REVIEW · JIMBARAN
Manta Bay Snorkeling Adventure with Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida All Inclusive
Book on Viator →Operated by Master Bali Tour · Bookable on Viator
Nusa Penida in one long, scenic morning. This all-inclusive day combines a sea swim with big cliff-photo stops, with guides like Rudi helping you find the right timing for views and water time at Kelingking Beach. You also get a fast-boat ride from Sanur that keeps the day moving instead of dragging.
Two things I really like: first, the guide support feels personal, with Rudi described as friendly, patient, and good at directing you exactly where to be. Second, you’re not stuck figuring out logistics—pickup from the Badung Regency and Denpasar area, port transfers, entrances, lunch, and snorkeling equipment are included. One consideration: the schedule is early and the open-sea boat ride can feel rough for sensitive folks.
You’re also in hot weather a lot, and parts of the day involve shared boats. If you get motion sickness easily, plan for that, because the crossing and transfers involve boat travel plus open-water snorkeling time.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- From Jimbaran pickup to Sanur fast boat: how the day starts
- Manta Bay snorkeling safari: what you’re actually paying for
- The guide touch: Rudi’s role in a smooth, photo-friendly day
- Kelingking Beach: the cliff view that defines the trip
- Angel’s Billabong and the big Penida photo circuit
- Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay: where the water and views meet
- Timing, lunch, and why the pace feels long but fair
- What to pack and how to stay sane in the heat
- Price and value: is $125.65 worth it?
- Who should book this snorkeling-and-Kelingking combo
- Should you book this Manta Bay Snorkeling with Kelingking Beach tour?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour start?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- How do I get to Nusa Penida?
- Where will we snorkel?
- Is lunch included?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Does the tour include entrance fees and port levies?
- How big is the group?
- What should I wear for the boat ride?
- Who should not book this tour?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key things to know before you go

- Max 15 travelers means a smaller-group pace for a tour this big
- Shared boat snorkeling in the morning keeps costs down, but expect some crowding in the water area
- Kelingking Beach photo time plus major Penida landmarks like Angel’s Billabong
- Snorkeling bays vary: Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, or Gamat Bay
- Pickup + fast boat + entrances + lunch are bundled, so you’re not budgeting every stop
- Guides help with photos and directions, and Rudi specifically is noted for taking lots of great photos/videos
From Jimbaran pickup to Sanur fast boat: how the day starts
Your day starts early, with pickup arranged from your lobby hotel or villa in the Jimbaran/Bali area (specifically the Badung Regency and Denpasar zones). The tour kick-off is around 6:30 am, and that matters because Nusa Penida days tend to sell out and the water conditions can change fast.
From there, you’ll meet up in the Sanur area to cross by fast boat to Nusa Penida. One review called out how the driver (Ghali) got guests from their villa to Sanur smoothly, and that’s a real value here: the first leg is often where people feel stressed, especially when you’re coordinating timing for boats that won’t wait around.
Once you’re on the island, you’ll be using private transport for moving between Penida sights, even though some parts of the day use shared boats. The result is a nice mix: private-feeling comfort on land, and shared logistics for the water time.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Jimbaran
Manta Bay snorkeling safari: what you’re actually paying for

This is the main event: open-sea snorkeling where you swim, play, and look for tropical fish, stingrays, and possibly a manta ray sighting. The tour is set up as a snorkeling safari, not just a quick stop near shore.
The exact snorkeling location can be Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, or Gamat Bay. That’s not a small detail. Penida’s coastline has very different water areas, and conditions can shift. So while you might go in expecting one bay, you should also be okay with the idea that the operator chooses the best option available for the day.
What’s included (and why it matters):
- Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you the hassle (and cost) of renting at the last minute
- You use a sharing snorkeling boat in the morning, which keeps the experience accessible and helps get everyone to the right water area
One important reality check: this is open sea snorkeling. Even with a good guide, you’ll be subject to how the sea feels that day. In one review, the person noted the passage boat can stir things up for sensitive riders. If you’re even slightly prone to motion sickness, bring a plan (and consider whether open water time is for you).
The guide touch: Rudi’s role in a smooth, photo-friendly day

