From Bali: Snorkeling Trip to Nusa Lembongan & nusa Penida island

Discovering the Snorkeling Adventure from Bali to Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida

If you’re looking to escape Bali’s busy beaches and dive into some of Indonesia’s most scenic marine environments, this full-day snorkeling trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida might be just what you need. For around $102 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours exploring three or more prime snorkeling spots, with hotel pickup, boat transfers, and a local Indonesian buffet lunch included. The guide will take you from your Bali hotel to the islands, where you’ll enjoy a blend of stunning ocean views, vibrant coral reefs, and a chance (albeit season-dependent) to swim alongside majestic manta rays.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this tour: first, the variety of snorkeling sites—from Crystal Bay to Toyapakeh—ensures you get a taste of different underwater environments. Second, the organized logistics, including transfers and equipment, make for a smooth experience, especially for those unfamiliar with island hopping.

On the flip side, big swells and seasonal conditions can impact the quality of the snorkeling, especially the manta ray sightings. And if you’re looking for a quiet, uncrowded mangrove experience, you might find the Lembongan mangroves crowded and narrow, which could limit your kayak or boat time.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive half-day plus experience, are comfortable with group activities, and are curious to see marine life and island scenery. Families with children over 10, and those interested in a mix of relaxation and discovery, will find it fits well.

Key Points

Spectacular snorkeling sites across Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan offer diverse underwater scenes.
Hotel pickup and boat transfers simplify logistics, making it convenient for travelers.
Marine protected area fee is paid on location, adding a small extra cost.
Seasonality impacts manta ray sightings, so it’s not guaranteed.
Includes Indonesian buffet lunch as a pleasant break from snorkeling.
Group size is limited to 15, maintaining a personal atmosphere.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Sanur Beach and Bali to Nusa Penida

The tour kicks off early at 7:30 am with pickup from your accommodation in Bali—covering popular areas like Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Ubud. From there, you’ll hop onto a fast boat, which whisks you to Nusa Penida, a less developed, more natural island that boasts dramatic cliffs and a rugged coastline.

This journey is quite scenic—expect to see lush landscapes and surf-ready waves from the boat. The 45-minute transfer time is relatively swift considering the distance, giving you more time to enjoy the snorkeling once on the island.

First Stop: Jungut Batu Beach & Manta Bay

When you arrive, you’ll head straight to Manta Bay, famed for its plankton-rich waters that attract reef manta rays up to 5 meters wingspan. This is the highlight for many snorkelers—swimming alongside these graceful creatures. However, as ChoiiG1 succinctly put it in their review, “We couldn’t find manta and the mangrove forest was crowded,” highlighting that manta sightings depend heavily on the season and luck.

The tour also covers three of the best snorkeling spots around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, including Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh, with alternative choices like Gamat Bay or Ceningan if the swell is big. These sites are known for their vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and clear waters—ideal for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers.

The Snorkeling Experience

Each site offers unique underwater scenery. Crystal Bay, for example, is famed for its tranquil, clear water and abundant marine life, ideal for spotting small reef fish and colorful coral. Toyapakeh features a wall dive where the terrain drops sharply, creating dramatic underwater landscapes.

Snorkel gear—mask, fins, and snorkel—are provided, and the tour includes a towel for drying off after each session. Expect about three hours in the water, with the guide monitoring conditions to ensure safety, especially when big swells are present.

Lunch & Additional Attractions

Midway through the day, you’ll enjoy a buffet Indonesian lunch, complete with juice, tea, and coffee, giving you energy for the rest of the day. Post-lunch, there’s an optional mangrove tour, which can be explored via kayak or traditional small boat, depending on availability.

This mangrove experience can be quite crowded, as noted by some travelers, but it offers a different perspective on the island’s ecosystem—narrow channels and dense roots that are fun to paddle through.

What We Like About This Tour

The diverse snorkeling sites make this experience more than just a boat ride; it’s a chance to see different underwater habitats. The organized transfer system takes the hassle out of logistics, which is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with the area or traveling solo. The lunch provides a nice break and a taste of authentic Indonesian cuisine, nicely complementing the active morning.

On top of that, small group sizes ensure you won’t feel lost in a crowd—making the experience more personal and manageable.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the tour promises the chance to see manta rays, ChoiiG1’s review reminds us that sightings are not guaranteed—they depend heavily on the season and luck. If manta rays are a must-see, it’s wise to be aware that conditions can vary.

The crowded mangrove in Lembongan can be a downside if you’re seeking tranquility, and if you’re prone to seasickness, the boat ride and choppy waters might be a concern.

Finally, the marine protected area fee of Rp.100,000 per adult and Rp.50,000 per child is payable in cash on the spot—something to remember to bring along.

The Value of the Tour

At just over $100, this tour offers a full day of activity—transfers, multiple snorkeling sites, gear, lunch, and a short ferry ride. For travelers wanting to pack in diverse experiences and marine encounters, the price represents good value, especially considering the convenience of pickup and organized transfers.

However, keep expectations realistic: wildlife sightings like manta rays are seasonal and unpredictable, and the crowded mangrove might not appeal to everyone. For those interested in a guided, all-in-one day trip with options to explore different marine environments, this tour fits well.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This snorkeling trip is ideal for adventurous travelers ready to spend a full day on the water and exploring a pair of relatively untouched islands. It’s perfect for families with older children, sea-lovers eager to swim in multiple spots, and those comfortable with group tours and seaside boat rides. If your main goal is swimming with manta rays, you might want to check the season, but if you’re after diverse marine ecosystems and island scenery, this tour offers a compact, well-organized package.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from select areas in Bali including Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Sanur.

How long is the boat ride?
The fast boat transfer from Sanur to Nusa Penida takes about 45 minutes.

What snorkeling sites are visited?
Depending on conditions, sites include Crystal Bay, Toyapakeh, Gamat Bay, or Ceningan. Manta Bay is the primary spot for manta rays.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, bring cash to pay the marine protected area conservation fee—Rp.100,000 for adults and Rp.50,000 for children.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
The tour provides gear and has suitable sites for beginners, but swimming ability and comfort in open water are important.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour organizer carefully monitors conditions; if swell or weather make snorkeling unsafe, they’ll adjust sites or reschedule.

How many people are in each group?
Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring more personalized attention.

Are vegetarian options available?
The tour notes no vegetarian options, so plan accordingly if you have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling tour from Bali to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offers a solid mix of marine exploration, island scenery, and cultural flavor—all packed into a manageable day. The organized transfers and multiple snorkeling sites make it a practical choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning each step.

While manta ray sightings remain seasonal and not guaranteed, the chance to swim in Crystal Bay and explore Mangrove ecosystems makes this tour worthwhile. The lunch and small group size add comfort and authenticity, making it suitable for active families, couples, or solo travelers excited to discover Indonesia’s vibrant underwater world.

In sum, if you’re looking for a value-packed, adventure-filled day with a good balance of marine and island scenery, this trip hits the mark. Just remember to keep your expectations flexible about wildlife sightings, and you’ll come away with plenty of memorable moments.