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Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tours

4.5 (122 reviews)

Explore the vibrant underwater world of Nusa Penida with snorkeling tours that visit top spots like Manta Point, Gamat Bay, and Crystal Bay. Many excursions also combine snorkeling with land tours of iconic landmarks like Kelingking Beach.

🤿 Snorkeling equipment included
🌊 Swim with resident manta rays
🚐 Hotel pickup and drop-off
⏱️ Free 24-hour cancellation available
Snorkelling in Nusa Penida - Manta Point Free Cancellation
4.7 (70) ⏱ 6h

Snorkelling in Nusa Penida - Manta Point

Swim alongside Manta Rays and explore the diverse coral reefs of Nusa Penida.

Snorkeling Nusa Penida and Island Tour Package Free Cancellation
4.4 (20) ⏱ 10h

Snorkeling Nusa Penida and Island Tour Package

Snorkel with manta rays and visit the iconic cliffs of western Nusa Penida on this guided day trip.

Snorkeling Trip Nusa Penida Bali Free Cancellation
4.9 (8) ⏱ 9h

Snorkeling Trip Nusa Penida Bali

Snorkel Nusa Penida’s best reefs, from the manta rays at Manta Point to the vibrant corals of Crystal Bay and SD.

Nusa Penida Snorkeling & Kelingking Tour Free Cancellation
4.6 (7) ⏱ 9h

Nusa Penida Snorkeling & Kelingking Tour

Explore the dramatic Kelingking Beach cliffs and vibrant snorkeling spots on a full-day trip to Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida Island Tour Package With Snorkeling Free Cancellation
3.5 (6) ⏱ 10h

Nusa Penida Island Tour Package With Snorkeling

Snorkel at four prime spots in Nusa Penida and visit the island's famous coastal cliffs and beaches.

Nusa Penida Day Tour with Snorkeling
4.0 (4)

Nusa Penida Day Tour with Snorkeling

Explore Nusa Penida’s iconic west coast highlights, including Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay, with a private guide.

West Trip and Snorkeling Nusa Penida Free Cancellation
5.0 (4) ⏱ 10h

West Trip and Snorkeling Nusa Penida

West Trip and Snorkeling Nusa Penida

Private Snorkeling from Nusa Penida Free Cancellation
5.0 (3) ⏱ 8h 30min

Private Snorkeling from Nusa Penida

Private snorkeling tour to see manta rays at Manta Bay and explore the reefs of Gamat and Crystal Bay.

What Visitors Say

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

M
Maria K. United States, May 2025
4.8

"Saw three giant manta rays at Manta Point! The boat ride from Sanur was a bit choppy, so definitely take motion sickness pills. The hike down to Kelingking was incredibly steep, make sure you wear real sneakers and not sandals."

J
James T. United Kingdom, Aug 2025
4.5

"Great combo tour of the island. Snorkeling at Gamat Bay was crystal clear and the coral was vibrant. The lunch provided was basic but tasty Indonesian food. Our driver picked us up right on time from our Seminyak hotel."

C
Chloe M. Australia, Sep 2025
5.0

"Absolutely unreal experience. We booked the private snorkeling charter and it was worth every penny to go at our own pace. Getting to Crystal Bay before the big crowds made a huge difference. The guide was fantastic and very safety conscious."

L
Liam D. Canada, Jun 2025
4.6

"The marine life is out of this world. We didn't spot mantas at the first stop, but the guide quickly pivoted to Wall Bay where the reef was stunning. Just a heads up, the roads on the island are super bumpy during the land tour."

S
Sarah J. South Africa, Jul 2025
4.4

"Beautiful island but very rugged. The snorkeling was top-notch, though the currents were quite strong so you need to be a confident swimmer. Angel's Billabong was gorgeous, but listen to the guides and don't get too close to the edge."

K
Kenji S. Japan, Oct 2025
4.9

"Very well organized day trip. The fast boat from Sanur took about 40 minutes and boarding was smooth. We saw sea turtles and manta rays! The tour guide helped take great photos at Broken Beach. Remember to bring cash for small purchases like water."

