Bali: Snorkeling Manta by Yacht to Nusa Penida & Lembongan

Exploring Bali’s waters on a private yacht tour might just be one of the most luxurious ways to discover the island’s vibrant marine life and breathtaking coastlines. This full-day snorkeling adventure takes you to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, two of Bali’s most stunning offshore islands, with plenty of opportunities to see manta rays, colorful coral reefs, and playful sea turtles.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the luxury yacht itself—a 13-meter vessel with spacious cabins, flybridge, and all the comfort you’d expect. Second, the professional crew and guide ensure both safety and enjoyment, making it suitable even for travelers who aren’t seasoned sailors. A potential challenge? The price tag of $1,460 per group can seem steep, but considering the exclusivity, comfort, and variety of activities, many will find it offers good value for a splurge.

This tour is ideal for those who want to combine luxury, adventure, and nature without sacrificing comfort. Couples, small groups, or families (with kids over 5) looking for a memorable day on the water will find it especially appealing. If you’re eager for off-the-beaten-path marine encounters and personalized service, this trip could be just right.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: The boat features air-conditioned cabins, a flybridge, and comfortable staterooms.
• Marine Encounters: Snorkeling at Manta Bay and Crystal Bay offers opportunities to see manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful reefs.
• Flexible Itinerary: Multiple stops include coral fishing, sightseeing, and relaxing on beaches.
• Expertise and Safety: A professional crew, safety gear, and snorkeling instructors make the experience accessible and secure.
• All-Inclusive Options: Snacks, fruits, drinks, towels, and safety equipment are provided, making the day hassle-free.
• Customization: Additional activities like island tours or jet skiing are available as add-ons.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

This tour is carefully structured to maximize your time on the water while minimizing the logistical stress. Starting at Serangan port at 9 am, you board the luxurious Freedom Yacht, which is designed to provide a smooth, stable ride across Bali’s waters. The vessel, about 13 meters long and 2.8 meters wide, offers enough space for up to 12 guests, ensuring a private, intimate atmosphere that larger group tours often can’t match.

The yacht’s amenities are well thought out. You’ll find air-conditioned cabins for relaxing when you’re not in the water, a flybridge for panoramic views, and an onboard sound system to enjoy your favorite tunes. Safety is a priority, with lifejackets, lifebuoys, fire extinguishers, and a full safety equipment suite, giving peace of mind in an adventure on open water.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day kicks off with a 40-minute cruise to the first snorkeling spot, where you’ll try coral fishing. This activity, while optional, provides a fun way to test your skills and see tropical fish up close. As one traveler noted, “We loved the way the staff encouraged us to catch fish—great for kids and adults alike.”

Next, you’ll arrive at Nusa Penida’s iconic Manta Bay. Known for its gentle manta rays, this spot offers guided snorkeling tours, giving you the chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures. The shallow waters and calm currents make this ideal for all skill levels, especially with an instructor nearby. You might find, as others have, that seeing manta rays in their natural environment is a surreal experience, often described as “magical” and “humbling.”

Following Manta Bay, the tour continues to Crystal Bay, famous for its vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and abundant fish. We loved the clarity of the water here—perfect for snorkeling and capturing photos of the underwater world. The reefs are well-preserved, and the marine life is lively, making it a highlight of the day.

Then, there’s a stop at Gamat Bay, a picturesque spot with stunning coral gardens. Snorkeling here is often described as “like swimming in an aquarium” due to the variety of marine species and the pristine coral formations.

Lunch and Leisure

After several hours of water activities, you’ll enjoy a light snack onboard or choose to visit a beachside restaurant at Virgin Beach on Nusa Penida. The setting offers a spectacular backdrop of Mount Agung’s majestic presence, providing a peaceful break and an opportunity to soak in the island’s natural beauty.

Post-lunch, options include relaxing on a quiet secluded beach, continuing to snorkel, or trying some fishing with provided equipment. The flexibility allows you to tailor the afternoon to your interests.

