Nusa Lembongan Guide: 7 Best Things to Do in the Water (Mantas, Surf and Snorkelling)

Nusa Lembongan is a small island about 30 minutes by fast boat from Sanur, and it is one of the best places near Bali to snorkel with manta rays, surf uncrowded reef breaks and swim in clear, turquoise water. The island is easy to explore by scooter or on foot, has a slower pace than mainland Bali, and sits right next to Nusa Ceningan (joined by the Yellow Bridge) and a short boat ride from Nusa Penida's famous Manta Bay and Crystal Bay. Two or three nights is enough to snorkel, surf, kayak the mangroves and watch the waves explode at Devil's Tear. Below are the seven best things to do in the water, plus when to go and what to pack.

In this article

• How do you get to Nusa Lembongan?
• 1. Snorkel with manta rays
• 2. Snorkel Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay and Toyapakeh
• 3. Float through Mangrove Point
• 4. Surf Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks
• 5. Paddle the mangrove forest
• 6. Swim at Dream Beach and Mushroom Bay
• 7. Watch the swell at Devil's Tear
• What to pack for Nusa Lembongan
• FAQ

How do you get to Nusa Lembongan?

Fast boats leave Sanur beach several times a day and take around 30 minutes, landing at Jungutbatu or Mushroom Bay. There is no jetty at most landings, so expect to step off into knee-deep water. Wear something you are happy to get wet, and keep valuables in a waterproof bag.

Once there, most people get around by scooter, bicycle or the island's open-air trucks. The Yellow Bridge links Lembongan to neighbouring Nusa Ceningan.

1. Can you snorkel with manta rays from Nusa Lembongan?

Yes, and it is the highlight for most visitors. Half-day snorkel trips from Lembongan head to Manta Bay on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida, where reef manta rays come in to feed and be cleaned. If they are not there, boats usually continue to Manta Point as a backup.

• Go early. Morning trips usually have calmer seas.
• Expect swell. The water here is open ocean and can be choppy, so this one is best for confident swimmers.
• Give them space. Never touch or chase the mantas. Float still and let them come to you.

2. Where is the best snorkelling near Nusa Lembongan?

Most snorkel tours combine Manta Bay with two or three reef stops:

• Crystal Bay: famous for its clear water, coral gardens and turtles. Calm and gentle on good days, which makes it a favourite for first-timers.
• Gamat Bay: colourful coral and plenty of tropical fish, with stronger currents at times.
• Toyapakeh Wall: a reef wall off Nusa Penida with healthy coral and drift-style snorkelling.

A note on currents: the channel between Lembongan and Penida has some of the strongest currents in the region. Always snorkel with a local guide and boat, and stay close to the group.

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3. Is Mangrove Point good for beginners?

Yes. Mangrove Point, on the northeast corner of Lembongan, is the easiest snorkel on the island. It is close to shore, sheltered and usually calm, with coral and reef fish in shallow water. It is a great first stop if you are new to snorkelling or travelling with kids. For more snorkel basics, read everything you need to know before your first snorkelling trip.

4. Where can you surf on Nusa Lembongan?

Lembongan's reef breaks sit off the northwest coast near Jungutbatu. Most are reached by a short paddle or a surf taxi from the beach.

• Playgrounds: softer, rolling waves and the friendliest break for beginners and intermediates.
• Lacerations: a long right-hander that is perfect for lessons on small days but turns hollow and shallow when it gets bigger. The name is a warning.
• Shipwrecks: named after a boat that wrecked on the reef in the 1970s, this right gets hollower as the tide drops. Best for experienced surfers.
• Mahana Point: over the bridge on Ceningan, it picks up more swell and is a good backup when Lembongan is flat.

The reef is shallow and sharp, so check tides, book a local guide if you are unsure, and always respect the locals in the line-up.

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5. Can you kayak or SUP the Lembongan mangroves?

Yes. The mangrove forest on the island's northeast is a calm, shaded world of roots and channels. Local operators run traditional canoe tours poled through the forest, and you can also explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Go at high tide, when the channels are full.

6. What are the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan for swimming?

• Mushroom Bay: a sheltered, curved bay with calm water and soft white sand. The best all-round swimming beach.
• Dream Beach: a stunning cove framed by cliffs. Beautiful for sunbathing, but the waves and currents can be powerful, so only swim on calm days.
• Secret Beach (Gala Gala): a quieter stretch for sunset.
• Jungutbatu Beach: long and relaxed, with views across to Mount Agung on clear mornings.

7. Is Devil's Tear safe to visit?

Devil's Tear, a rocky inlet near Dream Beach, is where swell smashes into the cliffs and sprays high into the air, often with a rainbow in the mist. It is spectacular at sunset. Stay well back from the edge, as waves can surge over the rocks without warning. Never swim here.

What should you pack for Nusa Lembongan?

• Two swimsuits so one is always dry. A long sleeve one piece for snorkelling and surfing, and a bikini for beach days.
• UPF 50+ coverage. Boat days are long and shade is rare.
• Mineral sunscreen for your face and hands.
• A sarong for the boat, warungs and temple visits.
• Reef shoes for rocky entries, and cash, as ATMs on the island can be unreliable.

Planning more island time? Our island hopping Indonesia guide covers the Gilis, Lombok and beyond.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali?

Around 30 minutes by fast boat from Sanur. Boats run several times a day, and most landings involve stepping off into shallow water.

How many days do you need on Nusa Lembongan?

Two to three nights is ideal. That gives you a manta snorkel trip, a surf or mangrove session, a beach day and a sunset at Devil's Tear.

Is Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida better?

Lembongan is smaller, easier to get around and better for a relaxed stay with surf and snorkelling. Penida is bigger and wilder, with dramatic cliffs and rougher roads. Many people stay on Lembongan and visit Penida's snorkel spots by boat.

When is the best time to visit Nusa Lembongan?

The dry season, roughly April to October, brings calmer seas, clearer water and the best conditions for the island's surf breaks. The wet season, November to March, is quieter, though some boat trips may be cancelled in rough weather.

Can beginners snorkel with manta rays?

Beginners who are comfortable in open water can, with a life vest and an experienced guide. The sea at Manta Bay can be choppy, so start at calmer spots like Mangrove Point or Crystal Bay if you are nervous.