Nusa Lembongan: Snorkeling Manta Bay, Crystal Bay & Mangrove

Summary

Snorkel with manta rays then drift over coral gardens near Nusa Penida

You’ll slip into Nusa Lembongan’s warm waters to snorkel with manta rays at Manta Bay (or Manta Point if needed), then explore colorful reefs at Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point—all guided by locals who know every current. Expect laughter, unexpected underwater encounters, and salty skin by day’s end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling at Manta Bay and Mangrove

• Safety briefing and trip overview
• Sail to Manta Bay
• Swim with manta rays
• Visit Manta Point if no manta rays
• Snorkel at Crystal Bay
• Explore coral reefs at Mangrove Point
• Return to shore

Top questions

Can you swim with manta rays on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling with manta rays is included at Manta Bay or Manta Point depending on conditions.

Where does the snorkeling trip start?

The snorkeling starts from Jungut Batu Lembongan in Nusa Lembongan.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes, all equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket) and towels are provided.

Is lunch included in this snorkeling tour?

No lunch is mentioned as included in this tour.

Are photos or videos included?

Yes, your guide will take photos and videos using a GoPro during the trip.

How many snorkeling spots are visited?

You’ll visit three main spots: Manta Bay (or Manta Point), Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Point.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Jungut Batu Lembongan to start your snorkeling adventure; all gear such as mask, snorkel, fins and life jacket; fresh towels; plus GoPro photos and videos taken by your local guide before heading back ashore together.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to float above a manta ray? I didn’t think I’d actually see one, honestly. But there we were—Nusa Lembongan behind us, salt drying on my lips, and Ketut (our guide) grinning as he pointed out a shadow gliding below. The boat rocked gently at Manta Bay while everyone scrambled for their masks. I hesitated—heart thumping—then slipped in. The water was cooler than I expected, almost shocking. For a second it was just blue and bubbles, then suddenly this huge, silent shape appeared out of nowhere. It moved so slowly, like it owned the place. Ketut shouted something from the boat but I barely heard him through my snorkel.

If you don’t spot mantas right away (we almost didn’t), the captain just shrugs and steers toward Manta Point instead—no fuss. After that rush, Crystal Bay felt like a different world: sunlight slicing through clear water, tiny fish darting everywhere. Someone handed me a piece of bread underwater and before I knew it there were rainbow-colored fish pecking at my fingers. I laughed so hard my mask nearly filled up. The coral here is wild—some bits look almost fake, like plastic toys from childhood. It’s strange what memories pop up when you’re floating face-down in the Indian Ocean.

Our last stop was Mangrove Point. By then the sun was high and the breeze smelled sharp—almost peppery from the mangroves themselves. We drifted quietly; nobody talked much anymore, just watched schools of silver fish flicker past or tried to spot weird sea cucumbers hiding in the sand below. Ketut snapped some GoPro shots that made us look braver than we felt (I still can’t believe how goofy my hair looked under that mask). Back on shore later, rinsing off with borrowed towels and squinting into the afternoon light, I caught myself thinking about that first moment underwater—a mix of nerves and awe that hasn’t really faded yet.