Nusa Penida: Snorkeling with Manta Rays & Kelingking Cliff Day Trip

Summary

Snorkel with manta rays then wander dramatic cliffs and relax over lunch

You’ll start early from Sanur and spend your day snorkeling vibrant coral gardens around Nusa Penida, then catch your breath at Kelingking Cliff before relaxing over lunch with ocean views. If you’re lucky, you’ll swim alongside giant manta rays — an experience that stays with you long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that shadow? That’s a manta,” our guide Wayan whispered, pointing just as the water shifted under me. I’d barely gotten used to the salt stinging my lips at Mangrove Point before this huge, silent shape glided past — honestly, my heart was pounding. The morning started early in Sanur (I almost missed my coffee), but the speed boat ride woke everyone up fast. There’s something about the air out here — it smells like seaweed and sunscreen, and you can hear people laughing nervously as we suited up for our first snorkeling stop.

After drifting over bright corals at SD Point (Wayan called it “turtle garden” — didn’t spot one but plenty of fish), we dried off in the sun while heading to Nusa Penida’s land side. The car ride was bumpy enough to make us all giggle; I think I counted three chickens crossing the road in front of us. At Kelingking Cliff, everyone just kind of went quiet for a second. It’s wild how blue the water looks from up there — almost fake. Our guide offered to take photos but honestly, I kept forgetting to pose because I was too busy staring. Lunch came next at a place with an infinity pool and a view so wide you feel tiny; food tasted better than I expected after all that saltwater.

Back on the boat, Wall Bay felt calmer somehow — less chatter, more fish darting around. The last stop was Manta Bay or Manta Point (depends on weather; we got lucky). Swimming with those giant manta rays is hard to describe… they move like they own the ocean, and maybe they do. Not everyone saw them up close but even just being in their world for a minute sticks with you. It’s not guaranteed you’ll spot them — Wayan made that clear — but the whole day feels worth it anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Nusa Penida snorkeling and land tour

• Meet at Seagrass by the beach Sanur
• Boat departs to Nusa Penida
• Snorkel at Mangrove Point
• Snorkel at SD Point
• Drive to Kelingking Cliff viewpoint
• Walk and take photos at Kelingking Cliff
• Lunch at scenic restaurant with infinity pool
• Snorkel at Wall Bay
• Swim with manta rays at Manta Point or Manta Bay
• Return boat to Sanur

Top questions

How long is the Nusa Penida day trip from Sanur?

The tour starts around 7:45am from Sanur and ends about 4:30pm.

Are manta ray sightings guaranteed during snorkeling?

No, sightings of manta rays at Manta Point or Manta Bay depend on water conditions and are not guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup included for this Nusa Penida tour?

Hotel pickup can be arranged for an extra fee starting from 150,000 IDR per car each way.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The day trip includes four snorkeling stops: Mangrove Point, SD Point, Wall Bay, and either Manta Point or Manta Bay depending on conditions.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is included at a scenic restaurant with an infinity pool overlooking Nusa Penida’s coastline.

What is the group size for this shared tour?

The shared tour has up to 13 participants. Private tours are also available if preferred.

Are underwater photos or videos included?

Yes, underwater photos and videos are taken by your guide using a GoPro and provided free of charge.

Is this tour suitable for young children or older travelers?

The tour is not recommended for babies or children under 6 years old or travelers over 69 years old due to physical demands.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport by private speed boat from Sanur (not a ferry), all snorkeling equipment and towels, four guided snorkeling sessions including time at Manta Bay or Point if possible, private car transfers on Nusa Penida for land sightseeing like Kelingking Cliff, entry fees and taxes covered throughout, plus lunch at a scenic restaurant with an infinity pool before returning late afternoon. Underwater photos and videos are also included free of charge.