If you’ve been googling the best places to swim with manta rays in Bali, chances are you’ve already stumbled upon Manta Point Nusa Penida. It’s basically the go-to spot for divers and snorkelers who are chasing that once-in-a-lifetime moment—floating next to these gentle giants. Trust me, it’s not just hype. Manta Point is one of the few places in Indonesia, heck, even in the world, where seeing manta rays is pretty much guaranteed if the weather cooperates.
I’ve personally been there more times than I can count. Sometimes for work, sometimes just because I needed to get away from the mainland chaos. There’s something about bobbing in the water, staring into the enormous mouth of a passing manta ray, that makes you feel tiny—but in a good way.
And don’t worry if you’re not a hardcore diver. Manta Point caters to everyone. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler, an experienced freediver, or someone just looking to book a cool tour from Bali or Nusa Penida, I’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive deep (pun intended) into how to visit Manta Point Nusa Penida, what to expect, how to book, and what I’ve personally learned from years of guiding people there.
Manta Point Nusa Penida location:
Why Manta Point Nusa Penida Is So Special (And Why People Keep Coming Back)
First things first—Manta Point Nusa Penida isn’t just any old snorkeling spot. This is the place where you can reliably see reef manta rays all year long. We’re talking about creatures that have a wingspan of 3 to 5 meters (that’s 10 to 16 feet for folks who still use imperial). They glide around like underwater birds, and the cool part? They don’t even care if you’re there. They’ll just do their thing—cleaning, feeding, looping around the cleaning stations—while you float and gawk.
Curious about more Bali adventures? Check out my other posts: Nungnung Waterfall Bali
I’ve had days where we saw ten mantas swirling around us, one after another, like they were performing for National Geographic. But fair warning—not every day is perfect. Some days the water’s rough, or the mantas are playing hard to get. But honestly, even just one encounter makes the whole trip worth it.
People often ask me, “Why do the manta rays always hang out there?” Well, the reason is super simple: Manta Point is like their personal spa. The site has what divers call “cleaning stations,” basically big underwater rocks covered with tiny cleaner fish. The mantas come in, hover over the rocks, and let the cleaner fish nibble away parasites. It’s like manta-ray self-care time.
How to Get to Manta Point Nusa Penida—The Travel Planning You Actually Need
Okay, let’s talk logistics because this is where a lot of people get confused. Getting to Manta Point Nusa Penida isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s doable if you know how.
Most tours leave from two main places:
- Sanur in Bali
- Toyapakeh or Banjar Nyuh Harbor in Nusa Penida
If you’re staying in Bali, the easiest way is to hop on a fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida. The ride takes about 40–45 minutes, depending on the waves. There’s tons of companies running this route every day. Maruti, Angel Billabong Fast Cruise, Semabu—they’re all decent, but my advice is to pick one with a good safety record, not just the cheapest ticket.
Once you get to Nusa Penida, most of the snorkeling and diving trips to Manta Point leave from Toyapakeh Harbor or Crystal Bay. The boat ride to Manta Point from there is about 30–40 minutes, and heads along the southern cliffs of Nusa Penida. The scenery is unreal—think steep limestone cliffs, green jungle hanging off the sides, and blue water everywhere.
But here’s the thing a lot of websites won’t tell you: Manta Point is exposed to the open ocean. That means sometimes the boat ride gets a bit rough. I’ve had days where the water was flat like glass, but I’ve also had trips where half the boat got seasick. If you’re prone to motion sickness, trust me, pop a Dramamine before you get on the boat. It’s better to be safe than stuck leaning over the side, right?
What to Expect at Manta Point Nusa Penida—Snorkeling, Diving, and Safety Tips
Once you arrive at Manta Point Nusa Penida, things get exciting fast. Usually, the boat captain will scan the surface to spot the mantas first. Sometimes you’ll see their black wings flapping just under the surface. That’s when you know it’s go time.
If you’re snorkeling, you’ll basically jump in and follow the guide. The currents here can be tricky. Some days it’s mild, other days it feels like swimming in a washing machine. That’s why you need to listen to your guide carefully. They usually know where the current is going and will position you in the best spot to see the mantas without drifting away.
For divers, Manta Point is a shallow site, usually around 8 to 12 meters deep. It’s perfect for beginners, but there can be surge—so you still need to pay attention to your buoyancy. One time, I watched a newbie diver get so distracted by a manta that he nearly drifted right into a rock. Rookie move, but hey, it happens.
