Scuba Diving in Nusa Penida Island and Manta Point

If you’re dreaming of floating alongside graceful manta rays, spotting shy sharks, or exploring Bali’s vibrant underwater world, this scuba experience in Nusa Penida might just be your perfect match. While I haven’t personally done this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions reveal a compelling adventure that promises both excitement and education.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the small group size (max 5 travelers), which means more personalized attention from guides who truly know their stuff. The organized logistics—from hotel pickup to smooth boat transfers—are designed to let you focus on the fun. Plus, the chance to see manta rays at Manta Point at the cleaning stations, where these majestic creatures regularly visit, is a rare treat. The only potential downer? The full-day commitment (around 8 hours) might be long for some, especially if you’re not used to early mornings or boat rides.

This tour is ideal for adventurous divers and snorkelers who appreciate expert guidance and want to discover Bali’s underwater treasures in a comfortable, well-organized setting. It’s especially suited for those with some experience, given the focus on certified dives, but even enthusiasts keen to see Manta Rays will find plenty to love.

Key Points

• Small group tours guarantee more personalized care and better chances to interact with guides.
• Expert guides with local knowledge enhance the experience and help spot marine life.
• The Manta Point visit offers the chance to see manta rays at their cleaning stations, a truly unforgettable sight.
• The tour is well-organized, including hotel pickup, boat transfers, and on-board meals and drinks.
• Two dives provide a full immersion into Bali’s underwater scenes, with opportunities to see sharks, turtles, and possibly mola mola.
• The price point offers good value considering gear, transportation, meals, and expert guiding.

An In-Depth Look at the Nusa Penida and Manta Point Scuba Tour

What’s Included and How It Works

This 8-hour tour is designed to offer a comprehensive diving experience with all logistics handled smoothly. For $172.86 per person, you get hotel pickup and drop-off in many Bali locations, a professional guide, local taxes, and all necessary equipment (not explicitly stated but implied by the professional setup). The tour uses a speedboat to reach Nusa Penida from Sanur Harbor, a scenic ride that often takes about 45 minutes and offers its own share of breathtaking views.

Once on the water, the guides conduct a briefing about diving conditions and marine life, which is particularly valuable for those unfamiliar with the sites. You’ll do two dives, one on the north of Nusa Penida and the other at Manta Point—a famous cleaning station where manta rays gather to be rid of parasites.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Pickup and Transfer: Most travelers are picked up from their hotels in Bali, which makes the start of your adventure stress-free. The journey begins with a 45-minute boat ride to the island, giving ample opportunity to enjoy the sea breeze and scenic coastline.

Arrival at the Dive Site: Once at Sanur Harbor, you’ll board the speedboat ready for a day of underwater discovery. The guides conduct a dive briefing, sharing details about what you can expect to see—be it sharks, turtles, or the elusive mola mola.

First Dive: The first dive usually takes place on the northern side of Nusa Penida, offering a chance to see a variety of marine creatures in a lively reef environment. Reviewers mention that guides are knowledgeable, making it easier to identify the different species and understand their behaviors.

Lunch & Rest: After the first dive, a delicious lunch on board is provided, along with snacks, hot and cold drinks, ensuring you stay energized. Reviewers praise the quality of the meal and thoughtful provisioning, which makes the long day comfortable.

Second Dive at Manta Point: The highlight for many is the second dive at Manta Point, where manta rays congregate at cleaning stations. Reviewers often describe this as a “breathtaking experience,” noting how friendly and curious these gentle giants are when approached with the right technique.

Return and Reflection: After the dives, you’ll head back to Sanur around 2 pm, giving you the rest of the day to relax or explore Bali further. The small group size tends to foster a friendly atmosphere, and guides are praised for their helpfulness and resourcefulness—some reviewers specifically mention guiding tips that enhanced the experience.

What Marine Life Will You Encounter?

