Nusa Penida Full Day Tour by Riki J Yacht 13 meters: An In-Depth 2025 Review

So, most people who visit Bali hear about Nusa Penida’s almost unreal beauty. It’s that island you see in pictures, you know, with those towering cliffs and water so blue it looks like a painting. Getting there, as a matter of fact, typically involves a crowded fast boat and a rather bumpy car ride on some pretty rough roads. We were looking for something a bit different, frankly. The idea of a private yacht, like the 2025 ‘Nusa Penida Full Day Tour by Riki J Yacht 13 meters’, was honestly very appealing. It suggested a day of seeing the island’s famous spots without, you know, all the usual chaos and stuff. This is pretty much our take on whether this kind of private charter lives up to the promise of a more relaxed and personal Penida experience.

First Impressions and Stepping Aboard the Riki J Yacht

Okay, the day began with a pickup from our villa, which was just a really nice touch from the start. We were then taken to the Serangan harbor, which, by the way, is a little less hectic than some other ports in Bali. At the end of the day, first impressions really matter a lot. The Riki J Yacht itself, a 13-meter vessel, was waiting for us, and it looked quite impressive bobbing in the water. She wasn’t a superyacht, you know, but she looked really well-kept and clean. The crew greeted us with some genuinely warm smiles and a cool drink, which was basically perfect for the Bali heat. Getting on the boat felt, in a way, like we were stepping into our own little private world for the day. The inside cabin was actually quite roomy, with a clean bathroom and a place to store our things. On the deck, there were beanbags and cushioned seating areas, so we knew right away that this was going to be a pretty comfortable trip.

The Journey Across the Strait and Coastal Sights

So, leaving the harbor was kind of a highlight in itself. The slow pull away from the dock and out into the open Badung Strait gave us some really amazing views of mainland Bali shrinking behind us. As a matter of fact, the crew pointed out Mount Agung in the distance, a pretty magnificent sight on a clear day. The trip over to Nusa Penida took about an hour, more or less. Unlike the fast boats that just sort of blast through the waves, this felt much more like a leisurely sail. We could actually stand up, walk around, and take pictures without, you know, getting tossed all over the place. The boat’s captain seemingly knew the waters incredibly well. He guided us along Penida’s western coastline first, giving us a perspective you just can’t get from the land. Seeing the famous T-Rex-shaped cliff at Kelingking Beach from the sea was, to be honest, mind-blowing. We also floated past Broken Beach, getting a clear view of its natural arch and the swirling water within, which was just absolutely incredible.

Diving into a Blue World: Snorkeling Adventures

Alright, our first stop for getting in the water was Crystal Bay. This place is, as a matter of fact, well known for its super clear water, and it really did not disappoint. The crew provided all the snorkeling gear—masks, snorkels, fins—and everything was really clean and in great shape. You could just tell they took care of their equipment. Before we got in, one of the guides gave a little briefing about the currents and pointed out the best spots to see fish. The water was, frankly, the perfect temperature. Dropping into that blue world was almost like entering a different dimension. The coral reef here is quite vibrant, and you see schools of colorful fish just about everywhere. It was a really beautiful and peaceful experience, you know.

But then, seriously, came Manta Point. This is arguably the main event for many people. It’s a bit of a more open and deeper area, and obviously, it’s where manta rays often come to feed and clean. The crew was very clear about how to behave around these gentle giants—no touching, just observing. We honestly didn’t have to wait long. Out of the deep blue, a massive manta ray just glided into view. It was so graceful and huge; it’s literally hard to describe the feeling. Then, another one appeared. We spent a good amount of time just floating on the surface, watching them swim below us, and it was pretty much a magical experience. The guides were in the water with us the whole time, sort of making sure everyone felt safe and got a good look.

Onboard Comforts and That Personal Touch

So, in between snorkeling stops, the experience on the yacht itself was just fantastic. It’s pretty much the opposite of being rushed from one spot to another in a hot car. After a swim, for example, we’d rinse off with the freshwater shower at the back of the boat. The crew, by the way, was always ready with fluffy towels and would offer us drinks like water, soft drinks, or a cold Bintang beer. It’s those little things, you know, that make a trip feel special. For lunch, they served a delicious spread of Indonesian food, like grilled fish, satay, fried rice, and fresh fruit. It was all prepared right there on the boat, and it tasted so much better than a standard tour lunch. It was pretty much like having a private floating picnic. We just sat on the deck, ate our food, listened to some light music from the boat’s sound system, and soaked in the absolutely incredible views. It was all just very, very relaxed and tailored to what we wanted to do. If we wanted to stay longer at one spot, it was basically no problem.

At the end of the day, what you’re paying for isn’t just a boat ride; it’s the privacy and the freedom to enjoy the island on your own terms. That is something that’s actually very hard to find.

Is the Riki J Yacht Tour the Right Choice for You?

So, let’s be honest, this kind of private tour is a definite splurge. It costs significantly more than joining a standard group tour. Because of that, it’s not going to fit into everyone’s budget. You really have to think about what you value in a day trip. If your goal is just to quickly tick off the sights and get some photos for the lowest price, then this probably isn’t the best option for you, frankly. You might be better off with one of the many fast boat packages available.

However, if you are looking for something a bit more special, it’s a whole different story. This tour is, in our opinion, absolutely perfect for small groups, a family, or a couple wanting a romantic and intimate day out. The ability to avoid the huge crowds at the harbors and viewpoints is, at the end of the day, a huge advantage. You also get to see the island from a really unique water-level angle, which many visitors miss. The service, the comfort, and that feeling of having your own private space in such a popular location are, you know, what make it worthwhile. We left feeling completely relaxed, not exhausted like you often do after a long day of sightseeing. It felt less like a tour and more like a day out on a friend’s boat, a very nice friend with a very nice boat and stuff.

Read our full review: [2025 Nusa Penida Full Day Tour by Riki J Yacht Full Review and Details]

Here’s a quick breakdown of who this tour is great for:

• Couples: So, it’s incredibly romantic and private.
• Families: It’s a very safe and comfortable way for kids to experience the ocean.
• Small Groups of Friends: It’s basically your own private party boat for the day.
• Photographers: You just get those unobstructed coastal shots from the water.
• Travelers Seeking Comfort: If you dislike crowds and want a relaxed pace, this is absolutely it.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Riki J Yacht Nusa Penida Booking])