• By: RIYANKA
• Oct 16, 2026
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A Day Trip to Nusa Penida And Snorkelling With Manta Rays

During my recent trip to Bali, I took a day trip to Nusa Penida, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my time on the island. Snorkelling alongside majestic manta rays was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. We also spotted sea turtles and an abundance of marine life beneath the surface, making the experience all the more special. We explored the underwater world with Bluuu Tours, and it was, without a doubt, a day to remember!

My friends and I, in the open waters at the second snorkelling point.

We left Canggu at around 6.30 am that morning, still shaking off the sleep as we made our way to Sanur Port. We had been asked to meet the team at Bluuu Lounge, from where our yacht to Nusa Penida would depart. My friends, Dipti and Sanj, were just as excited as I was, and the three of us had little idea of what the day had in store for us. Our tour promised an opportunity to spot manta rays, but when it comes to wildlife encounters, nothing is ever guaranteed. And perhaps that was part of the excitement!

At Bluuu Lounge, we met Vicky and Parco, our guides for the day. During the briefing, they walked us through the snorkelling spots we would visit, the marine life we might encounter, and the plan for the rest of the day, which included lunch and a drive to the famous Kelingking Beach. We also asked what would happen if someone couldn’t swim. Their assurance that they would be right there to assist us in the water came as a huge relief. With that, we were ready to set sail, a little nervous but mostly brimming with anticipation.

The First Couple of Stops, Spotting Turtles and More!

The yacht pulled away from the port, swaying gently through the blue. The sea was a little choppy, and the wind whipped across our faces, adding just the right dose of adrenaline to the morning. About 15 minutes later, we arrived at our first snorkelling spot near Nusa Lembongan.

“This is the easiest place to swim,” Vicky assured us before we slipped into the open water.

The shades of blue around me were mesmerising, stretching endlessly towards the horizon. The water was colder than I had expected, and for the first 30 seconds, all I could think about was the chill against my skin. But then, I looked down. And what a world it was!

Beneath the surface, everything seemed to come alive. Schools of little fish darted past in shimmering flashes of silver, moving together before scattering into the blue. Sunlight filtered through the water, illuminating patches of the seabed, while the gentle movement of the waves created a rippling play of light and shadow. For a moment, I forgot about the cold water and the yacht waiting above us. I was simply fascinated by the life unfolding beneath the surface.

The world under water, as we saw it. 

We eventually climbed back aboard, unusually quiet. Perhaps we were all still processing what we had just seen. There was little conversation as we waited for the next stop, each of us wondering what the ocean had in store for us.

Vicky had warned us that the next snorkelling spot would be a little more challenging, and I understood what he meant the moment I entered the water. The currents felt stronger, and keeping myself afloat was no longer as effortless as before. As I tried to find my rhythm, I realised I was drifting away from the rest of the group. I reached out for help, and Parco, who had been capturing the experience on his GoPro, quickly guided me back towards my friends.

And then, just like that, a sea turtle appeared!

The turtle we spotted!

For a moment, everything else faded into the background. We watched in quiet wonder as it moved gracefully through the water, seemingly unbothered by our presence. There was something incredibly humbling about seeing one in its natural habitat, gliding through the ocean with such effortless ease. We had barely settled into the second snorkelling spot, and already, the day was turning out to be far more memorable than we had imagined.

Also read: 10 Best Experiences in Bali, Beyond Beach Clubs and Bali Swing!

Lunch on Nusa Penida and a Drive to Kelingking Beach

After our snorkelling adventures, it was time to head to Nusa Penida, where lunch and a little downtime awaited us. We made our way to a beautiful restaurant overlooking the blue waters, where a buffet spread was laid out for us. After spending the morning in the ocean, sitting down for a proper meal felt wonderful. We ate, unwound, and took in the views, making the most of our brief pause on land.

There was also an Instagram-worthy gate that seemed to have caught everyone’s attention. Before long, a queue had formed, with everyone waiting patiently for their turn to get that perfect holiday photograph!

