Bali: Nusa Penida Speedboat Trip with Snorkeling and Tour

Manta rays and four snorkels in one day. This Bali to Nusa Penida speedboat trip mixes open-ocean thrills with guided stops that actually get you in the water, plus GoPro photo and video. I like that the crew times manta encounters for calmer, less crowded conditions when possible.

I also love the value of stacking underwater time with a real land tour, including cliff views at Kelingking Beach and a scenic lunch at Amarta Penida. And the small group setup, limited to 13 people, keeps things moving without feeling hectic.

One thing to consider: it is a long 9 to 11 hour day on the water, and sightings can depend on weather and sea conditions since the port authorities can cancel or change plans.

Key things I’d focus on

• Manta Bay or Manta Point swim, depending on manta ray availability
• Four snorkeling stops plus extra swimming time at a secret sunset stop
• Small group, up to 13 people, with English-speaking guides
• Real photo and video payoff from GoPro, included in the price
• Amarta Penida lunch break with infinity pool and included daybeds

Serangan check-in, coffee, and a speedboat day that starts on land

Most people picture Nusa Penida as a jump-on-a-boat-and-go situation. This one starts with a calmer land check-in. You meet at the operator’s brand-new office in Serangan, across the port, where you get a welcome drink. If you like starting the day with a real caffeine hit, there’s free-flow coffee from % Arabica plus teas and pastries.

Then it’s straightforward: you board, meet the crew, and head out with the sea breeze in your face. Expect some real open-water travel time here. The day includes seawater speed, multiple stops, and a land tour. That mix is the whole point, but it also means you should plan your energy like a long day hike, not a quick beach hop.

Practical tip: even if you feel fine, take the sea-sickness pill provided by the guides if you tend to get motion sick. It is offered for a reason, and you’ll enjoy snorkeling more if your stomach is on your side.

Nusa Penida from a car window, Kelingking from a viewpoint, and lunch with an ocean view

This trip is not only about snorkeling. You also get a guided car tour on Nusa Penida that hits the big photo moments without turning it into a long detour.

A key stop early on is Nusa Lembongan, where you get about an hour for guided sightseeing and swimming time, plus a safety briefing. The island side gives you a sense of the coastline and the geography before you go deeper into the Penida highlights.

Then lunch happens at AMARTA Penida, which is one of the smarter breaks in the whole day. You get a restaurant stop with an infinity pool, daybeds (included), and views that reach toward Mount Agung. Lunch is Indonesian food, and it is the kind of meal stop that helps you reset before the last round of snorkeling. One review even called out the lunch view as a highlight, and I get why. After hours on boats, your brain wants a safe, seated break.

After lunch and the swim breaks, you’ll head to Kelingking Beach for photos and scenic viewpoints. The cliff is the star, famous for its T-Rex shaped silhouette. The time is built for viewing, pictures, and a quick stroll rather than a long hike. If you want the best photos, dress for sun and bring a hat. The viewpoints are gorgeous, but they can feel exposed.

Snorkeling circuit before the main land break: Bali Hai Lagoon, SD Point, and Toyapakeh

Your water time is structured in a way that avoids the all-day, no-break grind. The day includes multiple snorkeling locations with guide help and equipment ready so you do not spend energy figuring things out underwater.

One of the first underwater areas is described as a secret Bali Hai Lagoon with coral gardens near Lembongan. The idea here is calm, clear water when conditions cooperate. This is the kind of first snorkel stop that lets you settle into the gear and warm up your eye for coral and fish before you head to stronger-current or more wildlife-focused spots later.

Next comes SD Point, described as a hidden spot and a diver’s paradise further east along the coast of Nusa Penida. Even if you are not diving, it matters for snorkeling because it is where you’re more likely to see turtles and a lot of fish activity. Drift snorkeling is part of the SD Point style, so you’ll want to feel comfortable floating and letting the current help you move rather than fighting it.

Then there is Toyapakeh, another snorkeling stop on the schedule. This area is also treated as a wildlife-friendly site. Reviews repeatedly mention turtles and lots of marine life, which matches the type of habitat these points are known for. The payoff here is variety: you are not just hopping between pretty rocks, you are moving through different underwater environments.

Small group note: because this is limited to 13 participants, guides can keep closer track of everyone. In real terms, that usually means fewer people lost during the hand-off to the water and quicker regrouping after each snorkel.

Wall Bay and the last big pushes: Crystal Bay, Manta Bay or Manta Point

If you’re doing this trip mainly for manta rays, here’s the good news. The itinerary is designed so that the manta swim happens in the best shot windows they can find.

The plan includes a Manta Bay or Manta Point stop for swimming with giant oceanic manta rays. The exact location depends on manta availability, because you cannot force mantas to show up. The key detail is that the tour is timed for quiet manta ray encounters, not crowded sightseeing boat chaos.

Before that final manta moment, you have another snorkeling stop area called Wall Bay, described as a spot near mangroves with colorful coral reefs and marine life. This is the kind of stop that can feel different from the open-water sites. Mangrove edges tend to concentrate life, and the reef structure gives you another set of colors and fish behavior to watch.

Then you sail to Crystal Bay, a snorkeling location known for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. In day-to-day terms, it usually means you get to slow down and watch what is living around the reef rather than chasing movement. One of the most common reasons people love this whole tour is that it hits multiple snorkeling habitats, not just one.

The manta ray moment, plus GoPro shots that actually get used

This is where a lot of the best stories come from. The operator’s description focuses on swimming alongside giant oceanic manta rays, with timing set to increase the odds of calm encounters.

