Nusa Penida scuba diving: 3 dives with manta rays

Three dives in one day around islands where the reefs hold their own

A full-day scuba dive trip from Sanur to Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan for three dives with a PADI professional guide, hotel pickup and lunch included. The sites have strong currents and cold water, so it's built for divers with at least 25 logged dives and recent experience within the past six months. Manta rays are possible year-round; seasonal mola (July to October) bring another draw. Maximum four divers per guide keeps the group small.

The Experience

The day starts with hotel pickup at 7am from Sanur, Kuta, Benoa, Nusa Dua, Seminyak or Legian. A 45-minute speedboat ride takes you out to Nusa Penida, where the three dives happen across the islands and the reefs around them. The water here runs cold and the currents can be strong — that's what keeps the coral so healthy and brings the big animals in. You'll see manta rays, reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, turtles and sea snakes. The macro life is thick too: nudibranchs, lionfish, scorpionfish, stingrays, crabs and shrimp live in the same reefs.

Surface intervals and lunch happen on the boat. You can request lunch boxes made to your dietary needs, and coffee or tea is on hand between dives. If you're certified for Nitrox 32%, two tanks come free; a third tank is available if you want it. The guide is a PADI professional who speaks English and stays with a maximum of four divers, so the group stays tight and the pace stays manageable for the conditions.

You're back at your hotel by 4 or 5pm. Bring your own refillable water bottle if you have one. The currents and cold water mean this site is not for beginner divers — you'll need a minimum of 25 logged dives and diving within the past six months to join the regular group. If you have fewer dives or haven't been in the water for longer than that, a private guide is mandatory and arranged at checkout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Sanur, Kuta, Benoa, Nusa Dua, Seminyak or Legian.
• speedboat transport to Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.
• three dives with a PADI professional guide (maximum four divers per guide).
• tanks and weights.
• two free tanks of Nitrox 32% if certified.
• lunch boxes customizable for dietary needs.
• coffee and tea.
• a third tank of Nitrox available if desired.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Bali Scuba

Is this one for you?The currents and cold water here are strong, especially July to October when the mola arrive — this dive demands recent experience and a minimum of 25 logged dives, which is what makes the reef life and the big animals possible in the same day.

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Top questions

What kind of marine life will I actually see at Nusa Penida?

Manta rays are a regular sight year-round, and from July to October the seasonal mola (ocean sunfish) appear. You'll also see reef sharks, wobbegong sharks, turtles, sea snakes and schooling fish. The macro life includes nudibranchs, lionfish, scorpionfish, stingrays, crabs and shrimp — the reefs here are some of the healthiest in Bali.

How early do I need to be ready for pickup?

Hotel pickup starts at 7am from Sanur, Kuta, Benoa, Nusa Dua, Seminyak or Legian. You'll be back at your hotel by 4 or 5pm.

What's the water like at Nusa Penida?

The water runs cold and the currents are often strong, especially during mola season (July to October). These conditions are what keep the coral and marine life so abundant, but they mean the dive is not suitable for beginner divers.

Do I need to bring my own diving equipment?

The PADI dive professional provides tanks and weights. You bring your own refillable water bottle if you have one. If you don't have your own diving gear, you'll need to arrange rental separately.

What experience do I need to join this dive?

You must be Open Water certified or above with a minimum of 25 logged dives and recent diving within the past six months. If you have fewer than 25 dives or haven't dived in more than six months, a private guide is mandatory and can be added at checkout.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport to the islands, three dives with a PADI professional guide, lunch boxes (customizable for dietary needs), coffee and tea, and two free tanks of Nitrox 32% if you're certified. A third tank of Nitrox is available if you want it.