Manta rays on a yacht day. This Nusa Penida full-day trip from Serangan strings together top snorkeling coves and a guided manta ray swim, with GoPro underwater footage included so you don’t lose the best moments to blurry phone shots.

I also like how the day is built around time in the water, not just transit: calm lagoon snorkeling, current-assisted coral areas, a view-filled lunch by the beach, and then the manta stop when conditions allow. The main drawback to consider is the cost—$637.79 per person—and that the whole schedule runs 8 to 10 hours with plenty of boat time, so it helps to be comfortable on the water.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• A private 13-meter yacht from Serangan so your group sets the pace
• Snorkeling gear + bottled water + landing/facility fees included, not just a vague promise
• GoPro underwater footage captured during your swim time, no extra add-on
• Multiple Penida and Lembongan stops, from calm lagoon water to coral-lined coves
• Lunch with beach access at Khamara, with time to relax between swims
• Manta Point or Manta Bay selection based on availability, guided for best odds

A 13-Meter Yacht Day from Serangan

This experience is all about doing Nusa Penida in comfort and style. You meet in Serangan at the tour operator’s office near the port, then you’re on a 13-meter yacht for the crossings and the stop-and-go route. That matters because Penida days can feel chaotic when you’re squeezed onto whatever boat is available. Here, your day stays organized around planned snorkel and swim windows.

You start with a welcome drink, plus free-flow coffee and teas. The coffee comes from % Arabica, and there are pastries available too. It’s a small touch, but it changes the morning. Instead of rushing and grabbing whatever, you actually settle in before heading out.

Then comes the real payoff: a structured itinerary that gives you several distinct marine areas—plus a dedicated manta ray swim segment.

From Serangan to Nusa Penida: the 30-Minute Crossing

The trip out to Nusa Penida takes about 30 minutes by boat. That’s long enough to wake up and get oriented, but not so long that you burn the whole morning before you even start snorkeling.

On a day like this, I’d treat the crossing like your warm-up. Keep water handy (bottled water is included), and give your body a minute to adjust if you’re sensitive to motion. Once you’re at the first island stop, the schedule moves.

Also note the rhythm of the day: roughly an hour at each major water stop, plus a longer lunch break. If you’re the type who hates tight schedules, this is still fairly busy—but it’s busy in a way that makes sense, because you’re moving from one snorkeling area to the next.

Nusa Lembongan: Bali Hai Lagoon and Calm Coral Gardens

Your first major stop is on Nusa Lembongan. The focus here is a quieter, calmer snorkeling vibe at the Bali Hai Lagoon area and the coral gardens near Lembongan Island. This is the kind of water you want early in the day: it’s easier to get into snorkeling mode, and you can enjoy the scenery without fighting rough conditions.

Expect your guide to help you get set up and follow the group. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you’re not spending the day hunting for gear or dealing with mismatched fit. With about an hour here, you have enough time to do a couple of passes—first to get comfortable, then to slow down and actually look around.

This stop also serves as a mental reset. After the crossing, you’re in calmer water with a straightforward goal: get in, snorkel, and enjoy the clarity.

SD Point Snorkeling: Coral Lines, Currents, and Sea Turtles

Next up is SD Point, described as a hidden spot and a current-driven snorkeling area further east next to the coast of Nusa Penida. This is where the day starts to feel more “adventure snorkeling” and less “easy swim.”

The key detail is that this is current drift snorkeling. Translation: you’ll likely spend time carried along as you move over coral and marine life. That can be fantastic for seeing fish and the structure of the reef. It also means you should be honest with yourself about comfort in moving water.

This is also one of the better spots for wildlife surprises. The route specifically mentions the chance to spot turtles and lots of fish. No guarantee is possible, but it’s clearly part of what guides look for here.

If you’ve snorkeled before, you’ll probably enjoy SD Point a lot. If you’re brand new, pay close attention during the briefing and don’t force pace. Current snorkeling rewards calm and good buoyancy.

Wall Bay Point: Mangroves, Reefs, and Marine Life

After SD Point, the itinerary moves to Wall Bay Point. This stop shifts the underwater “personality” again—away from drift-focused snorkeling and toward a mangrove area with vibrant coral reefs nearby.

Mangrove zones are special because the environment is more varied. You’re not just scanning one kind of reef wall. You’re checking edges and transitions—where marine life often moves between sheltered roots and coral structures.

This stop is about an hour, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment and the stop landing/entry fees. So you can focus on enjoying the underwater visuals instead of checking whether it’s worth the hassle.

Practical note: mangroves can mean more shallow, more shaded areas depending on tide and conditions. Even if you don’t see wildlife constantly, you’ll usually see something interesting in the structure.

Khamara Lunch: Views, Food, and a Private White-Sand Beach Setup

Lunch at Khamara Nusa Penida is where the tour turns from “active water day” to “take a breath.” The lunch spot is set up with stunning views and includes delicious cuisine. Even better, you get private access to a white sand beach with daybeds right there.

That matters because Penida days can be hard on your energy. You need a proper downtime block—somewhere you can dry off, eat at a normal pace, and not just wait around in a sweaty line. The way this is scheduled (about 1.5 hours) gives you enough buffer to reset before the manta swim.

