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Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida Manta Ray Tours

4.7 (2 659 reviews)

Swim alongside wild marine life on a guided snorkeling excursion to Manta Point or Manta Bay. Choose from quick two-hour trips or full-day island adventures that include fast boat transfers and snorkeling equipment.

🤿 Snorkeling equipment included
📷 Free underwater GoPro photos
🚤 Fast boat transfers provided
📅 Free 24-hour cancellation
Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour Free Cancellation
4.9 (2 184) ⏱ 8h

Nusa Penida day trip: boat, 4 snorkeling, Manta rays & Land tour

Snorkel with manta rays at four locations and visit Kelingking Cliff on a full-day Nusa Penida trip from Sanur.

Snorkeling Manta Ray Safari in Nusa Penida Free Cancellation
4.2 (169) ⏱ 2h 30min

Snorkeling Manta Ray Safari in Nusa Penida

Explore vibrant coral reefs and local marine life on a relaxed, accessible underwater adventure.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida Experience (All-Inclusive) Free Cancellation
4.9 (140) ⏱ 8h

Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida Experience (All-Inclusive)

Swim with manta rays and explore the colorful reefs of Nusa Penida on a private snorkeling trip from Sanur.

Snorkelling in Nusa Penida - Manta Point Free Cancellation
4.7 (70) ⏱ 6h

Snorkelling in Nusa Penida - Manta Point

Swim with manta rays and explore the diverse coral reefs of Nusa Penida on this guided snorkeling trip.

Snorkeling In Nusa Penida Island With Manta Ray From Bali Free Cancellation
4.4 (49) ⏱ 6h

Snorkeling In Nusa Penida Island With Manta Ray From Bali

Visit three of Nusa Penida’s best snorkeling spots, including Manta Bay and Crystal Bay, on a two-hour boat trip.

All-inclusive : Highlight Nusa Penida Tour with Snorkeling at Manta Ray Free Cancellation
5.0 (20) ⏱ 12h

All-inclusive : Highlight Nusa Penida Tour with Snorkeling at Manta Ray

See Nusa Penida’s top sights and snorkel with manta rays on this all-inclusive day trip from Bali.

Nusa Penida Snorkeling Manta Rays, Tembeling Pool & Kelingking Free Cancellation
4.5 (15)

Nusa Penida Snorkeling Manta Rays, Tembeling Pool & Kelingking

Snorkel with manta rays and explore Kelingking Beach and Tembeling Forest on a shared Nusa Penida day trip.

Snorkelling with Manta Rays at Nusa Penida and Lembongan Free Cancellation
5.0 (12) ⏱ 7h

Snorkelling with Manta Rays at Nusa Penida and Lembongan

Swim with manta rays and explore the coral reefs of Nusa Penida and Lembongan on a guided day trip from Sanur.

What Visitors Say

Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Nusa Penida — from practical tips to personal highlights.

J
James T. Australia, Apr 2025
5.0

"Absolutely unreal experience. We got picked up from Seminyak right on time at 6:30 AM. The boat ride over was a bit bumpy, but jumping into Manta Point and seeing three massive rays swimming right below us made it all worth it. The land tour to Kelingking was super hot, but the views are exactly like the photos."

E
Elena R. Spain, Jun 2025
4.8

"Booked the all-inclusive land and sea combo. Our guide Putu was fantastic and took amazing GoPro videos of us with the mantas for free! The only downside was the traffic on the island's narrow roads during the land tour. Definitely bring a reusable water bottle, they are strict about the plastic ban."

M
Markus W. Germany, Aug 2025
4.5

"We did the snorkeling-only safari since we were already staying on Nusa Penida. The current at Wall Bay was pretty strong, but the coral was vibrant and we saw a turtle. Manta Bay was crowded with other boats, but we still managed to see one ray feeding. Good value for the price."

S
Sarah L. United Kingdom, Sep 2025
4.9

"Such a well-organized day trip. The fast boat from Sanur was efficient, and they handled all the MPA fees so we didn't have to worry about cash. Swimming with the mantas is a core memory now. Lunch at the infinity pool restaurant was a nice touch to break up the day before heading to Broken Beach."

D
David C. United States, Jan 2026
4.3

"We went during the rainy season, so the water was a bit choppy and visibility wasn't perfect. We actually didn't spot any mantas at Manta Point, which was a bummer, but that's nature! The crew pivoted and took us to Crystal Bay instead where the snorkeling was much calmer and we saw loads of fish."

C
Chloe M. Canada, May 2026
5.0

"Best day of our Bali trip! Opted for the small group tour and there were only 6 of us on the boat. The guide made sure everyone felt safe in the water despite the swells. Hiking down Diamond Beach later in the afternoon was exhausting in flip-flops—definitely wear sneakers if you plan to do the stairs!"

