REVIEW · KUTA
Scuba Diving Nusa Penida Manta Point 3 dives for certified divers
Book on Viator →Operated by Zero Gravity Diving · Bookable on Viator
Manta season and tight groups make this worth it. This outing leans hard into safety-first underwater guidance with a max of four certified divers per leader, and you also get the comfort of modern equipment. One watch-out: the price here says equipment costs extra, so confirm what rental you need before you go.
I like that the trip is built for real downtime too: hotel transfers reduce stress, and the speedboat has onboard Wi-Fi so the long travel feels shorter. It runs about 8 hours, typically starting 7:00–8:00 am and wrapping around 2:00–3:00 pm.
For certified divers, you’ll also need to complete a PADI medical form (required before you can participate). If you answer yes to any questions, you’ll need doctor approval as instructed on the form, so plan that in advance.
In This Review
- Key things I’d bet on before you book
- How the day really feels: early start, big water, small group
- Price and value: what $233 buys (and what might cost more)
- Pickup, speedboat, and the morning flow from your hotel
- First underwater session: Nusa Penida and the Manta Point bet
- Second underwater session: Crystal Bay vs Nusa Lembongan (and why it may change)
- If you go the Crystal Bay route
- If you go the Nusa Lembongan route
- Wildlife goals that are actually relevant to your expectations
- Safety, equipment, and the PADI medical form you must complete
- What I’d notice in the reviews: organization, communication, and named guides
- Practical logistics you’ll thank yourself for
- Who this is best for (and who should reconsider)
- Should you book this Nusa Penida and Lembongan plan?
- FAQ
- Is this experience only for certified divers?
- How long does the outing last?
- Do you pick up from hotels?
- Where does the speedboat depart from?
- How big is the group?
- What marine animals are you aiming to see?
- Does the second underwater session always happen at the same place?
- Is scuba equipment included in the price?
- What comfort and onboard items are included?
- What do I need for the PADI medical form and what if the weather turns?
Key things I’d bet on before you book

- Max 4 certified divers per underwater leader for hands-on supervision
- Manta Point first, then a second underwater session that may shift to Crystal Bay or Nusa Lembongan
- Manta rays are the headline, with mola-mola possible in season
- Hotel pickup + 2-way transfers, plus air-conditioned vehicle comfort and Wi-Fi
- What you get on board: lunch, fruit, bottled water, towel, and even a marine toilet
- Equipment may cost extra (double-check your confirmation)
How the day really feels: early start, big water, small group

This is a full-day ocean trip built around two underwater sessions. The rhythm is straightforward: you’re picked up in the morning, transferred toward Sanur, then you head out by speedboat to the Nusa islands. The speedboat ride is listed as about 45 minutes from Sanur to the southern island area, so you’re committing to a day on the water, not a quick half-hour splash.
What makes this outing feel different is the group size. The setup is designed around an underwater leader-to-diver ratio of one leader for up to four CERTIFIED divers. That matters because busy sites can get chaotic fast. A small group means more time for briefing, better buddy checks, and quicker adjustments if conditions change.
You also get a few comfort upgrades that reduce the stress load: an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi before departure, and Wi-Fi on board the speedboat. In plain terms: you’re not just sitting in traffic and seawater haze all day. You’ve got enough creature comforts to keep your brain calm.
Timing-wise, you’ll start around 7:00–8:00 am (the meeting window is listed as 6:30–7:30 am). You’ll be back around 2:00–3:00 pm. If you’re the type who hates rushed mornings, you’ll want to sleep early the night before.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kuta.
Price and value: what $233 buys (and what might cost more)