The Return Journey

As the sun begins to set, you’ll lounge on the yacht’s deck, soaking up the serene ocean views and the warm breeze. The yacht departs Nusa Lembongan around 3:30 pm, returning to Serangan port by approximately 5 pm. Many reviews mention how relaxing the return trip is, with some guests noting that the yacht’s stability and comfortable seating make for a perfect end to a busy day.

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The Value of This Experience

While the price might seem high at first glance, consider what’s included. The private yacht, professional crew, snorkeling and fishing equipment, snacks, fruits, drinks, and safety gear are all covered. The exclusivity and personalized attention mean you won’t be jostling for space with strangers, unlike larger group tours.

Plus, the guided snorkeling at prime spots ensures you get the most out of your underwater encounters, which can be hit-or-miss if you’re unaccompanied. The luxury setting turns an adventurous day into a comfortable, memorable experience with plenty of chances to relax and take in Bali’s stunning coastal scenery.

What the Reviews Say

Many guests appreciated the professionalism of the crew and how the yacht was equipped with modern safety tools. One reviewer said, “The crew was very attentive and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable, even my kids over 5 years old.” Others highlighted the stunning views and the chance to see manta rays, describing the experience as “breathtaking” and “something I’ll never forget.”

A few noted that the longer stops at prime snorkeling sites allowed more time to enjoy the marine life without feeling rushed. The flexible itinerary and options for additional activities, like jet skiing or island tours, also received positive mentions, providing extra value for those seeking variety.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers who value comfort and personalized service but still crave adventure. It suits couples celebrating a special occasion, families with kids over 5 eager to introduce young ones to snorkeling, and small groups seeking a private, exclusive experience. If you’re a marine life enthusiast eager to see manta rays in their natural habitat, this tour offers prime opportunities.

It’s a good fit if you prefer a structured, all-inclusive day with safety and comfort at the forefront. However, if you’re on a tight budget or looking for a more low-key, self-guided experience, you might find some cheaper options that are less tailored or luxurious.

Final Thoughts

This Bali snorkeling yacht tour delivers a blend of luxury, adventure, and scenic beauty. It’s especially appealing to those who want a private, hassle-free way to explore Bali’s marine environment while enjoying high-end amenities. The stops at Nusa Penida and Lembongan provide a good balance of marine encounters, scenic vistas, and relaxing beach time.

While it’s not the least expensive way to see Bali’s underwater world, the personalized service, safety measures, and comfort make it a worthwhile splurge for many travelers. If you’re looking to combine exclusivity with authentic marine experiences, this tour checks many boxes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 5 years old are welcome, provided they meet safety requirements. The crew is experienced with families, and the boat has safety gear suitable for kids.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the professional captain and crew, snorkeling and fishing equipment, snacks, fresh fruits, soft drinks, mineral water, towels, safety gear, a cruising permit, insurance, a welcome drink, coffee and tea, sea-sick tablets, floating mattresses, and paddleboards.

Are meals provided?
No, lunch is an optional add-on. You can enjoy a light onboard snack or visit a beachside restaurant for a full meal at Virgin Beach on Nusa Penida.

How long is the boat trip between stops?
The cruise from Serangan port to the islands takes about 100 minutes to Nusa Penida, and the return trip from Nusa Lembongan is approximately 40 minutes.

What marine life might I see?
Expect to see manta rays at Manta Bay, sea turtles, colorful reef fish, and coral formations. The snorkeling spots are chosen for their vibrant and diverse marine ecosystems.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a camera, and sunscreen. Do not litter or touch marine life to help preserve the environment.

Is this tour private?
Yes, it’s designed for private groups of up to 12 people, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What safety measures are in place?
The yacht is equipped with lifejackets, lifebuoys, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment. The crew is trained to ensure passenger safety at all times.

Can I customize the experience?
While the itinerary is fixed, additional activities like island tours or jet skiing are available as add-ons, allowing some customization.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to fit your travel plans.

This Bali yacht snorkeling tour offers a delightful balance of luxury amenities and marine adventure. Perfect for travelers who want to see Bali’s underwater world in style, it’s a day filled with scenic beauty, exciting encounters, and plenty of relaxing moments—truly a memorable way to spend a day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: