Try Scuba Diving for Beginners with manta rays (Non – Certified)

A manta ray encounter starts with good control. This beginner try scuba program in Nusa Penida pairs pool practice with two shallow underwater sessions, with small group sizes and a strong focus on breathing and neutral buoyancy. I also like how much of the day is planned for comfort: you get all scuba equipment, plus lunch and drinks so you’re not scrambling around hungry or thirsty.

What makes it especially appealing is the structure. You start with around 45 minutes of pool training, then head out for two underwater sessions where you’re likely to see manta rays up close. One consideration: the experience depends on conditions, and one past concern involved an unhelpful coach attitude, so you should speak up early if something feels off.

Key Highlights You’ll Notice Right Away

• Small instructor ratio (1:2) so you’re not lost in a big group
• Pool training first to build basic scuba breathing and body control
• Manta rays around Nusa Penida with a strong chance of sightings
• Gear included, including the mask so you don’t have to pack it
• Food and hydration built into the day with lunch, drinks, snacks, and fruit

Nusa Penida and Manta Rays: Why This Location Works for Beginners

Nusa Penida is one of those places where the ocean feels like part of the show. The real draw is the chance to meet gentle giants—manta rays—during a day designed for people who are not scuba certified. The tour is built around that idea: you’re not just trying scuba in a random pool-like setting. You’re doing it where the animals you came for are actually in the picture.

For first-timers, location matters because it shapes what you’ll remember. If the water time is calmer and the team can keep your body steady, you spend less effort fighting your gear or panic breathing. Instead, you get to enjoy the slow, new feeling of being underwater while staying in control.

The tradeoff with Nusa Penida is that it’s the ocean. Weather can affect plans, and you need good conditions for this kind of beginner program to feel safe and smooth.

What “Try Scuba” Means When You’re Not Certified

This is a non-certified try scuba program. In plain terms: you get training and guidance so you can do shallow, instructor-led underwater sessions without already knowing all the scuba skills.

That’s a big value point. Real scuba certification takes time and more steps, but this program gives you a taste of the experience: breathing underwater, learning buoyancy basics, and getting comfortable with gear in a supportive way. The program also emphasizes a neutral buoyancy goal—staying level and controlled rather than bobbing or sinking.

There’s also a practical check-in: the day is for people who are in healthy condition and mindset, with moderate physical fitness. If you’re dealing with health concerns, you’ll want to be honest before you go, because this is still an active water experience.

The Morning Plan: Pool Training Before You Ever Get Wet

The day starts with pool training at 8:00 am, with about 45 minutes of instruction. Your activity start time is listed as 8:30 am, so I’d plan to arrive early and be ready to go when they start. The goal of this session is simple: you learn the key skills on land-like water first, when you’re not dealing with open-ocean movement or visibility changes.

In the pool, you’re working on the basics that make the rest of the day possible:

• breathing calmly through scuba gear
• learning buoyancy so you don’t kick down or float up
• understanding how to move slowly and stay stable

This matters because the underwater part is less about athleticism and more about control. The whole day is designed so you can get your bearings fast and then focus on the excitement—like the possibility of manta rays—rather than spending mental energy on basic technique.

On the Boat: Gear, Meals, and Staying Comfortable

Once the training is done, you head out for the two underwater sessions. The program includes your scuba equipment, and it also takes care of the food side of the day: lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, coffee and/or tea, snacks, and fruit.

That may sound like small stuff, but it’s a big deal for beginner experiences. Scuba days can make you forget to eat, and dehydration can mess with how you feel in the water. Having meals and drinks included helps you keep your energy steady so you can listen, follow instructions, and stay calm.

Also note what’s not included: private transportation. You meet at the dive center—Sanctum Dive Nusa Penida—and the experience ends back at the meeting point. So you’ll want to arrange your own way to the center and plan for a full morning.

Safety and Instructor Ratio: Small Groups, Real Oversight

One of the strongest selling points here is the supervision style. The program states a maximum of two divers per instructor (ratio 1:2). In beginner scuba experiences, that ratio can be the difference between learning and just hoping things go okay.

Why it matters:

• You get more individual correction when your buoyancy or hand position needs adjusting.
• If you feel confused or anxious, someone is closer and can respond quickly.
• The instructor can watch your posture and breathing instead of splitting attention across a larger group.

The program also limits group size overall, with a maximum of 10 travelers. Again, that supports a controlled, coached day instead of a high-volume production.

A Real Safety Consideration From Past Feedback

Not all coaching experiences have been perfect. There has been a complaint about an inexperienced coach and a bad attitude during instruction, with concern that it felt unsafe. The provider response was clear: if you share the coach name during or right after the pool session, they can debrief and switch instructors immediately.

So here’s the practical takeaway: during pool training, pay attention to how you’re being guided. If you feel rushed, talked down to, or not supported, say something right away. Your first job is to feel safe, and the center says they’ll act if you communicate it.

Two Shallow Underwater Sessions at Nusa Penida: What You’ll Actually Do

After pool training, you go out for two underwater sessions with the instructor. The program finishes at 2:00 pm, so the day is tight and well-paced—training, then time in the water, then done.

You’re doing a shallow, beginner-friendly setup. The point is to help you learn the sensation of breathing underwater and get a feel for neutral buoyancy, not to go far down or manage complicated tasks.

And yes, manta rays are the headline. The program information describes manta rays as a close-to-guaranteed sighting at Nusa Penida, but I’d still treat it as likely rather than guaranteed—because wildlife encounters depend on the day and the animals’ movement.

What you should keep in mind as a beginner:

• Your comfort matters more than trying to do everything perfectly.
• Calm breathing and slow movement help you look like a pro and also keep you safe.
• If visibility isn’t ideal, focus on staying steady and listening for cues.

Price and Value: Does $122 Actually Include What You Need?

The price is listed as $122.19 per person, and the local price is 1,600,000 IDR for the full package. What you should celebrate is that this number includes the stuff that usually adds up for scuba try experiences.

Included items for this program cover:

• pool training
• instructor ratio (up to 1:2)
• scuba gear
• boat
• drinks
• snacks
• fruit
• lunch
• coffee and/or tea

What’s not included is private transport, and the day doesn’t include breakfast (lunch happens after the trip).

When you evaluate value, look at the full day: training time plus equipment plus boat plus feeding you. Many shorter “just go see something” water tours charge extra for gear or food. Here, the package is designed to remove those friction points so you can show up in swimwear and focus on learning and enjoying the manta-ray possibility.

What to Bring (and What You Can Skip)

The tour is intentionally low-friction. You do not need to pack your mask because scuba equipment is included. That’s a real convenience win, especially if you’re traveling light.

Bring:

• swimwear
• a good attitude
• yourself in healthy condition and moderate physical fitness

You’ll also want to think about comfort and sun exposure, since this is a morning-to-early-afternoon schedule in Bali. The tour provides food and drinks, but you still benefit from showing up ready for a full water-based outing.

Who This Works Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This is a great fit if you:

• are not scuba certified and want a first taste with pool training
• want small-group supervision (the 1:2 instructor ratio)
• care about a guided, controlled experience rather than a crowded free-for-all
• are excited specifically about manta rays and want to try in a place where they’re expected

It might be less ideal if you:

• hate being in the water for extended practice time (pool plus open water)
• have serious health limitations that could make swimming or equipment handling stressful
• are expecting a fully guaranteed animal encounter (wildlife is wildlife)

If you’re simply looking for snorkeling, this isn’t that. It’s a scuba skill-building day focused on breathing and buoyancy, with two instructor-led underwater sessions.

Timing, Meeting Point, and How to Prep Your Day

Plan around the schedule window: pool training begins at 8:00 am for about 45 minutes, and the activity start time is listed as 8:30 am. The full experience runs until about 2:00 pm and ends back at the meeting point.

Meeting point is Sanctum Dive Nusa Penida in Nusa Penida, Bali. The tour requires you to meet there, and private transportation is not included.

Practical prep tips:

• arrive early so you’re not rushing into training
• eat enough before you go, since breakfast isn’t included (lunch comes after)
• tell the instructor if you’re feeling anxious or unsure so they can guide you more carefully

Should You Book This Try Scuba With Manta-Ray Chances?

I think you should book it if you want a beginner-first plan with serious supervision. The combination of pool training, small instructor ratio (1:2), and a day that feeds you makes it feel built for learning, not just photo ops. Add the manta-ray pull of Nusa Penida, and it’s a strong option for your first taste of scuba.

I’d book with extra caution if coaching quality is a deal-breaker for you. There’s at least one past complaint about an unhelpful coach. The provider says they can debrief and swap instructors when concerns are raised early, so your best move is to speak up during pool training if you don’t feel supported.

If your goal is controlled instruction, breathing underwater, and a realistic shot at manta rays—this program is a solid match.

FAQ

Is this tour only for people who are scuba certified?

No. This is for non-certified participants. It includes pool training and instructor-led shallow underwater sessions.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 4 hours approximately, with the overall program finishing around 2:00 pm.

How many underwater sessions are included?

You get two instructor-led shallow underwater sessions.

Do I need to bring my own scuba mask?

No. Scuba equipment is included, including the mask.

Where do I meet for this experience?

You meet at Sanctum Dive Nusa Penida. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the pool training start?

Pool training is scheduled for 8:00 am for about 45 minutes, and the activity start time is listed as 8:30 am, so plan to arrive early.

What’s included in the meal and drinks?

The day includes lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, coffee and/or tea, snacks, and fruit.

Is breakfast included?

No. Breakfast is not provided; lunch happens after the trip.

What’s the group size and instructor ratio?

The program states a maximum of 2 divers per instructor (ratio 1:2) and a maximum of 10 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.