If you are a diving or snorkeling enthusiast, then Manta Point in Nusa Penida should be at the top of your list of must-visit spots. At this incredible spot you will get to enjoy an amazing underwater experience that is hard to find anywhere in the world. In this complete guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Manta Point.
Manta Point in Nusa Penida is a world-renowned diving location that is popular with tourists from all over the globe because of the Manta Rays that live here all around the year. Nusa Penida is already home to some of the coolest places in Bali like Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong but Manta Point has to be my favorite place on this island.
Are Manta Bay and Manta Point the Same?
Manta Bay is the shallow bay in front of Angel’s Billabong. This is where most tour companies will take you on a snorkeling expedition. There are lots of Manta Rays here but also lots of other boats and tourists at the same time.
Manta Point is further down the coast, you have to go 20 more minutes past Manta Bay to reach Manta Point. The ocean here is between 8 meters to 20 meters and it’s a great place even for beginner divers. There is also a deeper part of the dive where some divers have even seen the elusive Mola Mola fish.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
From Sanur Beach Harbor in Bali, a fast boat is available to take you to Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Bali from where you can take a boat or ferry. The fast boats take 45 minutes and the slower ones take 1 hour to reach the Toka Pakeh harbor in Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Nusa Penida but they are even further away towards the north east of the island.
Best Time to Visit
Nusa Penida is a year-round destination for diving and snorkeling. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season a couple weeks after the last rains. Rains bring a lot of trash to the shores of Bali and it’s disgusting to get into the ocean during that time. The water also becomes very murky and you can’t see well at all.
During the rainy season, snorkeling and diving tours become very unpredictable because as soon as the conditions worsen the tour has to be canceled. Therefore the best time to visit is during the dry season.
Which Times to Avoid
If possible, avoid traveling to Manta Point Nusa Penida in March after the rains. During this time, trash and debris from the coast wash up into the sea, making it hazardous for divers and swimmers.
How Much Does Diving and Snorkeling at Manta Point Cost?
The cost of diving or snorkeling at Manta Point Nusa Penida varies depending on the tour operator and where you are departing from. Tours from Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are much cheaper than tours from Bali.
Book a Snorkel Tour for Manta Bay
If you are not a great swimmer or prefer to stay near the surface of the water, you can book a snorkel tour to Manta Bay to get a glimpse of the incredible marine life.
Book Tour From Bali
If you are staying on Bali and want a day trip to swim with the Manta then this Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour is great for a full day trip. The tour picks you up from your hotel in Bali and then you take a fast boat to Nusa Penida. At Nusa Penida you board the boat that will take you to the Manta Bay, Crystal Bay and Mangrove Point. You will get to snorkel and 3 different spots, have lunch and do a kayak tour of Mangrove Point.
- Book Now: Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour from Bali
Book Tour From Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan
If you are staying on either of the islands then the tour companies will be able to pick you up from your hotel for the tour. On Nusa Penida the tours start from Crystal Bay and you can find vendors in the bay to take you out for the day. I would not recommend this though because most of the time there is no availability. You can use the Snorkeling Day Trip from Nusa Lembongan or 3 Spot Snorkeling Tour from Nusa Penida to book the tours in advance.
- Book Now: Snorkeling Day Trip from Nusa Lembongan
- Book Now: 3 Spot Snorkeling Tour from Nusa Penida
Book a Dive Tour for Manta Point
For more experienced swimmers and divers, booking a diving tour to Manta Point offers an unforgettable underwater experience. While diving you can see some sea life that you wouldn’t see on a snorkeling tour. Some of my favorite ones are the Mola Mola, Blue Spotted Rays, Blue Triggerfish, Barracudas and reef sharks.
There are 8 dive sites on Nusa Penida on the west side of the island near Manta Point.
- Toyapakeh
- Ceningan Wall
- Gamat Bay
- Crystal Bay
- Manta Bay
- Labyrinth
- Manta Point
- East Manta Point
Most dive companies are happy to take you on 3 dives per day to whichever dive sites you want. There are a lot of reputable companies on Nusa Penida. Some of the ones with good reviews I recommend are the ones below. Please don’t go diving with any cheap companies because diving is a dangerous sport and you do not want faulty equipment failing at 20 meters below the surface.
What to Expect at Manta Point
I was staying on Nusa Penida so we started off from Crystal Bay in one of the boats. I had already been diving in Tulamben the week before so I wanted to keep it chill and just do a snorkeling tour on the island.
Start of tour
We started pretty early at 8am from the bay. The sun was already in the sky by that time. The boat first went up to a snorkeling spot near Nusa Lembongan where we jumped down into the boat to try and spot any Mantas or sharks. I did not spot any here but I did see a turtle that was merrily swimming away on its own. I tried very hard to catch it but that thing was very fast even with the current.
Manta Bay snorkeling
Next we went down and passed Crystal Bay to head towards Manta Bay. We passed the famous Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach on our left while heading south. The cliffs on the left were very impressive. At Manta Bay there were a lot of boats and snorkelers. We could immediately see at least 4 Manta Rays from our boat. I got down into the water and one of the closer ones made a beeline as if to investigate us. It got very close before veering off at the last second. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. Since it was very crowded at Manta Bay we decided to leave early and go to Manta Point.