At $233 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to do Nusa Penida, but it also isn’t priced like a private charter. The value case is the combination of:
- Two-way hotel transfers
- A small-group structure (max 12 travelers total, with max 4 certified divers per leader)
- All fees and taxes
- Lunch, fruit, bottled water
- Comfort items like a towel, and on-board basics like a marine toilet
- The practical logistics of running from Sanur by speedboat
Where the value can get tricky is equipment. The trip overview says the price excludes equipment and rental charges may apply. But the inclusions list also says use of scuba equipment. Since those two lines conflict, treat it like this: before payment is finalized, check what your confirmation says you’re getting. If equipment is included in your specific booking, great. If not, you’ll want to budget for rental early so it doesn’t turn into a last-minute surprise.
Also note that the maximum traveler count is 12. That ceiling is meaningful because it keeps the trip feeling organized instead of like a moving assembly line.
Pickup, speedboat, and the morning flow from your hotel
This experience starts with a morning pickup. Pickup is offered, and the trip includes 2-way hotel transfers. The vehicle ride is described as air-conditioned with Wi-Fi, which helps if you’re leaving Kuta area early and want to get comfortable fast.
Once you’re on the water, you’re not just shuttled out there. The speedboat includes key comfort elements:
- Wi-Fi on board
- A marine toilet
- Lunch, fruit, and bottled water included
There’s also the small but real convenience of a towel provided.
One other detail worth noting: the operator uses a mobile ticket. That’s handy because you’re less likely to be stuck digging through paperwork on a chaotic morning.
The bottom line: the trip is structured to prevent the usual “where do we go, what do we do, and when” stress. You still have an early start and a fast boat, but the day has clear checkpoints.
First underwater session: Nusa Penida and the Manta Point bet

Your first stop is Nusa Penida Island, and the plan centers on Manta Point. This is where you go looking for manta rays, and it’s also where bamboo sharks are mentioned as part of the underwater wildlife you might encounter.
Manta Point is the kind of site where timing, current, and conditions matter. That’s why the small certified group matters again. When conditions shift, an attentive leader can adjust the plan and keep everyone together.
Another practical thing: you shouldn’t expect the underwater encounter to be guaranteed. Even in good conditions, manta rays are still wild animals. But if your priority is manta rays, this plan is purpose-built around that goal.
If you’re the kind of diver who likes variety, Manta Point plus a second site later in the day gives you a broader species target than staying in one area.
Second underwater session: Crystal Bay vs Nusa Lembongan (and why it may change)

The second underwater session is flexible by conditions. Your day is described as:
- Manta Point first
- Then a second underwater session at either Crystal Bay or Nusa Lembongan
You’ll also see multiple underwater areas listed for the mola-mola and giant trevally opportunity, including Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Toya Pakeh, SD, PED, and Buyuk. The message to you is simple: the operator will aim you toward the best conditions for the wildlife they’re targeting, rather than forcing one fixed spot no matter what.
If you go the Crystal Bay route
Crystal Bay is linked with the chance of mola-mola (oceanic sunfish) and giant trevallies. Mola-mola are described as possible in season. That word matters. If it’s not in season, you’re still likely to get plenty of marine life, but the mola-mola odds drop.
A useful way to think about Crystal Bay: you’re not just hunting one species. You’re also getting big pelagic energy—trevallies and other active swimmers.
If you go the Nusa Lembongan route
Nusa Lembongan is described as having excellent coral health, and the plan includes a drift-style current swim. That’s a different kind of experience than staying put and holding a spot. It can feel more like gliding through a natural conveyor belt of life, depending on the current and your comfort level.
This is also where you might get a more reef-focused look, with the chance to see a healthier coral environment.
Wildlife goals that are actually relevant to your expectations

This outing is built around two headline targets:
- Manta rays at Manta Point
- Mola-mola in season, with Crystal Bay as a prime area
The tour also lists other animals you might see: bamboo sharks at Manta Point, plus mola-mola and giant trevallies at the other Penida/Lembongan options.
The operator’s team also talks about additional wildlife they’ve shown visitors on other outings, including sea turtles. You shouldn’t treat that as a guarantee, but it tells you the day isn’t only about one animal.
One more realistic point: wildlife sightings depend on season and conditions. So if manta rays are your top priority, this plan still makes sense because it puts you at Manta Point for the first session. If mola-mola are your top priority, understand you’re in a seasonal game, and a smart operator uses site options to improve odds.
Safety, equipment, and the PADI medical form you must complete

Safety is repeatedly emphasized, and the reviews are consistent on one theme: the team runs a calm, structured operation. They use modern equipment, and the day is organized without chaos.
Even better, the supervision ratio is clearly stated: one underwater leader for max four certified divers. That small ratio is a safety advantage, not just a comfort perk.
You also must complete a PADI medical form. This isn’t optional. The info given here is direct: if you answer yes to any medical questions, you must consult your doctor before arrival for a signature approval as requested on the form. That means you should either:
- get the form handled early, or
- bring documentation if you need the doctor sign-off
If you’re prone to motion issues, remember this is a speedboat day. The provided info doesn’t mention seasickness meds, so don’t rely on the operator to solve that. Plan ahead for your own comfort.
What I’d notice in the reviews: organization, communication, and named guides