Lunch at Nusa Penida (left) and the three of us, posing at the beautiful Balinese gate (right).

After lunch, we hopped into the car for the roughly 50-minute drive to Kelingking Beach, popularly known as T-Rex Beach because of the dinosaur-shaped headland that juts into the ocean. By then, the morning’s adventures had caught up with me. Between the early start and hours spent snorkelling, I was completely exhausted and promptly dozed off in the car. My friends had to wake me up when we finally arrived at the destination!

Now, I know we’ve all seen hundreds of photographs of Kelingking Beach on the internet. And yes, the views are every bit as breathtaking as they appear on screen. The dramatic limestone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters are quite a sight. But what I hadn’t quite prepared myself for was the crowd.

At Kelingking Beach.

The viewpoint was buzzing with tourists, many queuing up along a particular stretch to get their Instagram-worthy shots. And then there were the monkeys! They seemed determined to create a little chaos, darting around visitors and adding to the general commotion. Between the crowds and the cheeky primates, the experience felt rather overwhelming. I managed to spend barely five minutes there, clicked a couple of photographs, and decided I had had enough. Instead of jostling for space at the viewpoint, I found a café nearby and settled down with an iced coffee.

Back to the Yacht and Snorkelling with Manta Rays

From Kelingking, it was another 50-minute drive back to the port, and this time, we were all buzzing with excitement. The next part of our adventure promised something extraordinary, and we could barely wait to get back out into the open sea.

We boarded the yacht, and Vicky explained that we would first stop at Manta Bay to see if we could spot any manta rays. If we weren’t lucky, we would continue towards Manta Point. I could see the anticipation on everyone’s faces as we sailed away from the shore, cutting through the blue waters of Nusa Penida.

At Manta Bay, Vicky took a dive while the rest of us waited on the yacht. He returned a few minutes later with disappointing news. There were no mantas in sight, and the currents were particularly strong. We would have to try our luck at Manta Point. And so, we sailed through the choppy waters, hoping that the next stop would bring us face to face with these magnificent creatures.

Finally, it was time to get into the water.

Just as I was about to take the plunge, I felt a wave of dizziness. Suddenly, I wasn’t so sure about jumping in. The yacht was rocking with the strong currents, and one by one, the others began diving into the ocean. I stood there, having second thoughts, when Parco suggested that staying on the boat might only make me feel dizzier. I was better off getting into the water, he said.

Taking his advice, I took a deep breath and jumped, and Vicky quickly gathered us together and asked us to look down into the water.

And there they were!

Spotting the Manta Rays!

A group of manta rays glided beneath us, their enormous wings moving gracefully through the ocean. It was a spectacular sight, and for a few moments, I forgot everything else. There was nothing but the deep blue sea, the gentle movement of these magnificent creatures, and the sheer wonder of witnessing them in their natural habitat. But the currents were intense. At one point, I remember thinking that if I drifted away from the group, I might never find my way back to them. I could hear Vicky and Parco calling out to everyone, reminding us to stay together as the water pulled us in different directions.

And then, more mantas appeared.

It was exhilarating, a little overwhelming, and completely surreal. We had come all this way hoping to catch a glimpse of these creatures, and suddenly, we were swimming alongside them. Yet, the strong currents meant we couldn’t stay in the water for long. Our encounter lasted barely five minutes, perhaps a little more, before it was time to return to the yacht.

Once everyone was safely back on board, there was a strange silence amongst all. Nobody cared to reach out for their phones! There is something about being in the ocean, surrounded by its vastness, that quietens the mind. For a little while, all you can do is take it in.

Around 20 minutes later, we arrived back at Sanur Harbour. We returned to the Bluü Lounge, where hot coffee was waiting for us, offering a welcome respite after our adventure at sea. As I wrapped my hands around the warm cup, I found myself replaying the day’s events in my head: the dramatic cliffs of Kelingking, the choppy waters of Nusa Penida, and those magnificent manta rays gliding beneath the surface. I was still in awe of everything the day had offered us. And somewhere between the ocean and that first sip of coffee, I realised that the day trip to Nusa Penida would surely be my best memory from Bali.

