Bali Nusa Penida: Scuba Diving at Manta Point & 3 Dives

Summary

Swim with manta rays near Bali plus relaxed dives & lunch

You’ll board a speed boat from Bali to Nusa Penida for two or three guided scuba dives at Manta Point—swimming right beside wild manta rays—plus snacks and lunch on deck. Dive groups are small so you get more time with your guide, who shares local stories between dives. Includes hotel pickup and all equipment—just bring your sense of adventure.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I saw the size of the waves off Sanur that morning. The speed boat ride to Nusa Penida is about 45 minutes, but it felt longer with the salt spray stinging my face and everyone clutching their gear bags. Our dive guide, Putu, just grinned and said, “Good luck for mantas!” — which made me laugh because I wasn’t sure if he meant weather or actual luck. The air smelled like sunscreen and engine oil. Not exactly poetic, but real.

At Manta Point, the water was colder than I expected — like slipping into a fridge. But then, there they were: manta rays gliding right beneath us, so close you could see their gills flex. One of them looped back and hovered over our bubbles for a second. I forgot about my numb fingers and just stared. During our surface interval (snacks taste better when you’re salty and tired), Putu told us stories about the local fishermen who used to believe mantas brought storms if you counted them out loud. He laughed when I tried to repeat the Balinese word for manta — probably butchered it.

The second dive was quieter, drifting along coral walls with tiny fish flickering in every color. There’s this weird silence underwater except for your own breath — kind of meditative if you let yourself notice it. We did three dives total (honestly, do three if you can), and by the last one my wetsuit had that damp rubber smell that sticks to your skin all afternoon. Lunch on the boat was simple rice and veggies but tasted amazing after hours in the water.

Back on land in Sanur by late afternoon, sunburned and sleepy, I realized how much of the day had blurred together — ocean light, manta shadows, laughter from strangers who felt like friends by then. Still think about that first moment underwater at Manta Point sometimes; it’s hard to explain until you’re there yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba diving at Nusa Penida Manta Point

• Early hotel transfer to dive center
• Equipment fitting and daily briefing
• Pool refresher session if needed
• Depart dive center around 8:30-9:00 AM
• 45-minute speed boat to Nusa Penida
• Perform 2 or 3 scuba dives
• Surface intervals between dives
• Return to dive center by 2:00 or 4:00 PM

Top questions

How many dives are included at Nusa Penida?

You can choose either 2 or 3 dives; most people go for 3 dives.

Is this scuba diving trip suitable for beginners?

This tour is designed for certified divers only; minimum Open Water Diver certification is required.

How long is the boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida?

The speed boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida takes about 45 minutes each way.

Are lunch and snacks provided during the diving trip?

Yes, both snacks and lunch are included during your day on the boat.

What’s the group size per dive guide?

Dive groups are kept small: maximum 3 certified divers per guide.

Is hotel pickup included in this scuba diving tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in select areas are included in your booking.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available—just mention dietary needs when booking.

Are all scuba equipment fees covered?

Your day includes full use of SCUBA equipment plus insurance and all taxes/fees.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in select areas around Bali, all scuba diving equipment setup based on your height and weight details provided at booking, bottled water plus snacks and lunch (vegetarian options available), professional dive guide support throughout every dive at Nusa Penida’s Manta Point, insurance coverage while diving, chartered speed boat transfers between Sanur and Nusa Penida, as well as all taxes and handling charges before heading back in the afternoon.