My name is Pebri — a Nusa Penida local, dive instructor, and father of two. Ten years island-side I've guided hundreds of snorkelers to Manta Point, but nothing changed me like the morning we almost lost my sister after a dramatic rescue during a family trip. That day taught me exactly when to go, what to expect, and the safety steps that keep you breathing easy while the mantas dance beneath you. This guide is written from our family's view, with real warungs, hotels, GPS points, prices in IDR + USD, and insider tricks you won't find on a booking site.

Where is Manta Point (and exact coordinates)

Manta Point (locally called Manta Bay) lies off the northwest coast of Nusa Penida. Approximate GPS: -8.7231, 115.4638 (approx.). The usual boat departure points are Toya Pakeh Harbor and Sampalan Harbor.

Departure harbors (GPS & travel times)

• Toya Pakeh Harbor — approx. GPS: -8.7039, 115.4556. From Toya Pakeh to Manta Point by speedboat: 20–30 minutes.
• Sampalan Harbor — approx. GPS: -8.7075, 115.4642. Boat time: 25–35 minutes depending on wind.

My family story: the rescue that changed our rules

We were running late; Bu Sari at Warung Sunrise had given my kids extra fried bananas (they begged). We hopped on a shared boat with Penida Snorkel (local operator) at 07:45. Midway, my sister Sinta suffered a sudden cramp and hyperventilated — small waves, strong current, and she panicked in the water. The crew reacted fast: throwline, life jacket, oxygen kit, and radio call. We had to return to Toya Pakeh and then motor to Puskesmas Sampalan. She recovered, but later that week I rewrote every family rule for snorkeling. I share them here so your holiday doesn’t become our near-miss.

When to go: seasons, tides, and best times

• Best season: Dry season (April–October) — calmer seas, clearer water. Peak visibility Jun–Sep.
• Shoulder months: March and November — variable; check local forecasts.
• Avoid: Heavy monsoon storms Dec–Feb — rough seas and many operators cancel.
• Daily timing: First boat 07:00–08:00 is ideal — mantas active on the incoming tide and mornings are less windy.

What to expect at Manta Point (snorkeling specifics)

• Shallow cleaning stations (5–15 m depth) where mantas glide — you'll observe them from the surface while doing drift snorkeling.
• Sometimes strong currents and surge — common practice is to float with a life jacket or use a tow float when doing longer swims.
• Most encounters last 10–30 minutes per stop, depending on manta behavior and boat schedule.

Gear & rental prices

Item	Local price (IDR)	Approx. USD
Full snorkel set rental	50,000	~$3.50
Wetsuit rental	75,000	~$5.00
GoPro rental (day)	250,000	~$16.50
Life jacket (often included)	0–free	0

Costs & booking options (budget to premium)

From our family experience: there are three sensible options depending on comfort and budget. Book early mornings to increase manta chance and calm seas.

Option	IDR	USD (approx.)	Notes
Shared local boat	250,000–350,000	~$16–$23	Basic, no transfer, 6–12 pax. Good value.
Standard tour (pickup + boat)	400,000–550,000	~$26–$36	Hotel pickup, gloves, booties, small group.
Private charter (half day)	1,000,000–1,500,000	~$66–$100	Family privacy, flexible itinerary.

Recommended local operators & businesses

• Penida Snorkel (local operator) — reliable, family-friendly (book via Toya Pakeh shopfront or call the number on arrival).
• Semabu Hills Hotel — comfortable stay near Toya Pakeh. I recommend their early breakfast (call +62 819-### to confirm transfers).
• Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh) — Bu Sari's fried banana and kopi tubruk; great for a pre-boat breakfast (IDR 20k–35k).
• Scooter rental: Penida Scooter Rental — IDR 70,000/day (always take a helmet, check brakes).

