Nusa Penida 3 - Schnorchelabenteuer mit Mantarochen

Let me start of by saying a great experience, didn’t see any rays as water very choppy but did see pod of dolphins and other part of Bali. My issue is that it was advertised as a 2 hour excusion leaving from our hotel at 10.30 and I had booked an evening dinner at 5pm. We left at 10.30 and did not get back to our hotel until 6.30pm. Luckily I did not have a flight to catch or anything else planned as I would have been totally stuck. Please make sure of timings before you book.

The advert says 2 hours snorkeling. We went to 3 spots and got 15 mins, then 10 mins then 10 mins. And there were no fish at the last spot. I complained to the boat crew at the first stop asking why we only had 15 mins and he said it was 2 hours on the water travelling but only around 30 mins snorkeling. It was such a waste of time and money to travel from seminyak for 35 min snorkeling. Would definitely not recommend.

The organization of the trip was great. A driver picked us up on time & took us to the ferry. We were met at the Nusa Penida ferry terminal promptly upon arrival & escorted to the snorkeling shop. We were fitted with gear and boarded their modern and well maintained boat. This is where things didn’t meet expectation. We signed up for this excursion as it was advertised as a manta ray snorkel trip. This was to include 3 stops. 1 with the possibility of seeing a manta ray and 2 reef fish snorkel spots. When we arrived at the manta ray snorkel spot, the guide said we may not see any, it’s not the right time of year and do people want to stop here or go to the next sight. I took this to mean we may not see a manta, but there’s a slim chance we might, so why not try it? If we don’t see one, at least we’d get to swim/snorkel in a bit deeper water & enjoy the beautiful ocean. However, I was out voted as most people voted not to stop here. The trip advertised 3 stops, so right away, we were now only doing 2. The second stop was okay but not great. The reef looked unhealthy & not a lot of fish, but not the operator’s fault. The 3rd stop was very shallow with a brown, broken up reef. Snorkelers were allowed to walk & stand on the coral & it was very messy. Back to the shop where towels & showers were provided. Operation was good, but eliminating 1 of the snorkel spots and the poor reef conditions made this an overall disappointment.

Cost was $170 for shared boat and $280 for private. I took the shared boat and there was 22 people! Would a private boat for 50% more coast just be by myself? So after a taxi, fast ferry, boat ride we only made 3 stops and the first was to see mantas but they left so quick they had us get back in the boat. I have taken a snorkeling trip at Nusa Penida and it was actually the best trip I’ve done anywhere so that goes to show how bad this trip was. I feel bad for the others with us because they don’t know how awesome thing place is or used to be?

Everything wa swell organized. Snorkeling was great. You go to the famous spots and then back to your hotel.

We had an excellent travel trip to Penida Island. Excellent driver, very kind. On time and willing to wait.

Absolutely amazing experience

WORST excursion I have ever done in Bali! DO NOT book this trip. You hardly snorkel at all. It’s just boat transfers and riding in the boat. Overcrowded, didn’t even attempt to try to see and Manta Rays. I understand Mantas are wild and there is no control and it’s not 100% we will see them but there was no attempt to try to see. We also had no idea about all the caveats until we were already at the meeting point. Also, all snorkel stops are very close to the harbor. Maybe some ppl will like that. It wouldn’t be as bad if we didn’t pay $500 for our family of 5 but it was definitely a rip off. We also learned other ppl paid a cheaper price per person. The prices vary.

The taxi driver was not at the harbour, where he said he would be,when we got off the ferry. I had already told him I didn't have my mobile, so why didn't the snorkeling venue call him to tell him what ferry we had got.we had to get another taxi back to our hotel

Bring a change of clothes, sunscreen, a towel and a bottle of water. Also, bring cash in the form of IDR as places won't always take card and those who do may include a surcharge