Last week, during the full moon ceremony at Pura Dalem Ped, I watched local women balance canang and offerings while reef lanterns flickered toward the sea. I was there with Pak Made, my long-time boatman, and Bu Sari from Warung Sunrise — and that evening conversation became the backbone of this guide: how much a real, underwater-focused trip to Nusa Penida actually costs, where you can cut corners without cutting safety, and what surprises the island will throw at you (like timed closures for ceremonies and sudden current changes at Manta Point).

Quick summary: what you’ll pay (real numbers)

Exchange rate note: I use 1 USD = 15,000 IDR for easy conversion. Prices below are accurate to my experience in the week of the full moon ceremony (late month) and vary slightly by season.

Item	Typical cost (IDR)	Typical cost (USD)	Notes
Fast boat Sanur <-> Nusa Penida (one way)	150,000–300,000	$10–$20	Operators: Maruti Express, Rocky Fast. Book morning slots for dives.
Scooter rental (per day)	70,000–120,000	$4.5–$8	Kirana Scooter Rental, Pak Wayan Rent-a-Scoot.
Snorkel boat trip (half day, group)	300,000–450,000	$20–$30	Includes lunch, mask/snorkel, guide. Meet Toya Pakeh harbor 08:00.
Single-tank dive (per dive)	600,000–900,000	$40–$60	Penida Dive Center, 1:6 guide ratio desirable.
Two-tank boat dive (daily)	1,200,000–2,000,000	$80–$133	Includes lunch, tanks, weights; add rental gear.
Full snorkel set rental (per day)	80,000–150,000	$5.5–$10	Bring your own mask to save ~IDR 50,000/day.
Accommodation (budget–mid)	150,000–700,000	$10–$47	Warung homestays near Toya Pakeh are cheaper.

1. Planning & timing (the ceremony changed everything)

Because of the full moon ceremony last week, some boat captains paused departures after dusk and small local warungs closed early so families could attend the temple rites. If your travel dates include a major Balinese ceremony (full moon, purnama), plan:

• Book boats and dives at least 3–7 days ahead during high season (July–Oct) and before full moon dates — I asked Maruti Express and they filled the 07:00 and 09:00 slots within two days during the ceremony week.
• If your dive schedule includes night dives, check with your operator: many avoid night trips near ceremonial nights for local safety reasons.
• Best underwater visibility for macro, mantas and mola: July–October for Mola Mola; mantas are fairly consistent April–Nov. Expect heavier current and reduced visibility Dec–Mar.

Book like a local (step-by-step)

• Step 1: Message your preferred operator on WhatsApp (many use WA) 3–7 days ahead. For reef-safe trips, I use Penida Dive Center (arrive harbor 06:15).
• Step 2: Reserve fast boat seats via operator site or direct desk in Sanur. Aim for 07:00 or 08:30 departures for dive days.
• Step 3: Arrange scooter pickup at Toya Pakeh harbor on arrival (Kirana Scooter Rental will deliver for IDR 20,000). Payment in cash preferred.

2. Underwater-specific costs and gear

Breaking down the underwater budget into must-haves, nice-to-haves, and avoid-if-you’re-on-a-budget:

• Must-haves: dive insurance (IDR 100,000–200,000/year travel add-on), reef-safe sunscreen (buy in Bali ~IDR 80,000), and a good snorkel mask (bring from home to save IDR 50,000/day).
• Nice-to-haves: underwater camera rental (IDR 250,000/day), full wet-suit (IDR 100,000–200,000/day), SMB and surface marker on dives (often included for safe operators).
• Cut costs: Share tanks and weights in group dives, bring own mask and fins, and combine snorkeling and land transport with other travelers.

Where I save money (insider tricks)

• Use Pak Made’s boat for combined snorkeling + island-hop day: IDR 350,000 pp instead of booking separate tours. He knows the calm spots when ceremonies shift schedules.
• Rent a scooter for 2 days instead of taxis: IDR 70,000/day vs private driver IDR 500,000/day.
• Eat at Bu Sari’s Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh, approx GPS -8.7287, 115.4629) — nasi campur IDR 25,000 (~$1.70) and she offers strong local Wi‑Fi after lunch hours.

3. Safety & incident warnings (real things I've seen)

During the full moon week I personally helped two separate snorkeling groups caught in a rip near Crystal Bay. Here are actionable safety steps:

• Always check currents with the guide; if unsure, ask for a buddy or to be dropped at a calmer site (Toyapakeh GPS approx -8.7085, 115.4590).
• Ensure the boat carries an emergency O2 kit and trained first-aid staff — ask before boarding. If the operator can't say yes clearly, walk away.
• Report ear issues immediately after surfacing; I've treated two cases of ear barotrauma that could have been prevented with slower equalization.
• Emergency numbers: 112 (Indonesia). The island medical clinic (Puskesmas Nusa Penida) can be located via the harbor office; bring cash for private transfer to mainland hospital if needed.

Gear & dive safety checklist

• Personal mask, snorkel, fins
• Surface marker buoy (SMB) for drift dives
• Reef-safe sunscreen and long-sleeve rash vest
• Dive insurance (Sit or DAN add-on)

4. Cultural etiquette that affects budget & access

At the full moon ceremony I learned two budget lessons: locals prioritize temple access, and respectful tourists sometimes get small discounts. Be mindful:

• Dress modestly near temples (kamben/sash may be required) — rent a sarong at the temple for IDR 20,000 instead of buying a new one.
• Ask permission before photographing ceremonies; a polite “Permisi, boleh foto?” (per-MEE-see, BOH-lay fo-to?) goes a long way. I got free coffee from Pak Made’s family after doing so.
• Support local warungs: Bu Sari told me that spending IDR 50,000 locally can stretch further than IDR 100,000 at tourist restaurants — and feeds guides too.

5. Photography & Instagram tips (underwater)

For mantas and macro I use these practical settings and local tips I refined during the ceremonial week when lighting and tides changed:

• Mantas at cleaning stations: approach slowly, hold buoyancy, and use a wide-angle with strobes off (natural light is often better at 8–12m). Best time: mid-morning when currents ease (ask the skipper).
• Use a red filter or raise ISO slightly for deeper two-tank dives around 18–28m — expect cooler temps July–Oct for mola shots.
• Practice neutral buoyancy in shallow water near Toyapakeh (shore entry) before attempting drift sites.

6. Practical logistics & contacts

Harbor meeting points and quick times:

• Toya Pakeh Harbor (meet for morning dives) — arrive 06:15 for 07:00 departures.
• Crystal Bay (good for snorkeling at sundown) — best visited 15:00–17:30; beware strong currents after 17:00.
• Local ATM: there is an ATM near Toya Pakeh / harbor; bring cash as small shops don’t accept cards readily.

Conclusion — My personal recommendation

During the full moon ceremony last week, I realized true savings come from relationships: schedule around ceremonies, ask Pak Made or Kirana for combined-day deals, and bring your own mask. For an underwater-focused 3-day budget trip you can expect to spend roughly IDR 2–3 million (USD $135–$200) if you’re frugal (fast boat, shared two-tank dive day, budget stay, scooter), or IDR 4–6 million (USD $270–$400) for comfort with private transfers, rental camera, and extra dives.

If you want, I can connect you with local contacts (Pak Made for boats, Bu Sari for homestay meals, and Kirana Scooter) and draft a 2-3 day dive/snorkel itinerary tailored to your budget and the next full moon or mola season. Sampai jumpa—see you underwater!