Snorkeling & Island Hopping from Nusa Lembongan: Your Guide to Manta Rays, Reefs & Hidden Beaches

Crystal-clear waters. Vibrant coral gardens. Manta rays gliding beneath your fins. And sunsets that make time stand still. If you're dreaming of snorkeling in Bali with a side of island-hopping adventure, it’s time to set your sights beyond the mainland,  toward the Nusa Islands.

Just a short boat ride from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan is your gateway to some of Bali’s best underwater experiences and hidden coastal gems. Whether you’re seeking manta encounters, quiet lagoons, or laid-back island life, this guide will help you plan the perfect ocean-inspired escape.

Why Nusa Lembongan is the Perfect Base for Snorkeling & Island Hopping

Smaller and slower than mainland Bali, Nusa Lembongan offers a rare combination of:

●     Easy access to the best snorkeling spots in Bali

●     Smooth island-hopping routes to Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida

●     Calm village charm, cliffside views, and soft golden beaches

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a mindful adventurer, Lembongan puts you right in the center of reef life, marine wildlife, and natural serenity — with far fewer crowds.

Top Snorkeling Spots Around Nusa Lembongan

Here are the must-visit sites to explore the underwater world:

1. Manta Point (Nusa Penida)

One of the most famous snorkeling sites in Indonesia, Manta Point is where you can often swim alongside graceful, giant reef manta rays. Best visited early in the day via boat tour from Lembongan or Ceningan.

2. Crystal Bay (Nusa Penida)

With calm conditions and exceptional visibility, Crystal Bay offers vibrant coral, schooling fish, and if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the rare Mola Mola (sunfish) during its season.

3. Mangrove Point (Nusa Lembongan)

A great shallow-water site ideal for beginners or those who just want to drift over coral gardens and colorful marine life. The currents are gentle, and boat access is quick and easy.

4. Wall Bay (Between Lembongan & Ceningan)

As its name suggests, this is a vertical reef wall full of hard and soft coral, and often home to turtles, clownfish, and reef sharks.

Best Island-Hopping Day Trips from Nusa Lembongan

Island hopping from Lembongan gives you access to three unique islands, each with its own soul:

• Nusa Ceningan: Peaceful and postcard-perfect. Cross the Yellow Bridge, explore Blue Lagoon cliffs, and discover cliff jumps, caves, and the most peaceful sunset lounges.

• Nusa Penida: Big, bold, and raw. Ideal for day trips to visit Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, or a full-day snorkeling & coastal tour.

• Secret beaches around Lembongan: Dream Beach, Sandy Bay, and lesser-known rocky coves await for mid-day swims or sunset views.

Where to Rest & Reset: ARNA Suites & Ocean Lounge, Nusa Ceningan

After a full day in the sea, there’s no better place to return to than ARNA Suites & Ocean Lounge, a boutique bamboo retreat perched above the Blue Lagoon cliffs of Nusa Ceningan.

Just across the Yellow Bridge from Lembongan, ARNA is more than just a stay, it's a sanctuary. Here, you’ll find:

• 360° infinity pool overlooking the ocean

• Bamboo architecture built for rest and natural connection

• Oceanview suites for couples and solo travelers

• One of the most peaceful sunset spots in the entire Nusa island group

• A stunning Ocean Lounge for post-snorkel cocktails, local-inspired meals, and golden hour magic

Whether you stay overnight or visit for a drink after island-hopping, ARNA is a must-visit destination for sunset lovers and anyone seeking beauty without the crowds.

Book your stay or Ocean Lounge sunset table at www.arnabali.com

WhatsApp: +62 855 8588 883

Travel Tips for Snorkeling & Island Hopping Around Lembongan

• Best months to visit: April–October (dry season, calm seas)

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen & reusable water bottle

• Book snorkeling trips early, especially for Manta Point

• Wear water shoes or fins for coral protection

• Use ARNA as a peaceful home base, especially for early-morning tours