Snorkeling in Wall Point, Gamat Bay and Manta Bay: Nusa Penida Island

This review explores what you can realistically expect from the snorkeling tour around Nusa Penida offered by Bali Sky Tour. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed descriptions, reviews, and itinerary give us a clear picture of what’s on offer.

What we love about this experience is its accessibility—it offers hotel pickups from major Bali locations—its variety of underwater sights, from coral reefs to manta rays, and the value for money given the multiple stops packed into a 6-7 hour day. On the flip side, a few reviews highlight potential challenges with boat capacity and trip timing, which are worth considering.

This tour makes a solid choice for travelers who want a guided, organized snorkeling adventure that hits three key spots around Nusa Penida. If you’re after a taste of Bali’s marine life, with ease of transport and professional guides, this is likely to suit you well.

Key Points

• Convenient Pickup: Hotel pickups in Bali’s major areas make logistics smoother.
• Multiple Snorkeling Sites: Covering Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and Manta Bay offers diverse underwater experiences.
• Marine Life Highlight: The chance to see manta rays, turtles, and colorful coral makes it memorable.
• Limited Boat Size: The sharing boat is small, which might affect comfort and timing.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead provides peace of mind.
• Cost-Effective: At $90 per person, it offers good value considering transport, guides, and equipment.

Introduction: What’s the Scoop on the Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour?

If you’ve been dreaming of swimming alongside gentle manta rays, exploring vibrant coral reefs, and enjoying the thrill of a speedboat ride, this tour offers just that—without the hassle of organizing each detail yourself. It’s one of the most popular activities for visitors seeking a half-day marine adventure around Bali’s famed island of Nusa Penida.

What draws many to this trip are three things: the professional guides, the chance to see manta rays at Manta Bay, and the variety of spots packed into one tour. Plus, the logistical ease of hotel pickup and shared transportation makes it accessible for most travelers. However, it’s important to know that the boat used for snorkeling is on the small side, which might impact the overall comfort level, especially during busy seasons or in rough weather.

If you’re after a well-organized, cost-effective way to experience Bali’s underwater world, and don’t mind a somewhat quick pace, this snorkeling tour could be just right. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided experience without the hassle of self-arranging boat trips and who are comfortable sharing space with others.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect From Start to Finish

Pickup and Transfer – Making Your Day Hassle-Free

The tour begins with a hotel pickup from Bali’s popular districts, including Seminyak, Kuta, Jimbaran, Sanur, and others. This convenience is a big plus, saving you from navigating Bali’s busy streets early in the morning. The vehicle is air-conditioned, so you can relax and prepare for the day ahead.

The drive to Sanur Beach, where you’ll meet the speedboat, typically takes around 30–60 minutes depending on your location. The use of a shared vehicle keeps costs reasonable but also means the timing might fluctuate slightly, especially during peak hours.

Speedboat to Nusa Penida – A Short but Exciting Ride

Once at Sanur, you’ll board a sharing speedboat headed toward Nusa Penida. The boat ride lasts about 30-40 minutes, and despite being a smaller vessel (capable of about 10 passengers), it’s generally considered safe and quick. Reviewers note that while the boat is small, it gets you to the snorkeling spots efficiently.

Be prepared for some bouncing if the seas are choppy—this is normal, but if you’re prone to seasickness, bringing medication just in case is wise.

Snorkeling at Crystal Bay

Your first stop, Crystal Bay, is famous for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. During peak mola-mola season (July to October), this spot is also popular for spotting ocean sunfish, though this can’t be guaranteed.

Expect to see colorful corals, schools of fish, and occasionally turtles. Reviewers mention that the coral here can be somewhat damaged but still offers a lively underwater tableau. The water clarity is generally excellent, making it a favorite for photography and underwater viewing.

While this site can get crowded during mola-mola season, off-peak times tend to be quieter, allowing you a more intimate experience. The snorkeling duration here is around 40 minutes, which is enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

Gamat Bay – An Underwater Wonderland

Next, you’ll head to Gamat Bay, known for its diverse coral formations and abundant fish. The bay is typically calm, but some reviews note heavier currents, so beginners might find this a bit challenging.

The seabed is a mix of sandy patches and coral mounds, offering a slightly different underwater landscape from Crystal Bay. Expect to see a variety of marine critters, making it perfect for those interested in marine biodiversity.

The snorkeling here also lasts around 40 minutes. Reviewers say that the corals are colorful, but some found the experience less vibrant than expected, possibly due to seasonal conditions. Still, it’s a worthwhile stop for marine life enthusiasts.

