Nusa Lembongan is a snorkeler’s paradise thanks to its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and easy access to some of Bali’s most renowned underwater spots. Whether you’re looking to swim alongside majestic manta rays, explore colorful coral reefs, or simply enjoy a relaxing day in warm waters, Lembongan offers options for all. We’re especially fans of tours that combine multiple sites—like the Lembongan Snorkeling at Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove—because they give you a broad taste of what’s below the surface. Plus, with the potential to see sharks, turtles, and a rainbow of fish, these trips are genuinely memorable.
While each tour offers its own flavor, what they all share is the chance to get close to some spectacular marine creatures. Whether it’s the thrill of swimming with manta rays, the beauty of coral gardens near Toya Pakeh, or the peaceful mangroves, there’s plenty to explore in this island paradise.
1. Lembongan Snorkeling at Manta Point Crystal Bay and Mangrove
This tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining the rare chance to swim with manta rays at Manta Point, explore the clear waters of Crystal Bay, and enjoy the biodiversity of Mangrove Point. For approximately 3.5 hours, you’ll visit three distinct sites that showcase different aspects of Nusa Lembongan’s underwater world.
What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to see majestic manta rays up close—an unforgettable sight. The water here is exceptionally clear, making it easier to spot the gentle giants. The guides are highly praised for their professionalism, ensuring safety and fun, even for less experienced snorkelers. The trip is priced affordably at around $26.73 per person, offering excellent value considering the diversity of sites and the likelihood of encountering manta rays. Top reviews confirm that swimming alongside these giants is “a surreal, unforgettable experience.”
The tour also includes exploring Mangrove Point, where you’ll see a different ecosystem full of soft and hard corals, plus colorful reef fish. This trip suits travelers on a budget who want variety and the chance to see manta rays, sharks, and a rich array of marine life.
Bottom Line: If you want a flexible, affordable tour that highlights manta rays and diverse ecosystems, this is a top pick.
2. Snorkeling Trips with Manta Ray from Nusa Lembongan
This tour is perfect for those wanting a guided, comprehensive experience with multiple snorkel spots around Lembongan and Nusa Penida. It’s a popular choice, running twice each morning at 7:45 am and 10:15 am, with a typical duration of 3 hours. The price is about $23.00 per person, which makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
What sets this tour apart is the detailed itinerary—it starts at Manta Point Beach, where more manta rays tend to be seen than on the main site, with fins often surfacing between waves. Next, it visits Toya Pakeh, renowned for its colorful corals and the chance to see not just manta rays but also turtles, sharks, and a variety of unique fish like nudibranchs and stonefish. The third stop, Mangrove Point, offers a different environment, with mangroves and soft coral beds, perfect for spotting more marine species.
The reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and professionalism, with many noting how they accommodate non-swimmers, children, and elderly snorkelers. One reviewer called it “a great experience,” emphasizing the safety measures and the vibrant underwater life. The trip suits families or groups wanting a full, guided day out with multiple snorkel sites and the chance to spot a variety of marine creatures.
Bottom Line: For a guided, flexible trip with multiple snorkeling spots and a focus on safety, this trip provides good value and memorable encounters.
3. From Lembongan: Snorkeling Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida island
This full-day adventure offers a comprehensive snorkeling experience around both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. For about $42, you get roughly four hours of underwater exploration, including stops at top sites like Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Toyapakeh, with optional upgrades like mangrove kayaking and a buffet lunch.
The trip begins with a pickup from your hotel, making logistics straightforward. The highlight is snorkeling at Manta Bay, where plankton attracts large manta rays—sometimes up to 5 meters across. The guide helps with equipment, ensuring everyone from beginners to experienced snorkelers can enjoy the experience. The reefs are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays, providing great photo opportunities. The optional mangrove tour by kayak adds a different perspective, making this tour ideal for those who want more than just snorkeling.
Most reviews praise the professionalism of the guides and the effort to make it a safe, enjoyable experience. One reviewer noted, “This was a fantastic day with knowledgeable guides that made sure we saw the mantas.” The price reflects its inclusiveness and the variety of activities, suitable for travelers seeking a full, relaxed day with multiple highlights.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a full-day, all-inclusive trip with options to upgrade and see multiple sites.
