Nusa Penida Special Trip Snorkeling with Manta Rays and Land Tour

Exploring Nusa Penida: Snorkeling with Manta Rays & Land Adventures

If you’re after a day packed with breathtaking scenery and marine encounters on Bali’s nearby island, this Nusa Penida Special Trip ticks all the boxes. Costing around $138 per person, it offers a mix of exciting snorkeling and iconic land sights in an approximately 9 to 11-hour window. From being whisked across the water in a fast boat to encountering majestic Giant Manta Rays and exploring dramatic cliffs, this trip promises a full day of adventure. The tour includes a private car and a professional guide, making it comfortable and informative.

What we appreciate most are the up-close marine encounters with the gentle giants—Manta Rays—and the spectacular land views at Kelingking Cliff, which is truly a photographer’s paradise. The scenic lunch with Mount Agung views adds a peaceful, authentic touch, balancing the adrenaline of snorkeling. Another highlight is the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

However, one thing to consider is the rushed snorkeling segment, which some travelers found a bit brief compared to the extensive land exploration. This is important if you prefer a more relaxed snorkeling experience or longer underwater time.

This tour suits travelers who love diverse landscapes, marine life, and well-organized trips. If you’re comfortable with a full day of activity, enjoy scenic drives, and don’t mind a quicker-paced snorkeling session, this trip could be perfect for you. It also caters well to those who value professional guides and high-quality gear.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience – Combines land exploration and snorkeling for a well-rounded day.
• Expert Guidance – Knowledgeable guides enhance the trip with local insights.
• High-Quality Equipment – Snorkeling gear and underwater photos/videos included for added value.
• Stunning Landmarks – Kelingking Cliff, Broken Beach, and Angels Billabong showcase Bali’s dramatic coastline.
• Marine Encounters – Chance to swim with gentle Giant Manta Rays in their natural habitat.
• All-Inclusive Convenience – Includes transportation, entrance tickets, lunch, towels, water, and round-trip boat tickets.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Starting from Bali, the journey begins with a quick 30-minute boat crossing that sets the tone for an exciting day ahead. Once on Nusa Penida, the first stop is the iconic Kelingking Beach, famous for its T-Rex-shaped cliff. The panoramic views here are jaw-dropping, and it’s a spot that deserves plenty of time for photos and just soaking in the scenery. The free admission means you can spend as much or as little time as you like, but most groups allocate around two hours to fully appreciate this natural marvel.

Next, you’ll visit Broken Beach and Angels Billabong. These two sites are close neighbors, making it easy to explore both in about 1.5 hours. Broken Beach’s natural arch creates a striking circular cove with ocean flow, perfect for photos. Angels Billabong is a unique tidal pool with crystal-clear waters, ideal for a quick dip or just marveling at the natural formations. These sites are free to visit, but their spectacular vistas are worth the time.

The highlight of the day is the visit to Manta Point. Here, guided by experienced locals, you’ll have the chance to snorkel in Manta Bay or Manta Point—the exact location depends on ocean conditions. The main attraction? Swimming alongside Giant Oceanic Manta Rays—the gentle giants of the sea. This is often described as a thrilling and memorable experience, with guides helping you get as close as safe and respectful of these creatures. The included snorkeling equipment and free underwater photos and videos make this part especially valuable.

After the underwater adventure, you’ll cruise to Crystal Bay for another snorkeling session. Its calm waters and vibrant reef life make it a favorite among snorkelers, offering a different underwater landscape from Manta Point. This stop usually lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you time to explore the reef and enjoy the tranquility of the bay.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The combination of diverse stops—from the dramatic cliffs and coastal arches to marine encounters—gives you a well-rounded view of Nusa Penida’s natural beauty. The professional guide enhances the experience by sharing insights into the sites, helping with photo tips, and ensuring safety during snorkeling. The GoPro photos and videos are a thoughtful addition, capturing those moments under the water you might not want to forget.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer raved, “Awsome experience,” noting the amazing snorkeling and overall good day. Another highlighted the great land tour and the driver’s helpfulness in capturing photos and managing crowds. These comments suggest that, despite some pacing issues, many travelers find this trip worthwhile for the stunning views and guidance.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

The round-trip fast boat ticket adds to the convenience, but it’s worth noting that most travelers book this tour about a week in advance—a sign of its popularity. The tour limits group size to 14, ensuring a more personalized experience compared to larger group excursions.

Inclusions like lunch, towels, water, and snorkeling gear mean you won’t need to bring much beyond your swimsuit and sun protection. The hotel pickup and drop-off further reduces the hassle, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a seamless experience.

The dislikes? Some travelers found the snorkeling rushed, with only about an hour and a half allocated for underwater activities. If you’re a serious snorkeler or want longer underwater time, you might feel this is brief.

Who Would Benefit Most?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors to Nusa Penida or Bali who want a structured, all-in-one day that covers the highlights without the stress of planning logistics. It’s great for adventurers seeking marine life and dramatic scenery, especially if you appreciate guides who know the area well. The professional equipment and photos add extra value, making it appealing for those who want memories without fuss.

The Sum Up: Who Should Sign Up?

This trip offers a balance of scenic land exploration and marine excitement within a manageable timeframe. The expert guides, high-quality snorkeling gear, and all-inclusive setup make it a solid value for those eager to see Nusa Penida’s iconic sights. The rushed snorkeling may be a drawback for serious underwater enthusiasts, but for casual snorkelers and sightseeing lovers, it’s more than enough.

Travelers who prefer well-organized, guided experiences with professional support will find this trip particularly satisfying. It suits those with mid-range budgets seeking authentic sights and encounters without the hassle of managing transportation or tickets.

If you’re ready for a packed day of adventure, views, and marine magic, this Nusa Penida tour is an excellent option. Just remember—bring your camera, your sense of adventure, and an appreciation for Bali’s stunning natural landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the overall tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 to 11 hours, including boat crossings, stops, and lunch.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers land transportation, round-trip boat tickets, snorkeling equipment, underwater photos and videos, lunch, water, towels, and entrance tickets to the sites.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how to swim?
Yes, you can snorkel even if you’re not a confident swimmer because life jackets are provided.

What if I want to skip certain stops?
The itinerary is typically fixed, but discussion with your guide might allow some flexibility, especially if you have specific interests or time constraints.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, guests over 70 or under 8 years old are not permitted, ensuring safety and comfort for all participants.

Is hotel pickup offered?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience.

What should I bring?
Bring swimsuits, sunblock, and an underwater camera if you want additional photos—though the tour provides free underwater videos and photos.

This Nusa Penida tour offers an engaging mix of spectacular land vistas and marine encounters—a day that balances adventure, beauty, and ease. Whether you’re after iconic cliffs or the chance to swim with gentle giants, you’ll leave with plenty of beautiful memories and some stunning photos.