Snorkelling with the Manta rays on Manta point which is on the coast of Nusa Pedina an island 30 mins from Bali is one of my favourite experiences to date.
When planning my trip to Bali, I decided to stay at Nusa Lembognan, a small island next to Nusa Pedina.
I was told the mantas like to feed early and the best chance was to see them at 7am before the boatloads come through.
I woke up at 4:30am to get prepared and used my phone as a torch in the dark to navigate down to the beach to meet with my Captain who was preparing the boat.
I mentioned to him if we could fish on the way, I heard trawling was very good around Lembongan and he handed me a rod
My Captain kept on stopping by the cliffs looking into the water, I personally could not see anything. The water looked very dark and a bit choppy and I started to get anxious – What was I thinking? Can these things kill me? How big are they?
Then he stopped the boat and said quick – Jump in!
I did and after freaking out for a minute as I thought they were surrounding me – and yes they are giant! A calmness came over me and I was having a moment just me and about 15 Giant Mana Rays circuling around me in a feeding circle. It was pretty magical. They are very playful and inquestative creatures coming up very close before darting quickly away.
An hour had passed and it had felt like 5 minutes, then the other dive boats started arriving and before I knew it there were more divers and snorklers there to join to watch this spectauclar show nature was providing. The Mantas seemed unfased and gracefully continued to swim around feeding not bothered by our intrusion to their breakfast.
FACTS:
- Giant Manta Rays can grow up to 9 meters wide
- They do not have those venomous tail spikes that killed Steve Irwin (That was a stingray) They are harmless.
- They live 30-50 years
- Have the largest brain of all fish!
COST TO SWIM WITH MANTAS:
You can do a group tour for $20 USD or opt for a private tour for $70 USD – Includes own Boat and Captain, Water and Snacks for 4 hours
When you arrive at the shore of Nusa Lembognan you will see many different vendors along the shoreline offering tours.
OR if you would like to do a Day trip to Nusa Pedina instead. I met a great Tour guide (Who also is an amazing photographer and brings a drone, Underwater GoPro etc to capture the moments) you can book to organise everything HERE
HOW TO GET TO NUSA PEDINA & LEMBOGNAN:
Nusa Pedina and Lembognan is approx 35 mins from Sanur in Bali (Sanur is approx 25 mins from airport)
You can book a fast ferry that will pick you up from the airport or your hotel. Each time I have used ROCKY FAST FERRY which is $35 USD Return.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Go Pro or underwater camera if you have one to capture the moment
- Sunscreen – Rash vest if you have one to avoid getting burnt