A big reason this tour scores well is the human side. Rudi is mentioned repeatedly for being friendly, patient, and giving clear direction about where to go and when. In one review, guests also highlighted that Rudi took lots of great photos and videos, which changes the whole experience.
Why that matters for you: on Penida, the landmarks are dramatic, but the logistics can be tricky—paths, viewpoints, angles, timing for light, and moving between spots fast. A guide who can keep you on track means less waiting, fewer wrong turns, and more time at the exact viewpoints you came for.
If you care about photos (and most people do on this itinerary), the guide’s timing and framing help. You’re not just showing up at Kelingking Beach and hoping it works out—you’re being guided through the day so you can get the memory.
Kelingking Beach: the cliff view that defines the trip
Kelingking Beach is the reason many people book Nusa Penida in the first place, and this tour schedules a clear stop for it. In the flow of the day, you’ll reach the cliff area for that iconic viewpoint where the landscape looks like a sculpted ridge and the beach sits far below.
This is not a casual photo corner. It’s a real “get there, shoot, and move” kind of stop. You’ll want to come prepared for heat and sun because you’ll spend time outdoors waiting for the right moment. If you’re thinking about what to wear, one practical tip stands out from the tour info: wear shorts and avoid shoes so you don’t end up with wet shoes when you get on the fast boat.
What makes Kelingking special on this day:
- It gives you a major visual payoff even if you have a rough patch with sea conditions
- It pairs naturally with the snorkeling segment, so you get both “views from above” and “life in the water” in one long loop
- The itinerary is structured so you’re not stuck only doing one type of activity
The one downside to keep in mind is simply the effort and heat. If you’re not comfortable walking around uneven paths, don’t treat this as a “sit and enjoy” stop.
Angel’s Billabong and the big Penida photo circuit
After Kelingking, the itinerary includes a stop at Angel’s Billabong. This is one of the Penida spots that gives you that surreal, “how is this real” coastline vibe. It’s also part of why this tour is popular with Instagram players: your day naturally lines up with the views people come to Penida for.
You’ll then continue into additional bay areas such as Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay as part of the sight circuit. Even if you’ve never been to these locations before, you’ll quickly see the theme: Penida is all angles, cliffs, and dramatic coastlines.
One small note: the tour description also mentions Broken Beach as a possible stop before the return boat. If Broken Beach is included in your specific run, it adds another layer of “wow” scenery before you head back toward Sanur.
Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay: where the water and views meet
Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay come up in two ways: as part of the sightseeing loop and as possible snorkeling bays. That means your day isn’t just sitting on a boat and hoping. You have multiple chances to experience Penida’s coastline from different perspectives.
If your snorkeling bay is Crystal Bay, you’ll be seeing a water area that’s known for snorkeling conditions. If instead the tour routes you to Gamat Bay, you’ll still be in the same broad concept—open-water snorkeling with the goal of seeing marine life.
Keep your expectations realistic: you’re not guaranteed a manta ray sighting on any day. The tour is built around the possibility, and the operator chooses among options like Manta Bay/Crystal Bay/Gamat Bay based on what’s workable.
Timing, lunch, and why the pace feels long but fair
This is an 11-hour style day. That sounds like a lot, but it’s the kind of day where the tour is doing a lot of moving: fast boat across, multiple sightseeing stops, open sea snorkeling, then return.
Lunch is included at a local resto with an ala carte menu. It’s one of the smartest inclusions on this kind of tour because it gives you energy before you hit the next stretch of the island. Since you’re in hot weather most of the day, eating becomes more than a perk—it’s a comfort and safety factor.
Also, the tour uses both private and shared transport:
- Private transport and parking on Penida
- Shared boat snorkeling in the morning
- Shared fast boat transfers back and forth between Sanur and Nusa Penida
For you, the key takeaway is this: your time on the water is managed, but it’s not a private speedboat experience. If you hate crowds or you’re extremely sensitive to motion, you might find the shared boat parts harder than you expect.
What to pack and how to stay sane in the heat

The island is hot, and you’ll be outdoors at multiple viewpoints plus on boats. So pack for comfort, not just for photos.
A few practical pointers based on the tour guidance and how boat days typically feel:
- Wear shorts and avoid shoes during the fast boat parts, so you’re not dealing with wet footwear
- Bring a change of clothes for after snorkeling if you can
- Sun protection matters. Even if the day feels short, you’ll rack up sun time during viewpoint stops and transfers
- Keep water in mind. You’ll be moving for hours, so plan for hydration
There’s also a real safety note included in the tour info: it’s not recommended for travelers with a history of epilepsy and asthma, and it’s not recommended for children under 12. That’s not a “maybe” rule. If you fall into those categories, skip this and choose a gentler option.
Price and value: is $125.65 worth it?
At $125.65 per person, you’re buying a bundle: pickup and drop-off in the Badung Regency and Denpasar area, fast boat transfers (sharing) between Sanur and Nusa Penida, private transport and entrance/port fees on the island, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and the snorkeling boat support.
Is it cheap? Not really. But it is structured. Many Penida days fall apart when you try to piece everything together yourself: transport, port timing, snorkeling gear, entrances, and lunch all stack up. Here, those core costs are bundled.
Where you really get value is the combination:
- Snorkeling + cliff viewpoints in one day
- Included snorkeling gear
- Guide support, especially for photo direction (Rudi is specifically praised for photos/videos and staying patient)
So if your goal is a one-day “Penida greatest hits” experience without making 10 separate bookings, this price starts to feel reasonable.
Who should book this snorkeling-and-Kelingking combo
This tour is a strong fit if you:
- Want big Penida scenery plus time in the water
- Like the idea of a guide who helps with direction and photos (Rudi’s name comes up a lot)
- Are comfortable with a full-day schedule and some shared boat time
You might rethink booking if you:
- Get motion sickness easily (the passage boat can be rough for sensitive riders)
- Need a very calm, slow-paced trip
- Have health conditions listed as not recommended (epilepsy/asthma history)
- Are traveling with a child under 12
Should you book this Manta Bay Snorkeling with Kelingking Beach tour?
If you want one well-organized day that mixes snorkeling with Penida’s most famous cliff views, I think this is a solid choice. The best sign is the consistency in what people praise: Rudi’s friendly guidance, his patience, and the photo/video help, plus the way the day is coordinated from pickup to boat to viewpoints.
Book it when you can handle heat, a long day, and shared boat logistics. Skip it if you’re very sensitive to boat motion or you fall into the health categories listed as not recommended.
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a single ticket to a full Penida highlight loop, this is built for you.
FAQ
What time does the tour start?
The tour start time is listed as 6:30 am.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for the Badung Regency and Denpasar area.
How do I get to Nusa Penida?
You cross by fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, and then return by fast boat sharing the route back to Sanur.
Where will we snorkel?
Snorkeling locations are listed as Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, or Gamat Bay.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included as a local ala carte menu at a resto.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.
Does the tour include entrance fees and port levies?
Yes. It includes Nusa Penida entrance tickets and the levy arrival port in Nusa Penida.
How big is the group?
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.
What should I wear for the boat ride?
The guidance is to wear shorts and avoid wearing shoes, so you don’t get wet when getting on the fast boat.
Who should not book this tour?
It’s not recommended for travelers with a history of epilepsy and asthma, and it’s not recommended for children under 12.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time.






