Safety tip from experience? Always stay with your group. Manta Point doesn’t have reef walls to hold onto. It’s a sandy bottom with rocks scattered around, and sometimes the current pulls you further than you expect. I’ve had to swim after guests more times than I can count. So yeah, buddy system isn’t just a rule—it’s a must.
Also, leave the mantas alone. Don’t touch them, don’t chase them. They’re chill creatures, but if you crowd them, they’ll just swim away. Worst-case scenario, you ruin the experience for everyone else.
Best Time to Visit Manta Point Nusa Penida—Weather, Seasons, and Timing
Here’s something people always ask me: “When’s the best time to see manta rays at Manta Point Nusa Penida?”
Well, the good news is that manta rays hang around all year long. But if you’re looking for calmer seas and better visibility, try to go between April and November. That’s the dry season in Bali. The wet season (December to March) can bring rougher waters, but hey, sometimes the mantas don’t care. I’ve seen huge groups of mantas during rainy season too. It’s a bit of a gamble, but that’s ocean life for you.
Mornings are usually better for the trip because the sea is calmer before the wind picks up in the afternoon. Most tours start around 7:00 or 8:00 AM, so be ready for an early wake-up call if you’re coming from Bali.
How to Book a Manta Point Nusa Penida Tour—Prices, Packages, and What’s Included
Booking a tour to Manta Point Nusa Penida is super easy these days. You can do it online, through a local dive shop, or even at your hotel. Prices can vary a lot depending on what’s included.
For snorkeling tours, expect to pay around 350,000 to 500,000 IDR per person (about $25–$35 USD). That usually covers:
- Boat trip
- Guide
- Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, sometimes a life jacket)
- A few other snorkeling spots like Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, or Wall Point
For diving trips, the price is higher—usually 1,200,000 to 1,500,000 IDR per person (roughly $80–$100 USD). That includes:
- Two dives (Manta Point and one other site, usually Crystal Bay or Toyapakeh)
- All dive gear
- Dive guide or instructor
- Drinks and snacks on the boat
My advice? Book with a reputable company that puts safety first. Don’t just go for the cheapest price you see on Instagram. Look for a company with good reviews, trained guides, and proper insurance.
Also, check if the price includes a GoPro rental or photo package. Some operators offer this as an extra add-on. Trust me, you’re gonna want pictures of you swimming next to a 4-meter manta.
Other Cool Spots Near Manta Point Nusa Penida—Make the Most of Your Trip
If you’re already going all the way to Manta Point Nusa Penida, you might as well check out a few other spots nearby. Most boat tours combine Manta Point with at least 2 or 3 other snorkeling or dive locations.
Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:
- Crystal Bay – Great for snorkeling with colorful reef fish and sometimes turtles. The visibility here is usually crystal clear (hence the name).
- Gamat Bay – A little trickier to snorkel because of currents, but full of vibrant coral reefs.
- Wall Point – Perfect for beginners. It’s shallow and safe, with tons of tropical fish.
If you’re not on the boat all day, consider exploring the land part of Nusa Penida too. You’ve got places like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong all within a 45-minute drive from the harbor. Just rent a scooter or book a driver if you’re not comfy riding yourself. The roads here? Yeah, they’re better than they used to be, but they’re still a bit sketchy in some spots.
What to Bring for Your Manta Point Nusa Penida Adventure—Don’t Forget These Essentials
I’ve seen too many people show up for a Manta Point trip totally unprepared. So here’s a quick list of stuff you should definitely pack:
- Reef-safe sunscreen – The manta rays don’t need you polluting their cleaning station, okay?
- Waterproof camera or GoPro – If you don’t have one, ask if your tour guide rents them out.
- Towel and dry clothes – Sounds obvious, but people forget all the time.
- Motion sickness pills – Seriously, better safe than sorry.
- Cash – Some tour operators don’t take cards. Plus, you might want to tip your guide if they help you get that epic manta selfie.
And last but not least, bring a chill attitude. Sometimes Mother Nature has other plans, and you won’t always get perfect conditions. But even on the slower days, just being out there in the ocean is an experience you won’t forget.
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If you’re still reading, that means you’re serious about seeing manta rays in Nusa Penida. And honestly? You’re gonna love it. There’s just something about looking a manta in the eye while you float in the blue that sticks with you for life.
If you need help booking a trip or want recommendations for a trusted local guide, just shoot me a message. Always happy to help people make the most of their Bali adventure.
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