Nusa Penida: Private Snorkeling Tour & Kelingking Beach Day Trip

Summary

Swim with manta rays then wander wild cliffs on Nusa Penida

You’ll start early with hotel pickup in Bali, then speed across to Nusa Penida for snorkeling with manta rays and turtles in clear bays. After a simple local lunch, your private car takes you up winding roads to see Kelingking Beach’s wild cliffs before relaxing at Crystal Bay. It’s equal parts adventure and quiet moments you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’d seen those photos — you know the ones, everyone floating in turquoise water off Bali, grinning at the camera. I always wondered if it was really like that. So when our driver picked us up before sunrise for this Nusa Penida snorkeling tour, I was half-awake but buzzing. The speedboat from Sanur was loud and a bit chaotic (in a good way), with locals hauling crates of who-knows-what and everyone laughing about the spray. I liked that it wasn’t just tourists — felt real.

Our guide, Wayan, met us at Nusa Penida’s little port. He handed out gear and grinned when he saw my nervous face — “Don’t worry, mantas are gentle.” The first jump into Manta Bay was cold enough to jolt me fully awake. Suddenly there they were: huge shadows gliding beneath us, so quiet you almost forget to breathe. Salt stung my lips and someone next to me shrieked (happy shriek). I still think about how small I felt drifting above those rays. Later we drifted over bright coral gardens at Gamat and Puyung Bay — tiny blue fish everywhere.

Lunch was simple nasi campur at a warung near the beach — spicy sambal, fried tempeh, nothing fancy but perfect after swimming. Wayan told us stories about growing up here; his laugh is contagious. Afterward we bumped along narrow roads in our private car to Kelingking Beach. The cliffs really do look like a dinosaur’s back — everyone says T-Rex but honestly it’s even stranger in person. There’s this wind that smells faintly of seaweed and sunscreen, and the sunlight makes everything too bright to look at for long.

We ended the day at Crystal Bay. Some folks swam again but I just sat in the sand watching kids play soccer with a coconut. It’s funny what sticks with you — not just the snorkeling or the famous views but little things: wet hair sticking to my neck, Wayan singing softly as he drove us back to the port. The ride home was quieter; salt-dried skin and sun-tired eyes. Would I do this day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali again? Yeah… probably just for that feeling of floating above something wild.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nusa Penida snorkeling and beach tour

• Pick up from your hotel
• Drive to Sanur Port
• Take public speedboat to Nusa Penida
• Arrive at Nusa Penida
• Snorkel at Manta, Gamat, Puyang, Amok Bay
• Lunch break
• Visit Kelingking Beach
• Relax and swim at Crystal Bay
• Return to Nusa Penida port
• Take speedboat back to Bali
• Arrive Bali and return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Nusa Penida snorkeling tour from Bali?

The tour lasts around 12 hours including hotel pickup in Bali, boat transfers, snorkeling stops, lunch, land tour by private car on Nusa Penida, and return transfer.

Are manta rays guaranteed on this Nusa Penida snorkeling trip?

No wildlife sightings can be guaranteed but Manta Bay is known for frequent manta ray appearances during snorkeling tours.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Nusa Penida?

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

How many people are on the snorkeling boat?

The shared snorkeling boat has up to 7 or 8 people per group for comfort.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, all snorkeling equipment including life jackets is provided as part of your booking.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nusa Penida tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most areas in Bali such as Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, and Kuta.

What beaches or sights will we visit besides snorkeling?

You’ll visit Kelingking Beach’s cliffs by private car after lunch and have time to relax or swim at Crystal Bay before heading back.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Bali, public speedboat transfers to Nusa Penida, all entrance fees covered upfront so you don’t have to worry about cash on hand, professional English-speaking snorkeling guide with GoPro photos underwater (always fun seeing yourself try not to panic), all snorkel equipment provided for you plus bottled water throughout the day. Lunch is included at a local spot before your private car takes you around the island’s famous sights — then it’s back by evening feeling sun-kissed and salt-soaked.