Snorkeling Manta Bay in Nusa Penida and Land Tour (inclusive)

Snorkeling Manta Bay in Nusa Penida and Land Tour (inclusive): A Deep Dive Into Bali’s Best

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines scenic land explorations with the thrill of snorkeling with manta rays, this tour from Kuta to Nusa Penida checks all the boxes. Priced at just under $56 per person, it promises a balance of adventure and relaxation over roughly 12 hours, with a focus on discovering Bali’s extraordinary landscapes and marine life. The tour visits famous spots like Kelingking Beach, Angel Billabong, Broken Beach, and offers the chance to snorkel at Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Wall Point. Plus, included hotel transfers and a delicious Indonesian lunch make it a convenient all-in-one package.

Two things we really appreciate about this experience are the personalized group size of just 10 travelers, which ensures that you get plenty of attention from guides, and the combination of land and sea adventures—a great way to see both Bali’s lush inland scenery and its vibrant underwater world. The only potential downside? The early start time of 6:30 am might be tough for some, and the review mentioning a delayed departure serves as a reminder to be flexible.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive day packed with highlights—from scenic viewpoints and cultural sights to snorkeling with gentle manta rays. If you love outdoor activities, enjoy discovering authentic local spots, and are okay with a long day, this excursion fits like a glove.

Key Points

• Combination of Land and Sea: Explore Bali’s top coastal and inland sights with a mix of sightseeing and snorkeling.
• Small Group Experience: Max 10 travelers ensures personal attention and smoother logistics.
• Includes Transfers and Lunch: Hotel pickup, return transfers, and Indonesian cuisine add convenience.
• Snorkeling at Manta Bay: Opportunity to see manta rays in their natural habitat, with free underwater photos.
• Early Start and Long Day: Expect a 6:30 am pickup and roughly 12 hours of activity, ideal for energetic travelers.
• Value for the Price: At $55.72, the tour packs in many highlights, making it a cost-effective way to see Bali’s best.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experience

Starting Early and Setting the Tone

Your day begins with a hotel pickup around 6:30 am—a pretty early start, but necessary to maximize your time on the island. After a short drive, you’ll arrive at Sanur Port by 8:00 am to catch the fast boat to Nusa Penida. The speedboat ride itself is a highlight, offering quick access to the island’s rugged beauty and providing a chance to enjoy the sea breeze.

Exploring Iconic Coastal Spots

Once on Nusa Penida, the tour kicks off with visits to Kelingking Beach, famous for its cliff-top view resembling a dinosaur head—an image that’s as dramatic as it sounds. Expect a bit of a walk down to the beach itself, which can be steep but rewarding for photos and the experience. Next, the group heads to Angel Billabong, a natural infinity pool that’s perfect for picture-taking and appreciating Bali’s volcanic formations. The visit to Broken Beach offers another stunning vista—an arched coastal formation that showcases the island’s geological drama.

Taste of Bali’s Inland Beauty with ATV Riding

Mid-morning, the adventure shifts to the Balinese countryside. You’ll hop onto an ATV, guided by a professional, through rice terraces, bamboo forests, plantations, rivers, and jungle paths. This part of the tour is especially appealing for those who love a bit of dirt and adrenaline. The small group size ensures that your guide can give personalized safety instructions and tips, making the ride both fun and safe. You’ll appreciate the full safety gear, including boots and helmets, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery.

Lunchtime and More Sights

After the ATV adventure, you’ll wash off the mud in shower facilities—an essential part of the experience—and enjoy a local Indonesian lunch. The meal provides a taste of authentic flavors and fuels you for the afternoon activities. Post-lunch, the tour continues with visits to Gamat Bay and Wall Point, where snorkeling awaits.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays

The highlight for many is the chance to snorkel at Manta Bay, where graceful manta rays glide through the water—an unforgettable marine encounter. You’ll be provided with snorkel gear, fins, and life jackets, and can use the included GoPro for free underwater photos. The tour’s reviews highlight that the snorkeling is a major draw—some travelers even describe it as “the best part of the trip.”

