From Bali: Nusa Penida Snorkel 3 Spots w/ GoPro & Kayak tour

If you’re dreaming of a day filled with vibrant marine life, scenic boat rides, and lush mangroves, this Nusa Penida snorkel and kayak tour promises just that. While it’s a popular choice among travelers wanting a taste of Bali’s underwater beauty, it’s important to weigh the adventure’s highlights against some logistical considerations.

From exhilarating snorkeling at Manta Bay to tranquil kayaking through mangroves, this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse of Bali’s diverse coastal ecosystems. We love that it combines active water sports with scenic boat rides and includes ready-to-use GoPro footage — perfect for sharing your underwater moments. However, the variability of manta ray sightings and the potential for crowded snorkeling spots are worth keeping in mind.

This tour suits those who appreciate marine adventures, are comfortable in open water, and want a full-day immersive experience. If you’re seeking a mix of adrenaline, relaxation, and natural beauty, it’s a balanced option that delivers authentic Bali charm.

Good To Know

Diverse Marine Encounters: Snorkeling at three different spots offers opportunities to see manta rays, colorful reefs, and local marine life.
Scenic Transport: The 45-minute speedboat ride adds a touch of adventure and offers great sea views en route to Nusa Penida.
Authentic Eco Experience: Kayaking through mangroves provides a peaceful, nature-focused break from the underwater action.
Guided Expertise: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and help you spot marine creatures, making the experience more engaging.
Variable Sightings: Manta rays are not guaranteed, so temper expectations for spotting these majestic animals.
Practical Value: The included GoPro footage and hotel transfers make this tour both memorable and convenient.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins early in the morning, with options for pickup from Bali’s main tourist zones or meeting directly at Sanur Port. The pickup process is smooth if you’re staying in areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud, but the tour emphasizes arriving on time—preferably by 7:30 AM—due to heavy traffic and port queueing systems. The ferry operated by Axe Stone Fast Cruise departs around 7:30 or 8:00 AM, making an early start essential.

The boat ride across the sea is about 45 minutes, during which you’ll get a sense of Bali’s coast from the water—an often overlooked highlight. Travelers have reported that seas can be choppy, so seasickness medication or a firm stomach might be worth considering.

Snorkeling at Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, and Gamat Bay

The core of this tour revolves around three snorkeling stops, each offering unique underwater scenery. Manta Bay is the star attraction, where the chance to swim beside manta rays makes for a truly memorable experience. However, it’s important to set expectations—sightings are not guaranteed and depend on weather, sea conditions, and seasonality, with about a 30% chance according to guides.

One reviewer pointed out that the underwater world was worth the trip despite the unpredictability, noting that guides made efforts to ensure everyone was safe and back on board, especially when conditions got rough. They appreciated the inclusion of GoPro footage, which allows you to relive those magical moments without the hassle of filming yourself.

The other two stops, Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay, are known for their vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Expect to see a variety of colorful fish, coral formations, and possibly turtles. As one reviewer mentioned, the reefs may be somewhat damaged and crowded, which can detract from the serenity but is still a worthwhile experience for most.

The Wall Snorkeling Spot

A brief stop at The Wall offers an additional chance to snorkel above dramatic underwater formations. This site is renowned for its wall dives—though, in this tour, it’s more of a shallow exploration. Expect more lively fish and coral here, and it provides a good variation to the other spots.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch Break and Rest

After a couple of snorkeling sessions, you’ll enjoy a 75-minute local lunch—a chance to refuel, chat about your morning, and soak in the island atmosphere. The quality and type of food might vary depending on the restaurant, but most reviews suggest a decent meal that helps you reset for the afternoon activities.

Kayaking Through the Mangroves

Post-lunch, the tour shifts gears. You’ll paddle through a tranquil mangrove forest, a peaceful contrast to the busy snorkeling spots. This part of the tour is praised for its calming environment, lush greenery, and the chance to spot local birdlife and other creatures. It’s a quiet, scenic paddling session that many find relaxing and a welcome break from the more active snorkeling.

