Bali: Nusa Penida Tour with Lunch & Manta Point Snorkeling

If you’re planning a trip to Bali and want to experience something truly extraordinary, a day trip to Nusa Penida offers a blend of breathtaking scenery, vibrant marine life, and memorable photo moments. This particular tour, offered by Gili Penida Fast Boat, promises an adventure packed with snorkeling, natural wonders, and panoramic views—all within a well-organized itinerary.

Three things that caught our eye about this experience are its focus on snorkeling with manta rays, the chance to see famous landmarks like Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach, and the inclusion of a lunch with a view. However, the tour’s heavy focus on moving between sites by boat and vehicle might feel rushed for some travelers. Still, this adventure is best suited for those craving an active day of exploring natural beauty and marine encounters.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering snorkeling, beaches, and viewpoints.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with helpful insights.
• Iconic photo spots like Kelingking Beach and Angel Billabong.
• Flexible booking options and full refunds available with 24-hour cancellation.
• Long day with early pickups, so good stamina is helpful.
• Potential crowds at popular sites, especially Manta Point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Tour

This Bali Nusa Penida tour offers an energetic way to see some of the island’s most celebrated sights in a single day. The journey kicks off with a hotel pickup (with 20 pickup locations to choose from), followed by a quick ride to Sanur Harbour. From there, you hop on a speedboat for around 50 minutes to Nusa Penida, giving you a taste of the open sea and island views.

What makes this tour appealing is its balance of marine life, natural scenery, and iconic photo locations. You’ll snorkel at Manta Point—where sightings of manta rays and ornamental fish are the main attractions—and visit dramatic coastal formations like Broken Beach and Angel Billabong. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to capture stunning shots at Kelingking Beach, famed for its T-Rex-shaped cliff.

The tour is well-structured to maximize your time, with breaks for lunch overlooking the ocean and opportunities to explore the natural pools and viewpoints. It’s an active day that demands some energy but offers plenty of reward for those who love adventure and scenic beauty.

What to Expect from Each Part of the Tour

Pickup and Transfer to Sanur Harbour

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel—options are available from many Bali hotspots including Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. The early start means you’ll be on the move but also allows plenty of time to soak in the views on your journey.

Speedboat to Nusa Penida

The 50-minute boat ride is smooth for most, though the weather conditions can influence the experience. It’s a shared boat with a sizable group, which adds to the lively, communal atmosphere. Expect to see the coastline of Bali fade into the distance as you approach the island’s rugged coastlines.

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Snorkeling Adventures: Manta Point, Gamat Bay, Wall Point

Once on the island, your guide will give a safety briefing before heading out on the shared snorkeling boat. The highlights are Manta Point, where manta rays are often spotted gliding gracefully beneath you—though, as noted in reviews, their appearance isn’t guaranteed due to seawater and wave conditions. Some reviewers mention only seeing fish but still enjoying the marine environment.

Gamat Bay offers a chance to witness coral reefs and ornamental fish, with the added option of parasailing for thrill-seekers. Snorkeling here is not just about seeing marine life; it’s about experiencing the vibrant underwater world that Bali’s waters are famous for.

Landmarks and Natural Formations

The tour then moves to Broken Beach (Pasih Uug), known for its natural archway and dramatic cliffs. It’s a popular photo stop, and you’ll have about 30 minutes to take in the scenery.

Next, you’ll visit Angel Billabong, a natural pool with turquoise water, perfect for a quick dip or snapping pictures of the stunning surroundings. The walk between sites is minimal—about 8 minutes—and guides help you capture the best angles.

Lunch with an Ocean View

An essential part of the tour is a lunch at a cliff-side restaurant, where you can relax while enjoying sweeping ocean vistas. The food is typically local Balinese fare, and the setting makes it worth the wait. Reviewers highlight the lunch as a highlight, with mentions of the excellent views and good service.

Kelingking Beach

The final major stop is Kelingking Beach, famous for its T-Rex-shaped cliff and panoramic views. The tour guide assists in capturing memorable photos, and you get about 45 minutes here. While the stair climb down to the beach itself is possible, it’s often recommended only for experienced hikers, and the focus here is on the breathtaking viewpoint.