What to Expect on Your Nusa Penida Manta Ray Tour

A Nusa Penida manta ray tour combines thrilling open-ocean snorkeling with some of Indonesia's most dramatic coastal scenery. You will cross the Badung Strait by fast boat to swim alongside giant reef manta rays at their natural cleaning stations, followed by exploring vibrant coral reefs and iconic cliffside viewpoints.

🤿

Swimming with Giants

Drop into the water at Manta Point or Manta Bay to observe resident reef manta rays gliding through the ocean. These gentle giants visit natural cleaning stations here year-round.

🐠

Vibrant Coral Reefs

Most tours include additional snorkeling stops at locations like SD Point, Wall Bay, or Crystal Bay, where you can spot sea turtles and diverse tropical fish.

🚤

Fast Boat Crossings

Tours typically start with a 30 to 45-minute speedboat ride from Sanur Port in Bali. The crossing can be choppy, adding a bit of adventure to your morning.

🦖

Iconic Land Views

Full-day combo tours take you inland to see Nusa Penida's famous rugged landscapes, including the T-Rex-shaped cliffs of Kelingking Beach and the natural arch of Broken Beach.

📸

Underwater Photography

Many guides bring GoPros into the water to capture photos and videos of you swimming with the mantas, usually included in the tour price.

Things to Know Before Booking

Planning a trip to see Nusa Penida's manta rays requires a bit of preparation due to the island's rugged nature and ocean conditions. Here is what you need to know before securing your spot.

Tour Types Available

You can choose between short 2.5-hour snorkeling-only safaris if you are already on the island, or comprehensive 8 to 12-hour full-day trips that include hotel transfers from mainland Bali, boat tickets, and a guided land tour.

Health Restrictions

Because the speedboat rides can be very bumpy and ocean currents are strong, these tours are strictly not recommended for pregnant travelers, individuals with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Ticket Inclusions

Check your itinerary closely. Most premium tours cover the IDR 100,000 Marine Protected Area (MPA) snorkeling fee and the IDR 25,000 island entry fee, but budget options might require you to pay these in cash upon arrival.

Transportation Logistics

Full-day tours usually include private pickup from major Bali hubs like Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, and Sanur. The boats depart from Sanur Port around 8:00 AM, so expect an early morning hotel pickup between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM.

Weather and Sea Conditions

The best visibility and calmest seas are from April to October. If you book between November and March, be prepared for potential boat delays or cancellations due to heavy monsoons and rough waters.

What to Pack

Bring plenty of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) as ATMs are scarce and often empty. Also, pack a reusable water bottle to comply with Bali's strict ban on single-use plastics, plus a towel and reef-safe sunscreen.

Cancellation Policies

Ocean conditions can change rapidly. Fortunately, the vast majority of operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Which Nusa Penida Manta Ray Tour Is Best for You?

Snorkeling-Only SafariAll-Inclusive Land & Sea TourSmall-Group Premium Snorkeling
Duration 2.5 to 6 hours8 to 12 hours6 to 8 hours
Best for Budget travelers already on the Nusa islandsFirst-time visitors wanting the complete experienceAvoiding crowded boats and maximizing comfort
Key Inclusions Snorkel gear, boat ride, water, GoPro photosBali hotel transfer, fast boat, lunch, snorkeling, land tourMax 6-8 people, fast boat, lunch, dedicated guide
Price from $15 USD$71 USD$143 USD

Plan Your Visit to Nusa Penida

Natural Attractions: Nusa Penida's beaches and viewpoints are generally open during daylight hours, from 06:00 to 19:00.

  • Tour Schedules: Most manta ray snorkeling tours begin early. If you are departing from mainland Bali, hotel pickups start between 06:00 AM and 07:00 AM.
  • Boat Departures: Speedboats from Sanur Port typically leave around 08:00 AM and return between 15:30 and 17:00.
  • Crowd Tip: If you are staying on the island, start your land tours at 06:00 AM to reach spots like Kelingking Beach before the massive influx of day-trippers arrives at 09:30 AM.

Nusa Penida is located about 25 km southeast of mainland Bali across the Badung Strait. There are no airports on the island.

  • Fast Boat from Sanur: The most popular and convenient route. Boats take 30-45 minutes and cost between IDR 150,000 and 300,000. There are over 40 daily departures from the modern Sanur terminal.
  • Fast Boat from Kusamba: The shortest sea crossing (20-25 minutes, IDR 100,000 - 150,000), but the port is further from major tourist hubs like Kuta or Seminyak.
  • Public Ferry (Padang Bai): Takes 60-90 minutes and costs IDR 31,700. This is the only option if you need to transport a scooter or car, though delays are common.
  • From Neighboring Islands: Small speedboats run frequently from the Yellow Bridge at Nusa Lembongan, taking just 10-15 minutes for IDR 60,000.