Expect to see a variety of marine animals: turtles, sharks, and colorful reef fish are common. Many reviewers also report sightings of manta rays at Manta Point, sometimes even close enough to touch (though, of course, you should respect their space). One reviewer shared that their guide, Guy, was exceptionally knowledgeable about manta behaviors and site features, making the encounter even more memorable.

Some adventurers have also kept watch for mola mola, with the elusive sunfish occasionally spotted, especially during the right season. The guides’ local knowledge really helps maximize your chances of catching these rare sights.

The Guides and Organization

Multiple reviews commend the guides’ expertise, friendliness, and local insights. For example, one reviewer wrote, “Guy knows Bali’s dive spots very well and helped us spot manta rays at the perfect moments.” The guides’ attentiveness makes a significant difference, especially at Manta Point, where timing and positioning are key to a successful encounter.

The small group size (max five travelers) ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, and guides can give tailored advice. Many reviewers mention feeling well taken care of, with guides explaining marine life behaviors and sharing interesting facts, making the experience both fun and educational.

The Value of this Tour

At around $172, this experience offers a full day of adventure, including two dives, meals, transportation, and expert guiding. Considering the cost of equipment rentals, boat trips, and meals if you planned independently, this package provides great value.

Plus, the quality of the organization—timely pickups, smooth transfers, and professional guides—means you spend less time stressing over logistics and more time enjoying the underwater spectacle.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip attracts divers with some certified experience, as evidence of dive certification is required. It’s ideal for those eager to see manta rays in their natural habitat and enjoy Bali’s vibrant underwater ecosystems. Beginners with some experience might find it suitable, provided they’re comfortable with guided dives and boat rides.

Adventure seekers who love small groups and personalized attention will appreciate the intimate nature of this tour. It’s also perfect for marine wildlife enthusiasts and anyone wanting a memorable, well-organized underwater outing.

Final Thoughts

This scuba experience in Nusa Penida combines beautiful scenery, expert guidance, and the thrill of encountering manta rays up close. The small group size enhances interaction and learning, making it suitable for those who want a more personalized adventure. The included meals and transportation mean the day is hassle-free, letting you relax and focus on the underwater wonders.

While the full-day schedule might be tiring for some, the quality of marine encounters and professional guides make every minute worth it. The chance to witness manta rays at the cleaning stations, alongside hopes of sharks and turtles, guarantees a memorable dive into Bali’s underwater world.

Ideal for certified divers and passionate marine life watchers, this tour offers a combination of convenience, expert knowledge, and awe-inspiring sights that are hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be certified to join this tour?
Yes, evidence of dive certification is required for all participants wishing to do the dives. If you’re not certified, you might still enjoy snorkeling options, but the tour primarily caters to certified divers.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transfers, professional guides, local taxes, and meals (lunch, snacks, drinks). Equipment is generally included, but it’s best to check if you need to bring or rent personal gear.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida takes approximately 45 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.

What marine animals might I see?
Common sightings include manta rays, sharks, turtles, and colorful reef fish. Some adventurous divers also watch for mola mola, especially during certain seasons.

Are there any age restrictions?
The minimum age is 18 years, and travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. Children must be accompanied by an adult if the activity allows.

What should I bring?
Bring your dive certification card, a towel, sun protection, and possibly a light waterproof jacket for boat rides. Confirm with guides if personal gear needs to be brought.

What if I don’t want to dive?
The tour focuses on certified diving, but you can inquire about snorkeling options or other activities. The reviews suggest that even non-divers enjoyed the marine scenery during the boat rides.

Is hotel pickup available outside certain areas?
Pickup is offered from many Bali hotels, but some locations like Canggu, Umalas, Sidemen, and north Ubud might incur a surcharge or require special arrangements.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if done at least 24 hours before the start time, allowing a full refund. Same-day cancellations are not refunded.

This scuba experience in Nusa Penida and Manta Point offers a fantastic blend of adventure, education, and breathtaking sights. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply eager to see Bali’s marine life, it promises an unforgettable day beneath the waves.