Snorkeling Nusa Penida Island from Bali: Manta Bay & Crystal Bay

Three snorkeling spots in one morning, with the boat and the camera handled

Snorkeling around Nusa Penida Island from Bali puts you in the water at three separate sites — Manta Bay, Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay — with hotel pickup, speedboat transfer, snorkeling gear and underwater GoPro footage all included. You choose between a private boat or a shared one at checkout. The activity runs two hours in the water, with the full day from pickup to drop-off taking roughly six and a half hours.

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel around 6:30am, then a drive to Sanur Port where you board a speedboat for the crossing to Nusa Penida. You arrive at the island port by 8:30am and head straight into the water. The snorkeling itself runs from 9am to 11am across the three bays — Manta Bay first, then Crystal Bay (also called Wall Point), then Gamat Bay. Each site has its own character: Manta Bay is known for the rays that give it its name, Crystal Bay drops off steeply into deeper water, and Gamat Bay sits in shallower terrain. A guide in English is with you throughout, and you get underwater footage shot on GoPro that you can take home.

You'll use full snorkeling gear provided on the boat, and the operator includes bottled water for the crossing back. The speedboat departs Nusa Penida at noon, arriving back at Sanur Port by 1pm, where your driver takes you back to your hotel. The choice between a private boat and a shared one changes the group size and the pace — private means just your party, shared means you're with other snorkelers on the same route. Either way, the itinerary and the stops stay the same.

The activity requires at least moderate fitness because you're entering the water from a boat and swimming between sites. Children from age 5 can join, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride. The crossing to Nusa Penida can be rough depending on the day, so seasickness medication is worth considering if you're prone to it.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bali.
• speedboat transfer to and from Nusa Penida.
• snorkeling gear including mask, fins and snorkel.
• two hours of snorkeling across three sites.
• English-speaking guide.
• underwater GoPro footage.
• bottled water during the boat ride.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bali View Tours

Is this one for you?Book the private boat option if you want to control the pace and the group size; the shared boat keeps the cost lower and puts you with other snorkelers on the same route. Either way, the two-hour snorkeling window and the fixed boat schedule mean you're in the water at the same three sites and back to your hotel by early afternoon — no building an itinerary yourself.

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Top questions

Can I see manta rays when I snorkel at Manta Bay?

Manta Bay is named for the rays, and they do appear there, but sightings depend on the season and the day's conditions. The site is worth snorkeling regardless — the reef structure and other marine life make it interesting even without rays present.

What's the difference between Crystal Bay and the other two snorkeling spots?

Crystal Bay, also called Wall Point, has a steep drop-off into deeper water, so it feels different from Gamat Bay and Manta Bay. The wall creates a dramatic underwater landscape, and the depth attracts different fish species. Gamat Bay is shallower and sits in a more sheltered setting.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join, or is this okay for beginners?

Beginners are welcome. You get full snorkeling gear and a guide in English, and the operator provides instruction on how to use the equipment. The three sites vary in depth and current, so the guide can match you to the right spot for your comfort level.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I book?

The speedboat crossing to Nusa Penida can be affected by rough seas. If conditions are unsafe, the operator will reschedule you to another date or offer a refund. Check the weather forecast a few days before and plan accordingly.

Is the GoPro footage mine to keep, or do I just see it on the boat?

The underwater GoPro footage is shot during your snorkeling and included with the activity — you take it home with you. It's a way to capture the marine life and your own time in the water without managing a camera yourself.

How long is the boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida, and will I get seasick?

The speedboat crossing takes roughly 45 minutes each way. The crossing can be choppy depending on the day and the season. If you're prone to seasickness, bring medication before you board, and eat a light breakfast beforehand.