FAQs About a Day Trip to Nusa Penida and Snorkelling with Manta Rays

1. Is Nusa Penida possible to cover in one day?

Yes, you can explore Nusa Penida on a day trip from Bali, especially if you book an organised tour with transport and a planned itinerary. Popular attractions such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong can be covered in a day, although travel between stops can take longer than expected because of the island’s winding roads. If you also want to go snorkelling with manta rays, plan your day carefully, as the boat excursion requires additional time.

2. Can I spend more than one day in Nusa Penida?

Absolutely! If you have the time, spending two or three days in Nusa Penida is a great way to explore the island at a more relaxed pace. You can dedicate one day to its dramatic coastal landscapes, including Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach, and another to snorkelling at Manta Point or exploring the island’s underwater world. An overnight stay also gives you more flexibility if weather or sea conditions affect your plans.

3. Can I snorkel in Nusa Penida if I don’t know how to swim?

Snorkelling with manta rays can be challenging for non-swimmers, particularly at exposed sites such as Manta Point, where strong currents and rough seas are possible. Although a life jacket helps you float, it does not eliminate the risks associated with open-water snorkelling. If you cannot swim, discuss your ability with the instructors before booking and ask whether they can offer a suitable, supervised alternative. The guides at Bluuu Tours are all PADI-certified, and they are extremely helpful, so I would recommend going with them, in case you’re planning to snorkel in Nusa Penida. 

4. Where can I snorkel with manta rays in Bali?

Manta Point and Manta Bay, off the coast of Nusa Penida, are two of the best-known places to look for manta rays in Bali. These marine sites attract manta rays throughout the year, although sightings are never guaranteed. Most visitors join a guided boat excursion from Bali or Nusa Penida to reach them. 

5. Is snorkelling with manta rays safe?

Snorkelling with manta rays can be an incredible experience, but safety depends largely on sea conditions, your swimming ability, and the quality of your tour operator. Manta Point is exposed to the open ocean and can experience strong currents and significant swell. Choose an experienced operator, listen carefully to the safety briefing, wear appropriate flotation equipment, and follow the guide’s instructions. Tours may change their route or cancel a stop if conditions are unsafe. 

6. Are manta rays dangerous to humans?

Manta rays are generally considered harmless to humans. They are filter feeders and do not have the venomous stinger associated with stingrays. However, they are large wild animals, so it is important to observe them respectfully. Maintain a safe distance, avoid touching or chasing them, and allow them to swim freely.

7. Will I definitely see manta rays at Manta Point?

No, manta ray sightings are never guaranteed. Although manta rays are present around Nusa Penida throughout the year, their movements and the sea conditions determine whether you will see them on a particular day. During rough weather, operators may also skip Manta Point for safety reasons. Keep your expectations flexible and remember that the experience of being out on the ocean is part of the adventure too.

8. How much time do I need for a Nusa Penida snorkelling trip?

Allow at least half a day for a dedicated snorkelling excursion, including the boat journey, safety briefing, and time spent at the different sites. If you are travelling from mainland Bali, factor in the speedboat journey to Nusa Penida and the time needed to reach the departure point. Combining snorkelling with a full land sightseeing itinerary can make for a rushed day, so an overnight stay is worth considering if you want to explore at a slower pace. 

9. What is the best time to visit Nusa Penida for snorkelling?

Nusa Penida offers snorkelling opportunities throughout the year, but conditions vary with the weather, wind, and swell. The drier months, generally April to October, can offer favourable conditions, although rough seas are still possible. Rather than relying on the season alone, check the marine forecast and confirm conditions with your operator shortly before your trip. 

10. What should I carry for a Nusa Penida day trip?

Pack swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your essentials. Bring any medication you may need, especially if you are prone to seasickness. If you are joining a snorkelling tour, check whether the operator provides masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets. Wear comfortable shoes for sightseeing, particularly if you plan to visit Kelingking Beach or other cliffside viewpoints.

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