One good snorkel plan in Nusa Penida beats five rushed ones. This Manta Bay-style trip strings together four iconic stops for fish, coral, and the chance of mantas, with GoPro footage and stills included. It’s also built for short hops and a small group, so you’re not stuck watching a crowd go in circles.

I especially like the GoPro photos and videos promise (no extra charge) and the fact that the group stays small. For a low price, you’re getting guided snorkeling plus gear, water, and towels, not just a spot on a boat.

One thing to consider: the schedule is fast. Expect brief snorkel sessions and note that getting in and out of the boat may feel awkward, especially if mobility is an issue.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Four separate snorkeling spots focused on fish, coral, and wildlife variety
• GoPro footage + still photos included at no extra charge
• Small group size (max 15) for a more personal feel
• Stop variety: small fish, flying fish, coral reefs with turtles (sometimes), and Wall Bay’s red coral
• Short on-water time per stop, so you’ll want good readiness and quick gear checks

Manta Bay snorkeling on Nusa Penida: why these four stops matter

Nusa Penida gets sold hard as manta country. And yes, mantas are often seen around Manta Bay. But what I like about this trip is that you’re not banking the whole day on one outcome. You get multiple chances to see marine life, from the surface to the reefs.

The best part of a four-stop format is that it keeps you active. You’re not doing a single long snorkel where you drift, get cold, and wonder what you missed. Instead, each stop has a job: fish, flying fish vibes, coral-and-turtles moments, and then Wall Bay for dramatic reef color and deeper wall scenery.

Price and what you truly get for $27

$27 is budget-friendly for a guided day with real gear and underwater capture. The value comes from what’s bundled, not just the cost.

You get:

• A guide for snorkeling
• 4 snorkeling spots
• GoPro photos and videos
• Snorkel and fins
• Towel and mineral water

The big thing you should budget for separately is food and drinks, plus anything personal. Hotel pickup/drop-off isn’t included either, so plan how you’ll get to the meeting point.

If you’re already on Nusa Penida, this price can feel like a no-brainer. If you’re coming from Sanur, it still reads as good value because you’re paying for four guided stops and the photo package—items that usually cost extra on other tours.

Getting there: Sanur vs Nusa Penida meeting points

This experience is offered with departures from either Sanur or from Nusa Penida itself, depending on what option you select. The meeting point listed is at Manta Snorkeling Nusa Penida at Pelabuhan Banjar Nyuh, Ped, Kec. Nusa Penida.

Plan on ending back at the meeting point. That matters because it affects how you schedule the rest of your day. Keep your next activity flexible, especially if your return timing is important.

Since hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll likely need to handle local transport on your side. If you’re staying in Nusa Penida, ask your driver how far you are from the jetty area so you can arrive with time to spare.

Small-group timing and the GoPro photo/video setup

The tour caps at 15 travelers, which is exactly the kind of group size that makes snorkeling feel manageable. You’re more likely to hear what the guide says and get help quickly when it’s time to gear up.

The GoPro part is a real value perk. You’re not just hoping someone films you; you get your own underwater footage and still photos included. People also note the photos were shared on the same day, which is a nice touch when you want to post immediately.

Two practical considerations:

• The sessions are short, so the GoPro footage will reflect that fast rhythm.
• Some people felt there could be more video, so consider this a photo/video package rather than a full production.

Stop 1: your first swim with colorful small fish

The first stop is where most people settle in. The goal here is simple: ease you into the water and get you looking around right away.

You’ll see beautiful colorful small fish. That’s perfect for an early snorkel because you can focus on buoyancy, breathing, and staying calm instead of chasing wildlife over lots of distance.

Drawback to keep in mind: if you’re expecting a long, slow drift, you might find the time tight. The tour format moves you on, so treat stop one like a warm-up that still has good payoff.

Stop 2: flying fish moments and staying ready to film

Next up: flying fish. If you’ve never seen them in the wild, this stop can feel like a moving highlight reel.

You may see flying fish like in the photos, and you might be able to swim with them while taking pictures. That means you should be ready with your camera approach before you enter the water—because once they’re out, they’re not waiting for you to get set.

This is also a stop where posture matters. Keep your kick small and controlled so you’re not scaring everything away. And if the guide signals to watch from a certain angle, follow it. Surface behavior changes fast around flying fish.

