Nusa Penida: Snorkeling Tour from Bali with GoPro & Pickup

Summary

Swim with manta rays in Nusa Penida’s clear waters then dry off on deck with salty hair and a smile

You’ll start early from Bali with hotel pickup before heading out by speedboat to Nusa Penida for snorkeling at Crystal Bay, Manta Bay, and Gamat Bay. Expect laughter with your guide, underwater GoPro shots included, and moments of quiet awe as you float above reefs or watch a manta ray pass below you. If you love salty hair and honest adventure, this is it.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mask that still smells faintly of salt and rubber — I’m standing on the edge of a small boat just off Nusa Penida, trying not to overthink how early we’d all woken up in Bali. The guide, Wayan, checks everyone’s straps and grins at my nervous laugh. “Crystal Bay first,” he says, pointing at water so clear you can see the flicker of fish even before you jump in. I fumble with my fins (always left one first for some reason) and then just — splash. The cold hits my face, but there’s sunlight everywhere under the surface.

It’s busy but not crowded; you can hear people’s muffled voices through snorkels, and every so often someone shouts when they spot something big — usually a manta ray gliding past like it owns the place. I tried to say ‘hello’ to one (not sure why) and got a mouthful of seawater for my trouble. Wayan floated nearby with his GoPro, waving us over for photos — I probably looked like a startled turtle in mine. The coral here isn’t as bright as in some places I’ve been, but there’s this gentle sway to everything below that makes you want to stay longer than your lungs allow.

After Crystal Bay we drifted toward Gamat Bay and Wall Point. The sun was already high by then, burning off the last chill from the morning boat ride out of Sanur. There was this moment where everyone went quiet — just watching blue tangs dart between rocks while the current tugged softly at our legs. It smelled like sunscreen and seaweed on deck; towels never really dry out here, but nobody cared much. On the way back to port, Wayan called out names from his whiteboard (I almost missed mine because I was half-asleep). And then it was speedboat time again — Bali coming back into view through salt-streaked windows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nusa Penida snorkeling day trip

• 06:30 Pick up from hotel
• 07:15 Arrive Sanur Port, check-in
• 07:30 Take speedboat to Nusa Penida
• 08:30 Arrive Nusa Penida Port
• 09:00 Snorkel at Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Manta Bay
• 12:00 Return to Nusa Penida Port
• 12:00 Take speedboat back to Sanur Port
• 13:00 Arrive Sanur Port, return to hotel

Top questions

What time does the Nusa Penida snorkeling tour start?

The morning trip starts with hotel pickup at 6:30 AM from Bali.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfer is included from your accommodation in Bali.

Which snorkeling spots are visited on this tour?

You’ll snorkel at Crystal Bay or Wall Point, Gamat Bay, and Manta Bay around Nusa Penida.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

Yes, all snorkeling gear (mask, fins, life jacket) plus towels are included.

Do I get underwater photos during the trip?

Yes, underwater shooting with a GoPro camera is part of the package.

How long do we spend snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

The main snorkeling session lasts about three hours across different bays.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided; only equipment and transfers are included.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Bali, return speedboat tickets to Nusa Penida (public boat), private air-conditioned transport on land in Bali, all snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, life jacket—plus towel use and GoPro underwater photos. Petrol costs and parking fees are covered too before you’re dropped back at your hotel after the trip.