Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

Nusa Penida by Private Boat – Snorkeling 4 Spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour
Rating: 5.0 (6,424 reviews)
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Price: $100.89 per person
Supplier: Day Trip Bali

Quick Overview of the Experience
If you’re after a full-day adventure that balances stellar snorkeling, iconic island sights, and a touch of local flavor, this tour hits all the right notes. For around $100, you’ll spend about 10 to 11 hours exploring several snorkeling spots, including coral gardens, manta ray encounters, and turtle sightings, plus a scenic land tour of Nusa Penida’s famous cliffs and beaches. The day kicks off with a boat ride from Bali’s Serangan harbor, and the highlight is swimming alongside majestic giant manta rays—a bucket-list experience for many.

What we love most are the small-group feel combined with professional guides who are both knowledgeable and friendly. The stunning scenery of Mount Agung from the lunch spot and the seclusion of snorkel sites make this tour stand out from typical day trips. Plus, the inclusion of underwater photos and videos really helps preserve the memories.

A possible consideration is the sea conditions—some reviews mention choppy waters and rough boat rides, which might not suit everyone. Also, it’s a packed schedule, so if you’re looking for a relaxed pace, this might feel a bit intense.

This tour is well-suited for active travelers, snorkelers of all experience levels, and those eager to see Nusa Penida’s iconic sights without the hassle of planning each stop themselves.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering four snorkel spots, scenic land tour, and island highlights
• Expert guides and small group size enhance the experience and safety
• Swim with manta rays in a quiet, well-timed location for optimal viewing
• Beautiful lunch with views of Mount Agung and pool access at a stylish restaurant
• Includes underwater photos and videos at no extra charge
• Potential challenges with sea conditions and a busy schedule

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Early Morning

The adventure begins at the Serangan harbor, where you’ll be welcomed with a fresh drink and offered coffee and pastries. We appreciate this relaxed start—it’s a chance to get acquainted before heading to Nusa Penida. The boat ride takes around 30 minutes aboard a clean, modern speedboat, giving you a quick but scenic crossing. The small group size (up to 14 travelers) means more personal attention, and reviews rave about the friendly crew.

Snorkeling in Crystal Clear Waters

Your first snorkel stop is at a secret Bali Hai Lagoon near Lembongan Island. The calm, clear waters here are perfect for spotting colorful reef fish and coral gardens. Many travelers mention how easy it is to snorkel even if you’re not an expert—life jackets are provided, and guides are attentive.

Next, you’ll visit SD Point, a hidden dive site known for drift snorkeling, where you can see turtles and a vibrant variety of marine life. Reviewers like Deborah note the excellent guides who ensure safety and fun, especially when currents are strong. The mangroves at Wall Bay offer another underwater spectacle filled with vibrant coral reefs and marine critters.

Lunch with a View

Midday, you’ll stop at Amarta Penida, a stylish restaurant that boasts an infinity pool overlooking Mount Agung and a private white sand beach. The food is described as delicious and well-presented, with some reviewers noting it exceeded expectations. You can relax, take in the breathtaking scenery, and enjoy pool access—rare for a tour lunch.

Land Tour of Iconic Sites

After lunch, a guided car tour whisks you to Kelingking Beach, famous for its T-Rex-shaped cliff. The views are spectacular, and most reviewers agree it’s a must-see. The drive involves some narrow, bumpy roads, which can be a bit nerve-wracking but are part of the charm of exploring remote Bali.

If time permits, you might visit Broken Beach and Angels Billabong, but this depends on the schedule. The tour offers flexibility—some guests choose to relax at the lunch spot while others explore the land sights.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays

The final snorkeling spot is Manta Point or Manta Bay. Here, the guides time the visit for quiet, manta-matched conditions, away from crowds. Many reviews highlight how magical swimming with these gentle giants can be, and guides like Morgan and Putu are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. You’ll get chances to swim close to manta rays, often with the help of underwater photos—an experience many describe as life-changing.

Return Journey and Practicalities

The trip wraps up with a return boat ride around 5:30-6 pm. Afterward, hot showers are available at the office, and transfers to your hotel or villa are straightforward, with extra cost. Many reviewers mention the boat ride back can be choppy, so packing some seasickness remedies might be wise.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Authentic marine encounters: With a focus on snorkeling at diverse, secluded spots, the chance to swim with manta rays and see turtles makes this a premium experience.

Well-rounded itinerary: Combining underwater adventure with spectacular land sights like Kelingking Cliff and Angels Billabong offers a balanced day, appealing to both nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.

High-quality guides and equipment: Reviewers repeatedly praise guides for their friendliness and expertise, which is crucial when navigating unfamiliar waters or tricky roads.

Value for money: For about $100, you get multiple snorkeling stops, land tours, lunch with views, and underwater videos—a comprehensive experience that many feel exceeds expectations.

Flexibility and optional extras: After booking, you can add extras like private tours, diving, drone footage, and additional meals, tailoring the day further.

Potential Drawbacks

Some reviews mention rough sea conditions, which can affect snorkeling quality and boat comfort. The busy schedule means the day can feel rushed, especially if you want to linger at certain stops. Also, the drive on narrow, pothole-laden roads might not be for the faint of heart.

Plus, communication about timing and activities isn’t always perfect, with some guests feeling unsure about exact durations or what comes next during the day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for active travelers who love snorkeling and scenic views. It’s perfect if you want a well-organized, all-in-one day without stressing about logistics, especially if you appreciate small group interactions.

It’s particularly suited for snorkelers of all experience levels—the guides prioritize safety and fun. If you’re a nature lover eager to see manta rays and turtles, you’ll find this tour offers some of the best opportunities in Bali.

However, if you’re sensitive to rough waters or prefer a more relaxed pace and less time on the road, you might want to consider other options.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a fantastic combination of snorkeling, scenic land exploration, and marine encounters in a single day. The small-group setting and professional guides create a safe, personalized experience that many reviewers have found truly memorable. The inclusion of underwater photos and videos means you’ll have keepsakes to cherish long after the trip ends.

The value for money is clear when you consider the number of snorkeling spots, the quality of the lunch, and the iconic sights visited. It’s a comprehensive adventure that caters especially to snorkelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those wanting to tick off Bali’s most famous landmarks.

If you’re willing to handle some rough roads and potentially choppy seas, this tour promises a full day of discovery and enjoyment. It’s a good choice for adventurous travelers who want to see as much as possible in one day, with the guidance of passionate locals.

FAQ

What’s included in the price?
You get land transport, professional snorkeling guides, underwater photos and videos, snorkel gear, lunch with views, and all entry tickets.

Can I join if I don’t snorkel?
Absolutely, you can still enjoy the land sights and the boat ride. Snorkeling is optional, and life jackets are provided for those who prefer to stay afloat.

How long is the boat ride from Bali to Nusa Penida?
The crossing takes about 30 minutes on a comfortable speedboat.

What is the snorkeling like?
Expect calm, clear waters with coral gardens, fish, turtles, and the chance to swim with manta rays. Some sites have currents, so guides are attentive to safety.

Are children allowed?
The tour isn’t recommended for children under 8 or pregnant women over 32 weeks. It’s best suited for adventurous, active travelers.

What about sea sickness?
The boat ride can be choppy, so if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking medication or packing seasickness remedies.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and some cash for optional extras or tips. Water and snacks are provided, but you might want a waterproof camera or phone for photos.

This tour offers an authentic, action-packed taste of Bali’s marine and land treasures. With friendly guides, top-notch equipment, and unforgettable sights, it’s a day that many travelers find well worth the price—and their time.