Snorkelling in Nusa Penida – Manta Point

Snorkelling at Nusa Penida’s Manta Point has become a popular choice for travelers eager to see majestic manta rays and vibrant coral reefs. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and tour descriptions from those who have give us a clear picture of what to expect. This experience offers a fantastic way to connect with Bali’s marine riches, especially if you’re interested in swimming alongside gentle giants and exploring impressive underwater scenery.

What we love about this tour is its well-organized logistics, the variety of snorkeling sites, and the friendly guides who prioritize safety and fun. The inclusion of lunch and snacks makes the day more relaxing, and the overall value for money appears solid when you consider the number of sites visited and the quality of equipment provided. One possible consideration is the conservation fee payable in cash—a small extra, but worth noting.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers, families with children over 5, and anyone keen on marine life. If you’re looking for a full-day, hassle-free snorkeling experience with knowledgeable guides, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Multiple snorkeling spots: Includes Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and northern drift sites.
• All-inclusive experience: Lunch, snacks, water, equipment, and insurance are covered.
• Guides and safety: Dedicated guides ensure safety and enhance the experience.
• Transport convenience: Pickup from Bali simplifies logistics.
• Value for money: Offers a comprehensive day with high-quality facilities.
• Conservation fee: An extra cash fee supports marine preservation efforts.

This half-day adventure begins with a pickup from your Bali accommodation, with Neptune Scuba Diving handling all the logistics. The boat ride itself lasts around 45 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the sea breeze as you approach Nusa Penida. Once there, you’ll spend approximately six hours exploring three prime snorkeling locations, with each stop offering unique sights and underwater encounters.

Starting the Day: From Bali to Nusa Penida

The tour kicks off early in the morning, typically with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point at Neptune Scuba Diving in Sanur. The transport is professional and punctual, with staff often praised for their friendliness. To ensure everyone is ready, the shop provides wetsuits, fins, and snorkeling gear — all included in the price, which eliminates the hassle of renting equipment elsewhere.

Travel time to Nusa Penida is about 45 minutes, giving you a chance to relax, chat with fellow snorkelers, and prepare for the day ahead. Many reviews mention the boat’s cleanliness and safety standards, which add a layer of confidence, especially for families or first-time snorkelers.

The Snorkeling Stops: Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and North Coast Drift Sites

Manta Point

This is the highlight for many, famous for the chance to see graceful manta rays gliding effortlessly above the reef. Guides are conscious of marine conservation, and while manta encounters depend on the day’s conditions, most reviewers report seeing at least some rays. One visitor noted, “the staff could not be more friendly and accommodating,” which is consistent across reviews.

Tip: Manta Point can sometimes be closed due to sea conditions, as one reviewer shared—“the island was closed two days prior, but we still enjoyed three other snorkeling spots.” If Manta Point isn’t accessible, the guides skillfully shift focus to other vibrant sites.

Crystal Bay

This site is renowned for its pristine clarity and abundant marine life. Expect to see a variety of soft and hard corals, along with schools of tropical fish. Several travelers mention how Crystal Bay offers fantastic visibility and a lively underwater scene, making it perfect for photographers.

Northern Drift Sites

The north coast offers some of the most exciting drift snorkeling in the area, where currents carry you over impressive reef formations. These spots are praised for their diverse sea life and the opportunity to spot larger species.

The Food and Refreshments

A significant bonus is onboard catering — lunch, snacks, and bottled water are included. Reviewers frequently note how this keeps everyone fueled for a full day of activities. The food is simple but satisfying, with options catering to vegetarians if advised in advance.

Safety and Guides

Every snorkeling group has a dedicated guide, which travelers say makes all the difference. Guides are well-trained, attentive, and willing to assist both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Many reviews emphasize the guides’ friendliness and professionalism, with one noting, “incredibly well-organized, safe, and fun experience.”

Equipment and Insurance

All necessary gear—fins, masks, snorkels—is provided, and the tour includes snorkeling insurance. If you want to rent a GoPro to capture your underwater moments, that’s available but at an extra cost.

The Return and Overall Experience

After a full day in the water, the boat heads back to Bali, with most travelers feeling satisfied with the day’s value. The transfers are smooth, and the tour ends back at the Neptune Scuba Diving meeting point, often around mid-afternoon.

Cost-wise, at $150 per person, the price includes most essentials, making it a good deal considering the number of stops, quality of equipment, and included meals. The only extra fee is the 100,000 IDR conservation fee, payable in cash — a small contribution to marine preservation.

This snorkeling adventure offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and ecological responsibility. Its well-organized structure and friendly guides mean you can relax and focus on enjoying the marine spectacle. The variety of sites guarantees you’ll see different kinds of marine life, from manta rays to colorful reefs, making it suitable for all levels of snorkelers.

If you’re seeking a day of easy, guided snorkeling with excellent facilities and a chance to witness Bali’s iconic underwater creatures, this tour could be a perfect choice. It’s especially appealing for those who value safety, convenience, and authentic experiences over overly commercialized options.

This tour provides a comprehensive, enjoyable, and value-packed way to explore the underwater world off Nusa Penida. Its combination of well-chosen sites, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive amenities makes it stand out in Bali’s snorkeling scene. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler, the chance to swim alongside manta rays and explore vibrant reefs is hard to beat.

For families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a hassle-free day in the water, this tour hits all the right notes. The focus on safety, quality gear, and environmental conservation demonstrates a thoughtful approach that adds to its appeal.

In short, if marine life and coral reefs excite you, and you want a full-day adventure with reliable logistics, this snorkeling trip is a worthwhile investment. Just remember to bring your sense of curiosity and a waterproof camera—you won’t want to miss capturing these underwater moments.

What is included in the tour?
All taxes, handling charges, lunch, snacks, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and insurance are included. Guides are dedicated and professional.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, starting early morning and returning in the afternoon.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup is offered from Bali accommodations, and the transfer to the meeting point is all handled by Neptune Scuba Diving.

What sites will we visit?
You will snorkel at three main locations: Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and northern drift sites in Nusa Penida.

Can children join the tour?
Yes, the minimum age is 5 years old, making it family-friendly.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are guides available for snorkeling?
All groups have a dedicated guide to ensure safety and assist as needed. Private guides are available at an additional cost.

Do I need to have dive certification?
No, certification is not required for snorkeling. Visitors interested in diving should check if they meet the necessary requirements.

How much is the conservation fee?
The cash fee is 100,000 IDR per person, supporting marine conservation efforts.

To sum it up, this Nusa Penida snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, safe, and memorable marine adventure. Its thoughtful organization, diverse sites, and friendly guides make it a worthwhile option for travelers seeking to explore Bali’s underwater treasures with confidence and comfort.