Manta Point snorkeling
Manta Point was further down south and it took us 30 minutes to get there by boat. There were only 2 other diving boats here so we were very happy. I got off the boat and started searching for Mantas and in about 2 minutes I saw two huge Mantas come up and swim near us. We stayed there for 30 minutes and so did the Mantas. I am sure there must have been others nearby too but I was so happy with my two that I stayed with them the whole time. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life.
Things to Carry
I always carry my sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a GoPro, and a change of clothes for any snorkeling trip. After having read that there are jellyfish that can sting very bad in Manta Bay so I wore a long sleeve shirt and pants rash guard I use while surfing. I got stung by the phytoplankton in Maldives while snorkeling with Whale Sharks so I knew not to swim in just my bikini again.
Is It Worth Visiting Manta Point Nusa Penida in 2023?
Manta Point Nusa Penida is one of the most beautiful diving and snorkeling locations in the world. It’s definitely worth visiting in 2023, especially during the peak season, which is between July and September.
Best Nusa Penida Tours
Snorkel with Manta Rays Tour
Nusa Penida has some of the most amazing snorkeling with Manta Rays. Tours go to Manta Bay and Crystal Bay to swim with manta rays that come right up to you. Manta Rays are huge 5 meter long marine animals that gently glide along in the water. Swimming with them is one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
If you are in Bali you can do the manta ray tour from Bali on a speedboat or you can do the manta rays tour from Nusa Penida if you are already on the island.
Manta Point FAQs
Why are there so many Manta Rays here?
Manta Rays are attracted to Manta Point because it is a good environment for cleaning and mating. The site is rich in plankton and small fish that Manta Rays feed on.
What is the water temperature at Manta Point?
The water temperature at Manta Point is around 25 degrees Celsius, which is great for both snorkeling and diving. If you are going deeper you might want to wear a wetsuit because the water gets colder due to a cold current. The cold current is what attracts the Mola Mola.
How deep is Manta Point?
The depth of Manta Point ranges from 4 meters to 20 meters. There is a drop off which goes down to 40 meters.
Do you need a wetsuit for Nusa Penida?
A wetsuit is a good idea when diving at Manta Point because the water temperature can get chilly, especially at greater depths.
Is it better to snorkel or dive?
It’s all a matter of preference. If you are a seasoned diver, then diving would be an incredible experience. But snorkeling here is also exceptional.
What other ocean life can you see at Nusa Penida?
Apart from the magnificent Manta Rays, divers and snorkelers can spot other creatures such as reef sharks, turtles, Eagle Rays, Mola Molas, Blue Spotted Rays etc.
Places to Stay in Nusa Penida
Luxury: MAUA Nusa Penida
With stunning ocean views, huge elegantly designed rooms, a gorgeous swimming pool, this hotel is the perfect retreat for those that prefer luxury even amidst nature. Their swimming pool is one of the prettiest I have ever seen in my life. It overlooks the thundering cliffs of Nusa Penida.
- Price: From $240.
- Booking.com link
Mid-Level: La Roja Bungalows
Nestled amidst lush greenery, La Roja Bungalows has a comfortable resort in Nusa Penida. Their charming bungalows are designed with traditional Balinese elements and equipped with modern amenities. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and relax by the swimming pool.
- Price: From $40.
- Booking.com link
Budget: Kesari Glory by Pramana Villas
Kesari Glory by Pramana Villas has affordable accommodations without compromising on comfort. The cozy rooms have a relaxing space for you to unwind after a day of exploring the island. The hotel allows travelers to make the most of their Nusa Penida experience while making sure you don’t spend too much on hotels.
- Price: From $20.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Manta Point
Kelingking Beach
Also known as T-Rex Bay because of its unique shape, Kelingking Beach is the most Instagrammable spot in Nusa Penida. The beach has an epic view of the blue ocean and rugged cliffs. You can hike down the cliff or rent a boat to enjoy the beach.
Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay is perfect for a day of relaxation. The beach is a sanctuary of solitude, with crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling or diving. The beach also has a long stretch of white sand, so sunbathing is awesome here.
Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool in Nusa Penida. The pool is created by a natural rock formation that allows seawater to flow in. At low tide you can literally see through the water to the bottom of the pool/
Peguyangan Waterfall
Peguyangan Waterfall is a sacred waterfall in Nusa Penida. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but the view is worth it.
This is the cliff viewpoint that overlooks the other side of the T-rex cliff. They have lots of interesting wooden structure to take pictures with at this viewpoint. One of the lesser known spots on the island.
Conclusion
Manta Point in Nusa Penida is a must-visit location for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. With its rich marine life and breathtaking underwater scenery, it’s a spot that should make it to everyone’s travel bucket list. With this complete guide, you have all the information you need to plan your trip to Manta Point in Nusa Penida.
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Hello! What tour did you take that brought you to Manta Bay and Manta point? Thanks!
Hey Greta, I went with these guys https://freedivenusa.com/freedive-trips/manta-trips/.