Diving & Snorkeling on the Nusa Islands
The waters around the Nusa Islands are among the best diving areas in Southeast Asia — and the main reason many travelers come here. The sea strait between Bali and the Nusa Islands is part of the Coral Triangle, the region with the highest marine biodiversity on earth.
Manta Point★★★
Manta Point (Manta Bay) on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida is one of the most reliable places in the world to observe manta rays in the wild. The majestic creatures — with wingspans of up to 5 meters — come here to a cleaning station, where small cleaner fish rid them of parasites.
You can observe mantas both while diving (15-20 m) and snorkeling, as they often swim just a few meters below the surface. The sighting rate is over 80% in the main season (April-November). Sometimes there are 5, sometimes 15 animals at once — an unforgettable experience.
Important: Never touch the mantas! Keep at least 3 meters away, do not swim directly above them, and do not use flash. Reputable dive schools thoroughly brief their guests on correct behavior.
💡 Tipp
Book a snorkeling or diving trip to Manta Point from Nusa Lembongan — the ride takes only 20-30 minutes. Many providers combine Manta Point with 1-2 other snorkeling stops (Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay). Full-day snorkeling tour from 350,000 IDR (approx. 20€).
Other Dive Sites
Crystal Bay
Famous for the chance to see the Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish, July-October). The dive site has a strong, changing current and is more suitable for experienced divers. The corals in the shallower area are excellent for snorkeling.
Toyapakeh Wall
A spectacular steep wall right in front of the port of Nusa Penida. The wall drops from 5 m to over 40 m and is densely covered with soft corals, gorgonians, and sponges. Here you can see batfish, turtles, eagle rays, and occasionally reef sharks.
Mangrove Point
A drift dive along the north coast of Nusa Lembongan with moderate to strong currents. Large schools of fish, eagle rays, blue-spotted rays, and bamboo sharks. A highlight for experienced divers.
SD Point
Named after the nearby elementary school (SD = Sekolah Dasar). An excellent macro dive site with nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish. A paradise for underwater photographers.