Snorkeling Trips with Manta Ray from Nusa Lembongan

Experience the Underwater Magic of Nusa Lembongan with a Snorkeling Trip Focused on Manta Rays and Coral Reefs

If you’re dreaming of seeing majestic manta rays gliding gracefully beneath the waves and exploring colorful coral gardens, this snorkeling trip from Nusa Lembongan offers a memorable escape. For just $23 per person, you’ll spend around 3 to 4 hours discovering three vibrant reefs, including the famous Manta Bay. Two departures each morning—at 7:45 am and 10:15 am—help you choose a time that suits your plans. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off on Lembongan, making it as convenient as it is exhilarating.

What we love most about this experience is the careful attention to safety and accessibility. The guides are experienced in handling non-swimmers, kids, and seniors, providing life vests, safety rings, and clear briefing. The second thing? The diversity of marine life—from manta rays and turtles to colorful fish and coral formations—which keeps every moment fresh and photogenic.

However, one thing to keep in mind is weather dependency; manta sightings are not guaranteed, with a 50-70% chance depending on the season. If a storm rolls in, the guides will choose other spots like Gamat Bay or Toyapakeh Wall. This flexibility ensures safety but might affect your chances of seeing manta rays. Still, even without the big show, the vibrant reefs and marine biodiversity make this trip worthwhile.

This tour suits travelers looking for value-packed, authentic snorkeling experiences, especially those eager to see manta rays or explore multiple reef habitats. It’s suitable for beginners, non-swimmers, and families, thanks to the professional guides and safety equipment. If you enjoy vivid underwater scenes and a relaxed pace, this trip will likely enchant you.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-organized: At just $23, it offers great value for a half-day marine adventure.
• Expert guides: They prioritize safety and are experienced in handling diverse groups, including non-swimmers.
• Multiple reefs: The itinerary covers Manta Bay, Toya Pakeh, and Mangrove Point, each offering unique sights.
• Wildlife diversity: Expect manta rays, turtles, various colorful fish, and coral formations.
• Weather variability: The chance of manta sightings varies; the team adapts to conditions.
• Comfort and convenience: Pickup and drop-off from your hotel, plus included gear and photos, make it hassle-free.

A Closer Look: What to Expect on This Snorkeling Adventure

Starting Your Day: Pickup and Introduction

Most travelers are picked up from their hotels between 15 and 30 minutes before departure, giving you a relaxed start. The meeting point is at Lagoon Bliss Captain, located at Jungutbatu. This small detail helps set the tone for a smooth day, especially since the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off—no need to navigate crowded streets or find your way to the boat harbor.

The guides welcome you with a drink, towel, and a briefing about safety and the day’s plan. Their friendly, professional demeanor is often highlighted in reviews, with travelers appreciating their knowledge and attentiveness.

The First Stop: Manta Point Beach

The primary attraction here is the chance to see manta rays. As one reviewer, Tina_P, noted: “The array of sea life was impressive and waters crys.” While the size of mantas might vary, their fins popping out of the water create unforgettable sights. The bay is also home to bamboo and nurse sharks, often seen resting or swimming nearby.

This stop typically lasts about an hour, giving snorkelers enough time to enjoy the calm waters, observe marine life, and maybe snap some photos. Because manta sightings are weather-dependent, the guides monitor conditions closely. If conditions aren’t ideal, they’ll shift to other locations.

The Second Stop: Toya Pakeh – Vibrant Coral Gardens

Next, you’ll visit Toya Pakeh, a site renowned for its rich coral formations and a wide array of marine creatures. Here, you’ll encounter sea turtles, colorful fish, scorpion fish, and even Mola Mola or sunfish when lucky. The shallow waters teem with coral gardens, ideal for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers.

One review describes this stop as “one of the prettiest in terms of coral rocks,” highlighting the stunning colors and soft and hard corals. The shallow areas are perfect for flying over coral beds, and the guided trip ensures everyone’s safety while exploring.

The Final Stop: Mangrove Point at Nusa Lembongan

The third major site, Mangrove Point, offers a different underwater experience. It’s brimming with fish species—giant puffers, boxfish, nudibranchs, moray eels, and sometimes even nurse sharks or turtles. Whalesharks and manta rays have been spotted here, adding to its reputation as a biodiversity hotspot.