Manta Bay – The Main Event

The highlight for many on this tour is Manta Bay, home to friendly manta rays that often approach snorkelers. The manta rays here are Coral Mantas (Manta alfredi), which are generally safe to swim with because they are non-poisonous and known for their curiosity around humans.

According to reviews, the guides are knowledgeable and skilled at approaching the mantas safely, providing an adrenaline-pumping yet safe encounter. Observing these gentle giants glide gracefully through the water is one of those moments travelers cherish.

Expect to spend around 40 minutes here, with the possibility of seeing spotted stingrays and nurse sharks. The chances of manta sightings can vary depending on weather and season, but many visitors are satisfied with the experience.

Return and Drop-off

After the last snorkeling stop, you’ll board the speedboat back to Sanur, followed by the air-conditioned vehicle transfer to your hotel. The entire day offers a good balance of activity and rest, giving you plenty of time to unwind.

What Travelers Are Saying

While most reviews highlight the professional guides and beautiful sites, some mention challenges. One reviewer noted that the snorkeling boat was small—only about 12 seats—which could be uncomfortable if there are many participants. Others observed that the trip duration is mostly spent traveling to and from sites, with about 2 hours dedicated to actual snorkeling.

A reviewer named BeckyP_A mentioned that manta rays weren’t seen during her trip—a reminder that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, especially with manta rays which tend to be seasonal. She also noted that coral was somewhat damaged, possibly due to seasonal changes or previous boat traffic.

Another reviewer, Andrew_W, pointed out that the snorkeling experience is limited to about 2 hours, with the rest of the time spent on transfers and waiting. He also highlighted that the small boat lacked amenities like a toilet or changing room, which could be worth considering for comfort.

Understanding the Value: Is It Worth the Cost?

At $90 per person, this tour offers a full day of guided snorkeling across three notable sites, all inclusive of transport, equipment, and guides. When you break down the cost, it’s quite reasonable—especially considering the convenience of hotel pickups and the expertise of guides.

The inclusion of professional snorkeling gear and taxes adds to the value, ensuring you don’t need to rent equipment elsewhere. However, lunch isn’t included, so you might want to pack snacks or plan to eat after the tour.

If you’re after a safe, organized way to see Bali’s marine life and manta rays without the hassle of booking individual boat trips, this experience offers good value, especially for first-timers or those short on time.

Practical Tips for Your Snorkeling Adventure

• Bring sunscreen, a waterproof camera, and a change of clothes for after the activity.
• Arrive early to avoid delays, especially during peak seasons.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand.
• Wear comfortable swimwear and a rash guard for sun protection.
• Keep in mind that the boat is small, so pack lightly and expect limited space.
• Respect marine life: don’t touch the coral or animals, and follow guides’ instructions for safe encounters.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This snorkeling trip around Nusa Penida is best suited for travelers who want an organized, guided experience with multiple stops, without the need to self-plan transport or boat rides. It’s great for those keen to see manta rays and vibrant coral reefs but who also appreciate the convenience of hotel pickups and all-inclusive pricing.

While some may find the boat size limiting or wish for longer snorkeling sessions, the professional guides and variety of sites make this a solid choice for beginners or casual snorkelers. If wildlife sightings are your priority, keep in mind that nature can be unpredictable, but the chance to see mantas makes this experience special enough to justify the outing.

Overall, it offers a balanced blend of adventure and comfort at a fair price, making it a practical option for most travelers eager to explore Bali’s underwater treasures.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off services from hotels and villas in Bali’s major areas, including Seminyak, Kuta, Jimbaran, Sanur, and others.

How long is the snorkeling experience?
Snorkeling at each site lasts about 40 minutes, with the total tour duration around 6 to 7 hours, including transfers and travel time.

Can I expect to see manta rays?
Yes, Manta Bay is the main highlight, where manta rays are often visible, along with spotted stingrays and nurse sharks. Sightings are subject to weather and season.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunscreen, a waterproof camera, a change of clothes, and perhaps a towel. Towels are not included, so plan accordingly.

Is the boat comfortable?
The snorkeling boat is a small sharing vessel capable of about 10 passengers. Some reviews mention this can be cramped, and it lacks amenities like a toilet or changing room.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 5 years old, making it appropriate for family members with young children, provided they are comfortable in the water.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This snorkeling tour around Nusa Penida offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience Bali’s stunning marine life, especially for those who value professional guides and convenience. With the right expectations, it can be a highlight of your Bali trip.