Question 1

When is the best time to see manta rays in Nusa Penida?

Accepted Answer

Mantas are present year-round at cleaning stations like Manta Point and Manta Bay. Access depends on sea state rather than a strict season. Your best odds come on calm mornings with smaller swell, which are more common Apr–Nov. In rough trade-wind or swell periods, boats pivot to north-coast bays where snorkeling and diving continue. Regardless of month, follow the manta code of conduct: enter quietly, keep at least {{ 3 | distance:m }} away, never enter cleaning stations, and avoid flash photography.

Question 2

When is the best time to see mola mola in Nusa Penida?

Accepted Answer

Ocean sunfish are most reliable Jul–Oct and can extend into Nov when upwellings cool water to {{ 18 | temperature }} or below. Typical encounters occur at {{ 20 | distance:m }}–{{ 30 | distance:m }} around cleaning stations near Crystal Bay and Toyapakeh. Advanced Open Water and recent drift experience are strongly recommended. Wear extra thermal protection and follow the sunfish code of conduct: keep distance, do not block the fish, and let it approach the cleaners undisturbed.

Question 3

How do I get to Nusa Penida from Bali's airport?

Accepted Answer

Fly into **DPS** near Denpasar, then transfer {{ 14 | distance:km }} to **Sanur** fast-boat piers. Boats run throughout the day in good weather, with about {{ 30 | distance:km }} of open-water crossing to Penida. In swell or on holy days, services may reduce or pause, so aim for morning departures and keep a buffer day. Private cars, taxis, and hotel shuttles serve DPS–Sanur; pre-book in peak months.

Question 4

What dive experience do I need for Nusa Penida?

Accepted Answer

For exposed sites like Crystal Bay, Blue Corner, and the Ceningan Channel, **AOW+** and recent drift experience are recommended. You must be comfortable with negative entries, staying close to terrain in current, signaling with an SMB, and blue-water pickups. Easier drifts exist on the north coast in mild tides, so mixed-experience groups can still dive if operators choose appropriate sites. If conditions spike, expect plans to change or cancellations for safety.

Question 5

What wetsuit should I bring for Nusa Penida?

Accepted Answer

Water ranges from about {{ 26 | temperature }}–{{ 29 | temperature }} in warm months to {{ 16 | temperature }}–{{ 23 | temperature }} in upwelling season. Most divers are happy in a **3–5 mm** suit year-round, adding a hooded vest Jul–Oct when thermoclines are common. Snorkelers should bring a shorty or rashguard for sun and wind chill on boats.

Question 6

Are there special fees or permits for visiting and diving?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bali levies a **provincial tourist levy** payable online before or on arrival. The Nusa islands collect a **local retribution** at harbor entry. For water activities inside the MPA, there is a **daily marine fee** for snorkeling and diving that operators typically include or collect in cash. Keep tickets and payment confirmations, as checks happen at piers and viewpoints.

Question 7

Is Nusa Penida suitable for first-time divers and snorkelers?

Accepted Answer

It can be, but only with conservative site choice and reputable operators. Beginners should avoid exposed corners and focus on calmer bays like the north coast and Mangrove Point on Lembongan. Always request a safety-focused briefing that covers current, boat traffic, and manta etiquette. If sea state worsens, skip the session or move to protected sites. Your guide's willingness to cancel is a strong safety signal.

Question 8

What are the main hazards when diving Nusa Penida?

Accepted Answer

Expect swift drifts, occasional downcurrents near channel mouths, surge on south-facing sites, and heavy boat traffic at popular bays. Procedures include negative entries, staying streamlined, close proximity to terrain when needed, and SMB deployment for any open-water ascent. Thermal swings can be sharp in mola season, so dress warmly. If swell closes the south coast, operators will cancel or redirect.

Question 9

Do Grab or Gojek work on Nusa Penida?

Accepted Answer

No. App-based ride services generally do not operate on Penida. Most visitors either rent scooters only if confident riders or hire a local driver by half or full day. Roads can be steep and patched with gravel, so plan conservative times and avoid night riding. Book drivers through your accommodation or dive center during busy weeks.

Question 10

Which operators are good for freediving around Penida?

Accepted Answer

**Freedive Nusa** on Penida and **Blue Corner Freedive** on Lembongan are well-known for courses and coaching. They schedule lines and manta sessions for calmer windows, emphasize boat awareness, and brief code-of-conduct for wildlife. Book ahead in peak months and request early sessions for lighter winds and current.

Nusa Penida

Big-animal drifts, manta cleanings, and cliff-top views a fast boat from Bali

What makes Nusa Penida special

How the diving works

Snorkeling & freediving

Topside

Don't miss while you're here

Manta etiquette briefing

North-coast drift combo

Sunrise on the east loop