Nusa Penida: Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Swim with manta rays at Nusa Penida and taste Bali’s wild side

You’ll start your day with hotel pickup before heading to Nusa Penida for snorkeling with manta rays and colorful reef fish. There’s time to float in clear water, laugh with your guide over lunch by the beach, and soak up island life before heading back—leaving you a little sunburned and a lot lighter inside.

What’s the experience like?

“Sometimes the mantas just glide right past you,” Ketut grinned as he handed me my fins at Sanur port. I was still half-asleep from the early pickup (honestly, I almost forgot my sunscreen), but his energy woke me up fast. The speedboat ride to Nusa Penida was louder than I expected—wind whipping, salt spray in my face, a few kids giggling behind us. I tried not to think about how deep the water was below.

The first jump into Manta Bay is a shock—cold, then suddenly you’re floating above these huge shapes moving through blue-green light. My mask fogged up right away (classic), so I missed the first manta ray until our guide tapped my shoulder and pointed down. It’s hard to describe seeing something that big just… drifting under you. The water tasted metallic and there was this weird quiet between breaths through the snorkel. I still think about that silence sometimes.

We stopped at Gamat Bay and Wall Bay too—lots of bright fish darting around coral that looked like someone spilled paint everywhere. Lunch was simple but good: fried rice, grilled fish, watermelon juice. Sitting with wet hair at a plastic table on the sand felt weirdly perfect after all that swimming. Ketut told us stories about growing up on Nusa Penida; he laughed when I tried to say “terima kasih” properly (I probably butchered it). The trip back was quieter—everyone kind of sun-dazed and salty-skinned, watching Bali come into focus again through the boat window.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour in Nusa Penida

• Pickup from hotel in Bali
• Travel to Sanur Port
• Speed boat to Nusa Penida
• Snorkel at Manta Bay
• Snorkel at Gamat Bay
• Snorkel at GT Bay
• Snorkel at Wall Bay
• Lunch at beachfront restaurant
• Speed boat back to Sanur Port
• Return to hotel in Bali

Top questions

How long is the snorkeling tour in Nusa Penida?

The full day trip lasts about 7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transfers, snorkeling stops, and lunch.

Are snorkeling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included for guests during the tour.

Is lunch included on the Nusa Penida snorkeling trip?

Yes, one meal and one drink (local food) are included at a beachfront restaurant during the tour.

Where does the tour start from in Bali?

Your driver will pick you up directly from your hotel or villa anywhere in Bali for transfer to Sanur port.

Can children join this snorkeling experience?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in a pram or sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

Will we definitely see manta rays while snorkeling?

Manta sightings are common at Manta Bay but not guaranteed as they are wild animals in their natural habitat.

What’s included

Your day includes private round-trip hotel pickup in Bali, express fast boat tickets to Nusa Penida without waiting in line, use of all snorkeling equipment and life jackets, underwater photos taken by your guide with a GoPro, entry fees and taxes covered, plus a local lunch with one drink before returning home salty-haired but happy.