What to Expect on Your Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour

Nusa Penida offers a striking contrast to mainland Bali, combining raw, rugged landscapes with world-class marine biodiversity. Snorkeling tours here typically blend underwater encounters with resident manta rays and land excursions to the island's most dramatic limestone cliffs.

🤿

Manta Ray Encounters

Swim in the open ocean alongside giant resident reef manta rays. Guides typically take you to Manta Point or Manta Bay, where these gentle giants frequent natural cleaning stations year-round.

🦖

Iconic Clifftop Views

Stand above the famous T-Rex-shaped headland at Kelingking Beach. Many combo tours include a land portion to view this massive limestone formation dropping into turquoise waters.

🐠

Vibrant Coral Reefs

Explore the colorful hard and soft corals at dive sites like Gamat Bay and Wall Point. These areas are teeming with tropical fish and offer excellent visibility during the dry season.

🌊

Natural Rock Pools

Marvel at the island's unique geological formations, including the massive natural limestone archway of Broken Beach and the tidal infinity pool at Angel's Billabong.

🏖️

Crystal Bay Relaxation

Unwind at Crystal Bay, one of the island's most accessible beaches. It is famous for its calm, clear waters, excellent offshore snorkeling, and relaxing atmosphere.

Things to Know Before Booking

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

Tour Types Available

Most options are full-day combo tours (9-10 hours) that mix snorkeling with a land tour of the island's western highlights. You can also find dedicated snorkeling-only trips (6-9 hours) and private boat charters for a more customized pace.

Fast Boat Transfers

Nearly all tours departing from mainland Bali include round-trip fast boat tickets from Sanur Port. The crossing takes 30-45 minutes and the Badung Strait can be very choppy, so taking motion sickness medication 30 minutes before boarding is highly recommended.

Included Equipment

Tour operators generally provide masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets. Lunch is also standard on full-day trips, usually featuring basic Indonesian fare. Vegetarian options are available if requested at the time of booking.

Mandatory Fees

While tours cover the boat and gear, verify if local taxes are included. Snorkelers must pay a Marine Protected Area (MPA) fee of IDR 100,000 per day, plus an island entry fee of IDR 25,000. You also need to have paid the standard IDR 150,000 Bali Tourism Tax upon arrival in the province.

Health Restrictions

Due to strong ocean currents and the physical demand of the land tours, these trips are not recommended for pregnant travelers, those with poor cardiovascular health, or individuals with spinal injuries. A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

Hotel Pickups

Free hotel transfers are typically included from major Bali tourist hubs like Sanur, Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, and Nusa Dua. If you are staying in more remote areas, expect to pay an out-of-zone surcharge.

Cancellation Policies

Sea conditions dictate the daily itinerary. Most operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, giving you flexibility if the weather forecast looks poor.

Which Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour Is Best for You?

Dedicated Snorkeling TripCombo Snorkeling & Land TourPrivate Snorkeling Charter
Duration 6 - 9 hours9 - 10 hours8.5 hours
Best For Marine life lovers wanting maximum water time at Manta PointFirst-timers wanting to see Kelingking Beach and snorkel in one dayCouples or groups wanting a custom pace and private boat
Price From $140$90$95
Includes Land Tour NoYesOptional

Plan Your Visit to Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida's natural attractions are generally open during daylight hours, from 06:00 to 19:00.

To avoid the massive influx of day-trippers arriving from mainland Bali, it is highly recommended to start your day as early as 06:00 AM. The busiest period at iconic spots like Kelingking Beach is typically around 09:30 AM when the fast boats unload.

Most visitors arrive via Fast Boat from Sanur Port in Bali. This is the most popular route with over 40 daily departures. The 25 km crossing takes 30-45 minutes and costs between IDR 150,000 and 300,000.

  • Kusamba Port: Offers the shortest sea crossing (20-25 minutes) for IDR 100,000 - 150,000, though it is further from major tourist hubs.
  • Padang Bai Public Ferry: The only option if you need to transport a scooter or car. It takes 60-90 minutes and costs IDR 31,700, but departures are frequently delayed.
  • From Nusa Lembongan: Small speedboats run from the Yellow Bridge, taking just 10-15 minutes for IDR 60,000.