Stop 3: coral reefs on the seabed and turtle sightings

Stop three is the reef-and-wildlife phase. The itinerary calls out beautiful coral reefs on the seabed, and sometimes very large turtles passing by.

I like this stop because it mixes scenery and animals. Coral gives you structure and color even when the wildlife is distant. And turtles—when they show—are the kind of sight that makes the whole day feel like it clicked.

Reality check: turtles are not guaranteed. The wording is sometimes, which usually means they’re present on some days and not others. Still, even without turtles, a reef-focused stop is worth it because you get a different underwater look than fish-only areas.

If you want turtles, don’t chase them. Drift calmly and let them come to you. Often, the best sightings happen when you stop trying to force them.

Stop 4 (Wall Bay): blood-red coral, deep walls, and lots of fish

The final stop is the dramatic one. It’s called out as Wall Bay, where you can admire blood-red coral, tons of fish, and the “wall” look underwater.

This is where the tour’s name makes sense, even if you didn’t see mantas. Wall areas tend to produce a different kind of underwater view: more vertical structure, more fish activity, and a stronger sense of depth.

One thing to watch for is comfort. Wall Bay can feel visually intense, and if you’re anxious in open water or unsure about depth, keep it simple: focus on steady breathing, don’t rush your movements, and stay close to the guide’s general area.

And yes, blood-red coral is exactly the kind of color that makes photos pop—even with a standard phone camera, you usually get a stronger contrast here.

Boat logistics: the pace is real, and entry can be tricky

Here’s the honest part: this trip is fast. One review described snorkeling slots around 10 minutes each. Even if your exact schedule changes a bit day to day, you should assume the total snorkel time per stop is limited.

That speed is a trade-off:

• You cover more locations and see more variety.
• You don’t get to linger forever in the best-looking spot.

The other consideration is boat entry and exit. Some people found it difficult to get in and out of the boat compared with smaller local fishing boats. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it. It does mean you should plan for a more physical step into the water.

If you have knee problems, balance issues, or you’re not comfortable climbing down into the sea, don’t ignore this. Choose a calmer alternative or bring help from your travel partner. You’ll feel better going in knowing what to expect.

Service quality: guide help, explanations, and what to ask

A good snorkeling guide makes everything easier. The included guide snorkeling is meant to help you stay oriented and safe while you enjoy the water.

In practice, people described both smooth service and a lack of explanation or a rushed feel. So I recommend you handle this proactively: before you jump in, ask one clear question like where to look first and what to avoid doing.

Also, arrive with time. Some people experienced a chaotic start on site with unclear directions. If you show up early, you reduce stress fast.

Once you’re in the water, the guide’s job becomes clearer—help you keep track of the route and get you to the right snorkel spots at the right time.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want a different plan)

This tour suits you if you want:

• Four snorkeling stops instead of one long one
• A small group (max 15)
• Underwater photos/video included
• A value-priced day that still feels guided

You might want a different style of tour if:

• You need long snorkel sessions and hate time pressure
• You’re uneasy about climbing into and out of boats
• You prefer lots of detailed briefings and a slower pace

For most people in good health and comfortable with water, the structure works. You get variety without spending a full day stuck on one site.

Should you book this Manta Bay snorkeling trip?

If your goal is variety—fish, coral, and wildlife chances—this is an easy yes. The included gear, towel, mineral water, guide, and GoPro photos/videos give you good value for $27, and four stops helps you avoid the all-or-nothing manta gamble.

I’d book it if you’re flexible with the pace and you’re comfortable with quick entries/exits. Skip it (or choose a more accessibility-friendly operator) if boat movement and short sessions would stress you out.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Manta Bay snorkeling experience?

It lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes.

How many snorkeling spots do I visit?

You snorkel at 4 separate spots.

Is GoPro footage included?

Yes. GoPro photos and videos are included for no extra charge.

Do I get both photos and videos?

You get GoPro photos and videos as part of the package.

What snorkeling gear is included?

Snorkel and fins are included, along with a towel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at the meeting point for Manta Snorkeling Nusa Penida at Pelabuhan Banjar Nyuh, Ped, Nusa Penida, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Do I get food or drinks on the tour?

Food and drinks are not included. Mineral water is included.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $27.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount is not refunded.