for transportation infrastructure reforms in recent years. The ‘Sea Expressway’ plan was introduced in early 2024 and quickly gained attention. The initiative was championed by then-Badung Regent I Nyoman Giri Prasta, who proposed leveraging Bali’s island geography to create new sea transportation options and reduce pressure on land routes.

After multiple rounds of expert evaluation and financial review, the project received final approval at the end of 2024 and is scheduled to officially launch in 2025.

Key Approving Bodies:

• Bali Provincial Government
• Indonesian Ministry of Transportation
• Indonesian Ministry of Tourism
• Multiple private shipping company partners

This project is regarded as a major milestone for future tourism development, aiming to enhance Bali’s global competitiveness while improving the quality of life for local residents.

---

Details of the GoBoat Water Taxi Route

This new water taxi route will feature three main stops:

1. Berawa (in the Seminyak/Canggu area): A convenient boarding point for travelers visiting the popular hotspots of Seminyak and Canggu.
2. Nusa Dua: A hub for high-end resorts, attracting tourists seeking premium travel experiences.
3. Ngurah Rai International Airport: A dedicated pier is planned to allow international and domestic travelers to take a water taxi directly from the airport to key destinations.

Expected Travel Times and Fares

• Berawa to Nusa Dua: Estimated at just 25 to 30 minutes (compared to 1–2 hours by road).
• Berawa to Airport: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Estimated fares will vary by distance and passenger count, with initial plans pricing each trip between 200,000 and 300,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately USD$13–$19).

---

Current GoBoat Services

Although this project is government-led, it’s not Bali’s first maritime transportation initiative. A private company already operates the GoBoat service, which currently offers routes from Canggu to the Bukit Peninsula.

GoBoat Existing Routes

1. Canggu to Jimbaran: This route is popular because it connects to Jimbaran’s famous beachfront dining area.
2. Canggu to Uluwatu: For travelers who love surfing and taking in stunning cliff views, this is an especially appealing option.

▶Book GoBoat Tickets Online

---

Advantages of the New Water Taxi Route

Compared to GoBoat, the new route offers these clear advantages:

1. Official Support and Stability: Operated jointly by the government and several major shipping companies, ensuring better safety and service quality.
2. Broader Stop Coverage: Adds an airport stop, greatly benefiting international travelers.
3. Improved Time Efficiency: Reduces time wasted on land transportation for tourists.

Additionally, this route will effectively ease road congestion in southern Bali, especially on the main roads leading to the airport—a major boon for both locals and the tourism industry.

---

Potential Impact on Bali’s Tourism Industry

This new plan not only offers travelers a more convenient transportation option but will also have a profound impact on Bali’s tourism sector.

1. Elevating the High-End Travel Experience: Routes connecting luxury resorts will attract more affluent travelers willing to spend.
2. Extending Visitor Stays: Convenient transportation may encourage tourists to explore more attractions, further boosting the local economy.
3. Promoting Eco-Friendly Tourism: By reducing land traffic pressure and cutting carbon emissions, this aligns with the concept of sustainable tourism.

---

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the water taxi suitable for families with children?

Yes, the boats will be equipped with life jackets and safety gear, and will have ample space for strollers and luggage.

2. Will the new plan put pressure on ticket prices?

For now, the government aims to keep fares affordable, but they may adjust in the future based on demand.

3. Is this route suitable for local residents?

While the primary target is tourists, local residents can also use the service and may enjoy discounted fares.

---

👈 Back to the Ultimate Bali Travel Guide

Want to see the complete beginner’s guide? Click here to read the ‘2026 Bali Ultimate Travel Guide’ to get everything sorted before you go.