Return Journey and Drop-offs

The day concludes with a scenic speedboat cruise back to Bali around 5:00 PM, wrapping up a full day of adventure. Drop-offs are available at multiple locations, including Kuta, Ubud, and Seminyak, making it convenient for travelers to continue exploring Bali or head to their accommodations.

What Travelers Are Saying

The reviews paint a realistic picture of this tour’s strengths and some drawbacks. Many travelers appreciated the helpful guides and noted the stunning views during the boat rides and kayaking. One reviewer from Singapore highlighted seeing turtles and the guides’ friendliness, while another from Germany mentioned the reliability of pick-up and transfers.

However, some reviews indicate variability in snorkeling experiences. A traveler from Australia called out disorganization and disappointing snorkeling conditions, citing damaged reefs and overcrowding. Others appreciated the photos included in the package, which help preserve memories of possibly elusive manta rays.

Common themes include the variable success of manta sightings, the importance of early arrival for smooth logistics, and the value of the GoPro footage in capturing underwater moments.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Arrive early—traffic and port queues can delay your start, and the tour runs on a tight schedule.
• Bring seasickness medication if you’re prone to motion sickness, as boat rides can be choppy.
• Wear quick-drying swimwear and pack a towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Be prepared for crowds at snorkeling sites; patience and a sense of adventure help.
• Manage expectations about manta ray sightings—they’re not guaranteed but the experience of snorkeling in such pristine waters is rewarding regardless.
• Eat beforehand to maximize your energy for the full day.
• Wear comfortable clothes and a jacket for the boat rides, especially if the weather is cooler or windy.
• Follow animal welfare guidelines—touching marine life and feeding fish with bread are discouraged.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for active travelers who enjoy snorkeling, boat rides, and outdoor adventures. It’s ideal if you want a balanced day of exploration, combining marine encounters with a peaceful kayak paddle.

It’s less suited for those seeking solitude or a completely pristine experience, given the potential for crowds and reef damage. Travelers with a moderate level of swimming confidence will feel more comfortable tackling the open water.

Final Thoughts

This Nusa Penida snorkeling and kayaking tour offers a comprehensive glimpse of Bali’s underwater and coastal ecosystems. While manta ray sightings are not guaranteed, the chance to swim alongside these gentle giants in open water remains a highlight for many. The inclusion of scenic boat rides, a peaceful mangrove paddle, and GoPro footage adds value that helps justify the tour’s cost.

For those seeking a full-day adventure that combines active water sports with scenic views and local culture, this experience delivers on many fronts. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a fun, memorable day exploring Bali’s marine treasures—with a few caveats about logistics and expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to arrive?
You should aim to be at the meeting point by 7:30 AM to allow time for check-in, port queues, and the ferry departure.

Is snorkeling suitable for non-swimmers?
Participants should be confident swimmers, as open ocean snorkeling can be challenging. Non-swimmers might find it difficult to fully enjoy the experience.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), a waterproof camera, and any seasickness medication if needed.

Are manta ray sightings guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on weather, sea conditions, and seasonality. The estimated chance is about 30%, so it’s best to enjoy the snorkeling regardless of spotting a manta.

Does the tour include hotel transfers?
Yes, transfers are available and cover major tourist zones like Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Denpasar, with additional charges for some areas.

How long is the snorkeling time?
The total snorkeling time is approximately 2 hours spread across three spots, but this may vary depending on conditions and group pace.

Is vegetarian or special diet available?
This detail isn’t specified, but most local restaurants offer basic options. It’s best to inform the tour provider in advance.

What is the duration of the entire tour?
The full experience lasts between 6 and 10 hours, including transfers, boat rides, snorkeling, lunch, and kayaking.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, this tour is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or travelers with certain health conditions like back problems or mobility issues.

How are the guides?
Multiple reviews mention guides as helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, making the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

To sum it up, this tour offers a fantastic blend of marine adventure and scenic tranquility for those eager to explore Bali’s coast. With the right expectations and preparation, it’s a day packed with memorable moments, stunning views, and authentic local experiences—perfect for adventurous spirits looking to see the best of Nusa Penida.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby