Manta Point Snorkeling & West Nusa Penida Island Day Tour

Planning a trip to Bali and craving a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and close encounters with marine life? The Manta Point Snorkeling & West Nusa Penida Island Day Tour offers exactly that. Promising a full day filled with snorkeling alongside majestic manta rays, exploring iconic spots like Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach, it’s a well-rounded way to experience some of Nusa Penida’s most photogenic and awe-inspiring locations.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it combines the thrill of snorkeling with the beauty of Bali’s west coast landmarks. Plus, the presence of knowledgeable guides, especially the rave-reviewed Adit, makes a big difference in creating a memorable experience. One potential caveat? The boat ride to the snorkeling spots can be quite bumpy—and if you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth preparing accordingly.

This tour is perfect for travelers who appreciate a mix of adventure and scenic sightseeing, especially those eager to see manta rays up close. It’s a fantastic choice if you want a compact, well-organized day with plenty of photo-worthy moments. Let’s dive into the details.

Key Points

• Snorkeling at Manta Point offers a 99% chance to spot giant manta rays, with guided assistance ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Visual highlights include Kelingking Beach’s iconic T-Rex-shaped cliffs, Angel’s Billabong’s natural infinity pool, and Broken Beach’s archway.
• The guide quality impacts the trip significantly, with reviewers praising guides like Adit for their friendliness, knowledge, and photography skills.
• The trip includes all necessary equipment — masks, fins, life jackets, towels, lockers, and even underwater photos via GoPro.
• The transport is air-conditioned, with hotel pickup and drop-off, making the day hassle-free.
• Cost-effectiveness: At around $47, this tour offers a well-rounded experience with entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and transportation included.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting the Day: From Bali or Nusa Penida

Most travelers will appreciate that the tour begins with a convenient pickup from their accommodation or designated meeting point in Nusa Penida. This level of ease helps set a relaxed tone for the day ahead. The air-conditioned vehicle whisks you off to the snorkeling starting point, which is usually Manta Point, a site renowned for its guaranteed manta ray sightings.

The guides assist everyone with snorkeling gear—masks, fins, and life jackets—highlighting safety and comfort. A standout from reviews is the professionalism of guides like Adit, who is described as super friendly, helpful, and adept at capturing photos of guests underwater, making the experience less intimidating for first-timers and more memorable for all.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays at Manta Point

The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly snorkeling at Manta Point. The area is considered the “home” of giant manta rays, and with a 99% chance of sightings, it’s a big draw. You’ll cruise around the bay aboard a boat, with the guide leading the way. Expect about an hour of snorkeling here, swimming amidst these graceful creatures that often come close enough to touch (but of course, it’s best to admire from a respectful distance).

Reviewers like Irini mention, “The manta rays were incredible,” and others note how close and calm the rays often are, creating an almost surreal experience. The guide’s assistance is invaluable, especially for those nervous about snorkeling or unfamiliar with the marine environment.

Gamat Bay: An Underwater Wonderland

After Manta Point, you’ll visit Gamat Bay, a plateau about 8 meters deep filled with colorful fish, coral, and often turtles. It’s a spectacular spot for snorkelers who love vibrant underwater life. The calm waters and clear visibility make it ideal for relaxed swimming and exploring. Reviewers highlight Gamat Bay as one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida, emphasizing its photogenic coral walls and diverse marine life.

Land-based Highlights: Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach

The land portion of the tour showcases Nusa Penida’s most iconic sights. You’ll visit Kelingking Beach, famed for its breathtaking T-Rex shape cliffs. From the nearby viewpoint, Cap de T-Rex, you’ll get a sweeping view that makes it clear why this spot is so Instagram-famous. Reviews describe this as “the most Instagrammable beach in 2021,” and the landscape really lives up to the hype.

Next, the tour stops at Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool carved into volcanic rock with crystal-clear waters. It’s breathtaking but requires careful footing—reviewers note the need for respectful caution given the strong ocean currents nearby.

Right next door is Broken Beach (Pasih Uug), an enchanting cove with a distinctive archway connecting the land to the open ocean. Visitors are often captivated by the contrast of the rugged cliffs and the smooth, flowing water through the arch.

Practical Details and Overall Value

The tour is priced at around $47.26 per person, which includes all entrance fees, snorkeling gear, towels, lockers, and GoPro underwater photos. This makes it a good deal, especially considering the high-quality guides and all logistical arrangements handled for you.

The small group size—a maximum of 15 travelers—ensures a more personal experience, reducing the feeling of being just another face in the crowd. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off adds to the convenience, especially if you’re staying in Bali or Nusa Penida.

What Reviewers Say

Guides like Adit and Wayan are repeatedly praised for their friendly attitude, professionalism, and knowledge. Reviewers appreciate their eagerness to assist, take good photos, and ensure everyone feels safe and taken care of. One reviewer mentions that Adit “went above and beyond, even driving us to watch the sunset,” which highlights the personalized touch.

The snorkeling at Manta Point is often described as “beautiful,” with some reviewers seeing multiple manta rays—up to five at once—and noting how close they get. However, a few mention that the boat ride can be quite bumpy, which could be an issue for those with motion sickness.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour fits well for travelers looking for a mix of marine adventure and scenic sightseeing in a manageable, organized package. It’s particularly suited for:

• Beginners or casual snorkelers who want to see manta rays without the hassle of planning.
• Photographers eager to capture iconic landscapes and underwater moments.
• Visitors who enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable, friendly guides.
• Anyone staying in Bali or Nusa Penida who wants a comprehensive day trip that combines both land and sea.

It’s less ideal if you’re prone to seasickness or looking for a more secluded, less crowded experience. The boat ride can be bumpy, and popular spots mean some areas may be crowded.

Final Thoughts

The Manta Point Snorkeling & West Nusa Penida Island Day Tour offers an engaging balance of marine encounters and breathtaking scenery. With expert guides like Adit, you’ll enjoy informative commentary, excellent photos, and the chance to see manta rays in their natural habitat. The inclusion of top highlights like Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach makes this a well-rounded adventure.

While the boat ride’s bumpiness might not suit everyone, most travelers will find the experience rewarding, especially for the chance to swim alongside gentle giants and explore stunning landscapes. The value for the price—and the convenience of all logistics sorted—makes this a compelling option for those seeking a memorable day in Nusa Penida.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers eager to combine underwater encounters with the island’s most photogenic spots. If you love nature, adventure, and a good guide who knows their stuff, this trip is likely to leave you with plenty of stories—and photos—to share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), an air-conditioned vehicle, snorkeling gear (mask, fins, life jackets), towels, lockers, shower access, underwater photography with a GoPro, all entrance fees, and insurance.

How long is the snorkeling at Manta Point?
You’ll spend about 1 hour snorkeling at Manta Point, cruising around to increase your chances of spotting manta rays in their natural habitat.

Are there specific spots for snorkeling?
Yes, the trip includes snorkeling at Manta Point and Gamat Bay, both famous for their marine life and coral formations.

What land attractions are included?
Land stops include Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach, with the itinerary allowing about an hour at Kelingking and 30 minutes each at the other sites.

Is food included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour price, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase food during the day.

How large are the groups?
The tour limits to a maximum of 15 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or beginners?
Most travelers can participate, especially with guided assistance. However, those prone to seasickness or with mobility issues may want to consider their comfort with boat rides and walking on uneven terrain.

This tour offers an incredible blend of marine adventure and scenic exploration, perfect for those wanting a taste of Nusa Penida’s best. With friendly guides and well-organized logistics, it’s a dependable choice for an unforgettable day.