Snorkeling in Wall Point, Gamat Bay and Manta Bay: Nusa Penida Island

Taking a snorkeling tour around Nusa Penida is a highlight for many visitors to Bali, and this particular experience offers a chance to explore some of the island’s most celebrated underwater locations. From the stunning clarity of Crystal Bay to the vibrant coral life in Gamat Bay, and the exhilarating possibility of swimming alongside manta rays at Manta Bay, this trip packs a lot of value into one day.

What we especially appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic marine encounters with knowledgeable guides who seem genuinely interested in sharing the beauty of Nusa Penida’s waters. The convenience of hotel pickup and return, plus the inclusion of all necessary snorkeling gear, means you can just relax and enjoy the experience.

However, it’s worth noting that weather and wildlife sightings can affect your day—some reviewers mentioned that manta rays weren’t always present, and boat size can be somewhat intimate for those expecting larger vessels. Still, this tour suits adventurous travelers eager to see diverse marine life and those who value a well-organized, guided day out.

Key Points

• Cover multiple top snorkeling sites in one full-day trip, maximizing your time underwater.
• Professional guides enhance the experience with local knowledge and safety tips.
• Small group or private tours ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Includes all essential equipment and transport, offering good value for money.
• Weather-dependent sightings mean encounters with manta rays are not guaranteed.
• Ideal for travelers aged 5-60 seeking a safe yet exciting marine adventure.

This tour promises a comprehensive day exploring three of Nusa Penida’s top snorkeling spots, with the trip starting from your hotel or villa in Bali. The journey begins early, with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle picking you up from various locations such as Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, or Kuta—making it a flexible and hassle-free start. The drive typically takes you to Sanur Beach, where a speedboat whisks you across the water to Nusa Penida, cutting down travel time and offering scenic views across the sea.

The boat transfer is shared, accommodating around 10 passengers, which keeps the atmosphere intimate but might feel a bit cozy for some. As noted in reviews, the boats are small, and there’s no onboard toilet or changing facility, so packing light and planning accordingly is wise. The speedboat ride itself is a highlight, offering a chance to enjoy the ocean breeze and anticipate the aquatic adventure ahead.

First Stop: Crystal Bay

When you arrive at Crystal Bay, you are instantly greeted by its reputation as one of the island’s best snorkeling spots. The water here is famously clear, making the coral and marine life easy to spot. You can expect to see turtles, colorful fish, and vibrant coral reefs, often in relatively shallow water, making it accessible for most skill levels.

Despite its popularity, some reviews mention that this site can get crowded, especially during the mola-mola season (July-October). That said, the tour’s timing usually allows you to beat the bulk of the crowds, and local guides often know the quieter corners. The 40-minute stop at Crystal Bay provides enough time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the underwater spectacle.

Second Stop: Gamat Bay

Gamat Bay is a hidden gem for those willing to brave a bit of a current—noted as fairly heavy by some reviewers—adding a thrill to the snorkeling. Under the surface, you’ll find a diverse array of corals and coral mounds, with the seabed largely sandy but bustling with marine life.

The diversity here is remarkable, with almost all of the seabed covered in coral and fish. It’s a fantastic spot for underwater photography, and guides usually stay close to ensure safety in the stronger currents. One reviewer described Gamat Bay as “an amazing snorkel site,” emphasizing the vibrant colors and abundance of marine creatures.

Final Stop: Manta Bay

The highlight for many is the chance to see manta rays, which are present on most days at Manta Bay. These majestic creatures are usually spotted gracefully gliding beneath the surface, and the guides are adept at positioning the group to maximize viewing opportunities.

Manta rays are generally safe to swim with, as they are not poisonous and have a very large brain, making them quite interactive. A guide named Agung, who was praised for his familiarity with the best spots, often helps snorkelers get closer to these gentle giants. As one reviewer put it, “swimming with manta rays is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” though it’s important to remember sightings depend on the day’s conditions.

This tour’s value lies in its careful organization. The pickup service from numerous locations around Bali makes it accessible and easy to fit into a busy itinerary. The full-day duration of approximately 6-7 hours allows for a relaxed pace—long enough to enjoy each site without feeling rushed.

