Crystal Bay Nusa Penida – the best snorkeling beach on the island?

Crystal Bay Nusa Penida – the best snorkeling beach on the island?

Discover the island's number 1 snorkeling beach at Crystal Bay Nusa Penida. Learn everything you need to know and see photos of this epic place to inspire your trip.

Crystal Bay Nusa Penida is located on the northwestern end of the island and is one of the most popular beaches. Because here you'll find incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities, as well as a palm-fringed white sandy beach where you can soak up the rays.

In this quick guide I will outline everything you need to know about visiting Crystal Beach Nusa Penida. I will also add some options on how to get here with some above and underwater photos from my visit.

Featured in: The Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida

About Crystal Bay Nusa Penida

This incredibly sheltered bay is world famous in the diving community as THE place to see Mola Mola (the giant sunfish). If you are lucky enough to visit Crystal Bay Nusa Penida in Mola Mola season (August to October) then I highly recommend you book a dive!

Even if you are not a diver, this beach is definitely worth a visit. It is close to the main port town of Toya Pakeh, making it an excellent option for a day trip or sunset viewing if you are staying on the island.
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How to get to Crystal Bay Nusa Penida?

By far the best way to get to Crystal Bay and explore Nusa Penida is to rent your own motorbike. You can get Pons at your accommodation or in the many rental shops at the harbor.

A daily rental costs between 50,000 and 70,000 rupiah for a decent scooter.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid the hassle of bartering, you can book in advance on this website for 50,000 rupiah.

The scooter ride to Crystal Bay from the harbor only takes about 20 minutes, making it one of the closest snorkeling beaches on the island.

See also: How to get to Nusa Penida
alt=“MOTORCYCLE TO CRYSTAL BAY NUSA PENIDA”>
I've pinned the exact location below to help you find your way around. The road here is generally pretty decent. Along the way, you'll pass beautiful palm tree-lined roads and quaint roadside villages and warungs. The final location is the beach, where you will be asked to pay 10,000 rupiah to park your bike (standard on Nusa Penida).

Google Maps Pin: “Crystal Bay Nusa Penida”

Alternative: Crystal Bay from Bali (The Best of Nusa Penida)

Alternatively, if you would prefer to see the best highlights of Nusa Penida on a guided tour, then you can do that too.

There are many different companies offering tours from Bali to Nusa Penida, but when booking you should confirm a few things:

• Stellen Sie sicher, dass es ein schnelles Boot ist
• Stellen Sie sicher, dass alle Gebühren im Voraus bezahlt werden
• Wählen Sie eines mit Schnorcheln in Crystal Bay, Broken Beach und einem Besuch am Kelingking Beach!

To save you the hassle of searching and haggling, I've linked below the best-rated and best-value trip that includes a visit to Nusa Penida's Crystal Bay for snorkeling.

Check Price: Nusa Penida Highlights Tour from Bali

alt=“Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali”>Kelingking Beach

Crystal Bay Nusa Penida: What to Expect

Once you arrive at Crystal Bay, you'll no doubt spot a few tourists sprawled out on the sandy beaches. You can either join them or rent snorkeling gear from one of the guys who work at the little Bali-style beach bars.

In the middle of Crystal Bay is a small, rocky island. We swam to this island to check it out.

Additionally, if you take the slightly beaten paths on the left side of the bay (facing the sea), you can climb to a viewpoint where you can get a good view of the beach and island.

Unfortunately my camera card was damaged from this trip so I lost my great photos of Crystal Bay! Luckily I still have some cell phone and underwater photos of this spot!
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alt="CRYSTAL BAY NUSA PENIDA">

See also: Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida

Snorkeling in Crystal Bay Nusa Penida

Snorkeling is definitely what Crystal Bay is all about! I was pretty blown away by how pristine the coral reef was here. The further out you swim, the better your chances of seeing a cruising manta ray and a green sea turtle.

Below are some underwater photos I took during my time snorkeling in Nusa Penida Crystal Bay.
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alt=“SNORKELING IN NUSA PENIDA”>
alt="CORAL AT CRYSTAL BAY NUSA PENIDA">
alt=“NUSA PENIDA CRYSTAL BAY SNORKELING”>
alt=“SEA SNAKE IN CRYSTAL BAY NUSA PENIDA”>

Overnight accommodation on Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is not a huge island, but there are several options to choose from when deciding on accommodation. Below I have listed my 3 picks for budget, mid-range and luxury accommodation.

Luxury: Adiwana Varnakali ResortThis is not the most expensive luxury resort on Nusa Penida, but definitely one of the best! This resort is right on the water with large, luxurious suites and an incredible included breakfast.
alt="Adiwana Warnakali Resort">
Mid-Range: Jukung CottageThis epic resort-style beachfront cottage offers great value for money. It features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, bar and shared lounge.
alt="Jukung Cottage by Pramana Villas Nusa Penida">
Budget: Hostel Bukit SangcureThis is the accommodation I chose in Nusa Penida. It's a budget backpacker hostel near the harbor and offers breakfast and bike rentals.

alt=“Hostel Bukit Sangcure Nusa Penida accommodation”>

More Nusa Penida travel guides and adventure inspiration

I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Crystal Bay on the island of Nusa Penida off Bali, Indonesia. For more adventure inspiration and travel guides, check out the links below! Oh, and if this guide needs updating, let me know in the comments below!

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