The optimal time to visit Nusa Penida is during the dry season from April to October. These months offer sunny weather, calm seas, and the best underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving.

If you are hoping to spot the elusive Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish), the peak season is specifically from July to October when cold upwellings bring them to shallower depths.

Months to Avoid: November to March is the rainy season. Heavy monsoons lead to slippery roads, rough sea conditions, and frequent boat cancellations.

Accessibility on Nusa Penida is generally very poor. The island's terrain is rugged with steep, unpaved paths. Many of the famous beaches and viewpoints require descending hundreds of narrow, uneven stone or bamboo stairs.

For the elderly, the island is challenging due to steep inclines and high heat. Hiring a private car with a driver is essential for comfort, though many beaches will remain inaccessible without strenuous hiking.

For children, the island is suitable for older kids, but constant supervision is required. High cliffs often lack safety railings, and the ocean currents at the beaches can be strong and unpredictable.

Facilities on the island are limited compared to mainland Bali. Keep the following in mind:

  • Money: There are 10-15 ATMs mainly in the northern hubs of Toya Pakeh and Sampalan, but they frequently run out of cash or reject foreign cards. Carry significant IDR in cash.
  • Transport: Ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek do not operate here. You must hire a private driver or rent a scooter.
  • Medical: There is only one small hospital (RSUD Gema Santi). Serious injuries require an expensive emergency boat transfer to Bali.
  • Water: Tap water is not potable. You must drink bottled or filtered water. Bring a reusable bottle to comply with the island's anti-plastic rules.

Nusa Penida enforces several local laws and environmental protections:

  • Permits & Fees: A Marine Protected Area (MPA) fee of IDR 100,000 per day is required for anyone entering the water. There is also an island entry fee of IDR 25,000.
  • Plastics: Single-use plastics, including straws, plastic bags, and beverage bottles under 1 liter, are officially banned.
  • Dress Code: Modest dress is required for entering temples (like Goa Giri Putri). Visitors must wear a sarong and sash.
  • Drones: Drones under 2kg do not require a permit for recreational use but are strictly prohibited from flying over temples or large crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are manta ray sightings guaranteed on the snorkeling tours?

While sightings are never 100% guaranteed with wild animals, there is an estimated 85% chance of seeing resident manta rays at Manta Point or Manta Bay, as they visit these natural cleaning stations year-round.

Do I need to pay an extra fee to snorkel in Nusa Penida?

Yes, international tourists must pay a Marine Protected Area (MPA) retribution fee of IDR 100,000 per person per day to enter the water. Check with your tour operator to see if this is included in your booking price.

Is it safe for beginners to snorkel here?

Snorkeling in Nusa Penida requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The ocean currents can be very strong and unpredictable, so it is not recommended for poor swimmers or travelers with cardiovascular health issues.

Can I use Grab or Gojek to get around the island?

No, ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek do not operate on Nusa Penida. Transport is entirely limited to hiring private drivers or renting scooters.

What should I wear for the land portion of the tour?

Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes if you plan on hiking down to Kelingking or Diamond Beach. The limestone steps are incredibly steep and slippery, making flip-flops very dangerous.

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

It is unlikely for snorkelers to see the Mola Mola, as they typically dwell at deeper depths. The peak season for sightings is July to October, and they are mostly encountered by scuba divers.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Most full-day combo tours and dedicated snorkeling trips include an Indonesian lunch. Vegetarian and vegan options are usually available if you advise the operator at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The Badung Strait crossing can become extremely choppy during bad weather, especially from November to March. Most operators adjust the itinerary for safety or offer a full refund if the tour is canceled 24 hours in advance.

Do I need to bring cash to the island?

Yes, you should carry a significant amount of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While there are a few ATMs in the northern villages, they frequently run out of cash, and most local warungs do not accept credit cards.

Is it safe to swim at Kelingking Beach?

No, swimming at Kelingking Beach is extremely dangerous. The undertow and currents are powerful and have resulted in multiple drownings, so visitors are advised to stay out of the water there.

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