Snorkeling in Nusa Lembongan: Three Spots with Manta Rays

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Free cancellation

1/7

Duration3h–4h

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Dive into three different reefs and come face-to-face with manta rays in their natural habitat

Snorkeling at three spots around Nusa Lembongan takes about 3 hours, with a guide leading you to Manta Bay (where giant manta rays gather), Gamat Bay (a protected nursery of reef fish), and Mangrove Point (a shallow reef with coral formations). The boat, snorkeling gear, guide and hotel pickup are included; non-swimmers can join with safety equipment and instruction. Manta sightings are not guaranteed since the rays are wild, but the waters here are nutrient-rich and attract them regularly. You choose whether to be picked up at your hotel in Lembongan or meet the boat at the snorkeling point.

3h–4h

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling at three island spots

Snorkel at Manta Bay Nusa Penida
Optional snorkel at Crystal Bay if bad weather
Snorkel at Gamat Bay Nusa Penida
Snorkel at Mangrove Point Nusa Lembongan

The Experience

You arrive at the dock in the morning and board a snorkeling boat with your guide and a small group. The first stop is Manta Bay off Nusa Penida, where the water is deep and the plankton-rich currents draw giant manta rays to feed and clean themselves. You enter the water with your mask and fins, and the guide stays close as you watch the reef below. If weather turns rough, the boat diverts to Crystal Bay instead, where steep cliffs frame clear water and small caves shelter reef fish. Either way, you are in the water for the moment the conditions allow it.

The second stop is Gamat Bay, a protected marine nursery on the Nusa Penida side. The bay is calm and shallow enough to see the bottom clearly — small white sand beach, brightly colored reef fish, and invertebrates moving through coral crevices. This site is popular with divers because the water is so clear and the marine life so dense. Your guide points out the habitat as you float above it. The third stop is Mangrove Point back at Nusa Lembongan, a shallow reef with coral formations and fewer visitors, so the water feels quieter and the fish less skittish.

The whole outing runs about 3 hours from start to finish. You get a welcome drink before departure, mineral water during the day, and an underwater camera to capture what you see — or you can bring your own. Non-swimmers are welcome; the guide acts as instructor and the safety equipment keeps you afloat. Bring sunscreen, a change of clothes and cash if you want to buy anything on the island. If you stay in Nusa Ceningan, you meet the boat at the Yellow Bridge at 9:30 am instead of arranging a pickup.

What’s included

Snorkeling boat and guide in English.
snorkeling equipment and underwater camera.
welcome drink and mineral water.
hotel pickup and drop-off service in Lembongan (or meeting point at Yellow Bridge in Nusa Ceningan at 9:30 am).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Telaga Waja River Rafting

Is this one for you?Choose pickup from your Lembongan hotel if you want to sleep in and let the boat come to you; meet at the snorkeling point if you are already exploring the islands or staying in Nusa Ceningan. Either way, the guide handles the route and timing, so you show up ready to enter the water.