Mantas are the main act here. What makes this day trip fun is the way it strings together three snorkeling stops around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, plus a mangrove kayak finish. I like that the route gives you a priority shot at Manta Bay when conditions allow, but one drawback is that manta sightings are never guaranteed, and marine-park fees are extra.

You get a lot of value for the price because key stuff is covered: snorkeling equipment, a full buffet lunch, bottled water, towels, lockers, and guided time in the water. You should also know it is not for everyone. This is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it has a moderate fitness expectation.

The whole day runs about 9 hours, and you can join from several areas (including Sanur port, Lembongan hotels, and parts of the Bali mainland). If you’re going during busy periods, expect groups, shared water time, and the occasional moment of chaos at the most popular spot.

Key highlights worth caring about

• Three snorkeling sites, one big priority for Manta Bay so your day is planned for variety, not just one reef stop
• Snorkeling gear plus kayak included which means you are not scrambling to book separate activities
• Buffet lunch with shower time back at the Lembongan watersport base, so you reset before the mangroves
• Guides support you in the water with life rings and life vests noted in safety-focused feedback
• Mangrove kayaking at Mangrove Point as the calm, scenic counterbalance to the saltwater swim stops

Price and what you actually pay for ($35.27)

At about $35.27 per person, this tour is priced like a solid “full day of water time” deal, especially because it includes snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, bottled water, towels, and lockers. That bundled value matters in Bali, where a single snorkeling boat day can easily become more expensive once you add equipment, meals, and transfers.

What can change your final total is the add-ons. Government fees are IDR100,000 per person, and marine park fees are not included (they are at your expense). Underwater photos and videos are also optional extras, and alcohol is available to purchase.

If you’re staying outside the included pickup zones, plan on paying extra for pickup in areas like Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Pecatu, Bingin, Balangan, Melasti, and parts of South Nusa Dua (the surcharge is listed as IDR350,000 per booking). If you are staying in or near the included areas, you usually feel the value more.

Bottom line: this is a good deal when you show up ready to swim and snorkel. If you hate extra fees or want a guaranteed manta-ray encounter, you might feel it is overpriced for what you end up seeing.

How the 9-hour day runs, from Serangan port to Lembongan and Penida

The timing is structured, but it also depends on sea conditions. The day is set up for a long cruise out, three main snorkeling windows, then the mangrove kayak, with meals and breaks in between.

If you start from Bali mainland, you begin with a 07:30 start and get routed through Serangan Port (the meeting point is listed as Serangan Port at Warung Osaka Yakiniku). Then you move toward Lembongan for the main base activities.

If you start closer to Lembongan, you can also be picked up from Lembongan hotels. The tour offers multiple departure points, including hotels in Legian, Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and central Jimbaran, depending on which pickup option you select. If you pick the meeting-point style rather than pickup, you will end at Serangan after the ferry return.

Why this flow matters: Penida snorkeling days can be bumpy, and speed and timing depend on weather. The tour is built to give you the best shot at your primary sites while still delivering the kayak and lunch plan even if conditions force adjustments.

Lembongan watersport base: snacks, gear fitting, lunch, and shower time

I like that the day is not only about getting pushed around on boats. There’s a proper base routine at Lembongan watersport.

Once you arrive, you get brought to the base for complementary snacks and welcome drinks, then time for snorkeling equipment fitting. That setup period helps because you’re not trying to figure out your mask and fins in a hurry while someone is already waving you toward the water.

After the snorkeling portion, you return to the same base for buffet lunch and shower time. Lunch is a big deal on day trips. You get a buffet style meal with options, and one vegetarian request was handled with tofu, which is a nice sign if you need flexibility.

Practical note: bring swimwear that dries fast and count on using the shower stop to cool down and freshen up before the kayaking part.

Nusa Penida snorkeling with manta-first priority and two backups

This is the core of the day. You snorkel three different spots between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, for a total of about 3 hours at the water stops.

The priority order matters. The plan aims for Manta Point/Manta Bay first when the weather is great. If the water conditions are not ideal, you should expect the crew to shift you to other sites rather than cancel the day.

The other listed options include:

• Toyapakeh wall / Gamat Bay
• Mangrove Point (also used as part of the day’s route)

So what should you expect in real terms?

• If conditions are good, Manta Bay is the big-ticket moment. Multiple people describe seeing manta rays, sometimes close to the snorkel line.
• Even when mantas are not visible, the reef snorkeling can still be rewarding with lots of tropical fish and the feeling that you are swimming over real marine habitat.
• Sea state can change the experience fast. One common theme is that the first spot may be rougher, which can make the water feel more intense even if the snorkeling is great.

A realistic way to think about it: you are buying a guided snorkeling circuit with a manta priority. You are not buying a guaranteed manta show. If you go in with that mindset, you are more likely to enjoy every stop.

Safety reality check: who it’s for, and how support works

Safety is part of the experience, not a footnote. The tour requires you to sign a special risk form (a liability waiver), and insurance coverage is only listed for ages 10 to 64. If you are outside that range, you may be denied entry without a refund.

It is also explicitly not for people with several medical conditions, including heart problems, respiratory problems or asthma, epilepsy, and high or low blood pressure, plus chronic illness and mobility impairment.

Also, this is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Now for the practical support you can look for during the day:

• Safety-focused feedback highlights guides in the water and quick help when someone needs assistance.
• There are mentions of life rings and life vests for support, which helps if you are not the most confident swimmer but still can swim.

One caution: not every experience is described as perfect. A negative account criticized lack of first aid readiness after a serious incident. I cannot verify details beyond what is written, but it’s a reminder to take the tour’s safety requirements seriously, especially if you are not a strong swimmer or if conditions feel rough.

If you want the best chance of a calm, safe time, do this:

• Be honest with yourself about swimming ability.
• Stay close to your guide when told.
• Don’t try to sprint ahead to find wildlife on your own.

Kayaking through Mangrove Point: the peaceful wind-down

After snorkeling and lunch, you finish with a short kayak trip through the mangroves at Mangrove Point. It’s about 30 minutes, which is enough time to feel the difference from open water without turning into a full workout.

This part is a favorite because it slows the day down. The mangroves give you a different kind of scenery, and the water experience becomes more about steering, quiet moments, and watching the banks rather than chasing marine life.

There is one potential snag to be aware of. A negative note described a kayaking group where someone was left behind and it took strong paddling and quick action by others to get back. That is not the same as saying it happens every time, but it is enough for me to recommend a simple rule: keep track of your kayak partner, and be attentive when the crew calls regrouping.

If you are a weaker paddler, you might still enjoy it. Just don’t expect long, technical kayaking. It is meant to be fun, short, and scenic.

Food, water, lockers, and the small comforts that make it feel worth it

On a full day that includes speedboat travel, snorkeling, and kayaking, comfort details matter more than you think.

Included perks:

• Bottled water
• Towels and lockers
• Lunch buffet
• Shower on return

Lunch is where you’ll feel the most “included” side of the tour. Multiple comments mention lunch being good, and at least one person noted vegetarian handling with tofu. If you get hungry after snorkeling, you’ll be grateful the meal is not an afterthought.

Two more notes:

• Alcohol is available to purchase, so don’t assume it’s included.
• Underwater photos and videos cost extra, so if you want souvenirs, budget for that option.

Also, if you tend to get motion sick, bring a plan. One person mentioned sea sickness and the crew helping. That is a sign they will respond, but it’s better to show up prepared so you’re not spending the early boat ride feeling rough.

Practical tips to make your snorkeling and kayak day go smoother

Here’s how I’d set you up for a better day, based on what the tour is designed to do and the patterns seen in real experiences.

1) Use sunscreen and protect your skin early.

At least one review explicitly mentions sunscreen, and sun on boats plus sun over water is no joke.

2) Plan for crowds at the most popular spot.

Manta priority can mean more boats and more swimmers at the first main snorkeling location. If you hate crowded water, manage expectations before you get there.

3) If the first snorkeling area is rougher, go slow.

Rough conditions can make your breathing and body feel more stressed than usual. Follow instructions, keep your head steady, and focus on calm movements.

4) Treat kayaking steering like part of the fun.

Mangroves are forgiving, but steering is a real skill. If you struggle, take your time and stay close to your guide. The activity is short enough to adjust without turning it into frustration.

5) Bring a realistic view of wildlife.

The day is built for manta rays and reef life, and many people report seeing mantas, turtles, starfish, and other creatures. But weather and visibility can change outcomes, so keep your goals flexible.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This trip is a good match if you:

• Are a confident swimmer
• Want a full day that mixes snorkeling plus kayaking
• Like the chance at manta rays, but can accept that it’s weather-dependent
• Prefer a day plan that includes a solid meal and comfort stops (lunch, shower, lockers)

You should skip it if you:

• Are a non-swimmer
• Have medical conditions listed by the tour, such as heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, or significant blood pressure issues
• Can’t handle moderate physical activity

If you are traveling with kids or older adults, still take the fitness and medical guidance seriously. This is a day on the water, and the tour makes it clear that some health situations mean denied entry.

Should you book the Lembongan and Penida snorkeling plus kayak day trip?

I’d book it if your priority is a structured day of water activities that offers strong value for the money, with three snorkeling stops and a calm mangrove finale. The biggest reason to choose it is the way the plan hits both adrenaline and scenery, with meals and support built in.

I’d think twice if manta rays are your only goal, because Manta Bay is prioritized but not guaranteed, and the day can shift based on conditions. I’d also reconsider if you dislike group logistics or crowded water at the busiest spot.

If you want a practical decision rule:

Choose this tour if you can swim, you want variety in the marine sites, and you’re happy to treat mantas as a bonus. Pass if you need guaranteed wildlife or if you’re not comfortable in open water.

FAQ

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, buffet lunch, kayaking, bottled water, plus towels and lockers. Pickup and drop-off is included for Nusa Lembongan, and transfers are available from Bali mainland for the package that starts from Bali.

Are marine park fees and government fees included?

No. Marine park fees are at your expense, and there is a government fee of IDR100,000 per person listed as not included.

How many snorkeling stops do I get, and for how long?

You snorkel three different spots around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, with the Penida snorkeling time listed as about 3 hours.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Yes. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it requires moderate physical fitness. You also must sign a risk form.

Where do I meet the group when starting from Bali mainland?

The meeting point for Bali mainland starts is Serangan Port (Warung Osaka Yakiniku).

Is the manta-ray spot guaranteed?

Not guaranteed. Manta Point/Manta Bay is the priority if weather is great, and the schedule may shift to other sites if conditions are not ideal.

What’s the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

Is there an age limit for insurance coverage?

Insurance coverage is listed for ages 10-64 only. People outside this range will be denied entry.