BlueWater Express

The Gili Islands have been a traveller hotspot for decades, but it wasn’t always plain sailing getting there. Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, the relatively short 100-mile trip from South Bali to the Gilis was in fact an arduous journey lasting most of the day. That all changed 20 years ago.

The introduction of the fast boat services revolutionized the travel experience and in doing so, put the Gili Islands firmly on the map as a major traveller destination. BlueWater Express was there from the very beginning in 2006 as one of the pioneers connecting Bali and the Gili Islands in just two hours.

It is now marking twenty years of service with the same mission – a safe, seamless and speedy journey across the Lombok Strait. While many other, much larger fast boats have entered the market since, Blue Water has kept its promise of low-density vessels for a boutique travel experience without the overcrowding or the stress.

Since day 1, it has maintained a 100% safety record with a strong focus on customer care and hospitality. However, it isn’t resting on its laurels. It is now tapping the latest innovations in maritime technology to ensure every trip is safe and comfortable. It has inked a partnership with Volvo Penta and Cetasol, to adopt AI-powered monitoring across the fleet. This advanced system offers real time monitoring for all vessels, relaying live data to crew and provides predictive warnings. Where the weather and fast-moving sea conditions are concerned, nothing is left to chance.

From its humble beginnings 20 years ago, Blue Water employs a team of about 100 staff based in Bali and the Gili Islands. All crew are fully licensed and experienced in navigating the waters of Bali and Lombok.

Boat services depart from both Serangan Harbour in south Bali and Padang Bai Harbour in the east. In fact, the Blue Water travel experience begins well before you get to the pier. When departing from Bali, the ticket includes a door-to-door hotel pickup from many areas in Bali, ensuring a hassle-free start to every Gili Island getaway.