Returning to Bali

By late afternoon, the snorkeling wraps up, and the group heads back to Nusa Penida port to catch the fast boat to Sanur. Expect to arrive back around 6 pm, with hotel drop-offs following shortly after—making it a full, yet satisfying day.

What the Reviews Say

While most reviews are glowing—rating the tour 4.8 or perfect scores—there’s mention of a less-than-perfect experience. One reviewer, Martin, described it as “chaos all over” and a delayed departure of several hours, which impacted the manta ray viewing. Such feedback reminds us that, despite careful planning, logistical hiccups can happen, especially with a tour that depends on weather and boat schedules.

In contrast, other travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views. They particularly enjoyed the delicious Indonesian food and the opportunity to capture underwater photos of the manta rays, which adds lasting value to the experience.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

Transport is a key strength of this tour. Hotel pickups, return transfers, and the fast boat to Nusa Penida make logistics straightforward, especially for visitors unfamiliar with Bali. The small group cap of 10 travelers ensures a more intimate experience, with guides able to cater to individual needs and questions.

The timing is tight but well-structured, allowing enough time at each stop without feeling rushed. The early start means you’ll need to be prepared for a long day, but the variety of activities keeps things interesting. The inclusion of lunch, safety gear, and underwater photos elevates the experience above typical day trips.

Overall Value and Who Should Consider This Tour

At approximately $56, this tour offers great value—combining multiple iconic Bali and Nusa Penida sights, exhilarating outdoor activities, and snorkeling with manta rays, all in one day. The price covers entrance fees, transfers, lunch, and gear, so there’s little hidden extra cost.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Bali’s natural beauty without the hassle of organizing each component individually. It’s also suited for those comfortable with early mornings and a full schedule, eager to explore both land and sea.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after stunning viewpoints, cultural highlights, and marine encounters, this trip hits the mark. It’s ideal for active explorers who enjoy a bit of dirt on their clothes, picturesque landscapes, and the thrill of snorkeling with manta rays. Families with older children, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a well-organized, all-in-one Bali experience will find it especially rewarding.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, or dislike early mornings, you might want to consider a more leisurely option. Also, those concerned about potential delays should be aware; although most reviews are positive, a few mention logistical hiccups.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel transfers, fast boat tickets, entry fees for key sights, lunch, snorkel gear, fins, and life jackets, and free underwater photos with a GoPro.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimming gear, a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof camera if you want extra photos. You’ll also want comfortable clothes for the ATV ride and sturdy shoes for walking.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but consider the early start and physical activity involved, especially ATV riding and walking on uneven terrain.

How long is the boat ride between Bali and Nusa Penida?
The fast boat ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour each way, providing scenic views and a quick transfer to the island.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
Since the tour relies on weather conditions, it’s best to go during Bali’s dry season—typically May to September—to minimize weather-related cancellations.

Are there any optional extras not included?
Yes, pickup from certain locations like Uluwatu or Gianyar costs extra, and breakfast is not included.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book about a week in advance; however, availability depends on the season and demand.

How much time do I spend snorkeling?
Expect a dedicated snorkeling session at Manta Bay, Gamat Bay, and Wall Point, roughly spanning a couple of hours, with ample time for gear and photos.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers an extensive introduction to Bali’s diverse landscapes and marine life at a reasonable price, especially considering the inclusion of snorkeling gear, lunch, and transfers. Small groups and a well-paced itinerary make it ideal for travelers wanting an authentic and active day without feeling overwhelmed.

While some logistical hiccups may occur, the overall value—and the chance to see Bali’s spectacular coastal cliffs, lush rice terraces, and gentle manta rays—make it worth considering. It’s best suited for adventurous, outdoor-loving travelers who want a full, memorable day filled with natural beauty and exhilarating experiences.

In brief, if you’re after a comprehensive, well-organized day that combines Bali’s most stunning sights with marine excitement, this tour is a solid choice. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and a flexible attitude if logistics throw a curveball.