Private Nusa Penida Snorkeling & Manta Ray Boat Trip Bali

Sanur and the fast boat to Nusa Penida

Your day begins on the beach at Sanur, on the east coast of Bali, where your private fast boat waits. Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands off the south-east coast, and the crossing takes roughly half an hour to forty-five minutes depending on the sea. Life jackets are on board, and the boat is reserved for your group, so there is no waiting for other passengers.

This is the most practical way to visit Nusa Penida as a day trip from Bali, and many guests search for how to get to Nusa Penida before booking. With our private option you leave the arrangements to us: hotel pickup in the south of Bali, the transfer to Sanur, the boat, the guide and the return. The sea is calmest in the morning, which is why the trip leaves early.

Manta Bay and Manta Point

Manta rays are the star of the day. Giant, graceful and harmless, they glide through the clear water around Nusa Penida to feed and to visit cleaning stations on the reef. Your guide chooses between Manta Bay and Manta Point according to sea conditions on the morning, because safety and visibility decide which spot is better. Sightings are frequent but cannot be guaranteed, since these are wild animals moving freely.

A manta ray snorkelling trip is as much about patience as luck: stay calm, keep a respectful distance and never touch or chase the animals. The guide stays with you and uses the GoPro to record your swim. If you are asking whether Nusa Penida snorkelling is worth it, this first session is the reason most guests say yes. Basic swimming ability is required, and life jackets are available.

SD Point and Wall Bay reefs

After the mantas, the boat continues to SD Point, known for its clear water and colourful reef scenery. Shoals of small fish move between hard and soft corals, and the gentle current makes it easy to drift along the reef edge with your guide pointing out interesting spots. It is a relaxed snorkelling stop even for beginners.

Wall Bay is the third morning session, famous for its coral formations and the variety of marine life along a dramatic underwater wall. Visibility is usually best in the morning, and the dry season from April to October is the easiest time for calm seas. Snorkelling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own, although guests who wear glasses may prefer to bring a prescription mask.

Kelingking Cliff and the island by land

After lunch at a local restaurant with an infinity pool, the programme moves from sea to land. A drive across Nusa Penida takes you to Kelingking Cliff, one of the island's most striking views: a dramatic headland above a white-sand beach and deep blue water, often compared with the head of a dinosaur. Many guests ask about the best time to visit Kelingking, and the answer is the afternoon, when the light is warm and the cliff face is lit.

Your driver-guide takes you to the viewpoint, where you have time for photographs. The path down to the beach is very steep and slippery, so ask your guide before going down. The roads on Nusa Penida are narrow and bumpy because of limited infrastructure, so allow for a slow drive and wear comfortable shoes. The land part of the day gives a good feeling for the wild side of the island.

Mangrove Point and the turtle garden near Nusa Lembongan

The final snorkelling session takes place at Mangrove Point near Nusa Lembongan. Instead of staying in one spot, you drift along the reef for a long, effortless swim, passing coral gardens, fish in every colour and an area known as the turtle garden where sea turtles are often spotted. The current does most of the work, which makes this a favourite part of the trip.

Ending the day on a drift snorkel is relaxing after the morning's activity and the bumpy drive. Your guide follows you in the water and the boat picks you up at the end of the drift. Afterwards you return by fast boat to Sanur with towels and drinking water on board, and your driver takes you back to your hotel after a long, full and memorable day.