On the human side, the reviews show a consistent pattern: guides keep people feeling safe and guided in the water. Names that come up often include Nemo and Kudil, Morgan, Nyoman, Eric, and Derrick. Even when conditions change, the crews tend to shift to make the day still work. One review noted that weather was too poor for mantas, but turtles were seen instead. That is the reality of marine wildlife tours: your success depends on the ocean.

The other huge reason this tour gets repeat recommendations is the photo package. GoPro photos and videos are included, and some premium options add an onboard photographer. If you hate trying to juggle a camera while also remembering how to snorkel, this is a major relief. Your job becomes enjoying, not documenting.

If you want an even bigger photo boost, the premium upgrade adds extra inclusions:

• a newer 2024 13-meter speedboat
• a professional onboard photographer
• welcome drinks and juices of choice
• three complimentary bottles of prosecco
• hoodie towels
• an extended +1 hour with one more secret sunset snorkel spot

There is also a scuba option described as going up to 20 meters with manta rays. The key word there is option. If you only want snorkeling, you can keep the day simple and still get the full highlight reel through the included GoPro.

Secret sunset snorkeling, then back to Serangan with hot showers

The itinerary includes a secret stop near the end, focused on swimming and snorkeling, with a sunset-style feel and welcome refreshments. It’s a nice way to close the loop: you get the big manta moment earlier, then finish with a shorter, atmospheric swim when the light softens.

After that, you return to the boat and head back to Bali. Arrival at Serangan Harbor is around 5:30 to 6 PM. Back at the office, hot showers are available. That is a small detail, but it matters. Saltwater plus sunscreen plus coral dust makes you feel grim by late afternoon. A shower turns the day from sticky adventure back into normal-life travel.

Price and value: what you are paying for at $109 per person

At $109 per person, the real question is what you get for a full-day speedboat, multi-stop snorkeling, land transport, lunch, and a media package.

You are paying for:

• a private-feeling speedboat ride (your own 13- to 17-meter boat, depending on the option)
• multiple snorkeling sites, not just one
• manta ray swimming when conditions allow
• guided land touring on Nusa Penida, not a self-drive day
• snorkeling equipment (USA quality), life jackets, towels
• lunch at Amarta Penida
• GoPro photos and GoPro videos
• included entrance tickets, insurance, and sea-sickness pills
• welcome drinks before sailing

The best value aspect is the total workload reduction. You are not coordinating boat tickets, drivers, snorkel gear, or entrance fees across multiple islands. The tour bundles it all and keeps you on a schedule.

Optional private pickup can add convenience if you are in places like Sanur or the listed Bali areas. The data also says there can be an additional 100,000 IDR fee for transfer from and to the Ubud area, payable cash to the driver.

If you are already based close to Serangan or you like doing minimal arranging, you may not need the private pickup upgrade. But if you want less stress, especially on arrival and departure, it can be worth it.

Who this tour fits best, and who should rethink it

This one fits best if your Bali wishlist includes:

• manta rays as a priority
• snorkeling at several sites with guide support
• a full-day, structured itinerary that covers both water and cliff viewpoints
• a guided day where someone else handles timing and equipment

It is not for everyone. It is not suitable for:

• children under 8
• wheelchair users
• people over 70
• unaccompanied minors

If you tend to get motion sick, plan to take the provided sea-sickness pills and bring a change of clothes. You will be happier.

Also, do not judge the day by your first snorkel. Some stops are calm, some have drift or different underwater structure. The guides handle it, but your comfort level matters. One review mentioned feeling safe even as a non-swimmer, which suggests the crew gives help and checks on people in the water. Still, your confidence should match the conditions.

Finally, know that the tour can be canceled due to sea and weather conditions decided by port authorities, with an alternative date or a full refund offered. That is not a hidden trick. It’s the nature of operating in the open ocean.

Should you book this Nusa Penida speedboat and tour?

Book it if you want a one-day plan that hits the big-ticket Nusa Penida experiences: speedboat ride, multiple snorkeling spots, guided land sightseeing, and a real shot at manta ray swimming with included GoPro memories. It’s also a strong choice if you like the small-group feel, limited to 13 participants, and you value having life jackets, towels, and equipment handled.

I would reconsider if:

• you are very sensitive to boat motion and you do not want to take the sea-sickness pills
• you prefer a shorter day, because this runs 9 to 11 hours
• you need full accessibility features, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• you are traveling with someone who does not meet the age limits

My practical call: if manta rays are on your Bali bucket list and you’re okay with a long, active day, this is the kind of organized effort that saves you a lot of planning headaches. And when conditions are right, the manta stop is the moment you’ll remember on repeat.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the operator’s brand-new office in Serangan, across the port. You’ll be greeted with welcome drinks there before boarding.

How long is the tour?

The experience runs 9 to 11 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability.

What time do we get back to Bali?

The tour returns to Serangan Harbor around 5:30 to 6 PM, with hot showers available in the office.

How many snorkeling stops do you get?

The tour highlights four snorkeling spots, and the schedule also includes a secret stop near the end that involves swimming and snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served during the stop at AMARTA Penida.

What snorkeling gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included, described as USA quality, along with life jackets and towels.

Are GoPro photos and videos included?

Yes. GoPro photos and GoPro videos are included, and Premium options add an onboard photographer.

Does this tour include pickup from hotels?

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, private pickup and return from hotel to Serangan Harbor is available in selected areas, including coverage for areas like Sanur, Canggu, Kuta, Denpasar, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Ubud area transfers cost extra.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

It’s not suitable for children under 8 years. It also is not suitable for wheelchair users and is not recommended for people over 70 years.