Transport is air-conditioned and comfortable, but the small shared boat for the snorkeling portion might be a surprise if you’re expecting a larger vessel. The fact that all snorkeling equipment—masks, fins, life jackets—is provided is a major convenience, removing the need to rent gear separately.

Guides play a vital role, with multiple reviewers mentioning guides like Agung and Putu who are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Their insights into marine life and safety tips help enhance the overall experience. However, one reviewer noted that the boat ride could be faster or better scheduled, which suggests that logistics might sometimes impact the overall enjoyment.

Cost-wise, $90 per person includes transfer, boat tickets, snorkeling gear, and guided assistance, which is a fair deal considering the multiple stops and expert guidance. Remember, lunch, towels, and drinks are not included, so packing a small snack and a towel might be worthwhile.

Some reviewers expressed mixed feelings about the experience. BeckyP_A gave a 3/5, citing that she “didn’t see manta rays” and found the coral “pretty beat up,” which reminds us that wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed. She also noted that the fast boat rides aren’t always on schedule, so flexibility is key.

Another reviewer, Andrew_W, felt that “you’re only actually on the boat for about 2 hours,” with the rest of the time spent traveling to and from sites. He described the boat as “small, probably a 12-seater,” which might be less comfortable for some. Despite these points, the overall impression was positive, especially about the quality of the guides and the beauty of the underwater scenes.

This snorkeling trip is great for adventurous travelers eager to see Bali’s marine wonders without overly strenuous activities. It’s suitable for children as young as five, thanks to the calm, guided environment, and up to 60 years old, provided they are comfortable in the water.

If you’re after a well-organized, affordable experience that combines multiple snorkeling locations with good guides and equipment, this tour hits the mark. Those who prioritize wildlife encounters, especially manta rays, will find this trip particularly rewarding—though patience is required as sightings depend on the day.

It’s also a good option if you want a full-day adventure with minimal hassle—everything from pickup to equipment is included—making it a convenient choice for travelers staying in Seminyak, Nusa Dua, or Kuta.

This snorkeling tour offers a balanced mix of beautiful underwater scenery, marine life encounters, and professional guiding, making it a solid choice for curious snorkelers. While sightings of manta rays aren’t guaranteed and boat size may be smaller than some prefer, the overall value, accessibility, and variety of sites make it worth considering.

The experience is best suited for those who enjoy marine environments, want a hassle-free full-day trip, and appreciate local guides who know the waters well. The inclusion of all equipment and pickup service adds to the convenience, and the chance to see turtles, colorful fish, and manta rays makes this a memorable day out.

If your goal is to explore Nusa Penida’s waters and you’re flexible about wildlife sightings, this tour offers a strong, reliable option to see some of Bali’s underwater treasures.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, pickup is offered from many locations including Seminyak, Sanur, Jimbaran, Kuta, and more. Check with the provider for your specific location.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, including travel, snorkeling, and transfers.

What gear is included?
All necessary snorkeling equipment—masks, fins, and life jackets—are provided.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, the minimum age is 5 years old, making it suitable for families.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a camera, a towel, and a change of clothes. Lunch and drinks are not included.

Is the water safe for snorkeling?
Yes, the guides focus on safety, and the waters are generally calm and clear, ideal for snorkeling.

What happens if I don’t see manta rays?
Sightings depend on the day’s conditions. Even if manta rays aren’t seen, the other locations are vibrant with marine life.

Are the boats comfortable?
The boats are small, around 10-12 seats, and do not have onboard toilets or changing facilities. Pack accordingly.

How much does it cost?
The price is $90 per person, which covers transport, boat tickets, and gear. Additional expenses like lunch are extra.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This snorkeling trip offers a fantastic opportunity to see the underwater world of Nusa Penida with the convenience of guided service and all equipment included. Whether you’re after vibrant coral, sea turtles, or the chance to swim beside manta rays, it proves to be a worthwhile adventure for many travelers.