Step-by-step: How our family prepares (actionable checklist)

• Day before: Check tide table and weather (ask your operator to confirm high tide windows). Book 07:00 slot if possible.
• Pack night before: reef-safe sunscreen, ID, cash in small bills (IDR), waterproof bag, spare shirt.
• Mornings: Breakfast at Warung Sunrise by 06:15; be at harbor 06:45 for a 07:00 departure.
• On boat: brief from the crew about currents, entry/exit, and hand signals. Put on life jacket if you’re not a confident swimmer.
• In water: stay horizontal, signal calmly if you have a problem, and never chase mantas — maintain 3–5 meter distance from mantas and do not turn your back abruptly.

Safety tips from our rescue (what actually saved my sister)

• Always insist on a boat with an oxygen kit and a trained crew — ask before you board.
• Bring a small personal floatation device or snorkel vest if you get anxious (IDR 60k–120k to buy locally).
• Learn basic signals: point to your mask (problem), wave one arm (need help), thumbs up (OK).
• If someone panics: stay calm, avoid grabbing them from behind, and have a crew member put a life jacket under their arms to float them.
• After any incident, always report to local Puskesmas for a quick check. Puskesmas Sampalan (approx. 15–25 min from Toya Pakeh by scooter) can handle basic emergencies; for major incidents the ambulance to mainland Klungkung/Rumah Sakit is required.

Troubleshooting common problems

• Seas rough/cancelled: ask operator for refund/reschedule; many are flexible if weather is unsafe.
• Motion sickness: take anti-nausea (dimenhydrinate) 1 hour before departure; sit in the middle of the boat and look at horizon.
• Bad visibility: snorkel closer to surface and listen to crew—often mantas still feed despite low vis.

Cultural etiquette & local tips

• Respect offerings: don't walk over small shrines along the harbor. If unsure, say "permisi" (per-MEE-see = excuse me) and step around.
• Common phrases: "Terima kasih" (teh-REE-mah KAH-see = thank you); "Tolong" (TOH-long = please/help).
• Tip your crew with IDR 50k–100k for excellent service — it matters to small families running boats.

Photography & Instagram tips

• Use a wide-angle underwater housing or GoPro with red filter in deep water; set 60–120 fps for slow-motion manta shots.
• Best shots: stay low, keep camera at water level, and let mantas come to you. Never chase — you’ll stress the animal and scare them off.
• For family portraits, ask the crew to anchor a short distance and have someone hold the camera steady on the bow.

Sustainability: how our family protects mantas

• Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid lotions that wash off in the water.
• Choose operators who limit the number of snorkelers per stop and brief guests on no-touch rules.
• Support local warungs and leave no trash — Bu Sari still picks up plastic around the harbor each morning.

Emergency contacts & practical facilities

• National emergency number: 112 (works across Indonesia).
• Ambulance/medical: 119 (ambulance in many regions).
• Puskesmas Sampalan (local health clinic) — ask at Toya Pakeh harbor for the nearest clinic; travel 15–25 minutes by scooter.
• ATM: Toya Pakeh has a cash point (limited); bring cash — many warungs don’t take cards.

Final recommendations from our family

If you only do one thing on Nusa Penida, go to Manta Point with a trusted local operator in the early morning. Book through a reputable operator like Penida Snorkel or ask your hotel (Semabu Hills) to arrange it. Bring cash, a small float, reef-safe sunscreen, and respect the mantas and local customs.

After our rescue I insist on three simple rules for every family outing: 1) pick a licensed boat with oxygen, 2) never snorkel alone, and 3) place safety above photos. Follow these and you’ll leave with memories of graceful mantas — not regrets. Terima kasih — see you under the sunlit water.

Quick contact checklist (save this in your phone)

• Operator (example): Penida Snorkel — book at Toya Pakeh harbor (arrive 06:45).
• Hotel that helps with bookings: Semabu Hills Hotel — ask reception for pickup times 06:30–07:00.
• Local warung for breakfast: Warung Sunrise (Bu Sari) — opens 05:30 daily.