Comparison overview
BlueWater Express and Eka Jaya both cross from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan in about 90 minutes, and on Sailtix both sell above the budget boats on that route. Choose by harbour first. Of the two, BlueWater is the one Sailtix sells from Serangan in south Bali, and its boats call at every port in turn. Eka Jaya has more sailings from Padang Bai, also serves Gili Meno, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Senggigi, and runs far larger aluminium ferries. BlueWater confirms your seat when you pay; Eka Jaya confirms it after booking. Eka Jaya refunds in full 7 or more days ahead; BlueWater refunds 50% at most.
BlueWater Express or Eka Jaya from Bali to the Gili Islands: harbours, stops, boats, check-in, baggage, refund and date-change rules side by side.
This guide compares the published options using the factors shown below. Rankings are a planning aid: always confirm the live departure time, route, fare, baggage conditions and vessel details for your chosen travel date before purchasing a ticket.
How the options were compared
- Bali harbours
- Gili and Lombok stops
- Nusa Penida and Lembongan
- Crossing time
- Direct or multi-stop
- Boat size and hull
- Engines
- On board
- Safety certification
- Check-in
- Baggage
- Confirmation
- Child and infant fares
- Cancellation
- Date change
These criteria help separate operators that may serve similar routes but differ in speed, comfort, price positioning, schedule coverage or the type of passenger experience they provide.
Ranked options
#1 BlueWater Express
Best from south Bali
Serangan departures to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Bangsal, a lower child fare, and a seat confirmed with BlueWater as soon as you pay. Boats are 70 to 84 seats and call at every port in turn; refunds are 50% at most.
#1 Eka Jaya
Most choice from Padang Bai
More Padang Bai sailings, Gili Meno, Lembongan, Penida and Senggigi on one network, and 180 to 382-seat aluminium ferries. The Sailtix fare is lower and a full refund applies 7 or more days out; Eka Jaya confirms the seat after booking.
Check the live trip before booking
Schedules and prices can change by season, sailing date and port conditions. Compare the actual departure and arrival harbors, estimated journey time, transfer inclusions and current seat availability. A highly ranked operator is only useful when its live sailing matches your itinerary.
Arrive within the check-in window shown on the ticket, keep identification and booking details available, and allow extra time for harbor queues. If weather or port instructions affect a sailing, follow the operator's current check-in guidance.