From Bali: Snorkeling Trip to Nusa Lembongan & nusa Penida island

Planning a day trip to explore Bali’s marine wonders? This snorkeling tour to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offers a chance to see manta rays, vibrant reefs, and stunning coastlines. While it’s a popular choice for water lovers, it’s also important to know what to expect in terms of experience, value, and potential challenges.

We love the way this tour combines island hopping with snorkeling at several prime sites—especially if you’re eager to spot manta rays and explore mangroves. The inclusion of a buffet Indonesian lunch and optional kayaking makes it feel well-rounded. Plus, the pickup service from various Bali locations adds convenience, saving you from logistical stress.

However, there’s a catch—manta ray sightings are not guaranteed and depend heavily on the season and luck. Also, the tour’s small group size (max 15 travelers) keeps things intimate but may limit flexibility if weather conditions aren’t ideal. Still, this tour suits adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive day of snorkeling with a taste of island scenery.

Key Points

• Proximity to Bali makes this a manageable day trip with a quick boat transfer.
• Multiple snorkeling sites ensure varied underwater scenery, from manta rays to colorful reefs.
• All necessary snorkeling gear is included, making it convenient for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
• Culinary experience features a buffet Indonesian lunch, a highlight for those who love authentic local flavors.
• Variable manta sightings depend on the season; not a guarantee, but the possibility adds excitement.
• Small-group format enhances a more personalized experience but may face weather-related limitations.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting at Sanur Beach & Traveling to Nusa Penida

The journey begins early at 7:30 am, with pickup from your Bali hotel—an aspect that many travelers appreciate for its hassle-free start. From there, you’ll head to Sanur Beach, where a fast boat whisks you away to Nusa Penida. This part of the trip is quick, around 45 minutes, making it a suitable option if you’re keen on maximizing your day.

Once on the island, the ride to Nusa Penida’s coast offers stunning views of steep cliffs and rugged terrain, setting the scene for the day ahead. Nusa Penida itself is less developed, full of untouched landscapes, making it an appealing backdrop for nature lovers.

First Stop: Jungut Batu & Manta Bay

Your first snorkeling stop is at Manta Bay, renowned for its potential manta ray sightings. Here, the ocean attracts plankton, which in turn draws larger reef manta rays—sometimes measuring up to 4 or 5 meters across, according to travelers. The tour operators monitor sea conditions carefully, aiming to take you when visibility and safety are optimal.

According to one review, “We couldn’t see any manta rays in May, which might not have been the season. But the other two spots were great.” This highlights that while manta sightings are exciting, they’re not guaranteed. Still, the chance to swim close to such gentle giants is enough to keep many snorkelers hopeful.

Snorkeling at Three Prime Sites

Depending on weather conditions, the tour visits three of the best snorkel spots around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan:

• Crystal Bay: Known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life, it’s often the star of many Bali snorkeling trips.
• Toyapakeh Wall: Offers dramatic underwater cliffs and colorful reef systems.
• Mangrove Point: Includes a kayak or small boat tour through mangroves—an optional but popular activity.

If the swell is too big, the team adapts by visiting Gamat Bay or Ceningan, which are calmer alternatives. This flexibility is crucial, as strong Indian Ocean waves can impact water visibility and safety, but the guides are attentive to conditions.

Lunch & Leisure

Around 1:30 pm, the tour provides a buffet Indonesian lunch, featuring local dishes, juices, tea, and coffee. We loved the chance to refuel with authentic flavors amid the gorgeous scenery. Many reviews mention the lunch as a memorable part of the day, especially when paired with the stunning views.

Optional Mangrove Tour & Kayaking

Post-lunch, the tour includes a mangrove paddle or small boat ride, offering a peaceful contrast to the underwater adventures. While some found the mangroves crowded—”the forest was narrow and busy”—others enjoyed the tranquil kayak experience. This optional part adds a gentle, scenic component that appeals to nature lovers.