Also, the included setup means you’re not scrambling to find a separate beach club or a random food stop. This is part of the experience flow. You eat, you relax, and you prepare for the later swim.

If you care about value, lunch here is a clear win: it’s included, it comes with that beach-access bonus, and it’s placed right when you’re most likely to want a break.

Manta Point or Manta Bay: How Your Swim Fits the Day

The day’s headline is swimming with giant oceanic manta rays. Your guides take you to the secluded manta area—either Manta Bay or Manta Point—depending on manta ray availability. That’s important. It means the tour is flexible based on real-world conditions, not just a fixed stop that may be dead when you arrive.

You’ll have about an hour at this final swim segment. That time window is long enough for a couple of attempts, plus time to stay calm and watch for movements. For manta encounters, patience is part of the package. The best swims aren’t the rushed ones.

Also, you’re not just going and hoping. The tour specifically states you’ll have professional guides. That’s a big deal in manta areas where correct positioning and calm behavior matter.

And remember the included photo/video piece: underwater footage captured with a GoPro at no extra charge. Even if you do everything right, manta encounters can be brief. Having the coverage boosts the payoff of the day.

Timing, Drop-Off Options, and Where Transfers Fit In

You start at 8:30am from the Serangan meeting point (Jl. Tukad Punggawa No. 238, Serangan). The full experience runs about 8 to 10 hours. Expect a schedule that feels packed, but it’s paced around meaningful stops: snorkel time, lunch, then manta time.

At the end, you return to the same Serangan office. If you’d rather not backtrack, the tour can drop you at Toya Pakeh Harbor instead.

Transfers are where people should think clearly before booking. Private transfer to and from your place is listed as 300,000 IDR one way for up to 5 people. The tour also notes transfers are available to a range of areas (Kuta, Sanur, Kerobokan, Canggu, Ubud, Denpasar, Seminyak, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua). But since private transfers cost extra, you’ll want to price that into your real total.

If you’re staying in the Seminyak area, it’s often easier to either arrange a private ride or plan for the meeting logistics early. This tour starts in Serangan, not inland.

Price and Value: When $637.79 per Person Works

$637.79 per person is not a casual splurge. The key question is what you’re getting for it—and here, several costs are bundled.

Included items:

• Lunch
• Snorkeling equipment
• Landing and facility fees
• Bottled water
• Underwater GoPro footage

Then add the experience format: it’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That matters because on Penida days, the difference between shared chaos and a set group can be huge.

So when does this price make sense? If you want:

• A 13-meter yacht day (comfort + organization),
• Multiple snorkeling stops (not just one),
• A lunch setup with beach access,
• And the manta swim with guidance plus underwater footage.

If you’re mostly after one quick stop or you’re perfectly happy handling logistics yourself, a cheaper day boat might do. But if you want the structured day where your time and included gear are already handled, this price can feel more reasonable.

One more value signal: this tour is often booked far in advance (on average, about 98 days ahead). That suggests people plan specifically for the yacht + Penida combo, not just for a random day out.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a manta-focused Penida day with guided help
• Like snorkeling and want several different marine environments in one itinerary
• Prefer a private-group setup rather than joining a random crowd
• Care about remembering the underwater moments with GoPro footage

It may be less ideal if you:

• Get uncomfortable on boats for long stretches (the day is 8 to 10 hours)
• Want a slow pace with lots of free time (this is a stop-driven schedule)
• Are looking strictly for the Kelingking-style Penida sightseeing experience—this itinerary centers on water and a cliff car tour rather than a full day of viewpoints

The good news: it’s designed for most people to participate, and service animals are allowed.

Should You Book This Nusa Penida Yacht Tour?

If your priority is a Penida day built around snorkeling and a guided manta ray swim, I’d seriously consider booking. The included snorkel gear, landing fees, lunch, and especially the GoPro underwater footage reduce the common “I paid a lot but I’m not sure it was worth it” problem.

I’d book with extra care if you’re very price-sensitive or prone to sea-sickness, because the day is long and boat time is part of the deal.

If you’re ready to spend one full day in the water with a planned rhythm—and you want manta rays as the headline—this is the kind of itinerary that usually feels worth it once you’re out there.

FAQ

What time does the Nusa Penida Full Day Tour by Riki J Yacht start?

The tour starts at 8:30am from the Serangan meeting point.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Boat Tours And Rental Bali-Nusa Penida, Jl. Tukad Punggawa No.238, Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Bali 80228, Indonesia.

How long is the boat crossing to Nusa Penida?

The crossing to Nusa Penida takes about 30 minutes by boat.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and it’s served at the Khamara Nusa Penida lunch spot with beach access.

Will I get underwater photos or videos?

Yes. Underwater footage is captured with a GoPro and included at no extra charge.

Where do you swim with manta rays?

You’ll swim at Manta Point or Manta Bay, depending on manta ray availability.

Does the tour end back in Serangan?

Yes, it ends back at the same place. You can also choose to be dropped off at Toya Pakeh Harbor instead.

Are transfers included in the price?

Private transfers are not included. A private transfer is listed at 300,000 IDR one way (up to 5 people). Transfers are available to areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Uluwatu, and more.

What happens if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.