Nusa Penida - Scuba Diving with Manta’s

December 14th, 2022

Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Sasha & Eric Hathaway

You never realize how otherworldly animals are until you’re 60 ft underwater with one and you look up and a creature 3 times your size with a face that looked like it was plucked out of the mind of Ridley Scott swims right over the top of you.

Although that may sound terrifying, swimming with these giants was one of the most amazing experiences and my second favorite dive of this trip. I’ve also decided Manta Rays are now my new favorite animal (although I also said that about every other animal we’ve seen on this trip).

Sticking to our typical fashion, we’d just arrived back in Uluwatu after spending a weekend exploring the Northern part of Bali, I decided I wanted to dive with Manta Rays. 20 minutes later, we were on or scooters to try to find a ferry and make our way over to the unbelievably stunning island of Nusa Penida. 

Settled off the eastern coast of Bali and a short 30 minute ferry ride away, Nusa Penida is an absolute gem. If you’re staying in either Uluwatu or Canggu your best bet will be gettiing a ferry out of Sanur, which is about an hour drive from either area. I would say don’t waste the time trying to buy a ticket online, head to the port the day you want to leave and haggle with one of the many vendors on the street to get the best price. There’s never a shortage of tickets! 
 

Mostly known for its famous instagram beaches: Kelingking and Diamond beach (of course I had to get the classic Bali shot), Nusa Penida is filled with much more. One being a large population of reef manta rays! We found a great dive company called DPM diving and would highly recommend diving with them. We quickly befriended the owner Dave who exudes the most infectious vibrant energy! We only had one day to explore this island, however, there is so much more to see so we will definitely be back! 






 





 

What To Do

Getting There