Snorkeling Manta Rays, Land Tour Tembeling Pool & Kelingking

An In-Depth Look at the Snorkeling Manta Rays and Land Tour of Nusa Penida

If you’re craving a full-day adventure in Bali that combines vibrant underwater life with breathtaking land vistas, this Nusa Penida tour offers a compelling mix. For just $18.44 per person, you get to explore some of Bali’s most iconic sights—snorkeling with majestic manta rays, visiting pristine beaches, and gazing over dramatic cliffs— all in about eight hours. Led by a friendly local guide, this tour is perfect for those who enjoy meeting new friends, sharing stories, and experiencing a place in a relaxed, small-group setting.

What we love about this tour? First, the opportunity to swim alongside gentle manta rays in Manta Bay is truly unforgettable. Second, the diverse land stops—from the iconic Kelingking Beach to Tembeling Pool—offer a rich variety of scenery that makes every moment feel special. On the flip side, a minor consideration is that the snorkeling sessions are brief, typically 10-15 minutes at each site, which may leave some wishing for more underwater time. Still, this balance allows you to see many sights without feeling rushed.

This tour will suit travelers who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, love nature and scenic viewpoints, and enjoy social, small-group adventures. It’s especially appealing if you’re not expecting luxury but want a well-organized day packed with highlights at a fair price.

Key Points

• Diverse itinerary: Combines underwater snorkeling with land exploration of top Nusa Penida spots.
• Affordable value: At under $20, it offers a broad overview of the island’s best features.
• Guided by local experts: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insider tips and storytelling.
• Small group experience: Ensures comfort, friendliness, and the chance to meet other travelers.
• Limited snorkeling time: Each site offers about 10-15 minutes, which may feel brief but allows multiple stops.
• Perfect for social travelers: The shared boat and car make it ideal for those who enjoy group outings.

Discovering Nusa Penida: The Full-Day Breakdown

Starting Point and Early Pick-Up

The adventure begins at Banjar Nyuh Harbor—the main meeting point. From the start, the tour feels well-organized, with hotel pickups available for extra convenience. The actual pick-up time depends on your location, but the guides aim for punctuality, which helps maintain a smooth schedule. The group size is capped at around 49 people, but most reviews indicate a cozy, friendly environment.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Manta Bay

The highlight for many is snorkeling at Manta Bay. For about an hour, you share the water with graceful manta rays that are used to humans, thanks to consistent local conservation efforts. However, some reviews mention that the snorkeling time is limited to about 10-15 minutes per stop—a common cruise-ship-style setup to fit in multiple locations. One reviewer noted, “Manta bay is worthless,” because of the brief encounter, but others still found it memorable, especially with the chance to see such gentle giants up close.

Gamat Bay – Fish and Clear Waters

Next, the group heads to Gamat Bay, known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant fish. Here, you’ll get a different underwater experience, swimming amidst colorful tropical fish. The calm, clear waters make for excellent photo opportunities and a relaxing swim. This stop is praised for its visual beauty and the peaceful environment.

Wall Bay – The Great Coral Wall

The third snorkeling stop is Wall Bay, famous for its spectacular coral formations. As the name suggests, you’ll see a “wall” of coral and marine life that’s quite a sight to behold. The underwater scenery here is often described as vivid and lively, making it a favorite among snorkelers. Again, expect about 10-15 minutes in the water, which some reviewers find sufficient, while others might wish for a bit more time to explore.

Lunch Break at Nusa Penida

After the underwater activity, the group travels to a local restaurant for a well-deserved lunch. This is a chance to rest, refuel, and chat about the morning’s highlights. The restaurant is conveniently located on the island, and the included stop ensures you’re not rushing—an important aspect of a full-day trip. Expect a solid, local-style meal that is good value for the price.

Kelingking Beach and Overlook

The next stop is the iconic Kelingking Beach, often called the “T-Rex” because of its distinctive shape. You won’t go down to the beach—it’s a steep climb not suited for all—but the view from above is incredible. According to reviews, this is a must-see vantage point that captures the essence of Bali’s rugged beauty. You’ll have about an hour here, perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.

Tembeling Beach and Forest

The final exploration is Tembeling Beach and Forest, a lesser-known gem featuring a natural pool within lush jungle surroundings. To reach it, you’ll park at the main road and take a short motorbike taxi ride—something included in the tour. Many visitors find this spot peaceful and unique, especially if you enjoy swimming in natural pools. The 2-hour stop offers enough time for a relaxing dip and some quiet contemplation away from the crowds.

