Try Scuba Diving for Beginners with manta rays (Non – Certified)

Experience the Magic of Manta Rays with Try Scuba Diving in Nusa Penida

In Bali’s Nusa Penida, known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant marine life, this Try Scuba Diving tour offers a rare chance to see manta rays almost certainly—a privilege only a few places worldwide can claim. For $125.91 per person, you’ll spend around four hours exploring the underwater world, starting with a quick pool training session at 8:00 am, followed by two shallow dives that promise unforgettable encounters.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it makes snorkeling-like underwater adventures for non-certified divers, thanks to the small group ratio of 1:2 and the professionalism of the local guides. The inclusion of gear, drinks, snacks, and lunch adds real value, making it a hassle-free day from start to finish.

One potential consideration is the mixed reviews about coaching quality—some guests have found the instructors inexperienced or unfriendly, which can impact your initial confidence and overall enjoyment. So, if you’re someone who values well-trained guides, it might be worth discussing your concerns upfront or considering other options.

This tour suits those eager for a low-pressure introduction to scuba, especially if you’re curious about marine life but not yet certified. It’s ideal for travelers who want a safe, guided experience to see manta rays and enjoy Bali’s underwater beauty without the commitment of full certification.

Key Points

• Accessible for non-certified divers with shallow, guided dives.
• Guaranteed manta ray sightings make this a unique experience.
• Includes pool training, gear, lunch, snacks, and drinks for a full-day adventure.
• Small group size (max 10) ensures personalized attention.
• Potential variability in instructor experience noted in reviews.
• Ideal for beginners seeking an authentic and memorable underwater encounter.

Why You’ll Love This Experience

We start with the location—Nusa Penida is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The tour begins at Sanctum Dive Center, a central spot from which you’ll head out on a boat, with the promise of two shallow dives designed for non-certified divers. The pool training is designed to be roughly 45 minutes, giving you foundational skills in a safe, controlled environment before hitting the water.

What truly sets this experience apart is the almost certain chance to see manta rays—a rare and extraordinary sight. Many divers and snorkelers dream of swimming alongside these gentle giants, and here, it’s almost guaranteed. The marine ecosystem in Nusa Penida offers a vibrant backdrop, with clear waters that showcase colorful coral and trophy-sized fish.

While the price of just over $125** seems reasonable for such an experience, it’s important to view it as a value-packed adventure considering all inclusions—training, gear, transportation, drinks, snacks, and lunch. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler seeking to tick off a bucket-list item with minimal fuss, this tour offers good bang for your buck.

However, some guests have voiced concerns about the quality of instruction. One reviewer pointed out, “Very inexperienced coaches and as my first diving experience this was very terrible place to learn.” This highlights the importance of clarity about your expectations—if you’re new to diving, you might prefer guides with more experience or look into reviews to ensure a positive encounter.

Most travelers will find this tour perfect if they’re healthy, motivated, and open-minded, eager to get a taste of scuba without certification. It’s especially suited to those who want the fun of underwater exploration in a safe, guided setting while enjoying Bali’s stunning underwater scenery.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day kicks off early at Sanctum Dive Center with a brief pool training session at around 8:00 am. This is your chance to get comfortable with basic scuba gear, breathing techniques, and safety procedures—all under the watchful eye of your instructor. The session lasts approximately 45 minutes and is especially helpful if you’re new to diving or nervous about the underwater experience.

After training, you’ll board a boat and head to the dive site. The two shallow dives are designed to maximize your experience and visibility, with the main highlight being the chance to see manta rays gliding gracefully through the water—almost a certainty here. The underwater scenery includes vibrant coral formations and schools of colorful fish, creating a lively and fascinating environment.

The tour includes snacks, drinks, and lunch, so you stay energized and hydrated throughout the day. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which is critical when trying new activities like scuba for the first time.

The entire experience wraps up around 2:00 pm, bringing you back to the meeting point at Sanctum Dive Center. From there, you can plan your afternoon exploring Nusa Penida’s stunning cliffs or relaxing on the beaches.

Authentic Experiences and Real Feedback

While most reviews are positive, highlighting the stunning underwater views and the guaranteed manta rays, there’s a notable negative review that’s worth considering. One guest, alex_J, gave a 1-star rating, citing inexperienced instructors and a bad attitude—a reminder that the quality of guides can vary.

This feedback emphasizes the importance of checking instructor credentials or requesting experienced guides if possible. Despite this, many travelers have appreciated the professional organization of the tour and the overall value for money.

It’s also worth noting that the tour’s cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving some peace of mind should your plans change. Bad weather can lead to cancellations, but you’ll be offered alternative dates or a full refund—another plus for flexibility.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Arrive early at Sanctum Dive Center to ensure timely training and departure.
• Bring swimwear and a towel for after the dives; the tour provides gear but not towels.
• Dress to stay comfortable on the boat—consider sun protection and perhaps a hat or rash guard.
• Communicate your experience level with your instructor—if you’re nervous or have concerns, speak up.
• Be prepared for variable instructor experience—if you’re unsure, ask for clarification or assistance during training.
• Remember that the tour is for healthy individuals; if you have health concerns, consult your doctor beforehand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers keen to see manta rays in their natural habitat without the need for certification. It’s perfect for those new to scuba, or even for adventurous snorkelers wanting a guided underwater experience.

However, if you’re looking for more advanced training, or prefer guides with extensive experience, you might want to explore other options or inquire specifically about instructor qualifications.

It’s also a great choice if you’re short on time but want a memorable underwater adventure with guaranteed marine life sightings in a breathtaking setting.

Final Thoughts

This Try Scuba Diving tour in Nusa Penida offers an excellent blend of adventure, education, and wildlife encounters. The performance of the pool training prepares most novices to feel comfortable before their shallow, guided dives, and the chance to see manta rays makes this a truly special outing.

The inclusive pricing and small group size lend to a personalized experience, though some reviews caution about instructor experience. If you’re flexible and open-minded, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore Bali’s legendary underwater world—an experience you’ll likely remember long after your trip ends.

Suitable for beginners, wildlife lovers, and those short on time, this tour makes the magic of Bali’s waters accessible and exciting. Be sure to communicate your expectations, arrive prepared, and keep an eye on the weather, and you’ll be set for a memorable day under the waves.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for completely non-swimmers?
While this tour is designed for non-certified divers and includes shallow dives, some swimming ability and comfort in water are recommended. If you’re unsure, discuss your comfort level with the instructor beforehand.

What do I need to bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a good attitude. The tour provides all necessary scuba gear, snacks, drinks, and lunch, so you don’t need to worry about equipment.

Are the guides experienced?
The guides are trained, but reviews indicate that some guests found them inexperienced or unfriendly. It’s worth communicating your needs and expectations upfront.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
The tour starts at 8:30 am, with training at 8:00 am. This timing helps ensure good weather and visibility conditions—morning is usually ideal.

What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions prevent diving, the tour will be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Keep an eye on the forecast and confirm for the day before.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity. This provides flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.

This Try Scuba Diving experience promises a memorable day in Nusa Penida, especially for those eager to swim alongside manta rays and explore Bali’s underwater wonders in a safe, guided environment. With a bit of prep and a flexible attitude, it could be the highlight of your trip.