Nusa Penida: Snorkeling, Kelingking Beach & Island Sights Day Trip

Summary

Snorkel with manta rays then wander wild cliffs and hidden pools

You’ll start early with hotel pickup in Bali before crossing to Nusa Penida for snorkeling at Gamat Bay and Manta Bay (keep an eye out for manta rays). Lunch is included before exploring Kelingking Beach’s dramatic cliffs and wandering Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong rock pools. Expect salty hair, sore legs—and maybe one perfect view you’ll keep replaying later.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started way before my brain felt ready — our driver knocked just as the sky was getting that faint blue tinge. I barely remember the drive to Sanur Beach (maybe because I was still half-asleep), but the speedboat ride to Nusa Penida snapped me awake fast. Salt spray everywhere, a few kids laughing behind us, and that sharp sea smell you only get in Indonesia. At the port, Wayan was waiting with my name scribbled on a board. He grinned and said something about “big day” — he wasn’t kidding.

First up: snorkeling at Gamat Bay. I’ve snorkeled before, but not like this — the water here feels colder and clearer than Bali’s beaches, almost glassy if you don’t move too much. Fish darted past my mask in colors I can’t name (one looked like a tiny rainbow flag). We drifted over coral gardens while our guide kept an eye out for mantas at Manta Bay — and yeah, we actually saw one glide by below us. It’s weird how calm they look; I tried to wave but obviously it didn’t care. After Crystal Bay (where someone spotted a turtle but I missed it), we dried off shivering a bit and hungry.

Lunch was at a little place up the hill — nothing fancy, but the rice was hot and the sambal nearly made me cry (in a good way). Wayan told us about growing up on Nusa Penida and pointed out which cliffs were safe for climbing down. Then came Kelingking Beach: that cliff view is wild, all jagged green against impossible blue water. The path down is steeper than it looks online; bamboo rails creak under your hands and your legs shake on the way back up. Some local kids were selling coconuts at the top — honestly, best coconut water of my life after that climb.

We hit Broken Beach next (the arch looks bigger in real life), then Angel’s Billabong where people tiptoed over sharp rocks to reach those crazy-clear pools. The sun was already low by then; light bounced off the limestone so everything glowed yellow for a minute. There were macaques watching us from a distance — one tried to steal someone’s snack but gave up quick. By the time we got back to the port for the boat home, I felt salty, tired, sunburnt… but kind of wired too. Still thinking about that manta ray gliding past under all that blue.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nusa Penida snorkeling and sightseeing

• Pickup from hotel in Bali
• Drive to Sanur Beach
• Take speedboat to Nusa Penida
• Meet driver at Nusa Penida port
• Snorkel at Gamat Bay
• Snorkel at Manta Bay
• Snorkel at Crystal Bay
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Visit Kelingking Beach viewpoint
• Visit Broken Beach
• Visit Angel's Billabong
• Drive to Nusa Penida port
• Return by speedboat to Bali
• Drop off at hotel in Bali

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Nusa Penida day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from most areas in Bali such as Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, Jimbaran Bay, Tanjung Benoa, and Nusa Dua.

What snorkeling spots are visited on this tour?

The tour includes snorkeling at Gamat Bay, Manta Bay (where you might see manta rays), and Crystal Bay or Wall Point depending on conditions.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a set menu lunch is included at a local restaurant on Nusa Penida Island.

Are entrance tickets covered?

All entrance fees for attractions are included in the tour price.

Can vegetarians join this Nusa Penida snorkeling tour?

Yes, vegetarian meal options are available if requested when booking.

What age range can join this activity?

The minimum age is 5 years old; maximum allowed age is 60 years old.

How long does it take to get from Bali to Nusa Penida by speedboat?

The speedboat ride from Sanur Beach to Nusa Penida takes around 45 minutes each way.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, all necessary snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, life jacket—is provided as part of the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from most Bali locations before heading by speedboat to Nusa Penida Island. All entrance fees are covered along with professional snorkeling guide support and all gear needed for Gamat Bay and Manta Bay. You’ll get lunch at a local restaurant plus private transport around the island before returning by boat in the evening.