The Logistics and Group Dynamics

The tour operates on a shared basis, which keeps costs low and the atmosphere lively. You will be on a shared boat for snorkeling and a shared car for the land part. This setup is ideal if you want to meet fellow travelers and enjoy a relaxed, social vibe. However, the brief snorkeling sessions might not fully satisfy avid underwater enthusiasts—some reviews mention that the total snorkeling time could feel limited.

Transportation and Timing

The transportation is straightforward: a boat for the water stops and a car for the land tour. The group size of up to 49 travelers means there’s room to breathe, but the experience is mostly shared, so don’t expect total exclusivity. The timing is quite structured, with each snorkeling stop lasting about 10-15 minutes, followed by land visits, lunch, and scenic viewpoints. This schedule ensures you see all highlights but can make the day feel a bit rushed if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

Cost and Value

At $18.44, the price is quite reasonable considering the multiple stops, snorkeling with manta rays, and guided land exploration. Many reviewers affirm that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, contributing significantly to the overall value. Keep in mind that hotel pickup is optional and costs extra, which adds convenience but also increases the total expense if you choose that option.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Feedback

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledgeable guides like Wayan, who many reviewers describe as friendly, helpful, and well-informed about the island. For example, a traveler wrote, “Wayan’s knowledge of the island made the experience unforgettable,” highlighting how local guides enrich your understanding of Nusa Penida.

Snorkeling with mantas remains a major draw, even if some tours don’t guarantee sightings. Multiple reviewers mention that while they did not always see mantas, the experience was still worth it for the chance to swim in such an environment. For instance, one traveler said, “We did the snorkeling and land tour with Wayan. He picked us up on time, and we saw mantas at the first stop,” underscoring the unpredictability but consistent enjoyment.

The land stops like Kelingking Beach and Tembeling Pool often receive high praise for their stunning views and peaceful atmosphere, with some visitors remarking that these spots are worth the visit just for the scenery.

However, some reviews point out that snorkeling can feel rushed and that the boat tours can be crowded, affecting the overall experience. Still, most agree that the combination of underwater adventure and land exploration offers good value for the price and provides a well-rounded taste of Nusa Penida.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This tour is ideal for travelers on a budget who want to experience a wide variety of Nusa Penida’s highlights without paying for private tours. It’s also suited for those who enjoy group outings and are comfortable with brief snorkeling sessions. If you’re someone who values local guides with good knowledge and wants to get a general overview of both the underwater and scenic land treasures**, this is a solid choice.

It’s less suitable if you’re seeking longer snorkeling dives or private, relaxing experiences. Passengers with mobility issues might find the steep climbs at Kelingking Beach and walking to Tembeling Pool challenging, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This full-day snorkeling and land tour of Nusa Penida offers a well-rounded glimpse of Bali’s less crowded, more rugged side. Priced affordably, it packs in marine life, scenic viewpoints, and hidden beaches that many travelers find memorable. The small-group setting and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience, making it more than just a sightseeing trip but an authentic chance to connect with the island’s natural beauty.

While the snorkeling sessions are brief, the variety of locations and the chance to see manta rays, turtles, and vibrant coral make it worthwhile. The iconic Kelingking viewpoint and Tembeling Pool provide the perfect photo ops and peaceful moments that stay with you long after the trip ends.

This tour will suit adventurous travelers eager to see the best of Nusa Penida without a hefty price tag, especially those who enjoy group travel and are flexible about snorkeling durations. For anyone looking for a budget-friendly, well-organized day filled with natural beauty and local insights, this trip is a commendable choice.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but you might prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel for comfort or better fit.

Is hotel pickup included?
Not automatically. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge, so check with your booking provider or ask your guide.

How long are the snorkeling stops?
Each snorkeling stop lasts about 10-15 minutes, which many reviewers find enough for a quick but memorable experience.

Can I expect to see manta rays?
There’s no guarantee, but many travelers report seeing manta rays during their snorkeling at Manta Bay.

Is this a shared tour?
Yes, it’s a shared boat and car tour, making it ideal for meeting new friends but less private.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, waterproof camera, and some cash for optional extras or tips.

How strenuous is the land part of the tour?
Most stops involve some walking and climbing, especially at Kelingking Beach and Tembeling Pool, so be prepared for light physical activity.

What is the group size?
Up to 49 travelers, though most reviews suggest a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a good guide-to-guest ratio.

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

Embarking on this full-day adventure, you’ll gain a solid sense of Nusa Penida’s wild beauty and genuine charm, all while enjoying the company of friendly guides and fellow travelers. Whether it’s your first trip or a repeat visit, the blend of snorkeling and scenic land stops makes this tour a memorable Bali experience.