Bali to Nusa Penida: Private Yacht Snorkeling & Manta Rays

Summary

Private boat crossing to Nusa Penida, snorkeling coral gardens, swim with manta rays, lunch with volcano views

You’ll start your day in Bali with coffee and welcome drinks before crossing by private yacht to Nusa Penida. Snorkel coral gardens near Lembongan Island, drift alongside turtles at SD Point, and swim with giant manta rays far from crowds. Enjoy lunch overlooking Mount Agung before returning salty and sun-warmed—these are moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

There was this soft clinking of glasses and a faint smell of coffee when we first walked into the Serangan office—felt more like someone’s living room than a tour check-in. Our guide, Agus, handed me a hoodie towel (which I didn’t think I’d need but ended up loving after the last swim), and kept joking about how he still can’t swim in cold water. We sipped something sweet—maybe guava juice?—before heading out to the dock. The boat looked almost too shiny for my usual travel style, but honestly, I didn’t mind pretending to be fancy for a day.

The ride from Bali to Nusa Penida only took about half an hour, but it felt longer in that good way—sun on my knees, wind tangling my hair, the sound of water slapping against the hull. First stop was this lagoon near Lembongan Island. Agus pointed out these flashes of blue under the surface—parrotfish maybe? The water was so clear you could see every ripple on the sand below. I tried drifting along with the current at SD Point later (got a bit nervous at first), but Agus swam next to me and pointed out a turtle gliding by like it had nowhere urgent to be. That stuck with me.

Lunch was somewhere between surreal and just really comfortable—a view of Mount Agung rising behind an infinity pool, plates of grilled fish and something spicy that made my nose run (in a good way). There was this moment where everyone just went quiet for a second watching clouds move over the volcano. Afterward we headed out again—this time to Manta Bay. No crowds, just our group floating above these giant shapes moving below us. When one manta ray actually swam close enough for me to see its eyes (I swear it looked right at me), I forgot about everything else for a minute.

We finished back at Serangan—I was salty and tired in that happy way you get after swimming all day. Hot shower felt like pure luxury. If you want them to drop you off somewhere else (Nusa Penida’s Toya Pakeh Harbor or back in Bali), they’ll sort it out for you. I still think about that turtle sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day snorkeling and sightseeing tour

• Meet at Serangan office with welcome drink
• Boat crossing to Nusa Penida
• Snorkel at secret Bali Hai Lagoon
• Snorkel at SD Point with turtles
• Snorkel at Wall Bay mangroves
• Enjoy lunch with beach and mountain views
• Swim with Giant Manta Rays at Manta Bay
• Return to Serangan office or Toya Pakeh Harbor

Top questions

How long does the boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida take?

About 30 minutes by private boat from Serangan port.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, high-quality snorkeling gear is provided for all guests.

Can I swim with manta rays on this trip?

Yes, swimming with giant oceanic manta rays is part of the tour at Manta Bay or Manta Point.

Is hotel pickup available from Ubud or Seminyak?

Yes, transfers are available from Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Sanur, Denpasar, Kerobokan, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua areas.

Are meals included during the day trip?

Yes, lunch at a stylish restaurant with views of Mount Agung is included.

Do I get underwater photos or videos?

Yes, underwater photos and videos are taken with a GoPro at no extra charge.

Is there an option for drop-off at Nusa Penida instead of returning to Bali?

Yes, you can choose drop-off at Toya Pakeh Harbor in Nusa Penida if preferred.

Are showers available after the tour?

A hot shower is available back at the Serangan office when you return.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if needed from most Bali areas or meeting at Serangan port; welcome drinks and pastries; all entrance tickets; high-quality snorkeling equipment; guided snorkeling stops around Nusa Penida and Lembongan; underwater photos and videos; lunch overlooking Mount Agung with access to an infinity pool; towels; bottled water throughout; plus flexible drop-off options either back in Bali or on Nusa Penida itself before evening sets in.