Nusa Penida is famous for dramatic cliffs and spectacular beaches, but beneath its waters lies another reason to visit: some of Bali’s most exciting marine experiences.
From manta rays and ocean sunfish to turtles and colourful coral reefs, the island offers dive sites for different experience levels and interests.
Located in Klungkung Regency, Nusa Penida has developed into an important destination for marine tourism. The island’s dive sites range from relatively shallow areas suitable for snorkeling and less experienced visitors to deeper sites designed for certified divers.
Conditions can vary considerably from one location to another, particularly because of currents. Choosing a site that matches your experience level is therefore an important part of enjoying the underwater environment safely.
Nusa Penida Diving at a Glance
🌊 Shallow snorkeling areas: approximately 5–10 metres
🤿 Deeper dive sites: up to 40 metres or more
🐠 Marine life: manta rays, turtles, sunfish and tropical fish
📍 Location: Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali
01. Manta Point
If there is one underwater experience that puts Nusa Penida on the map, it is the opportunity to encounter manta rays.
Located on the southwest coast, Manta Point is known for areas where manta rays gather to clean themselves. The shallow section is approximately 5–10 metres deep, while the inner reef can extend beyond 20 metres.
Depth: Approximately 5–20+ metres
Typical dive price: IDR 500,000–800,000 per person
02. Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay lives up to its name, offering clear water, colourful coral formations and the possibility of encountering one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures: the ocean sunfish.
Sunfish sightings are particularly associated with the July-to-October period. The shallow section is around 5–10 metres, while the area outside the bay can reach 40 metres or more.
Depth: Approximately 5–40+ metres
Reported snorkeling price: Around IDR 190,000 for 2–3 hours
03. Toyapakeh
Toyapakeh is a favourite for divers looking for dramatic underwater scenery and the excitement of drift diving.
Its reef walls and slopes provide opportunities to see turtles, schools of tropical fish and, occasionally, ocean sunfish. Depths range from approximately 6 metres to 40 metres.
Depth: Approximately 6–40 metres
Reported dive fees: IDR 300,000–500,000 per person
04. SD Point
On the northern coast of Nusa Penida, SD Point offers another opportunity to explore the island’s coral-rich underwater environment.
Tropical fish and turtles can be encountered around the reef, with the typical diving depth reported at approximately 20 metres.
Typical depth: Around 20 metres
Reported price range: IDR 750,000–3,000,000 per person
05. Gamat Bay
Gamat Bay offers a different experience, with a relatively sheltered bay surrounded by coral reefs and a deeper wall.
Divers may encounter turtles, nudibranchs, rays and potentially sunfish. The bay begins at around 5–8 metres, while the wall can descend to approximately 40 metres.
Depth: Approximately 5–40 metres
Pricing: Generally follows local dive-centre rates
Check Conditions Before Diving
Nusa Penida is known for changing currents, and conditions can vary significantly between dive sites. Divers should choose locations according to their certification and experience and follow the instructions of qualified local dive operators.
Why Nusa Penida Matters to Bali Tourism
Nusa Penida’s underwater attractions add another dimension to Bali’s already diverse tourism offering.
Visitors who come to see Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach can also discover a completely different side of the island beneath the surface.
The variety of dive sites allows local operators to offer experiences ranging from snorkeling and shallow-water excursions to advanced diving, creating opportunities for different types of visitors.
At the same time, responsible tourism and careful management of marine areas will be essential to protecting the coral reefs and wildlife that make Nusa Penida so attractive in the first place.
An Underwater Adventure Beyond Bali’s Beaches
From the graceful movements of manta rays at Manta Point to the colourful reefs of Gamat Bay, Nusa Penida offers visitors plenty of reasons to explore below the surface.
For divers and snorkelers visiting Bali, these underwater experiences provide another memorable way to discover the natural beauty of the island.
Source: Bali Kini