Snorkeling in Nusa Penida is a highly popular activity. Gifted with beautiful marine life, one can swim with the gigantic Manta Rays and explore the vibrant coral reefs in the bays. Then, dive into the scenic aquatic life and paddle with the lively green sea turtles and the eerie eels. Read on to learn all you need to know before taking a snorkeling tour in Nusa Penida.
Why Should You Choose Snorkeling in Nusa Penida?
- Witness the expansive underwater beauty of healthy coral reefs and various aquatic life
- Enjoy a boat ride to your snorkeling spot with a group of 4-10 people
- Relish Indonesian cuisines at lunch clubs on the picturesque beachfront of Bali
- Swim with an array of Green Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, Rainbow Eels, Mola-Mola, and Frogfish
- Join an all-inclusive tour package for a comfortable ride and stay in Nusa
Must-carry Things for a Snorkelling Tour
- Swimwear and towels.
- Sunblock lotions, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Waterproof bag to store your camera, wallet, and mobile phones.
- Dehydration drinks because only drinking water is not enough to replace the minerals your body loses during snorkeling activities.
Getting to Nusa Penida
There are four ports in Bali where ferries can be boarded to reach Nusa Penida. They are -
- From Sanur beach port
- Port of Serangan
- Tribuana Kusamba Harbor
- Padang Bai Harbor
Fast boat ticket cost: IDR 150,000 (adult)/one way
IDR 125,000 (child)/one way
Best Spots for Snorkeling in Nusa Penida
1. Crystal Bay
A serene cove in western Nusa Penida, Crystal Bay is arguably the most popular site for snorkeling in Nusa Penida. It is easily accessible via smooth roads and home to stunning coral reefs on its fringes, with fantastic visibility for most of the year. Expect to see turtles and schools of small colourful fishes and coral beds up close. With some luck, dolphins can also be sighted when they come close to the shore on particular days.
2. Manta Point & Manta Bay
Home to the Manta Rays, the wave rapidly changes over the ocean beds at Manta Bay. These magnificent creatures can be viewed yearly due to the gush of the water stream that runs around the Indonesian archipelago from Timor to Bali. They are most actively sighted in the mornings. The Manta Bay is a shallow area, rich in plankton, for Rays to surface and feed. The Manta Point is surrounded by high cliffs and also serves as a dive spot.
3. Gamat Bay
Visited mainly by tourists interested in snorkeling or scuba diving, Gamat Bay has rough patched road access from Crystal Bay. The bay cliff paves a way down to the beach line. It is best to avoid the tiresome land route by boarding a boat from Crystal Bay or Toya Pakeha. The strong ocean currents may make it difficult for beginners to snorkel here. The coral reefs and marine life at the Gamat are similar to the Crystal Bay, sheltering a 7-8 meters deep sea bed.
Snorkeling in Nusa Penida is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists and locals alike. The deep waters of Nusa Penida encapsulate the essence of life at sea. And while at it, it is good to keep a professional guide in the company when snorkeling at the various sites. In addition, a life jacket can be kept handy for calmer waters, while one should know how to properly swim for snorkeling at the bays.