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Aerial view of Broken Beach rock arch, Nusa Penida

Bali’s protected waters · 2026

Bali Marine Park Permits 2026

Who needs a permit, what it costs and how to get one before diving or snorkelling in Bali’s Marine Protected Areas.

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In short

Foreign visitors diving, snorkelling or boat-touring inside Bali’s Marine Protected Areas need a permit in 2026 — typically USD 10–30 a day, usually arranged by the tour operator.

  • Fees rose an average 15% from 1 January 2026
  • Key MPAs: Nusa Penida, West Bali National Park, Gili Islands
  • First-offence fines: USD 100–500 per person

The numbers

Permits in four figures

Average fee rise for international guests, 1 Jan 2026
15%
More spot checks since early 2026
20%
Of permit revenue funds conservation programmes
70%
Coral fragments being planted at Nusa Penida
5,000

Who needs one

Activities that need a permit

Required for every foreign participant inside Marine Protected Area boundaries.

01

Scuba diving

A single dive permit typically covers one day of diving within one MPA.

02

Snorkelling & free diving

Any in-water activity in protected zones such as Nusa Penida or Menjangan Island.

03

Boat tours

Organised tours and certain boat trips operating within MPA boundaries.

04

Private charters

Independent operators and private charters follow the same rules.

05

Spot checks

Checks are up 20% since early 2026, especially at Crystal Bay and Manta Point.

How to apply

Getting your permit

Usually handled for you by a licensed tour operator or dive centre.

Always check that your operator holds all necessary licences and permits.

  1. Book a licensed operator

    Private excursions, such as a Nusa Penida snorkel trip, usually include the permit fee in the package.

  2. Share your passport

    Provide a copy of your passport.

  3. Confirm your dates

    Confirm the dates of your planned activity.

  4. Book ahead

    Allow at least 24–48 hours, longer in the peak months of June to August.

2026 fees

Permit costs for foreign tourists

Typical permit types, estimated costs and validity in Bali’s key MPAs.

Nusa Penida · Snorkelling

Cost
USD 10–15 per person
Validity & coverage
1 day; spots such as Crystal Bay and Manta Bay

Nusa Penida · Diving

Cost
USD 15–25 per person
Validity & coverage
1 day, multiple dives; sites such as Manta Point and SD Point

West Bali NP · Menjangan

Cost
USD 20–30 per person, park entry included
Validity & coverage
1 day; Menjangan Island marine area

Gili Islands Marine Park

Cost
USD 5–10 per person conservation fee
Validity & coverage
Per visit; separate from dive or tour fees

Private boat charter

Cost
In the charter fee, or USD 20–50 per boat per day
Validity & coverage
1 day; lets the vessel operate inside the MPA

Multi-day / weekly

Cost
3–5 times the daily rate
Validity & coverage
3–7 consecutive days; limited availability

Research / photography

Cost
Varies, typically USD 50–200+ per project
Validity & coverage
Project-specific; professional filming or research

Estimated 2026 rates. Fees are collected by park rangers or authorised operators and are non-negotiable.

Snorkeller swimming over a coral reef

Where the money goes

Permits that fund the reef

About 70% of permit revenue funds coral reef rehabilitation, marine debris clean-ups and anti-poaching patrols. Fees also pay for park management, ranger salaries and community programmes.

In 2025–2026 the Nusa Penida MPA began planting 5,000 coral fragments across three key sites, paid for by permit funds.

  • Nusa Penida MPA: about 20,000 hectares, established 2010
  • West Bali National Park, including Menjangan Island
  • Gili Islands Marine Park, Lombok

Quick answers

Permit questions

First offences carry fines of USD 100–500 per person. Repeat offenders face larger fines, possible equipment confiscation or temporary bans from MPAs.

Start planning

Planning a day on the water?

Tell us your dates and what you’d like to do, and we’ll help you plan it from your villa.

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