This was a higher cost option and supposed to be better. Unfortunately our return ferry from gili air to Bali arrived one hour late for collection with zero communication or apology, then we arrived two hours late overall to Bali again no explanation or communication.
Whilst they provide sickness pills and water etc, getting the basics wrong on timing and comms is poor
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X9772ITchrish
August 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Comfortable but cramped
Crew were great and journey a bit bumpy but seats comfortable but very cramped. I’m over 6ft and it’s impossible to get comfortable with the seat in front of you so close. Journey back from Lombok to Balinhad a very strong smell of petrol!!
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fabriziadefl
August 19, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
A nightmare!
We booked with this company because it was the only one available for the trip; unfortunately, it was truly a nightmare!
First of all, the ""ferry"" arrived more than half an hour late, a very small boat, absolutely not suitable for sailing in the open ocean (despite having checked several times, including through other reviews, which stated it was a reliable company)
given the very high waves, our trip was terrible because the boat was clearly at the mercy of the waves and kept creaking as if we were on a small fishing boat
several times we had the feeling that it could capsize at any moment, given the meager conditions of the boat
CHOOSE ANOTHER COMPANY!!!
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45pascalej
July 7, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great operator
Great experience and very smooth sailing. Great communication and organisation. Even had beers on hand!
Distribution of small waters, good and clear explanations. Recommended, worth spending the extra dollars.
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cosmict670
July 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Not premium at all
The boat’s interior reeks of gasoline, while the exterior offers only a few seats. This combination makes it an unrecommended choice. I tried Ekajaya and recommend it much more.
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jamiewQ3883DQ
June 4, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Good quality & reliable
Was very impressed with Bluewater Express, there is a lot of choice for the Bali to Gili/Lombok crossing - Bluewater are one of the most expensive. I'm genuinley glad we paid extra and went with them, they we're extremely well organised with proper checkin facilities and bag drop off so that we had time to explore around the ports before boarding. Luggage was handled with care and most importantly is stored inside in a proper hold area. Many of the cheaper companies lob them on the top of the boat, exposing them to the elements.
The staff are friendly, boat was comfortable - we had a calm sea. They offer free sea sickness tablets - we'd advise taking them as even on calm days it does rock the boat a fair bit. There is a small outside area at the back for fresh air. Complimentary water and mints were also provided.
We booked transfers with Bluewater to and from our hotels in Bali - more expensive than grab/private but the experience was seamless and they guarantee you won't be late (or will put you onto another boat if you are). Arriving back into Bali is quite overwhelming where you get mobbed by local taxi drivers and Grab isn't allowed in the port - therefore booking our transfers direct with Bluewater allowed for a stress free experience, I'd really recommend doing this as the local port drivers are quite aggressive.
Service ran to time. We actually left 20 minutes early on the way back so I'd advise getting to the port 1 hour before departure (they advise this anyway).
Only "even better if" is the boat is on the smaller side, so I can imagine for rough crossings it could be somewhat unpleasant. Another company (ekajaya i think) are reputable and have much larger boats - better for rough crossings. However they are so large they can't actually dock at Gili Air/Meno so they anchor off the coast then you get a small shuttle across. Bluewater boats are small enough that they dock directly so is a much smoother end to end experience.
Journey goes quick too.
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Smophiex
May 6, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best fastboat in Bali!
After being unsure of who to book with for fast boat due to many negative reviews and first time in Bali, I opted for blue water express for our trip from Padang Bai to Gili Air and Im so pleased we did! It was by far the best journey we had on the water, avoided the busy loading bay queues, sitting at their own café spot in the port until time to board, all costs included in the ticket and tax ticket which other companies do not tell you about. We felt looked after throughout the whole process. Boat was really comfortable with screens, water and mints provided. Bigger & more comfortable seats compared to other boats with excellent AC on at all times. After experiencing an awful boat journey yesterday to Sanur my only plead is that blue water express offer more journeys as I could not book with them for this one 😆😆
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debfr0mcanada
April 26, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
No Complaints!!
Booked online directly with them and I was kept up to date with information and reminders prior to the trip. I had no issues in either direction - felt safe the entire time. On the return journey, I opted to sit outside at the back as it was shaded at that time of day and I really enjoyed it!
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AMPaddison
November 25, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Boat crossing from Bali to Gili Air
Great experience. Well organised and clear instructions. Staff were helpful. The boat was clean and comfortable. Aircon could be better though.
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FarAway19103716457
September 3, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Probably worth the extra money for a premium service.
Having taken the Ekajaya to Gili Trawangan we thought we'd try the Bluewater to return. Generally this was a more enjoyable journey. The check in process was simple and you are able to wait inside Sama-Sama Reggae Bar which is preferable to hanging around on the jetty. Both the check in and ferry were slightly later than the advertised time. The team take your luggage at the bar and transport it to the boat (on Ekajaya you keep your luggage and hand it over upon embarkment) which is a plus. The boarding process was fine, although the crew directed everyone to sit in specific seats as it was a full boat meaning we were put in opposing aisle seats (this process was a little confusing as there seemed to be spare seats that would allow couples and groups to sit together). There is a short safety briefing once you leave Gili Air and the crew handout sick bags, sickness tablets (if needed) and a complementary bottle of water and a mint! The crossing was fine: my partner did not like the strong diesel smell on the main deck so when permitted went to the top deck and sat outside. I have read some complaints about it being a choppy crossing - today was very warm and sunny, although this is a much smaller ferry and it is easier to see why it would be more turbulent in poorer weather. Arrival in Bali was also fine and collection of baggage easy enough. You are able to book a driver to take you to your next destination as part of the package and I would recommend this rather than chancing a taxi at the port. The ferry crew will also organise a taxi for you if you haven't got one already. The only other negative, which is not the fault of the service at all, is that there was quite a large group on our crossing who decided not to pay much attention to the crew briefings and updates and talked loudly through them. In general it is probably worth spending the extra money as getting this premium service.