What to Expect from the Experience

Transportation & Group Size

The tour’s logistics are straightforward: hotel pickup from key Bali areas like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Ubud, and others, followed by a fast boat transfer. The small group size (maximum 15 travelers) allows for more personalized attention, although it might feel crowded if weather conditions cause delays or cancellations.

Snorkeling Gear & Safety

All snorkeling equipment—mask, fins, snorkel, and towel—is provided, making it easy even for first-timers. The guides are experienced, and the tour emphasizes safety, especially when swimming with manta rays (less than 1.5 meters from the surface). Keep in mind that conditions can change quickly, so flexibility is key.

Cost & Value

At $102 per person, the tour offers a lot of inclusions—boat transfers, multiple snorkeling sites, gear, lunch, and the mangrove kayak. For a full 8-hour experience, this price is fair, especially considering the small group size and the variety of activities. However, the marine protected area conservation fee isn’t included and must be paid in cash on-site (Rp. 100,000 for adults, Rp. 50,000 for children).

Potential Challenges

• Manta Ray Sightings: As one review noted, “we couldn’t find manta and the mangrove was crowded,” which can be disappointing if manta encounters are your main goal.
• Weather Dependence: Heavy swell or bad weather can lead to site changes, possibly affecting your snorkeling experience.
• Crowds at Mangrove: The mangrove area can get busy, which might take away from the tranquility some travelers seek.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

One reviewer pointed out that “this might not be the manta season,” emphasizing the importance of managing expectations. Others enjoyed the “great snorkeling spots,” but some found them not quite the best they’ve experienced elsewhere, highlighting that underwater conditions are very weather-dependent.

The small group size was appreciated, making the trip feel more intimate, but travelers also noted that conditions like strong waves can affect the overall experience—so patience and flexibility are essential.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This snorkeling trip is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day of island hopping and marine exploration without the fuss of multiple bookings. It’s particularly suited for those who:

• Are okay with uncertain manta ray sightings but enjoy the thrill of the possibility.
• Want to combine snorkeling with cultural or scenic activities like mangrove kayaking.
• Appreciate authentic local food and a relaxed, small-group atmosphere.
• Are comfortable traveling with a max 15 travelers and can handle the early start.

Conversely, if your main goal is to see manta rays specifically or prefer calm waters with guaranteed wildlife sightings, you might want to consider alternative options or timings.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling tour to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offers a well-rounded experience packed with scenic views, underwater adventure, and cultural flavor. The inclusion of multiple snorkeling sites, a traditional Indonesian lunch, and the chance to explore mangroves makes it a good value for a full-day excursion.

While there’s some unpredictability—like manta ray sightings and weather impacts—the overall experience delivers a taste of Bali’s marine beauty in an intimate setting. It’s best suited for travelers who love water adventures, don’t mind some variability, and want a mix of snorkeling, scenic landscapes, and local cuisine.

If you’re looking for a manageable, guided day trip that covers a lot in just one day, this tour can be a rewarding choice. Just keep your expectations flexible and enjoy the chance to snorkel in some of Bali’s most beautiful spots.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from hotels in key Bali areas such as Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Ubud, making it convenient to start your day.

How long is the boat transfer?
The boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida takes about 45 minutes, providing a quick transition from Bali to the island’s stunning coastline.

What snorkeling gear is provided?
The tour supplies towels, masks, snorkels, and fins, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer to.

Can I see manta rays on this tour?
Possibly, but manta sightings are not guaranteed and depend on the season and sea conditions. The guides will monitor the situation and take you to the best sites at the time.

What is the lunch like?
A buffet Indonesian meal with local dishes, juice, tea, and coffee is included, offering a tasty break during your busy day.

Are there age restrictions?
Most travelers aged 10 to 65 can participate comfortably. Those over 60 or under 10 will need to sign a risk form and should be aware of potential physical demands.

How much does the conservation fee cost?
The marine protected area fee is Rp. 100,000 for adults and Rp. 50,000 for children, payable in cash on the spot.

Whether you’re after snorkeling with manta rays, exploring vibrant reefs, or just soaking in island vistas, this tour offers a full day of aquatic adventure with enough flexibility and highlights to satisfy most water lovers.