If you’re planning a trip to Bali, one experience you absolutely can’t miss is snorkeling in Nusa Penida. The waters surrounding this island (and its neighbors, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan) are known for their incredible marine life — everything from colorful coral to manta rays swimming past you. After spending a morning with Sea & Island Excursion, I can confidently say it was one of the highlights of our Bali trip.
We based ourselves on Nusa Lembongan but joined the tour from Nusa Ceningan, since we had a scooter. (Sea & Island Excursion offers pickup from both islands if you don’t want to ride yourself). If you’re wondering how to book, what it costs, and what the experience is like, here’s everything you need to know.
Booking a Snorkeling Tour in Nusa Penida
One thing I love about Bali is how laid back everything feels, and booking a snorkeling trip is no exception. We booked in advance via WhatsApp (the number is listed on Sea & Island’s website), but you could probably send a message just a day or two before and still get a spot.
Our snorkeling tour started at Rp 350,000 (about $21 USD) per person, and the price varies depending on the package you choose.
Why We Chose Sea & Island Excursion
Before booking, I did a lot of research on Bali snorkeling tours — and there are plenty to choose from. What stood out about Sea & Island Excursion was their smaller group size and reviews. Plus, Gede, our guide, gave us one of the best pieces of advice: start early.
We left at 7:45am, which felt early, but it made all the difference. The first spot we stopped at was a bit busy, but the next two were nearly empty. Snorkeling with just a handful of other people in the water made it feel less hectic and rushed.
The company provides everything: snorkel masks, fins, life jackets (if you want one), and even floaties for those who aren’t super confident swimmers. They also take GoPro photos during the trip, which is a fun way to capture the memories without worrying about your own camera.
Our Snorkeling Route Around Nusa Penida
The tour lasted about three hours and took us to three of the most famous sites for snorkeling in Nusa Penida.
Manta Bay (Manta Point Nusa Penida)
This was the highlight— swimming with manta rays in Bali. The moment we jumped into the water, manta rays were everywhere—massive, and totally unbothered by us being nearby. Seeing manta rays in Bali up close was one of those bucket-list experiences.
If you’ve ever dreamed of encountering manta rays up close, this is the place to do it. The water here is choppier than other spots, and it can feel intimidating at first, but our guide made sure we were safe and comfortable the whole time. Not dangerous if you stick with the group, but you’ll want to be prepared for some waves. Life jackets and floaties are available if you’d prefer extra support.
crystal bay
Our second stop was Crystal Bay, which is exactly as it sounds: clear, calm water and great visibility. There were only a couple of other boats when we arrived, which made it more relaxed than Manta Bay. The highlight of Crystal Bay was spotting a sea turtle swimming right by us! It was such a serene moment, and probably one of my favorites from the whole day.
gamat bay
Our third stop was Gamat Bay, and when we arrived, we were the only boat there — no other boats, no other swimmers. The coral here was gorgeous, with bright tropical fish swimming around everywhere. Gamat Bay was the best spot for coral on the tour and the perfect way to wrap up the morning.
Things to Know Before Snorkeling in Nusa Penida
- The water is rougher than you might expect. Luckily, Sea & Island had life vests available, which makes it accessible for everyone.
- Going early is key. If we had left later, I think we would have missed out on some marine life and would’ve had to share the water with a lot more people.
- The tour we chose lasted about 3 hours. It was the perfect length — enough time to see multiple spots without feeling exhausted.
- They handle the details. All gear is provided, and you don’t need to worry about bringing an underwater camera since they send GoPro photos afterward.
Tips for Snorkeling in Nusa Penida
After doing this trip, here are my top tips for making the most of your day:
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen. The sun is intense, and you’ll be on the boat for hours.
- Bring motion sickness tablets if you’re prone to motion or seasickness. The ride around Nusa Penida can be bumpy.
- Don’t worry if you’re not a strong swimmer. Life vests and floaties are available, and the guides keep a close eye on everyone.
- Book via WhatsApp. It’s the easiest way, and the team responds quickly.
Is Snorkeling in Nusa Penida Worth It?
One of the most unforgettable things you can do in Bali happens under the water: snorkeling in Nusa Penida. Between the manta rays, the sea turtle encounter, and the vibrant coral gardens, this is one of the best snorkeling in Bali experiences you can have.
If you’re staying in Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan, this tour is especially convenient. But even if you’re coming from mainland Bali, it’s worth making the trip. For me, it was hands down one of the best memories of Bali, and something I’d recommend to anyone visiting.
Related Read: Heading to Ubud first? Check out my guide to The Best Things to Do in Ubud.
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