4. Three Islands Snorkeling (3 Spots) Manta Rays – From Lembongan
This tour takes you to three different snorkeling sites, depending on weather and sea conditions, covering Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Gamat Bay. It lasts around 3-4 hours and costs about $24 per person, making it a good half-day option for those wanting variety without a full-day commitment.
The main draw is the chance to see manta rays at Manta Bay, where various sizes and colors of mantas are observed. The tour also visits Crystal Bay, famous for its clear waters and vibrant coral gardens, and Gamat Bay, which offers a chance to see more marine life in a less crowded setting. The guide handles all logistics and provides an underwater camera to capture those special moments.
While the reviews are limited, one mentions the “great experience” with sightings of manta rays, colorful fishes, and healthy corals. The tour is best suited for travelers wanting a flexible, shorter outing with multiple snorkeling spots, especially if they’re interested in manta rays and coral reefs.
Bottom Line: A flexible, mid-length tour ideal for those wanting diverse sites with the convenience of a guided boat trip.
5. Snorkeling Manta Ray in Nusa Lembongan
This quick 2-hour tour offers a focused experience on snorkeling with manta rays. Priced at around $23.66, it’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see these gentle giants. It’s a straightforward trip, mainly aimed at those who want an easy, no-fuss manta encounter.
What makes this tour different is its brevity—just a couple of hours—making it suitable for those with tight schedules or as an add-on to other activities. The guide will take you to manta hotspots, and although sightings depend on conditions, many have experienced close encounters. The reviews are mixed but generally positive, noting the friendly crew and the opportunity to see marine life in a calm, shallow environment.
Ideal for first-timers or those simply wanting a glimpse of manta rays without committing to a full day. It’s less comprehensive but offers good value for a quick experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a quick, focused trip to see manta rays without the time investment of longer tours.
$23.66 per person
6. From Bali: Snorkeling Trip to Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida island
This full-day tour from Bali, costing about $102, offers an 8-hour journey to some of the most iconic sites. It includes pick-up from Bali, a boat ride to Nusa Penida, and visits to Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, along with other snorkeling spots. It’s ideal for travelers staying on Bali who want a hassle-free, guided experience.
The trip is structured around observing large manta rays and colorful coral reefs, with the flexibility to visit different sites based on weather conditions. It’s quite comprehensive, with an emphasis on premium sightings and a relaxed pace. Reviews mention the “dive into stunning underwater landscapes,” with photos of manta rays, sea turtles, and vibrant reefs. The price reflects the full-day service, transportation, and multiple snorkel stops, making it a good value for those wanting a guided adventure from Bali.
This tour is suited for travelers with a day to spare, those who prefer organized logistics, and are keen to see the best of both islands in one trip. Keep in mind the long travel time from Bali.
Bottom Line: For those based in Bali wanting an all-inclusive day trip that covers top sites, this tour offers convenience and wide-ranging marine encounters.
$102.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Snorkeling Experience in Nusa Lembongan
Picking the right snorkeling tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you’re after the chance to swim with manta rays and explore multiple sites, the Lembongan Snorkeling at Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove offers great value. For those who want a guided, flexible day with everything included, the full-day trip from Lembongan to Nusa Penida is unbeatable.
Travelers with limited time or a tight schedule might prefer the shorter Manta Ray snorkeling, while those seeking variety and multiple sites should consider the Three Islands Snorkeling tour. Budget-conscious visitors will appreciate the Snorkeling Trips with Manta Ray, which offers excellent value for a guided experience.
Timing is key—most tours run daily, but early bookings are recommended, especially in peak season. Consider your fitness level, interest in manta rays versus coral reefs, and whether you want a full or half-day adventure.
Final Thoughts
Nusa Lembongan offers a variety of snorkeling experiences that cater to different interests and schedules. For a mix of manta rays, colorful reefs, and biodiversity, the Lembongan Snorkeling at Manta Point, Crystal Bay and Mangrove stands out, especially at a budget-friendly price. If you prefer a full-day guided trip with optional upgrades, the snorkeling day trip to Nusa Penida is hard to beat.
For those short on time but eager to see manta rays, the 2-hour snorkeling tour offers a quick fix. Meanwhile, the Three Islands Snorkeling tour provides a nice balance of variety and value.
Ultimately, book early, plan around your interests, and be ready for some truly memorable underwater moments. Whether you’re chasing manta rays or admiring coral gardens, Nusa Lembongan’s snorkeling tours promise a splash of adventure your memories will cherish.