Nusa Penida: East Coast Snorkeling Tour with GoPro

Nusa Penida is often celebrated for its dramatic west coast sites, but the island’s east coast offers a surprisingly tranquil and colorful underwater experience. This 5-hour snorkeling tour provides a chance to drift over coral reefs, spot lively marine creatures, and capture it all with a GoPro camera—ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic adventure without the crowds.

What we love about this tour are the peaceful bays, the chance to capture high-quality underwater photos, and the diversity of sites explored. The included equipment and focus on shallow waters make it especially suitable for families, beginners, or anyone looking for an easygoing yet visually stunning snorkeling outing.

One consideration to keep in mind is that Manta sightings on the east side are less frequent compared to the western sites. If Manta rays are a primary goal, you might prefer a west coast tour. However, the calm conditions and vibrant coral reefs make this experience equally rewarding for those interested in a relaxed, scenic underwater exploration.

This tour is perfect for families, beginners, and travelers who want a less-crowded, intimate snorkeling experience while still seeing some of Nusa Penida’s best underwater scenery.

Key Points

• Calm, shallow waters make this tour beginner-friendly and ideal for families.
• Excellent visibility enhances underwater photography and marine sighting experiences.
• Multiple sites, including SD Point, Tanah Bias, Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Wall Bay, offer varied underwater landscapes.
• GoPro camera included, providing high-quality footage and photos to relive the adventure.
• Less crowded bays mean quieter, more personal snorkeling moments.
• Tour duration of 5 hours balances exploration with comfort and convenience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Nusa Penida East Coast Snorkeling Tour

Starting at SD Point: A Calm Underwater Sanctuary

The tour kicks off with a visit to SD Point, renowned among local snorkelers for its peaceful, shallow waters and vibrant marine life. Here, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours drifting over a thriving coral reef, with visibility that often impresses even seasoned snorkelers. From reviews, we know that the water here is ideal for gentle exploration—perfect for beginners or those preferring a relaxed pace.

Expect to see a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, clownfish, and possibly sea turtles, all thriving in a lively environment. Reviewers mention the “living aquarium” feel, with clear water allowing you to easily spot marine creatures from above. The calm conditions mean you can float effortlessly, making this stretch particularly enjoyable without the fatigue that sometimes accompanies more turbulent sites.

Venture into Tanah Bias: A Serene, Less-Visited Spot

Next, the tour moves to Tanah Bias, a quiet bay characterized by white sandy seabeds and a blend of hard and soft corals. This site is favored by those seeking a more intimate experience with fewer boats and fewer people around, as one reviewer pointed out. Floating here feels like being in your own private aquarium, with plenty of colorful fish darting around.

This spot is perfect for floating and watching the marine world unfold beneath you, especially since the waters tend to be calm. The shallow nature of Tanah Bias offers an easy entry point for those new to snorkeling or families with children, according to traveler feedback.

The Highlights: Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Wall Bay

The tour then transitions to the more diverse sites of Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Wall Bay—a combined stop that brings a bit more variety to your underwater day. Although Manta sightings are less frequent on this side of the island, the coral formations and reef health still make it a worthwhile visit.

Wall Bay is noted for its dramatic underwater cliffs, which attract a variety of fish and deeper-water species. It offers a different visual experience, with vertical coral walls and overhangs to explore. Reviewers appreciate Wall Bay for its “spectacular underwater formations” and calm conditions.

Gamat Bay continues to impress with its bustling reef, full of fish activity and vibrant coral structures. It’s considered lively and colorful, making it a favorite for underwater photographers—especially with the included GoPro.

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The Experience: Equipment, Safety, and Photos

The tour ensures that all gear—including mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket—is provided, which simplifies packing and prep. The inclusion of a GoPro camera is a standout feature, allowing travelers to capture high-quality underwater photos and videos. This is often highlighted in reviews as a major perk, especially since many guests mention how much they appreciated being able to relive the experience with stunning visuals.

The safety briefing, lasting about 30 minutes, helps ease first-timers and ensures everyone feels comfortable before hitting the water. The total time in the water (around 4 hours) strikes a good balance between exploration and relaxation, with a break included for rest and refreshments.

Practical Details and Comfort

The transportation involves a quick 15-minute speedboat ride between the mainland meeting point and the snorkeling sites, usually operated in small groups, which keeps the experience intimate. The tour’s duration of 5 hours fits well into a day trip, leaving plenty of time for other activities or relaxation afterward.

The price point is reasonable considering the inclusion of equipment, a GoPro, and the guided experience. With flexible booking options, travelers can reserve without immediate payment, adding peace of mind.

Reviews and Additional Insights

Reviewers consistently praise the calm waters and vibrant reefs, emphasizing how much they appreciated the less crowded bays. One mentioned, “It feels like snorkeling in a living aquarium,” highlighting the clear water and abundant marine life. Others appreciated the professional guidance and the friendly crew, with one saying, “They made us feel safe and comfortable, even if we were first-timers.”

Some note that Manta sightings are less likely on this side—a good point for those whose main goal is seeing manta rays. But many still found the coral scenery and fish activity to be more than enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for families, beginners, or travelers who prefer a calmer, less crowded environment. It’s ideal if your main goal is relaxing snorkeling with high chances of vibrant marine life and photography opportunities. If you’re looking for adrenaline or Manta encounters, a west coast tour might be more fitting, but for laid-back underwater beauty, this east coast route hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This Nusa Penida east coast snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, peaceful experience that’s perfect for those wanting an easy, scenic, and photographable adventure. The inclusion of a GoPro elevates the experience, allowing travelers to capture stunning underwater moments without hassle.

The calm waters and less crowded bays make it a standout choice for families and beginners. While Manta sightings might be less frequent than other parts of the island, the vibrant reefs, dramatic underwater walls, and tranquil bays provide plenty of visual excitement.

Overall, it offers a fantastic balance of relaxation, beauty, and accessibility, making it a worthwhile addition to any Bali or Nusa Penida itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
This tour is mainly designed for snorkelers, so non-swimmers might find it challenging. However, with a life jacket and calm waters, some non-swimmers comfortable in the water could enjoy the experience with supervision.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, waterproof camera, sunscreen, and a regular camera if you want additional shots. All snorkeling equipment is provided, so no need to pack your own gear unless preferred.

Are Manta rays commonly seen on the east side?
No, Manta sightings are less frequent here compared to the western side. Expect vibrant coral reefs and marine life, but don’t count on manta encounters.

How long is the snorkeling time?
You’ll spend about 2.5 hours at SD Point, and around 3 hours exploring Gamat Bay, Wall Bay, and Manta Bay combined, totaling approximately 4 hours of water time.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The waters are shallow and calm, making it perfect for beginners and families. The safety briefing ensures everyone feels prepared.

What is the group size?
While not explicitly stated, the experience is conducted by a professional guide and involves small boats, suggesting intimate groups, which enhances safety and personal attention.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the price justified?
Considering equipment, the GoPro, safety, and guided service, the price offers good value—especially for those seeking high-quality photos and a relaxed experience.

What’s the main takeaway?
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting a peaceful, scenic, and photo-ready snorkeling adventure with minimal crowds and a focus on marine beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: