Gamat Bay

If you’re looking to explore Nusa Penida’s vibrant underwater world beyond the tourist-friendly beaches, Gamat Bay is your ticket to adventure. Tucked between Toyapakeh and Crystal Bay, this lesser-known snorkeling site is famous for its healthy coral reefs, colorful fish, and exciting current patterns that challenge and reward more confident snorkelers.

While it may not be as beginner-friendly as Manta Bay or Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay Nusa Penida is often regarded as one of the most rewarding snorkeling spots on the island — especially for those looking for more biodiversity and less crowd.

What Makes Gamat Bay Special?

The first thing you’ll notice at Gamat Bay is the rich, untouched marine biodiversity. The bay is home to massive coral colonies, walls of hard and soft coral, and schools of reef fish in all shapes and colors. Due to its position between two tidal zones, the water is constantly refreshed, bringing nutrients that sustain a thriving underwater ecosystem.

Here’s what sets Gamat Bay apart:

• Extremely healthy reef systems

• Large schools of tropical fish, including snapper, fusiliers, and bannerfish

• Occasional sightings of turtles, moray eels, and reef sharks

• Fewer crowds compared to the more popular spots

• Great conditions for free diving and drift snorkeling

Who Is Gamat Bay Best Suited For?

Gamat Bay is ideal for:

• Confident snorkelers who are comfortable swimming in moderate to strong currents

• Free divers looking to explore drop-offs and deeper reefs

• Adventure seekers who want something more raw and less touristic

It’s not recommended for small children or those who are new to snorkeling unless accompanied closely by a guide and wearing a life jacket. Our team at Discover Nusa Penida always provides safety briefings and monitors sea conditions before entering the water.

What Can You See?

The marine life at Gamat Bay is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll likely encounter:

• Brightly colored parrotfish, triggerfish, and emperor angelfish

• Unique macro life like nudibranchs, sea slugs, and blennies

• Larger species like groupers, batfish, and giant trevallies

• Wide coral beds with varied textures and colors

Visibility can reach up to 25 meters on a good day, making it a dream for underwater photography and GoPro footage.

Access and Location

Gamat Bay is located on the northwest coast of Nusa Penida, not far from Toyapakeh Harbor. However, it’s surrounded by rocky terrain and steep paths, so the easiest way to visit is by boat as part of a snorkeling tour.

Most of our tours at Discover Nusa Penida include Gamat Bay as a second or third stop, usually paired with:

• Manta Bay (to swim with manta rays)

• Wall Point (for reef wall snorkeling)

• Crystal Bay (for a relaxing finish)

This way, you get the best of both worlds: the adventure of Gamat Bay and the comfort of calmer waters afterward.

Safety and Conditions

Because of the stronger currents and exposed location, Gamat Bay should always be visited with a trained guide. Here’s what we provide for safety:

• Life jackets for all guests

• A dedicated in-water guide at all times

• Constant monitoring of sea and weather conditions

• Option to skip Gamat Bay if tides are unsafe

We never compromise on safety, and your guide may decide to adjust the itinerary if Gamat Bay isn’t suitable on the day of your tour.

When to Visit Gamat Bay

The best time to snorkel Gamat Bay is during the dry season (April–October), when water visibility is at its peak and sea conditions are more stable. Early morning visits are best, especially when tides are low and currents are manageable.

If you’re planning to visit outside of the dry season, check with your tour provider in advance to ensure safety and visibility are still ideal.

What to Bring

• Snorkeling gear (provided in all our tours)

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Waterproof camera or GoPro

• Towel and change of clothes

• Water bottle for hydration

Note: You don’t need to bring weights or fins — all equipment is available through Discover Nusa Penida as part of our packages.

Combine Gamat Bay with Other Spots

If you’re planning a full snorkeling experience, Gamat Bay is best combined with:

• Manta Bay – for swimming with giant manta rays

• Crystal Bay – for calmer snorkeling after the challenge

• Wall Point – for dramatic coral wall formations

Our guides will plan the route based on sea conditions to give you the safest and most diverse underwater experience.

Explore Our Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tours

Final Thoughts

Gamat Bay isn’t just another snorkeling stop — it’s a vibrant, living reef that showcases the untamed beauty of Nusa Penida’s marine life. For those willing to go beyond the calm waters and venture into a more thrilling snorkeling experience, Gamat Bay offers one of the island’s richest ecosystems and unforgettable underwater moments.

If you’re ready to take your snorkeling adventure to the next level, let Discover Nusa Penida guide you into the heart of this underwater wonder.