Manta Snorkeling in Nusa Penida – Everything You Need to Know
Full guide on snorkelling with Mantas at Nusa Penida. Inside you'll find our itinerary, recommendations of services and all the important informations to plan your trip to Nusa Penida.
Snorkeling with manta rays in Nusa Penida is one of the top experiences for ocean lovers visiting Bali. These majestic creatures can be spotted all year round, though our guide mentioned that sightings are more frequent during the dry season (April to October). Since mantas are wild animals, their presence is never guaranteed, but you can increase your chances by snorkeling in the early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
Visiting Nusa Penida from Bali is easy and can be done as a day trip, but we highly recommend staying at least 3 to 4 days to explore the island’s best spots, including stunning beaches, viewpoints, and snorkeling sites.
Ferry from Bali to Nusa Penida
The fastest way to reach Nusa Penida is by speed boat from Sanur Harbour. Boats depart multiple times daily, so finding one that fits your schedule is easy.
• ⏳ Duration: 30-40 minutes (depending on sea conditions)
• 🎟️ Tickets: Available at the harbour or online in advance
• 💡 Tip: Booking online ensures availability, especially in peak season
Getting around Nusa Penida
Once you arrive at Toya Pakeh Harbor, you have two main transport options:
Rent a scooter – Best for independent travelers who are comfortable with local road conditions. The roads have improved significantly since 2022, but they are still narrow and winding, especially toward the east side of the island. If riding with a passenger, opt for a stronger bike for steep hills.
Hire a private driver – Ideal for those who want a hassle-free experience. Many hotels can arrange a driver for you, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
Important: If visiting during Bali’s rainy season (November to March), roads can get slippery. A private car is the safest option to avoid getting your gear wet on a scooter.
At the harbor, you’ll also find vendors offering manta snorkeling tours. However, booking through your hotel is often more reliable and ensures better service.
We have asked our hotel to get someone to pick us up from the harbor and to get us a driver for the entire stay. Rainy season on Bali is very unpredictable, so we didn't want to risk getting our gear soaked on a scooter. So that's how we met Erik, who was our driver, guide and just a helpful soul.
Nusa Penida is a fairly small island and everyone knows someone who provides all kinds of services for tourists. This was no different in our case, as it happened that Erik's family is organising snorkeling trips around the island and they're great at spotting Mantas too.
You can contact our Guide/Driver Erik on WhatsApp: +62 812-3716-7443 or find him on Instagram @pongek91
Don't forget to tell him you found him on our blog, you might get a better price! :)
Best Spots for Manta Snorkeling in Nusa Penida
There are two main locations where you can snorkel with manta rays:
Manta Bay (Most Popular)
• Closer to Toya Pakeh Harbor (15-minute boat ride)
• Higher chance of manta sightings in the morning
• More budget-friendly
Manta Point (More Exclusive)
• Located further southwest, requiring a longer boat ride
• Deeper waters with larger manta populations
• More expensive but offers a premium snorkeling experience with fewer crowds
Most tours also include two to three extra snorkeling spots at coral reefs near Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, or Wall Bay.
How Much Does a Manta Snorkeling Tour Cost?
The price of snorkeling tours in Nusa Penida depends on the locations visited and the season.
• Basic Tour (Manta Bay + 2-3 snorkeling spots): IDR 600,000 – 800,000 ($40-55)
• Premium Tour (Manta Point + additional snorkeling stops): IDR 1,000,000 – 1,500,000 ($65-100)
What’s Included in the Tour?
• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Boat ride with an experienced guide
• Drinking water
Our Experience Snorkeling with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida
We booked a snorkeling tour through our local driver, Erik, whose cousin, Eka, operates a high-quality boat with excellent snorkeling equipment.
We met at Toya Pakeh Beach at 10 AM, which was a bit late for the best manta encounters, but we were lucky. In just 15 minutes, we reached Manta Bay, where the crew immediately spotted six giant manta rays swimming below the surface.
As we jumped into the clear blue water, the mantas glided right past us, sometimes coming within touching distance. These creatures, some measuring up to five meters wide, are completely harmless and incredibly curious. Unlike sea turtles, which often swim away, manta rays circle around snorkelers and even swim directly toward them before turning away at the last moment.
Swimming with them felt like floating in space, an experience so peaceful and surreal that it is difficult to describe.
The Harsh Reality – Ocean Pollution in Nusa Penida
Unfortunately, while snorkeling, we also witnessed a heartbreaking reality—ocean plastic pollution. Especially during Bali’s rainy season, trash from Java and other areas washes into the sea, creating floating debris fields that manta rays and other marine life must navigate.
How You Can Help
Choose eco-friendly tour operators that prioritise ocean conservation,
Review tour operators who provide a great experience,
Say no to plastic – Bring a reusable bottle and avoid single-use plastics
Final Thoughts – Is Manta Snorkeling in Nusa Penida Worth It?
Absolutely. Snorkeling with manta rays in Nusa Penida is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every ocean lover should try. With the right tour and good timing (early morning is best), you will have an unforgettable encounter with these gentle giants.
If you are visiting Bali, set aside at least three to four days for Nusa Penida to explore the island’s incredible cliffs, beaches, and hidden gems beyond just snorkeling.
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