What to Expect on a Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour

Last Updated on May 17, 2025 by Charlotte

Is snorkeling with manta rays around Nusa Penida really worth it? That’s the question I asked myself as I clung to the side of a wooden boat, trying to keep my breakfast down while waves slapped the hull and snorkelers splashed chaotically into the sea. I’d booked the tour hoping for manta magic– and while I did get a glimpse of those majestic giants, the experience wasn’t quite what I imagined. Still, the day had its bright spots. Coral gardens, crystal-clear water, and a surprise final stop that totally redeemed things. If you’re planning a Nusa Penida snorkeling tour, here’s everything I wish I’d known before hopping aboard.

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Snorkel Tour Logistics: Booking and Departure

We booked our tour through our guesthouse on Nusa Lembongan, which is actually the most common way to go. Many Lembongan-based tours cross over to the snorkeling sites around Nusa Penida, so don’t be surprised if your “Nusa Lembongan snorkel tour” spends most of the day near Penida instead. Our day started with a pickup right on the beach. The boat was small, just a wooden vessel with an outboard motor and basic snorkel gear onboard. If you’re prone to seasickness or have back issues, this kind of ride might not be for you. It was rough.

Manta Point: Not Quite What I Expected

I had been dreaming of swimming with manta rays ever since I saw the photos of snorkelers cruising along side these gentle giants. So I’ll admit, my expectations were high.

In real life, Manta Point was…different. It was daylight, for one, and the ocean was super rough that morning. Near the point, at least a dozen boats clustered in the same general area, all dropping people into the choppy water as soon as a manta was spotted. The water was turbid, the visibility was low, and the swell was rough. Between the diesel fumes and the waves, I started to feel queasy almost immediately.

That said, we did see manta rays. They were giant, dark shadows gliding below us, at least a meter long from wingtip to wingtip. If you’ve never seen a manta ray before, it feels magical to see them cruise by. Just don’t expect peace with the hundreds of other tourists bobbing in the water alongside you. It’s a fast-paced, splashy, and competitive scene, with boats and snorkelers all vying for a view. If I could do it again, I might opt for a speedboat or larger boat tour instead of our small wooden one to make the ride less jarring.

It’s not the kind of place I’d return to, but for a first-timer? It could be a major highlight.

Crystal Bay: Shallow Coral Gardens and Calm(er) Waters

After the chaos of Manta Point, Crystal Bay felt like a vacation.

We anchored just inside the mouth of the bay, where the water was calmer and surprisingly clear. From the surface, I could already make out the outlines of corals, and once I dipped my face in, I was greeted with a technicolor world.

Because most of the coral gardens at Crystal Bay are just a few feet below the surface, this was a spot perfect for casual floating. I saw soft corals, brain coral, and even a few anemones with resident clownfish doing their little territorial dance. The sun filtered through the water, and for the first time that day, I forgot about the nausea.

In my opinion, Crystal Bay is a solid middle ground: not completely secluded, but peaceful enough to enjoy what’s below without getting jostled by waves or other boats. Plus, unlike a lot of the other popular snorkeling spots, you can access Crystal Bay by land if you prefer not to go on a half day long boat ride.

Mangrove Reef: A Surprising Favorite

I didn’t know the name of this spot when we arrived, but after some research, I’m pretty sure it was Mangrove Reef, just off the northern coast of Nusa Lembongan. And honestly? It ended up being the highlight of my day.

The water was calm and incredibly clear, like snorkeling in blue glass. Massive fields of healthy staghorn coral stretched out beneath us, and the reef sloped gently into deeper water, maybe 10 to 12 feet deep, creating a dramatic layered effect. While most of the fish stayed lower in the water column, the sheer scale and clarity of the coral structures made this a mesmerizing place to drift.

We didn’t see a huge volume of fish, but the visibility and coral health more than made up for it. This spot is also tide-dependent, which might explain why it felt quieter and more peaceful than the others. If I ever return to Lembongan, I’d happily come back here just to float and soak it all in.

How to Book a Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour

We booked our tour through our guesthouse on Nusa Lembongan, which is a super common (and easy) option. Most accommodations can set you up with a local operator who’ll pick you up right from the beach, or you can find tourist stalls scattered around the island. But if you’re staying on Nusa Penida itself, don’t worry, you can still join similar tours. Most snorkeling trips operate in the same shared waters and often visit identical sites (like Manta Point and Crystal Bay), regardless of which island you depart from.

• Tour length: Usually 3–5 hours, with 2–4 snorkel stops
• Boat type: Small wooden boats for budget tours, or larger speedboats for more comfort
• Pickup: Most tours pick up right from the beach on Nusa Lembongan or Ceningan, although some include transportation from your accommodations.

Pro tip: Ask about the boat size before you book, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or have back issues!!

Whether you’re staying on Penida, Lembongan, or Ceningan, you’ll have access to a wide range of snorkeling tours. Just double-check pickup logistics before booking online. If you want to lock in your spot ahead of time or prefer a speedboat to a bumpy ride, you’ll find plenty of tour options online (I’ll drop a few good options below).

What to Pack for a Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour

You don’t need to bring a lot, but a few essentials will seriously improve your experience:

• Reef-safe sunscreen (apply at least 30 mins before you enter the water)
• Rash guard or swim shirt (for sun protection + warmth)
• Towel and dry clothes (you’ll be soaked)
• Motion sickness tablets (trust me—better safe than green)
• GoPro or waterproof phone pouch (the reefs are worth photographing)
• Reusable water bottle (many tours don’t provide water)
• Optional but handy:
  • Swim leggings or shorts (to avoid sunburn)
  • Your own snorkel gear if you’re picky about fit
  • Dry bag for valuables

Final Thoughts: Is a Nusa Penida Snorkel Tour Worth It?

Would I do this exact tour again? Probably not on a small wooden boat. But was it still worth the low cost and the chance to see manta rays gliding through the sea? Yes, especially when paired with Bali’s ridiculously affordable snorkeling prices and the reef magic we found later in the day.

Just don’t go in expecting a quiet nature moment. Go for the adventure, the surprise, and the stories you’ll get to tell later. And maybe bring a little ginger candy, just in case.