From Bali: Nusa Penida Snorkel 3 Spots w/ GoPro & Kayak tour

Taking a tour to Nusa Penida for snorkeling and kayaking is a tempting way to see some of Bali’s most intriguing underwater beauty and scenic landscapes. It’s a day packed with marine encounters, stunning views, and peaceful paddling—all wrapped into one adventure.

While this tour offers plenty of highlights like manta rays and vibrant coral reefs, it’s also worth noting that the experience can be quite busy during peak times, with some reviews mentioning crowded spots and variable sea conditions. So, if you’re after a relaxed, all-encompassing marine adventure, this might be an option worth considering.

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a full day of sea, sun, and nature, especially those who enjoy snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and gentle kayaking. It’s a well-rounded experience that balances adventure with comfort, provided you’re comfortable with open water and a bit of boat motion.

Key Points

• Multiple snorkeling spots offer diverse marine life and coral reefs to explore
• Manta Bay provides a rare chance to glide beside gentle manta rays, weather permitting
• Scenic speedboat rides make the journey exciting and picturesque
• Peaceful kayaking through lush mangroves gives a tranquil, nature-focused break
• Guides and logistics are generally well-organized, though some reviews mention crowded conditions
• Value for money includes multiple activities, transfers, and GoPro footage

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Look at the Tour Experience

This Nusa Penida snorkeling and kayaking tour promises a full day of marine discovery, starting from Bali’s vibrant southern beaches or your accommodations. The tour is operated by CV Wonderland Manta Penida, a provider with a decent reputation reflected in a 3.9-star rating from ten reviews, with many travelers highlighting the guides’ friendliness and the stunning scenery.

Getting There and Logistics

The day begins early, with the choice of meeting at Sanur Port or being picked up from select Bali locations such as Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or Denpasar. The transfer is straightforward, and the company’s team usually confirms pickup times the night before, which helps keep the morning stress-free.

The boat ride itself takes about 45 minutes on a speedboat—an enjoyable, scenic journey across the waves. Reviewers note that the boats can be quite full, and some mention getting quite wet due to the sea state, so packing essentials like a spare shirt or waterproof bag is wise.

First Stop: Manta Bay

Once you arrive at Nusa Penida, the highlight for many is Manta Bay. This spot is famous for the possibility, albeit not guaranteed, of swimming beside manta rays—an experience that is simply unforgettable when it happens. One review mentions that sightings occur approximately 30% of the time, depending on weather and sea conditions. The water here is crystal-clear, and the underwater visibility is excellent when the conditions cooperate.

A couple of reviews point out that the reef and marine environment can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. Swimmers and snorkelers share the space with many others, which can affect the overall serenity of your experience. Still, guides seem attentive, making sure everyone stays safe and reassembles after each snorkel session.

Exploring Coral Reefs at Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay

Next, the tour visits Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay, both celebrated for their vibrant coral and diverse marine life. Visitors can expect a lively underwater scene with colorful fish, coral formations, and clear waters that make for excellent photos. Reviewers mention the reefs are often busy with other snorkelers, and some note that some coral may be damaged—an ongoing issue in popular spots.

Despite the crowds, many still find the experience worthwhile, especially with the assistance of friendly guides who work hard to get everyone to the best viewing spots and ensure safety. One traveler commented, “the underwater world was very beautiful,” and appreciated that photos taken by guides are included in the tour price, giving you a chance to relive the moments.

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The Wall: An Additional Snorkeling Site

The itinerary includes a visit to The Wall, another snorkel spot boasting impressive underwater formations and a chance to see larger marine creatures. Like the other spots, the coral here can be affected by human activity, but the overall underwater spectacle remains impressive.

Lunch and Rest

After hours in the water, the tour provides a 75-minute break at a local restaurant, giving everyone a chance to refuel and discuss what they’ve seen so far. Reviewers mention the lunch as a well-organized part of the day, often highlighting the local flavors and the convenience of the timing.

Kayaking Through Mangroves

The final activity is kayaking through a mangrove forest, a peaceful contrast to the lively snorkel spots. The calm waters and surrounding greenery offer a quiet, reflective moment—an underrated part of the tour according to some travelers. Many appreciate the chance to connect with nature in a gentle, scenic paddle.

Return and Drop-offs

The tour wraps up with a scenic speedboat ride back to Bali, usually arriving around 5:00 PM. The logistical setup makes sure you’re dropped off at your hotel or a designated point, with reviews indicating smooth transfers overall.

What the Tour Means for You

This full-day adventure is designed to give you a taste of Nusa Penida’s marine and natural highlights, with a mix of adrenaline and tranquility. The combination of snorkeling at multiple spots, the chance to see manta rays, and paddling through lush mangroves makes it a well-rounded choice for those who love the ocean.

However, some reviews point out the crowded nature of the snorkeling sites and the variability in manta ray sightings. If you’re expecting pristine, quiet reefs or guaranteed wildlife encounters, this might not fully meet those expectations, but it still offers a lot of value.

The inclusion of GoPro footage is a bonus, allowing you to capture your underwater moments without needing your own waterproof camera. Plus, the organized transfers and multilingual guides make the whole process smoother, even for first-timers.

Is It Worth the Price?

Given the duration—about 6 to 10 hours—and the variety of activities, this tour provides a fair amount of value. It covers transportation, multiple snorkeling spots, a lunch, kayaking, and the convenience of hotel transfers. The price might seem high compared to standalone snorkel or kayak trips, but when you factor in the logistics and variety, it’s a comprehensive way to see Nusa Penida in one day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want to pack a lot into a single day—snorkeling, wildlife, scenic views, and relaxing paddling. It’s also great for those who enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable staff, as reviews consistently mention attentive guides eager to ensure safety and fun.

If you prefer quieter, less crowded environments or have specific wildlife encounters in mind, you might want to explore more private or less popular options.

The Sum Up

This Nusa Penida tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore Bali’s nearby marine wonders. From the possibility of swimming alongside manta rays to paddling through mangrove forests, it hits many of the high notes for ocean lovers. The organization and guides are generally well-reviewed, helping to make the day run smoothly despite the busy spots.

While the snorkeling sites can be crowded and manta sightings aren’t guaranteed, the diverse underwater scenery and scenic boat rides make up for it. The inclusion of GoPro footage and convenient transfers add to the overall value, making this a solid choice for active, curious travelers seeking a full-day adventure.

If you’re after a balanced mix of marine life, scenic views, and some peaceful paddling, and don’t mind the crowds or variable wildlife sightings, this tour could be perfect. It’s especially suited for those wanting a comprehensive day out without the hassle of organizing multiple activities themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start?
You can meet at Sanur Port or be picked up from select Bali locations like Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, or Denpasar.

How long does the boat ride take?
The speedboat crossing from Bali to Nusa Penida takes about 45 minutes.

Is manta ray sighting guaranteed?
No, sightings are not guaranteed and occur roughly 30% of the time, depending on weather and sea conditions.

What do I need to bring?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen (biodegradable preferred), waterproof camera, and any personal necessities.

Are the snorkeling spots crowded?
Many reviews mention high visitor numbers, especially at popular reefs, which can affect the tranquility of your experience.

How long is the snorkeling?
Snorkeling lasts approximately 2 hours across three main spots.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
It’s not recommended for children under 5, non-swimmers, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions.

What is included in the price?
Transfers, boat rides, snorkeling at three spots, lunch, kayaking, and GoPro footage.

What if the weather is bad?
Weather and sea conditions can affect the experience, especially manta ray sightings, but tours typically operate unless conditions are unsafe.

You can check availability for your dates here: