Experience the Underwater Magic of Nusa Lembongan and Penida with Certified Diver Dives
Diving in Bali’s Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offers a mix of spectacular marine life, world-famous manta rays, and crystal-clear waters. For certified divers, this 6-hour tour from Bali’s Lembongan island is a perfect way to explore some of Indonesia’s most iconic underwater sites. With prices at $105 per person, it’s a surprisingly good deal considering the quality of sites visited and the inclusive amenities. You’ll be joining a small group, with most bookings made at least 18 days in advance—proof that this offers high demand and consistent quality.
What we love about this experience is how organized the day is—from meet-up in the morning to return in the afternoon—and the opportunity to see manta rays almost guarantee yourself, not to mention the seasonal chance of spotting mola mola (sunfish). The professional guides, such as Rai, bring a wealth of local knowledge that really enriches each dive, and the included gear means you don’t need to worry about lugging equipment around or paying extra.
A thing to consider, however, is that sea conditions are unpredictable. While the guides do their best to visit mantas at Manta Point, they can’t promise sightings every day, especially during rough weather or if sea conditions aren’t ideal. Also, the tour is limited to a maximum of 8 divers, which helps keep the experience intimate but requires booking well in advance.
This tour suits certified divers who want a well-organized, exciting day out with the chance to see manta rays and other marine life at renowned sites. If you’re comfortable with a full day on the water and want a chance to explore the underwater world of Bali’s Nusa islands, you’ll find this an excellent option.
Key Points
- Highly rated with a 5.0/5 based on 20 reviews, reflecting consistent quality.
- Includes lunch, gear rental, and a guide, providing good value for the price.
- Focus on manta rays, with sightings almost guaranteed, plus seasonal mola mola opportunities.
- Small group sizes (max 8 participants) for a personalized experience.
- Flexible dive options of 2 or 3 dives to suit your interests.
- Weather and sea conditions can influence the site visited and sightings.
Exploring the Dive Itinerary: What You Can Expect
From the moment you arrive at the Bali Diving Academy in Lembongan, the day is set to be smooth. Most travelers meet around 7:30 am or 10 am, depending on their dive schedule, giving you time to set up gear and get a comprehensive briefing from your experienced dive guide. The boat departs either at 8:00 am or 10:30 am, heading out to some of the most famous dive sites in the area.
Planning more time in Nusa Lembongan? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Manta Point and Other Iconic Sites
The primary attraction here is Manta Point, where sightings of the gentle giants are almost routine. Multiple reviews praise the professionalism of the guides, with many noting that the guides are well-versed in the behaviors of manta rays and know exactly where to position divers for the best views. One reviewer notes, “Incredible dive shop! The team was well versed in all the dive sites in the area and super fun to boot! One of the instructors (Katie) is a marine biologist, so she was able to provide lots of additional exciting context to the marine creatures we encountered on the dives.”
Other sites include Crystal Bay and the Blue Corner, each offering different underwater scenery—coral gardens, swim-throughs, and an abundance of marine life such as turtles and colorful reef fish.
The Diving Experience
Your guides will tailor the dives to your certification level and preferences. Many reviews highlight how well-organized and flexible the operation is, with dive sites adjusted based on weather and sea conditions. For example, “They tailored our dives to our requests, and the team did a fantastic job helping us organize our three-day diving package,” says a delighted guest. The small group format enhances the experience, allowing guides to give more personal attention.
Surface Interval and Lunch
Between dives, most travelers enjoy a lunch on the boat—a packed lunch box accompanied by coffee and tea. It’s a chance to chat about what’s been seen and relax before heading back in for more. The boat ride itself offers stunning coastal views and a chance to spot dolphins or seabirds. The return to the dock is around 2:30-3 pm, leaving plenty of time to reflect on a rewarding day.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out
- Manta Ray encounters are the star of the show; sightings are almost guaranteed, and guides are experts at finding them.
- The seasonal mola mola is an added bonus from June to October, giving divers a rare chance to see the elusive sunfish.
- All gear and dive guides are included, reducing hassle and extra costs.
- Flexible booking options for 2 or 3 dives suit both beginners and seasoned divers looking for variety.
Authentic Experiences from Fellow Divers
Most reviews sing high praise for the professionalism and friendliness of the Bali Diving Academy staff. One diver commented, “The guides were super friendly and fun, and the equipment was in excellent condition.” Another noted, “I was recertified recently and felt very safe thanks to the attentive guides.”
Diving with expert guides like Rai or Carlos clearly makes a difference. Many reviewers appreciated guides who not only knew the sites but also shared fascinating insights — like Katie, the marine biologist instructor, who enriched the experience with her knowledge.
Potential Drawbacks
The main consideration is the dependence on weather conditions. As noted, rough seas or dull water in October affected some dives, and manta sightings aren’t 100% guaranteed. Weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes sea conditions might limit the sites visited or the visibility underwater.
Practical Details and Value
For $105, you’re paying for a full day of guided diving, with lunch, equipment, and a community contribution included. Considering the typical costs of renting gear and paying for a guide independently, this is quite a comprehensive package. Plus, the small group size means more personalized attention and a safer experience.
The timing—meet in the morning and return by mid-afternoon—fits well into a Bali itinerary, leaving you free to explore other parts of the island afterward. The available GoPro rentals offer another way to capture your underwater adventures, though these are at extra cost.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is ideal for certified divers longing to see manta rays in their natural habitat. It also suits those wanting a well-organized, safe, and friendly environment with knowledgeable guides. If you’re interested in possibly spotting mola mola during the season, you’ll find this tour worth doing. It’s best for travelers who appreciate small groups and flexible scheduling and are comfortable spending a full day on the water.
The Sum Up: Is This Tour Worth It?
If you’re a certified diver seeking a reliable, well-organized day out with a high chance of manta encounters, this is an excellent choice. The friendly guides, top-notch gear, and beautiful dive sites make it a valuable experience that’s hard to beat for the price.
While weather can influence the day’s success, the professionalism of the Bali Diving Academy team and their reputation for safety and personalized service make this trip a trustworthy pick. It’s perfect for those who want a focused, authentic underwater adventure with friendly guides and an emphasis on marine life.
If your goal is to see manta rays and enjoy Bali’s vibrant underwater scenery in a small group setting, this tour will not disappoint. Just remember to book early, pack your sense of adventure, and be prepared for a day full of remarkable sights.
FAQ
What is the price of this diving tour?
The cost per person is $105, which includes all fees, taxes, lunch, guide, and community contribution. Gear rentals and GoPros are extra.
How long does the tour last?
The experience runs approximately 6 hours, with meet-up starting around 7:30 or 10 am and returning by 2:30-3 pm.
Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes. Proof of certification is required to join this tour, as it involves multiple dives in open water.
Can I choose 2 or 3 dives?
Absolutely. You can select a 2-dive or 3-dive package depending on your interests and stamina.
What dive sites will we visit?
Most trips include Manta Point (for manta rays), Crystal Bay, and Blue Corner. Specific sites may vary depending on weather and conditions.
Are gear and computers included?
Essential gear is included, and dive computers are available for rent. You don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer.
Is there a risk of not seeing manta rays?
While sightings are almost guaranteed, they depend on weather and sea conditions. Guides do their best to find mantas, but no guarantee exists.
What about the mola mola?
From June to October, there’s a seasonal chance to see mola mola, but this is not guaranteed every day.
How do I book this tour?
Bookings are recommended at least 18 days in advance. You can contact Bali Diving Academy directly via their email or phone.
Is this suitable for beginner divers?
This tour is for certified divers, so it’s best for those with open water certification and some experience. It’s not suitable for snorkelers or non-certified divers.
This full, detailed review aims to help you decide whether this Bali diving experience fits your adventure plans. With its mix of stunning marine life, professional guides, and good value, it stands out as a top option for underwater explorers eager to see Bali’s famous manta rays and more.