Snorkeling from Bali: Nusa Penida Island with manta rays

Dive into manta-filled waters and limestone lagoons in a single morning from Bali

A full-day snorkeling trip from Bali to Nusa Penida Island with a shared speedboat, covering three snorkel sites (Gamat Bay, Crystal Bay, Manta Point) and four land stops (Broken Beach, Angels Billabong, Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach). Hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, lunch and an English-speaking driver are included. The defining trait is access to Manta Point, where mantas feed in shallow plankton-rich waters at around 10 metres depth, visible on most dives between August and October when visibility reaches 20 metres.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nusa Penida Island Beach and Snorkeling Tour

• Snorkel at Gamat Bay
• Snorkel at Crystal Bay
• Snorkel at Manta Point
• Visit Broken Beach viewpoint
• Swim at Angel's Billabong rock pools
• Enjoy views at Kelingking Beach

The experience

You leave your hotel in the early morning and drive to the coast for a shared speedboat crossing to Nusa Penida Island. The boat ride takes you across open water to the island's western side, where the first snorkel site waits. Gamat Bay is still natural and uncrowded: soft sand, colorful corals, and steep rocky slopes create the kind of seabed you won't find replicated elsewhere. The current runs fairly heavy here, so this site suits divers with some experience. If Gamat Bay feels too demanding, Crystal Bay offers calmer entry near the shore with the same crystal-clear water the bay is named for. Visibility sometimes reaches 30 metres, and you can rent a sunbed on the dark sand beach between swims.

Manta Point is the centerpiece. These graceful rays are visible on almost every dive, along with spotted stingrays, nurse sharks, occasional sea turtles and reef sharks. The mantas roam at around 10 metres within the protected bay, feeding in plankton-rich waters while cleaner wrasses remove parasites from their bodies. The waters run fairly cold due to open currents from the Indian Ocean, but visibility is often excellent, letting you photograph the prolific marine life below. August through October brings the best conditions, when visibility can reach 20 metres. You'll also snorkel Manta Bay before heading to the land sites.

Between water stops, you visit four coastal landmarks. Broken Beach is marked by a distinctive hilly arch-like rock formation set over crashing waves: a magnet for photographers and panoramic view seekers. Angels Billabong, a naturally formed rock lagoon nearby, offers crystal-clear pools for swimming, but only during low tide. You'll likely have this natural infinity pool to yourself. Kelingking Beach requires a challenging trek down steep sections with rock climbing on the way back up, but the reward is sweeping views from a purpose-built platform and sand you'll have mostly to yourself. The trip includes all entrance tickets, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life jacket), a shared speedboat, lunch, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle on both islands, and hotel pickup and drop-off. An English-speaking driver accompanies the group throughout the day.

What’s included

• All entrance tickets to snorkel sites and land attractions.
• snorkeling equipment including mask, fins and life jacket.
• shared speedboat transfer to Nusa Penida and between snorkel sites.
• lunch.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport on Bali and Nusa Penida Island.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking driver throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

Sharing Boat SnorkelingGuide in English, French or German · 06:30 and 07:00Shared snorkeling boat: you share the boat with other guests for the snorkeling activity. Pickup is included.

PrivateGuide in English, French or German · 06:30 and 07:00Private snorkeling boat: the boat is reserved exclusively for you and your group, with no strangers aboard, just your own party. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:30 and 07:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (8 to 60 years) · Child (5 to 7 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sari Nusa Penida Tour

Is this one for you?Choose the private option if your group wants its own boat and guide. The shared boat keeps costs lower and pairs you with other snorkelers, making the day social without the logistics of arranging separate transport. The 10-hour duration means an early start and late return, so book this if you have a full day free and don't mind an early pickup from your hotel.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 7 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

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 snorkel at Manta Point if I've never dived before?

Manta Point sits at around 10 metres depth in a protected bay, making it accessible to snorkelers rather than divers only. However, the waters run cold and currents can be strong, so some comfort in the water helps. Gamat Bay, the first stop, has a heavy current and suits divers with at least moderate experience. Crystal Bay offers a calmer alternative with the same clear water if you prefer an easier entry.

What's the difference between Gamat Bay and Crystal Bay for snorkeling?

Gamat Bay features steep rocky slopes, diverse corals and coral mounds across almost the entire seabed, with a fairly heavy current. It's favored by local divers seeking exotic marine life and suits experienced snorkelers. Crystal Bay has well-developed road access, palm-fringed shores, and calmer water near the beach during lower tides. Visibility sometimes reaches 30 metres, and you can rent a sunbed on the dark sand between swims.

Is Angels Billabong safe to swim in?

Angels Billabong is a naturally formed rock lagoon with crystal-clear pools, but entry is only possible during low tide. The rock pools themselves are safe for swimming and soaking once you're in, but the descent requires careful footing and timing your visit around the tide schedule is essential.

How difficult is the trek down to Kelingking Beach?

Kelingking Beach requires a challenging descent with steep sections and some rock climbing, especially on the way back up. Locals have placed rocks and bamboos to aid visitors over the years. Make sure to wear good shoes, bring drinking water, and time your visit for low tide when the path is most manageable and the beach is swimmable.

What marine life will I see at Manta Point?

Manta rays are visible on almost every dive at Manta Point, along with spotted stingrays, nurse sharks, occasional sea turtles, reef sharks, and the oceanic sunfish (mola-mola). The mantas feed in the plankton-rich waters at around 10 metres depth, and the excellent visibility often lets you photograph the prolific marine life below.

What's included in the snorkeling trip from Bali?

The package includes all entrance tickets to the snorkel sites and land attractions, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, life jacket), a shared speedboat for the crossing and snorkel sites, lunch, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle on both Bali and Nusa Penida, hotel pickup and drop-off, and an English-speaking driver for the full day.