Along With the abundant marine life, the coral and rocky formations provide a textured underwater landscape. The duration at this spot is about an hour, giving ample time for underwater exploration and photography.

Snorkeling Equipment and Photos

The tour provides full snorkeling gear—masks, fins, snorkels, life vests, and rings—so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. Many reviews mention the quality of equipment and guides’ assistance, especially for non-swimmers or those needing extra reassurance.

As a bonus, the tour includes photos and videos taken during the trip, allowing you to relive the moments without the hassle of capturing everything yourself.

How the Tour Compares in Value and Experience

For just $23, this experience offers a well-rounded marine exploration with a good chance to see manta rays, which are among the most graceful creatures in the ocean. The three different snorkel sites ensure a variety of underwater sights, from coral gardens to fish-packed reefs.

The included pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, especially when you’re on a small island where transport can be tricky. The professional guides and safety equipment make this suitable for families, first-timers, and non-swimmers—which many reviews praise, noting that guides are attentive to individual needs.

While the weather can be unpredictable, the team’s flexibility in shifting locations demonstrates their commitment to a safe experience. If you’re hoping to see manta rays, keep in mind that sightings depend on environmental conditions and are not guaranteed. Still, the biodiversity of the reefs alone makes the trip worthwhile, even if the mantas stay hidden.

Who Should Consider This Snorkel Tour?

This tour suits budget-conscious travelers looking for a competitively priced marine adventure. It’s perfect for beginners, non-swimmers, and families, thanks to the safety equipment and guides’ support. If you’re a photographer, the vivid coral and marine life provide fantastic opportunities for underwater shots. Those interested in marine biodiversity will find this trip engaging, especially with the chance to see turtles, fish, and possibly manta rays.

It’s best suited for those who enjoy relaxed group sizes—a maximum of 20 travelers—ensuring personal attention and a friendly atmosphere. If you’re after a more guaranteed manta encounter, you might want to combine this with other activities or visit during peak manta season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes free pickup and drop-off from your hotel on Lembongan Island, usually within 15-30 minutes of your hotel location.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Absolutely. The guides are experienced in handling non-swimmers and provide safety gear like life vests and rings, making it accessible and safe.

What about the weather?
Snorkeling at Manta Bay depends on weather conditions. If the weather is poor, the guides will select alternative spots like Gamat Bay or Toyapakeh Wall.

How long is the trip?
The total duration is approximately 3 to 4 hours, including transfer, briefing, and snorkeling time across three sites.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, snorkeling masks, fins, snorkels, life vests, and rings are provided as part of the tour.

Is there a chance to see manta rays?
Yes, the chance is about 50-70% depending on the season and weather, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Reviews frequently praise the guides for being friendly, professional, and attentive, especially in managing safety and making sure everyone stays together.

Is this suitable for families with children?
Yes, especially with the safety equipment and guides’ experience. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with kids or older adults.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a camera, and some cash or credit card for personal expenses.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling trip from Nusa Lembongan offers a fantastic value, blending marine biodiversity, professional guidance, and convenient logistics. The chance to spot manta rays in their natural habitat is a thrill, but even without guaranteed sightings, the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life make every moment worth it. The small group size and full safety measures ensure an experience that’s both relaxing and engaging.

Ideal for families, beginners, and snorkel enthusiasts, this tour provides a balanced mix of adventure and comfort. If you’re looking for an affordable way to see some of Bali’s best underwater sights without sacrificing safety or authenticity, this trip deserves your consideration.

Whether it’s your first time snorkeling or a repeat visit, the friendly guides and stunning scenery will leave you with plenty of memorable moments and photos to cherish. Just remember, your chance to see manta rays isn’t 100%, but with the vibrant reefs and abundant wildlife, you’re still in for a treat.

To sum it up, this Nusa Lembongan snorkeling trip is a solid choice for those wanting a value-packed, authentic, and family-friendly marine adventure. Its balance of guided safety, diverse sites, and natural beauty makes it a standout option for travelers eager to enjoy Indonesia’s underwater treasures at an accessible price.