Scuba Diving in Nusa Penida: Manta Ray Dives for Beginners

Manta rays show up on nearly every dive here.

Try scuba diving in Nusa Penida as a non-certified beginner with a 1:2 instructor ratio, starting with 45 minutes of pool training at 8am, then two open-water dives where manta rays appear almost certainly. The activity runs about 4 hours total and includes all equipment, snacks, lunch and drinks. You need to be in moderate physical health and at least 12 years old.

The experience

Nusa Penida sits off the coast of Bali and holds one of the few places on earth where manta ray sightings are nearly guaranteed. The dive starts on land: you arrive at Sanctum Dive Center at 8am for 45 minutes of pool training that teaches you the basics of breathing underwater and moving in the water. An instructor stays with you the whole time at a 1:2 ratio, meaning one guide for every two divers. After the pool work, you board the boat and head out for two dives in the open water where the mantas feed.

The dives themselves are shallow enough for beginners. You stay close to your instructor, who watches for the mantas and positions the group to see them without disturbing the animals. The water around Nusa Penida brings these creatures in reliably, so the odds of seeing them are high. Between dives and after the second one, you rest on the boat with snacks, fruit and drinks. Lunch comes after you surface for the last time, and the whole activity wraps by 2pm.

You bring swimwear and a willingness to try something new. Everything else is provided. The operator supplies the wetsuit, tank, regulator, fins and all other gear you need. Your guide speaks English, French or Finnish depending on the booking, and can answer questions about what you are seeing underwater and how to stay comfortable in the water. The only real requirement is that your body and mind are in decent shape (no serious heart or lung conditions), and that you can handle moderate physical effort.

What’s included

• Pool training in shallow water.
• two open-water dives with manta rays.
• all scuba equipment including wetsuit, tank and regulator.
• snacks and fruit between dives.
• lunch after the final dive.
• coffee and tea.
• a live guide in English, French or Finnish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish, French and Finnish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Sanctum Dive Nusa Penida

Is this one for you?Small groups stay at a 1:2 instructor-to-diver ratio, so you get close attention without feeling crowded. This works best if you are curious about diving but want to try it in a place where the wildlife itself, the manta rays, makes the day memorable.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French and Finnish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I dive in Nusa Penida if I have never scuba dived before?

Yes. This is a beginner program for non-certified divers. You get 45 minutes of pool training before the open-water dives, so your instructor teaches you the skills you need in shallow water first.

How often do divers actually see manta rays on these dives?

Manta rays appear on nearly every dive in Nusa Penida. The shallow waters and the food sources here bring them in reliably, which is why this location is one of only a few places in the world that can guarantee sightings.

What time does the diving start and when does it finish?

Pool training starts at 8am and runs about 45 minutes. After that, you head out on the boat for two dives. The entire activity finishes around 2pm.

What gear and equipment do I need to bring?

Bring swimwear and a good attitude. The dive center provides the wetsuit, tank, regulator, fins, mask and all other scuba equipment you need.

What is included in the price?

The price covers pool training, both open-water dives, all scuba gear, an instructor at a 1:2 ratio, the boat, snacks, fruit, lunch and drinks.

Is there a minimum age to try scuba diving here?

Yes, you must be at least 12 years old. You also need to be in moderate physical health and have no serious cardiovascular conditions.