Nusa Penida is best known as a world class diving destination. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral, 562 species of fish and Green and Olive Ridley Turtles. Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include fabulous, huge Mola Mola Oceanic Sunfish in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish and most likely from July to October although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience. If you are not a diver, there are excellent snorkelling spots including Mushroom Bay and the northern mangroves on Nusa Lembongan and Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida.
Nusa Lembongan is well known as a surfing destination and there are three breaks here: Playgrounds, Shipwrecks and Lacerations. All three lie off the east coast and there is a thriving surf scene in Jungut Batu. The waves are good if sometimes a little crowded. There is also a break of the south coast of Nusa Ceningan known as the Ceningan Break.
There is a substantial mangrove forest around the north coast of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan totalling some 210 hectares. This is best explored in a traditional outrigger boat called a jukung which can be hired with a captain on the day. This combines well with some snorkelling which is good just offshore from the mangroves.
