Bali: Private Snorkeling at Manta Point Nusa Penida

If you’re dreaming of floating alongside majestic manta rays in Bali’s warm, turquoise waters, this private snorkeling tour at Manta Point and Gamat Bay is worth considering. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews, detailed itineraries, and descriptions paint a vivid picture of an adventure that promises both excitement and serenity.

What we particularly like about this experience is its focus on encountering the gentle giants of the sea in their natural habitat — not a zoo or a tank. The chance to capture underwater photos and videos with a guide’s GoPro adds a layer of lasting memory. On the flip side, potential travelers should keep in mind that sea conditions can be choppy, and the trip duration can vary, so some patience and preparation are wise. This tour suits travelers who love marine life, enjoy snorkeling, and want a private experience that’s flexible and personalized.

Key Points

• High chance of manta encounters: Expect roughly a 90% likelihood of seeing these graceful creatures.
• Flexible duration: Tours range from 3 to 7 hours, allowing you to choose based on your schedule.
• Expert guidance: Knowledgeable guides help maximize sightings and ensure safety.
• All-in-one experience: Includes round-trip transfer, snorkeling gear, and underwater photos.
• Ideal for confident swimmers: Choppy waters and open ocean conditions require some sea legs.
• Private group: Ensures personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Snorkeling Tour Stands Out

This Bali snorkeling experience offers something rare and valuable: a chance to swim with manta rays in the wild. Many travelers find the sight of these gentle giants soaring through the water both awe-inspiring and humbling. The tour’s emphasis on natural habitats and marine conservation makes it appealing to those who want an authentic, responsible wildlife encounter.

The private nature of the tour means fewer crowds, more flexibility, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a confident beginner, the inclusion of well-maintained gear, a guide, and underwater filming ensures you’re well supported. Plus, the tour includes scenic views en route, making the journey itself part of the adventure.

How the Tour is Structured

From Pickup to Departure

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point, depending on your booking option. The drive to the harbor offers a chance to relax and enjoy Bali’s lush scenery. Once at Matahari Terbit Port, you’ll hop onto a speedboat — a quick 45-minute ride that gets you to the islands of Nusa Penida, famous for their stunning underwater ecosystems.

Stop 1: Manta Point

The highlight of the trip. Here, the strong upwellings of nutrient-rich water attract manta rays, providing a remarkable 90% chance of sightings. Your guide will introduce you to the best snorkeling spots and help you find vantage points for the best encounters. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours here, floating alongside these magnificent creatures with 7-meter wingspans.

Travelers have noted that “the snorkeling guide was very helpful and gave us wonderful photo and video memories,” according to one review. This indicates that guides are not only safety-conscious but eager to enhance your experience with professional underwater filming.

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Stop 2: Gamat Bay

After the excitement at Manta Point, the tour continues to Gamat Bay, a calmer, shallower spot with vibrant coral gardens. Named after the medicinal sea cucumber, Gamat Bay offers excellent conditions for observing a variety of colorful fish and marine life, ideal for those keen on underwater photography. The bay’s serene environment allows for a relaxed, unhurried exploration of Bali’s underwater world.

Here, the chance of manta sightings drops to about 30%, but the bay compensates with its tranquil beauty and diverse ecosystem. Many reviews praise the scenic views and the “beautiful underwater scenery,” making it a worthwhile contrast to the more active manta encounter.

Return Journey

After about 1.5 hours at Gamat Bay, you’ll head back by boat, with a 45-minute transfer to your drop-off point. Along the way, passengers often enjoy the stunning coastal views and reflections on their underwater adventures.

What to Expect During Your Snorkeling Adventure

This tour’s strength lies in its balance of excitement and comfort. The professional guide helps you navigate the waters, ensuring you’re in the best spots for sightings while maintaining safety. The inclusion of snorkeling gear (mask, fins, life jacket) and underwater filming makes for a hassle-free experience and memorable keepsakes.

You might find that water conditions vary, and some days are choppier than others. The tour recommends taking a seasickness tablet and having a meal beforehand, especially if you are prone to seasickness. The water’s clarity and the vivid coral reefs will reward you with vibrant sights, from tiny reef fish to larger species like parrotfish and angelfish.

Since the tour is private, timing can be adjusted to your preferences, and your guide can tailor the experience based on your skill level and interests.

The Value of This Tour

At $105 per person, this experience offers solid value, considering it includes round-trip transfer, a speedboat ride, snorkeling gear, underwater photos, towels, and shower access. It’s a comprehensive package that means less hassle and more focus on enjoying the marine wonderland.

Comparing this to group tours, the private setup allows for more personalized attention, flexible schedules, and a more intimate environment. And, with insurance covered, you can snorkel knowing you’re protected.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff, with comments like “the staff at the meeting point are also very friendly” and “the team is incredibly kind.” Many appreciate the guides’ knowledge and helpfulness, especially in capturing photos and videos, which are often cited as cherished memories.

Some mention waiting times or weather variations, but overall, the consensus is very positive. One reviewer noted, “The snorkeling trip was very good,” and appreciated the guide’s helpfulness in creating lasting memories.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This snorkeling adventure is best suited for confident swimmers comfortable in open water, especially considering the potential choppiness of the sea. It suits travelers who want a private, flexible experience focused on wildlife encounters and underwater photography. Since children under 5, pregnant women, and non-swimmers are not recommended, it’s geared more toward active, adventurous travelers.

It’s a good fit for those seeking an authentic marine wildlife experience with expert guidance, rather than a generic tour. If your goal is to see manta rays in their natural environment and enjoy some of Bali’s best underwater scenery, this tour ticks those boxes.

The Sum Up

This private snorkeling trip at Manta Point and Gamat Bay offers a well-rounded mix of adventure, wildlife, and natural beauty. Its focus on personalized attention, professional guides, and high success rates for manta sightings make it a strong choice for marine life enthusiasts. The inclusion of underwater photos and the private setting provide extra value for your investment.

While the trip requires some confidence in open water, those who meet the criteria will find it a memorable, enriching experience. Whether you’re after a peaceful day of viewing colorful coral and fish or a thrilling close-up with the ocean’s gentle giants, this tour delivers a genuine taste of Bali’s marine wonders.

If you love marine life, enjoy snorkeling, and want a flexible, private experience, this activity could become one of your Bali highlights.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the option, round-trip transfer and speedboat rides are included to make the experience seamless.

What gear is provided?
You’ll receive snorkeling masks, fins, and life jackets. The tour also includes underwater filming with a GoPro.

How long is the tour?
It can last from 3 to 7 hours, depending on the option you choose and your preferences.

What is the chance of seeing manta rays?
At Manta Point, you can expect about a 90% chance of encountering manta rays feeding in nutrient-rich waters.

Can I bring my own underwater camera?
While the tour provides underwater filming, you’re welcome to bring your own camera or waterproof device for photos.

Is this suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 5 or non-swimmers. Confident swimmers are recommended.

What should I bring?
Bring a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for personal expenses.

What if the weather is bad?
Water conditions can vary, and in case of weather issues, the operator offers a full refund if you cancel 24 hours in advance.

This Bali snorkeling trip is perfect for travelers eager to see one of the ocean’s most graceful creatures in a natural setting, with the comfort of a private, guided experience. Prepare for vibrant underwater scenes and the chance to make memories that will last long after your return home.

You can check availability for your dates here: