Dive and Snorkel in Nusa Penida and Amed – Two Underwater Paradises in Bali - Wonderful Indonesia
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Dive and Snorkel in Nusa Penida and Amed – Two Underwater Paradises in Bali

Bali is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife — but beneath its tropical waves lies a second world of even greater wonder. Two of the island’s most compelling underwater destinations are Nusa Penida and Amed, each offering diving and snorkeling experiences that stay with you long after you’ve dried off. Whether you’re a certified diver hunting for manta rays and sunfish, or a first‐time snorkeler wanting to float above colourful coral reefs and sea turtles, these two destinations deliver.

In this article we’ll explore:

  1. Why Nusa Penida and Amed are special

  2. What to expect underwater: marine life, reef types, dive/snorkel sites

  3. Best times of year and conditions

  4. Dive & snorkel logistics (how to get there, what level you need, operators, tips)

  5. Safety, environment & respectful tourism

  6. Practical tips (gear, fitness, choosing a dive shop, combining both destinations)

  7. A sample itinerary linking Nusa Penida and Amed for a multi-day underwater adventure

Let’s dive in.

1. Why Nusa Penida and Amed are Special

Nusa Penida

The island of Nusa Penida lies off the southeast coast of Bali. Its underwater scenery is dramatic: steep drop-offs, strong currents, and deep channels that feed nutrient-rich water to the reefs. This creates a thriving marine ecosystem. One of the standout features: sightings of giant reef manta rays and the enigmatic sunfish (mola mola). According to one source, "Swimming with manta rays has always been a dream for many of our visitors" in Nusa Penida. (Diving Nusa penida)

From a snorkeler’s perspective, there are places like Crystal Bay and Bay Gamat where colourful reefs, turtles and clear water await. One write-up notes: “Nusa Penida is home to some of the richest marine biodiversity in Indonesia … Whether you’re a beginner snorkeler or an advanced diver, this island has some of the best underwater experiences in Bali!” (Kumanusa)

Amed

On the quieter eastern coast of Bali, Amed is less dramatic from above-water but offers a superb underwater world with black volcanic sand beaches, calm shore access, and excellent macro life (small critters, nudibranchs, leaf fish) and reef habitats. According to a dive centre, Amed is “a hidden gem for divers, known for its black volcanic sand, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life.” (Bali Legends Dive Center)

Because the conditions are often gentler than in Nusa Penida, Amed is ideal for snorkelers, families, beginners and also experienced divers wanting to explore mellow but rich reef sites.

Why compare/visit both?

Visiting both Nusa Penida and Amed gives you the best of both worlds: the adrenaline of deep channels, drift dives and large pelagics at Nusa Penida, and the relaxed reef access, macro highlights and gentler slopes at Amed. For a true Bali underwater journey, combining the two makes sense.

2. What to Expect Underwater – Marine Life, Reef Types & Sites

Marine Life Highlights

Nusa Penida

  • Manta rays: The cleaning stations at sites like Manta Point attract reef manta rays, where snorkelers and divers can float and watch them glide overhead. (nusapenidadivecenter.com)

  • Mola mola (sunfish): During cooler months, these giant oddball fish show up at sites such as Crystal Bay. (Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa)

  • Schools of fish, reef sharks, stingrays and big drop-offs: Sites like Malibu Point boast jacks, tuna, reef sharks and stingrays. (ringsameton-nusapenida.com)

  • Vibrant coral walls and healthy reefs at many sites.

Amed

  • Turtles, reef fish, and gentle house reefs that begin almost at the shoreline. For example, the site at Jemeluk Bay features turtles and colourful reef fish. (Bali Legends Dive Center)

  • Hidden critters: worm-like leaf fish, nudibranchs, frogfish, ghost pipefish in the black sand muck sites and reef slopes. (Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa)

  • Artificial reef “pyramids” have been set up, drawing schooling fish and larger predators. (scubadivingbali.com)

  • Dive sites range from shallow reef (5 m) to deeper drop-offs (60 m) so there’s something for all levels. (scubadivingbali.com)

Reef Types and Underwater Features

Nusa Penida

  • Steep walls, strong currents and deep underwater channels owing to the location on the fringe of Bali’s continental shelf. This produces dramatic drop-offs and rich pelagic life. (Reddit)

  • Shallow bays for snorkeling such as Crystal Bay where reef slopes gently and you can float above coral. (ringsameton-nusapenida.com)

  • Cleaning stations and “halls” of manta rays at designated points.

Amed

  • Black volcanic sand beaches (distinctive to Bali’s east side) leading into reef slopes and drop-offs. (Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa)

  • Muck diving and macro reef sites are common: sand beaches, rubble slopes, gentle currents.

  • Artificial reef structures (pyramids) placed to regenerate reef life and draw fish. (scubadivingbali.com)

  • Shore-entry accessible reefs (good for snorkelers and beginner divers).

Top Dive & Snorkel Sites to Know

Nusa Penida

  • Manta Point / Manta Bay: Renowned for manta ray sightings. Excellent for snorkelers and divers alike. (Diving Nusa penida)

  • Crystal Bay: Clear water, reef slopes, occasional sunfish, snorkel access. (ringsameton-nusapenida.com)

  • Malibu Point, SD Point: For more advanced divers — deeper, stronger currents, bigger fish. (ringsameton-nusapenida.com)

  • Gamat Bay: Hidden gem for snorkeling, especially for quieter experience. (Kumanusa)

Amed

3. Best Times of Year & Conditions

Seasonal Considerations

Nusa Penida

  • The peak season for seeing sunfish (mola mola) is around July–October when water temperature drops a little and visibility is high. (Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa)

  • Manta rays can often be seen year-round, but conditions (currents, swell) may vary. Gentle mornings tend to produce better snorkel conditions. (Kumanusa)

  • Because of the open-ocean nature and deeper channels, currents can be strong and conditions rough. As one diver wrote:

    “The currents around Nusa Penida are no joke… If you’re not a confident diver or swimmer I’d be really cautious.” (Reddit)

Amed

  • More sheltered and accessible year-round thanks to its calm eastern coast orientation.

  • Water temperatures generally between 26-30 °C. (Bali Legends Dive Center)

  • Visibility tends to be good during the dry season (April–October), but always check local weather and sea conditions.

Conditions to Check

  • Sea state & swell: For snorkelling especially, rough seas can spoil the experience or make it unsafe — this is a risk more in Nusa Penida than Amed.

  • Current strength: At Nusa Penida many dive/snorkel sites are subject to drift or strong current; choose guides/shops that know the spots and adjust accordingly.

  • Visibility: Clearer water = better experience. When the water is murky, colours fade and critters are harder to spot.

  • Tide and wind: Especially for snorkelers, calm tide and sheltered bays help. In Nusa Penida early morning often offers calmer seas.

  • Crowds: Some sites like Manta Point and Crystal Bay get busy. Arriving early helps. One snorkeler’s comment:

    “We did a snorkelling tour in Nusa Penida… only two of us. It was great … but at Crystal Bay there were tons of boats.” (Reddit)

4. Dive & Snorkel Logistics (How to Get There, Level Requirements, Operators & Tips)

Getting There

To Nusa Penida

  • Typically from Bali mainland: guests often depart from Sanur or Padang Bai by speedboat or dive boat to Nusa Penida. Travel time ~30–60 minutes (depending on starting point).

  • Dive/snorkel centres often include boat transfers in their packages. For example: a dive centre on Nusa Penida offered snorkel packages: 2 sites in a day. (nusapenidadivecenter.com)

To Amed

  • Located on Bali’s east coast, reachable by road from Bali’s major resort areas (Sanur, Kuta) in roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. For example, one site lists 2 h 30 m from Nusa Dua to Amed. (scubadivingbali.com)

  • Once in Amed you can access snorkel/dives from shore or small local boats (jukung) very easily. (Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa)

Level Requirements & Who It’s For

For Snorkelers

  • In Amed: Very suitable for beginners, families and novices because of gentle conditions and accessible reefs. For example:

    “First time in Bali … Amed it is then!” (about snorkeling with a 4-year-old) (Reddit)

  • In Nusa Penida: More challenging in places. Some spots can have stronger current or deeper drop-offs. As one guide put it:

    “For snorkeler with less swimming knowledge we highly recommend guide, life jacket and buoy.” (Diving Nusa penida)

  • Ensure you can swim adequately, have snokerling gear, and preferably use a tour/guide to pick safe spots.

For Divers

  • Nusa Penida: Many advanced dive sites (drift dives, deep spots, strong current). Good for certified divers seeking thrill and big marine life.

  • Amed: Great for all levels including beginners and advanced divers. Shore entry sites and relaxed conditions make it user-friendly; technical divers also have deeper walls and wrecks. (Bali Legends Dive Center)

  • Always check with your dive centre about depth, current, certification required and whether a refresher is recommended.

Choosing a Reliable Dive/Snorkel Operator

  • Look for centres with good safety records, certified instructors/divemasters, properly maintained gear and small groups.

  • Ask about boat condition, emergency procedures, ratio of guide to guests, whether the site choice is flexible depending on conditions.

  • Example of a well-equipped dive centre in Amed:

    “Our fully equipped SSI Dive Center … offers guided diving and snorkeling … For certified divers … we have exciting Specialty Courses …” (Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa)

  • Read recent reviews (e.g., on Reddit) where snorkelers/divers comment on crowding, currents and boat traffic. For instance, one snorkeler said:

    “The boat ride was great, the snorkeling not so much … lots of boats with propellers … I would recommend snorkeling at Gili islands not as hectic.” (Reddit)

  • Ask the operator about their cancellation policy, weather contingency, and what is included (gear rental, transfers, lunch, etc).

Gear & What’s Included

  • At many operators gear rental is included or available: snorkel mask, fins, buoyancy device (snorkel) or full dive set (diving).

  • For example in Amed a snorkel rental set is about Rp 100,000 per day. (id.bintangdivers.com)

  • Bring your own mask/fin if you prefer comfort and great fit.

  • Other essentials: reef-safe sunscreen (many Bali dive centres recommend), hat, towel, water bottle, cash for tips or extra rental items.

  • For divers: logbook, certification card, dive computer (or ask about rental).

  • Don’t forget your camera/GoPro if you want photos — the marine life is photogenic.

5. Safety, Environment & Respectful Tourism

Safety Considerations

  • Strong currents: As noted, Nusa Penida has some challenging currents. Even snorkelers need to exercise caution. One diver’s caution:

    “If you’re not a confident diver or swimmer I’d be really cautious about which dive centre you went with.” (Reddit)

  • Boat traffic: Some snorkel sites can be crowded with dive/snorkel boats and you may need to watch for boat inflows/propellers.

  • Sea state & weather: High swell or winds may cancel tours; always check with operator.

  • Medical: For diving, ensure you are medically fit. For snorkeling, especially in less calm seas, you should be comfortable in the water.

  • Incidents: Recent news highlight risk in boat transport and open water — e.g., a snorkel boat off Nusa Penida capsized in 2025. (The Guardian)
    While this is not to scare you, it underscores the need to choose reputable operators and respect sea conditions.

  • For snorkelers, if you are weak swimmer or non-swimmer, pick gentle bays (Amed is more suitable than some Nusa Penida sites). One Reddit user emphasized:

    “Avoid Penida if you really can’t swim.” (Reddit)

Environmental & Respectful Practices

  • Always use reef-safe, biodegradable sunscreen. Many Bali dive centres insist on this to protect marine life.

  • Do not touch the coral or marine animals. Maintain proper buoyancy.

  • Do not feed fish or bait mantas — this disrupts their natural behaviour.

  • Avoid some times of day when manta cleaning stations need quiet or less disturbance.

  • Support local operators who are ecologically aware or involved in reef restoration. In Amed one centre has “our house reef … our reef restoration project … teeming with fish and healthy coral formations.” (Siddhartha Oceanfront Resort & Spa)

  • Respect local culture and rules. Some dive sites may fall within protected areas or have special regulations.

6. Practical Tips for Your Trip

Gear & Personal Prep

  • If you are diving: bring your certification card, logbook, dive computer (if you have). If you haven’t dived in a while, consider a refresher.

  • For snorkelling: bring at minimum a well-fitting mask and snorkel; fins if possible; a reef-safe sunscreen; a snorkel vest or life jacket if you are not strong swimmer.

  • Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended), a hat, towel, water, and maybe a rash guard for sun protection when floating.

  • If you wear prescription glasses/contact lenses, consider a mask prescription insert or bring lens-compatible gear.

  • Underwater camera: ensure you have SD card space, battery, and ideally without flash for reef safety. One operator noted rental of action camera in Amed for Rp 300,000. (bintangdivers.com)

Fitness & Skill Level

  • Snorkeling in calmer sites is fine for most people. But for Nusa Penida’s more challenging spots, you should be comfortable swimming in open water with some current.

  • If diving and you have not dived recently, a refresher is wise — especially if you’re heading to drift or deep sites.

  • Stay hydrated and well rested. Avoid alcohol the night before dives/snorkels.

  • Listen carefully to the briefing: entry/exit points, signals, expected depth/time, safety stops (for divers) and boat traffic zones (for snorkelers).

Choosing the Right Operator & Tour Style

  • For snorkelers: pick tours that suit your level and aim (e.g., seeing mantas vs. relaxing reef snorkel). For example in Nusa Penida one snorkel tour offers “2 sites: Manta Point + Crystal Bay” and notes “For good swimmer it is fun … For snorkeler with less swimming knowledge we highly recommend guide, life jacket and buoy.” (Diving Nusa penida)

  • For divers: pick an operator that offers small groups, boat transfers, knowledgeable guides, and flexible site choice.

  • In Amed: choose a shop with house reef access or shore entry if you prefer minimal boat travel.

  • Ask about included services: transfers, gear rental, lunch/snacks, snorkel guide, insurance, emergency plan.

  • Check cancellation policies (especially if weather is unpredictable).

  • Read recent reviews and ask for recommended times (early morning is often best).

Combining Nusa Penida and Amed

  • If you’re staying on Bali for say 7-10 days, you could spend 2–3 nights in Amed (east coast) and 2–3 nights in Nusa Penida (southeast island).

  • Travel between these may require you to go back to mainland Bali or take a ferry. Plan for travel time.

  • Make sure your dive/snorkel schedule allows rest days and a buffer for bad weather.

  • Pack accordingly: some mores isolated resorts may have fewer facilities than main tourist areas.

7. Sample Itinerary – 7-Day Underwater Adventure

Here’s a suggested itinerary for combining both destinations:

Day 1 – Arrival in Bali; transfer to Amed (east coast). Settle in, snorkel from shore at Jemeluk Bay to acclimatize.
Day 2 – Dive or snorkel morning at the house reef; afternoon relax on the black sand beach, watch sunset.
Day 3 – Full dive day: choose a morning wreck dive (Japanese Shipwreck) and an afternoon muck/macro dive or snorkel.
Day 4 – Rest morning; transfer mid-day from Amed to Bali → then onward to Nusa Penida. Check in and evening relax.
Day 5 – Early morning boat to Nusa Penida; snorkel/diving at Manta Point + Crystal Bay. Return to island resort.
Day 6 – Dive day: choose more advanced site (Malibu Point or SD Point) if certified, or a gentler reef snorkel if not.
Day 7 – Last morning snorkel/relaxation; return to Bali mainland, onward travel.

Bonus tips:

  • Always pace your underwater exposure and allow time to decompress (especially after deep dives) before flying.

  • Capture both macro (Amed) and pelagic (Nusa Penida) species to get full diversity.

  • Consider a rest day in between the intense snorkeling/diving to enjoy Bali’s culture, spa or beach time.

Conclusion

Whether you’re chasing majestic manta rays and sunfish in the deep channels of Nusa Penida, or floating above turtle-inhabited reefs and spotting tiny critters in the black sand of Amed, Bali’s underwater world is rich, varied and unforgettable. These two destinations complement each other beautifully: the thrill of open-ocean dive spots, the serenity of near-shore snorkeling and macro life, the warmth of Balinese hospitality and the splendour of coral reef ecosystems.

By choosing responsible operators, being aware of conditions and your own abilities, and committing to respect marine life and coral reefs, you’ll enjoy an experience that is not only thrilling but also sustainable. So pack your mask, fins, camera and sense of adventure — the waters of Nusa Penida and Amed are calling.

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