Dry Season (April to October): This is the absolute best time for a manta ray tour. The weather is sunny, the seas are calm, and underwater visibility is at its peak. If you visit between July and October, you might also spot the elusive Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) brought in by cold upwellings.

Rainy Season (November to March): It is highly recommended to be cautious during these months. Heavy monsoons bring rough sea conditions, which frequently lead to boat cancellations. The Badung Strait crossing can be extremely choppy, and the island's steep dirt roads become slippery and dangerous.

Wheelchair Access: Accessibility on Nusa Penida is very poor. The terrain is rugged, paths are unpaved, and reaching famous beaches requires descending hundreds of uneven stone or bamboo stairs. Boat boarding also often requires stepping into the water.

Health Restrictions: Due to the physical demands of getting on and off speedboats, strong ocean currents, and steep cliffside walks, these tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers, individuals with spinal injuries, or those with poor cardiovascular health.

Children & Elderly: While older children can handle the snorkeling with life jackets, constant supervision is required due to a lack of safety railings on cliffs. Elderly visitors may find the steep inclines and high heat challenging; hiring a private car with air conditioning is essential.

Nusa Penida is much less developed than mainland Bali. Prepare accordingly before your tour.

  • Money: Bring significant IDR cash. While there are 10-15 ATMs in the northern hubs of Toya Pakeh and Sampalan, they frequently run out of cash or reject foreign cards. Most local warungs and entry points do not accept credit cards.
  • Transport: Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek do not operate here. You must rely on private drivers or scooter rentals (International Driving Permit required).
  • Medical: Facilities are limited to one small hospital (RSUD Gema Santi). Serious injuries require an expensive emergency boat transfer back to Bali.
  • Food & Drink: Tap water is not safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle to use at refill stations.

Visitors must adhere to local regulations and environmental protections while touring Nusa Penida.

  • Fees & Taxes: You must pay the mandatory Bali Tourism Tax of IDR 150,000 upon arrival in the province. Entering Nusa Penida requires an island entry fee of IDR 25,000. Snorkelers and divers must also pay a Marine Protected Area (MPA) retribution fee of IDR 100,000 per day.
  • Plastic Ban: Single-use plastics, including straws, plastic bags, and small beverage bottles, are officially banned under Bali provincial regulations.
  • Dress Code: If your land tour includes a temple visit (like Goa Giri Putri), modest dress is required. You must wear a sarong and sash.
  • Drones: Drones under 2kg are permitted for recreational use but are strictly prohibited from flying over temples or large crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are manta ray sightings guaranteed on these tours?

While nature is never 100% guaranteed, the chances of seeing manta rays at Manta Point or Manta Bay are extremely high year-round. These areas serve as natural cleaning stations where the rays gather daily.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to join a snorkeling tour?

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness and be comfortable in open water. The ocean currents around Nusa Penida can be strong, but tour operators provide life jackets and floating rings for extra support.

Is the snorkeling fee included in the tour price?

Most all-inclusive tours booked from mainland Bali cover the IDR 100,000 Marine Protected Area (MPA) fee. However, if you book a budget snorkeling-only trip locally, you may need to pay this fee in cash.

Can pregnant women go on the fast boat to Nusa Penida?

No, tour operators strictly advise against pregnant travelers joining these trips. The 30 to 45-minute crossing across the Badung Strait can be incredibly choppy and involves hard impacts on the waves.

Will I see the Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) while snorkeling?

It is highly unlikely to see a Mola Mola while snorkeling. They reside in much deeper waters and only come up to shallower depths during cold upwellings between July and October, making them a sight primarily for scuba divers.

Are GoPros or underwater cameras provided?

Yes, the vast majority of guided snorkeling tours include free underwater photos and videos. The guides will bring a GoPro into the water to capture footage of you with the manta rays.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Safety is the priority. If the sea conditions are too rough—which happens more frequently between November and March—the harbor master may cancel boat departures. In these cases, operators offer a reschedule or a full refund.

Is Kelingking Beach safe to hike down?

The path down the 'T-Rex' spine at Kelingking Beach is extremely steep, uneven, and has minimal safety railings. If you choose to hike it during your land tour, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and proceed with extreme caution.

Do I need to bring cash on an all-inclusive tour?

Yes, it is highly recommended to bring Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Even if your transport and lunch are covered, you will need cash for public toilets, tipping your guide, or buying snacks at local warungs that do not accept cards.

Can I bring my children on the manta ray snorkeling trip?

Older children are generally welcome, but some tours have a minimum age limit of 5 or 6 years old. Infants are not recommended on the boats due to the rough sea conditions and lack of proper seating.

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