Most people think of the larger Bali island when coming up with a list of the best vacation spot in Indonesia. However, Nusa Penida — a smaller island just off the shore of Bali — offers just as an amazing experience that will make your summer vacation one to rave about for years to come. Though it may not seem like much at first glance due to the lack of beach clubs or classy restaurants like on the Bali mainland, Nusa Penida holds its own with its breathtaking scenery and bluish waters. Nusa Penida also offers plenty of accommodations, ranging from backpacker hostels to the best villas. With such an amazing island getaway that is so accessible, there is hardly any reason not to take a trip here. Furthermore, there are plenty of exciting activities waiting for you there. One of the most popular ones is snorkeling, which will thrill you due to Nusa Penida’s clear blue waters. Read on to find out more about the best snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida.
1. Mangrove Point
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Mangrove Point, the celebrated snorkeling haven tailor-made for drift snorkeling enthusiasts. Submerge yourself in the mesmerizing expanse of a vibrant coral garden, bustling with marine life. Witness an underwater spectacle as the thriving and expansive coral reefs enchant with their kaleidoscope of vibrant tropical fish.
Located near the Mangrove forest, this site nurtures a resilient marine ecosystem. Whether a novice or an experienced snorkeler, all certification levels can effortlessly explore this aquatic wonderland, making Mangrove Point an unmissable destination for any underwater adventurer.
Mangrove Point
Depth of Water: Maximum Depth of 131 feet (39.93 meters)
Dive Types: Drift, Reef
2. Gamat Bay
One of the best snorkeling spots in Indonesia without too many tourists crowding the area, is Gamut Bay. It is rather tricky to access by land, as the road is rather narrow so most who do go down to Gamat Bay by boat. The tricky trip is worth it, though, because the coral reef here is flourishing with underwater creatures. A snorkelling trip at Gamat Bay is never without the company of lively fish swimming around the corals. There are also turtles, and the lucky snorkeler may spot bamboo sharks and manta rays as well.
Gamat Bay is a plateau about 26 feet (8 metres) deep. The currents at Gamat Bay are powerful so bring your own fins when going snorkelling, and be sure not to stray too far from the beach for your own safety.
Gamat Bay
Depth of Water: 26.2 feet (8 metres)
Currents: Strong
Website: Gamat Bay
3. Buddha Point/Underwater Temple
A must visit place in Nusa Penida is an underwater temple located at the Ceningan Channel, Buddha Point which serves as an artificial reef, with an 8-foot (2.43 metres) tall Buddha Statue and large, bell-shaped stupas. Covered in moss with small fish playing hide and seek around the statues, diving underwater and witnessing such a sight feels like you have entered a magical realm. The statues are about 15 to 20 feet (5 metres) deep and can be accessed by snorkelling without scuba gear. However, the currents are quite strong so remember to wear fins and swim carefully.
Buddha Point can be easily accessed by boat from Nusa Penida or Nusa Ceningan.
Buddha Point/Underwater Temple
Depth of Water: 23 feet (7 metres)
Currents: Strong
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4. Wall Point
Another best place for snorkeling is Wall Point located at Toyapakeh. It is a favourite among photographers given its expansive coral reefs and schools of fish that abound here. There are gorgeous blood-red finger corals thriving at Wall Point. Snorkelers may even glimpse giant Moray eels, octopi, sweet-lip emperor fish, the red-toothed triggerfish, batfish, reef sharks, barracuda and even the giant Mola Mola.
Wall Point
Depth of Water: 16 - 50 feet (5 - 15 metres)
Currents: Very strong
Bali Tour Guide
Dori Januhari
I am a legal and licensed tourist guide from Indonesia. I have been guiding for 20 years. I live in Jakarta, Indonesia, but I have traveled to many places in the country. My guiding areas are Java, Bali, and Lombok Island. I obtained my license from the Indonesia Tourism Ministry. On days when there is no tour, I work as an English and German private teacher, teaching mathematics and science physics. I'll be happy to guide and ready to show you the magnificent places in Indonesia.
Tours by Dori
Bali Tour Guide
Toni Kenpachi
Hello my name is Toni and I live in Jakarta- Indonesia, I've been working as a Tour Guide since 2008, I have licensed from Jakarta City Government Tourism Office, I choose to be a Tourist guide due to my background education because I graduated from Tourism Academy, I'll be glad to assist your trip in Indonesia especially in Jakarta and surrounding areas also if you would like to do overland tour from Jakarta to Bali I'll be glad to assist your trip too, there will be more interesting places to visit and I'll glad taking you to see those places, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Tours by Toni
5. Crystal Bay
This snorkeling spot in Nusa Penida is one of the rare beaches that allows snorkellers of all abilities to enjoy a day exploring the waters. There are shallower waters for those less experienced at snorkelling so everyone can swim around carefreely but is still thriving with ocean life. It is no wonder that Crystal Bay is one of the most popular beaches on Nusa Penida, especially as the coral reefs are gorgeous and water is as crystal clear as the name of the beach suggests. This beach is also an exceptionally dreamy snorkelling spot for all. Snorkellers can also hope to spot turtles and even the Mola Mola, which is one of the heaviest bony fish in the world, growing up to about 6 feet (1.8 metres) and 2204 pounds (1000 kilograms)! To access Crystal Bay, visitors can easily take a scooter from Toyapakeh Harbour. And after a long afternoon of snorkelling, you can rest on the beach and enjoy the sunset. You may even be able to sight a dolphin or two!
Crystal Bay
Depth of Water: 6.56 - 78.7 feet (2 - 22 metres)
Currents: Strong
Website: Crystal Bay
6. Manta Bay
Manta Bay provides visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience: swimming with manta rays! The strong currents of Nusa Penida’s waters mean that manta rays are there all-year-round to feed on plankton, which is predominantly found in Manta Bay. Visitors can opt for a Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour, which includes a boat ride out to Manta Bay. The boat captain typically keeps an eye out for manta rays and will let you know when to jump into the water.
Do note that visitors should refrain from feeding, touching or swimming after the manta rays as that is prohibited. In fact, by not chasing after them, the manta rays will come even closer to you. Manta rays are rather playful and bold — unlike other sea creatures — which is sure to make your experience all the more exciting and memorable.
Manta Bay
Depth of Water: 32.8 feet (10 metres)
Currents: Strong
7. Toyapakeh (from USD 38.0)
Toyapakeh is the place where most visitors arrive at Nusa Penida as it is the port of arrival for most speedboat companies that bring visitors over from Bali. Most visitors also begin their snorkelling trips from here. However, people do snorkel at Toyapakeh itself as it is known for its massive coral colonies and diversity of ocean creatures. At shallower depths, snorkellers can see schools of fish swimming around, from blue-toothed triggerfish, sweet-lip emperor fish, trumpetfish, and pufferfish. At deeper depths, snorkellers can drift along in the currents while admiring the fascinating aquatic life like the humphead wrasse or the Mola Mola.
The Warnakali Diving Centre is located approximately 1,640 feet (500 metres) away from Toyapakeh port. The diving centre is meant to train people with basic scuba skills so that they can fully enjoy their time at Nusa Penida.
Snorkeling trip around Nusa Penida: Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Toyapakeh
Duration: 4 hours
Snorkelling at Nusa Penida is splendid
Nusa Penida is truly a dream come true for those searching an opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and get up close and personal with aquatic creatures. The underwater realm feels like a different world altogether and is something to put on your bucket list. Make use of this list to plan your trip to Nusa Penida!
Frequently asked questions about best snorkeling spots in Nusa Penida
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