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Snorkeling in Nusa Penida

Snorkeling in Nusa Penida offers an unforgettable adventure with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Top spots like Crystal Bay, Manta Point, and Gamat Bay are famous for their rich ecosystems. You can swim with manta rays, encounter sea turtles, and explore coral gardens teeming with tropical fish here. 

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, the island’s calm waters promise an incredible experience. Book your tickets for guided snorkeling tours and get ready for an adventure you won’t want to miss!

Best snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida

Group of tourists snorkelling at Manta Point during Nusa Penida Day Tour in Bali, Indonesia

Manta Point

Manta Point is one of Nusa Penida's most iconic snorkeling destinations, where you can swim alongside manta rays in their natural environment. Apart from manta rays, you can also see sea stars, sea cucumbers, and coral formations.

Girl snorkeling among marine life at Nusa Penida Gamat Bay, Indonesia.

Gamat Bay

Gamat Bay is known for its coral reefs and abundant marine life, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities. The calm, clear waters make it a perfect spot for encountering marine life like mola mola, bamboo sharks, marble rays, and sea turtles.

Tourists enjoying the scenic view of East/West/South Nusa Penida Island during an Instagrammable Private Tour with Hotel Transfers

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is renowned for its sparkling clear waters, providing great visibility for snorkeling and exploring thriving coral gardens. It's a popular spot for spotting sea turtles, tropical fish, and occasionally even the rare mola-mola (ocean sunfish) during the right season.

Nusa Penida & Mangrove Point Snorkelling Day Tour with tourists exploring vibrant underwater coral reefs and marine life in Bali

Mangrove Point

Snorkeling at Mangrove Point offers a unique experience where you can explore underwater ecosystems surrounded by mangrove forests. The area is home to various smaller fish, vibrant corals, and peaceful waters, perfect for a calm snorkeling adventure.

SD Point Nusa Penida coastline with clear blue waters and rocky cliffs.

SD Point

SD Point is a popular snorkeling site on the island, known for its rich marine life and colorful coral reefs. The most commonly spotted marine life here includes puffer fish, clown fish, angel fish, and moray eels.

Snorkeling tours

Tourists snorkeling in clear blue waters at Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Day Tour in Bali

Snorkeling tours

Ideal for guests who wish to snorkel at the most popular spots in Nusa Penida. These full-day tours allow guests to spend ample time at each spot and snorkel at their own pace. 

Option 1: Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Day Tour

Option 2: Nusa Penida & Manta Point Snorkelling Day Tour

Tourists snorkelling in clear blue waters off Nusa Penida Island, Indonesia, showcasing unique underwater biodiversity

Guided tours with optional snorkeling

Ideal for tourists who wish to explore the island, visit popular tourist attractions, and choose to snorkel in 3 popular spots. These guided day trips offer the best of both worlds – exploring the island and the underwater world around Nusa Penida. 

Option 1: West Nusa Penida Island Join-In Tour with Hotel Transfers

Option 2: West Nusa Penida Island Private Tour with Hotel Transfers

Plan your Nusa Penida snorkeling tour

Best time to snorkel
How to get there
Gear and equipment
Tourists enjoying a speedboat ride to Nusa Penida Island, Bali, offering exclusive access and unique views of the island

The best time to snorkel in Nusa Penida is between April and November as the weather is dry, resulting in better visibility underwater. Snorkeling in the morning, typically between 9 to 11 am, is because the waters are clearer and the snorkeling spots have fewer crowds. The popular snorkeling spots are crowded on weekends over weekdays. If you wish for fewer crowds and quieter experiences, plan your snorkeling trip on a weekday. 

If you wish to spot the rare mola mola (ocean sunfish) while snorkeling, plan your trip between May and October as they emerge from the deeper ocean during this period.

Tourists enjoying the breathtaking view of Atuh Cliff on Nusa Penida Island during a private tour, with hotel transfers included

You can reach Nusa Penida from Bali by speedboat or ferry. The journey from the mainland to the island takes approximately 1 hour by ferry and 30 to 45 minutes by speedboat. From Nusa Penida, the various diving spots are accessible by boat.

Group of tourists exploaring the beautiful West Nusa Penida Island with hotel transfers included, standing on a cliff overlooking the crystal clear ocean
  • Snorkel
  • Fins 
  • Goggles 
  • Mask 
  • Wetsuit 
  • Life jackets (for the boat ride to the snorkeling spot)
  • CPR-trained snorkeling guide

Frequently asked questions about snorkeling in Nusa Penida

What can I see while snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

While snorkeling in the most popular spots you will see a variety of fishes, sea turtles, manta rays, and coral reefs.

What are the top snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida?

The top snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida are Manta Point, Gamat Bay, Crystal Bay, Mangrove Point, and SD Point.

What is the best time to go snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

The best time to go snorkeling is between April and November when the weather is dry and underwater visibility is better.

How safe is snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

Snorkeling tours in Nusa Penida are undertaken with the guidance of an expert with appropriate safety gear, so the experience is safe.

What safety equipment do I get while snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

The safety gear provided to guests includes fins, goggles, masks, and life jackets. Guests will also be accompanied by a CPR-trained guide.

Can children go snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

Snorkeling is not permitted for children under the age of 3 years.

Are there any restrictions for people while snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

Snorkeling is not the best activity for guests older than 65, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions.

Do I need to know swimming to go snorkeling?

No, it is not necessary to know swimming to go snorkeling as the activity is mostly floating in shallow waters.

Can beginners go snorkeling in Nusa Penida?

Yes, the snorkeling tours in Nusa Penida are beginner-friendly.

What are other water sports in Nusa Penida?

Apart from snorkeling, diving is a popular activity in Nusa Penida.

How do I get to the various snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida?

The snorkeling spots are accessible by either boat or on road. Several tours of snorkeling spots include transport between these spots.