The standout praise in the reviews centers on organization and safety-first attitudes. People highlight that the pickup and drop-off are included and that everything runs smoothly.
Guide quality comes up again and again, with named team members mentioned:
- Branko is praised for fast, professional email communication
- Robert is called out for kind help and strong guidance during the day
- Alfian is mentioned as taking good care of divers
- Nikola is referenced in connection with patience and useful instruction (including for certification training)
There’s also consistent praise for maintained equipment and modern gear, plus the idea that the boat setup is practical and comfortable.
If you care about how a company communicates before you arrive, this operator seems to take that seriously. In places like Nusa Penida where weather and conditions can change, good communication is more than manners. It’s part of a safer day.
Practical logistics you’ll thank yourself for
Here are a few nuts-and-bolts points that affect your day more than you’d think:
- Max 12 travelers: the group stays manageable, which helps with briefing and timing.
- Lunch, fruit, and water included: you’re not hunting food between the boat legs.
- Towel provided: a small thing, but you won’t have to pack extra.
- Marine toilet on the speedboat: long days on the water feel easier when basics are handled.
- Onboard Wi-Fi: it turns travel time into downtime you can actually enjoy.
Also keep in mind the experience requires good weather. If weather shuts things down, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund (that part is specifically stated).
One more consideration: the meeting window is 6:30–7:30 am, even though your day starts later from your hotel. Show up early enough that you’re not sprinting.
Who this is best for (and who should reconsider)
This plan is a strong match if:
- you’re PADI-certified and want small-group supervision
- manta rays are a major bucket-list target
- you’re comfortable with a fast morning and a full day on the water
- you want a guided structure that reduces decision fatigue
It may be less ideal if:
- you don’t want to deal with equipment rental (and the price may not include it, depending on confirmation)
- you’re sensitive to boats and early starts and don’t plan for it
- you want a super flexible schedule outside a fixed morning departure
If you’re not certified, the info here points you to a try-dive option instead, rather than this certified-diver package.
Should you book this Nusa Penida and Lembongan plan?
I’d book it if your priorities line up with the actual design: Manta Point as the first target, a second session that may shift toward Crystal Bay for mola-mola odds or toward Lembongan for coral health and a drift-style experience, and a safety-first small-group setup.
I would hesitate only if you’re unclear on equipment inclusion. Because the information provided says equipment is excluded in the overview but also lists equipment as included, the smartest move is to confirm what you’ll pay for and what’s provided before you commit.
If you want a well-run day with named professionals, a tight ratio, and a serious shot at manta rays, this is a very reasonable way to spend a day in the Nusa islands.
FAQ
Is this experience only for certified divers?
Yes. This package is described as a 2-session plan for certified divers. If you aren’t certified, it directs you to a try-dive experience instead.
How long does the outing last?
It runs for about 8 hours, with a typical schedule starting at 7:00–8:00 am and finishing around 2:00–3:00 pm.
Do you pick up from hotels?
Yes. Hotel pickup and 2-way transfers are included.
Where does the speedboat depart from?
The trip description says the speedboat ride is about 45 minutes from Sanur to the southern Nusa islands.
How big is the group?
The maximum traveler count is 12. For the water, the ratio is one underwater leader for up to four certified divers.
What marine animals are you aiming to see?
The plan highlights manta rays at Manta Point, plus bamboo sharks. The other area(s) are linked with mola-mola and giant trevallies, and mola-mola is noted as possible in season.
Does the second underwater session always happen at the same place?
No. The second session is described as either Crystal Bay or Nusa Lembongan. The listed potential areas for mola-mola/trevallies include Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, Toya Pakeh, SD, PED, and Buyuk.
Is scuba equipment included in the price?
The info is mixed: the overview says the price excludes equipment and rental charges apply, but the inclusions list also mentions use of scuba equipment. Check your booking confirmation to be sure what you personally will be charged for.
What comfort and onboard items are included?
Included items include lunch, fruit, bottled water, a towel, air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi, and Wi-Fi on the speedboat. The speedboat also has a marine toilet.
What do I need for the PADI medical form and what if the weather turns?
You must complete a PADI medical form. If you answer yes to any questions, you need doctor approval and a signature before you can participate. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.
