How the Trip Is Structured

The full-day tour is designed to cover a lot of ground efficiently. You’ll start early with hotel pickup, then spend about an hour on the boat to Nusa Penida. Once on the island, the day is a mix of snorkeling, sightseeing, and eating, with scheduled stops approximately every 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Expect a total of about 10 to 12.5 hours, depending on conditions like sea currents and group pace. The transportation involves a combination of boat rides, a small boat for snorkeling, and on-land vehicle transfers, often over narrow, unpaved roads, which may be uncomfortable for some.

Group Size and Guides

With a shared boat and group outings, you’ll be in a sizeable group—reviews mention a friendly atmosphere where guides like Yudi stand out for their attentiveness and local knowledge. One reviewer called Yudi “the best,” emphasizing how guides enhance the experience with helpful tips and good photography skills.

Practical Considerations

The tour involves a lot of moving parts, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are essential. It’s suitable for active travelers who don’t mind a long day, early mornings, and some crowds at popular photo spots. The tour is not recommended for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility or health issues.

The Value of the Experience

When considering costs, this tour offers a full day of activities for a reasonable price, especially when you factor in the inclusion of snorkeling gear, lunch, boat transfers, and guides. The combination of land and sea exploration provides excellent value for those wanting to experience Nusa Penida’s best highlights without the hassle of planning each step independently.

The snorkeling at Manta Point is a key draw, although the unpredictability of manta sightings is worth noting. Still, many reviews highlight the guides’ professionalism and photography skills, which help capture the moments regardless of wildlife presence.

Authentic Moments and Challenges

Travelers have noted that some spots can be crowded, especially Manta Point and Kelingking Beach, which might affect the tranquility or photo opportunities. Weather conditions also influence certain activities, such as snorkeling and parasailing, so flexibility is key.

The roads can be bumpy and narrow, adding a bit of adventure and sometimes discomfort, but most agree that the stunning sights outweigh the rough ride.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager for a full-day exploration of Bali’s most iconic sights. It’s perfect for photo enthusiasts, marine life lovers, and those who enjoy physical activity—like snorkeling and short hikes to viewpoints. However, it may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues, young children, or those seeking a more relaxed, leisurely experience.

If you value guided expertise and want a comprehensive snapshot of Nusa Penida in one day, this tour ticks those boxes. Just keep in mind the potential for crowds and weather dependence.

Final Thoughts

This Nusa Penida tour offers an excellent combo of marine adventures, stunning landscapes, and local cuisine that packs a lot into a single day. The guides’ knowledgeable and friendly approach helps make the experience smoother and more enjoyable, especially for first-timers. The variety of stops ensures that you’ll leave with plenty of photos, memories, and stories to tell.

While the busy itinerary may feel rushed to some, the overall value and the chance to see manta rays, cliffs, and coral reefs make it a worthwhile day out for active travelers and nature lovers. Be prepared for a long day, some crowds, and the unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings, but know that the breathtaking views and marine encounters will likely leave you with incredible stories—and perhaps some new favorite photos.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from multiple locations in Bali, including Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, and others. Just ensure your hotel details are noted a day in advance.

How long is the boat ride to Nusa Penida?
The boat ride lasts approximately 50 minutes, providing a scenic transition from Bali to the island.

Can I see manta rays at Manta Point?
Sightings depend on seawater and wave conditions; manta rays do not always appear, but snorkeling still offers a vibrant underwater experience.

What should I bring for the tour?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, change of clothes, camera, sunscreen, cash, and your passport or ID. No pets or fishing are allowed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s best suited for travelers over 6 years old. The physical activity and boat rides may be challenging for very young children, pregnant women, or those with health issues.

How much of the day does the tour cover?
Expect a day of about 10 to 12.5 hours, including transfers, travel, sightseeing, and meals.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a meal at a cliff-side restaurant with ocean views, making the midday break both relaxing and scenic.

This full-day Nusa Penida tour balances adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural highlights, making it a fantastic way to see Bali’s nearby island in one memorable trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: