Dedean Yacht 15m Nusa Penida Tour Review 2025: A Full Day Trip

Okay, so picture this: the usual idea of Nusa Penida often involves, you know, packed fast boats and pretty hectic land tours. I mean, we’ve all seen the photos and heard the stories, right? You get to these amazing places, but you’re sort of sharing them with hundreds of other people. Well, for our 2025 trip, we were looking for something a bit different, something a little more personal. That is that we started looking into a private charter, and the ‘Full Day Nusa Penida by Dedean Yacht 15 meters’ popped up. Honestly, the idea of having a whole yacht to ourselves for a day was really appealing. It just seemed like a completely different way to experience an island that, frankly, can be a little overwhelming. This trip, basically, promised a day of freedom on the water, seeing all the iconic sights but on our own schedule, which, at the end of the day, is what a holiday should be about.

First Impressions: Stepping Aboard the Dedean Yacht 15m

Alright, so the day started early, with a pick-up from our villa that was, you know, seamless and on time. When we arrived at the harbor, we saw the Dedean Yacht for the first time, and frankly, it looked even better than in the pictures. It wasn’t one of those gigantic, impersonal vessels; instead, it felt very welcoming and just the right size for our small group. Stepping on board, the first thing I really noticed was how incredibly clean and well-kept everything was, like your own private floating retreat. The crew greeted us with huge smiles and a refreshing welcome drink, which was a very nice touch. We basically got a quick tour of the yacht, and it was clear this boat was designed for comfort and, you know, a pretty awesome day out at sea. You could just tell that a lot of thought went into the guest experience, something you often find when researching the best private yachts in Bali.

Now, let’s talk about the space, because that’s really important on a full-day trip. The Dedean 15m, in a way, has a few different zones for lounging. Up front, there’s this great sundeck with big, comfy beanbags, pretty much perfect for soaking up the Bali sun. Then, at the back, there was a shaded area with cushioned seating around a table, which is actually where we spent a lot of time just chatting and enjoying the views. There’s also an indoor, air-conditioned saloon area, which, to be honest, was a lifesaver for a few minutes when the midday sun got a little intense. And, obviously, a clean and modern bathroom is always a huge plus on any boat trip. It wasn’t just a boat; it genuinely felt like a little floating villa for the day, offering different spots to relax depending on your mood, which really helps you decide on the ideal boat charter for your family.

The crew deserves a special mention here, really. From the captain to the deckhands, everyone was so friendly and professional. They were attentive without being intrusive, which is, you know, a very tricky balance to get right. They’d just sort of appear with a cold towel or to top up your drink right when you were thinking about it. They also pointed out different landmarks as we sailed along the coastline of Bali, giving us a bit of local context. It was pretty clear they loved their jobs and were genuinely happy to have us on board. This level of service is something you look for but don’t always get, and it honestly makes a massive difference in your overall impression of a premium Nusa Penida tour.

The Morning Voyage: Witnessing Nusa Penida’s Giants from the Sea

So, as we left the harbor, the feeling was just incredible. The engines hummed along, and we were slicing through the water, leaving the busy mainland behind. The trip across the Badung Strait was pretty smooth, and we just kicked back on those beanbags, music playing softly, feeling the sea spray. It was just, like, the perfect start. The first big moment was approaching Nusa Penida’s coastline. It’s seriously dramatic, with these huge cliffs dropping straight into the turquoise water. It’s a sight you don’t fully appreciate until you see it from the water, which is arguably the best way to do it. Honestly, a private boat trip is something special and finding the right one can make your holiday; there are many options for a truly unforgettable luxury experience in Bali.

Our first major stop was, of course, the famous Kelingking Beach. Now, seeing it from the yacht was a completely different experience. You bypass the crowds at the clifftop viewpoint entirely. We just, you know, floated there in the bay, looking up at that incredible T-Rex-shaped headland. The water there is an almost unbelievable shade of blue. We spent a good amount of time just taking photos and soaking in the view without any rush. The crew even flew a drone up for us, which was a surprise, getting some shots that were just, frankly, epic. It felt really exclusive and personal, unlike the typical rush you see when planning a standard Nusa Penida day trip from the mainland.

Next up on the itinerary was a slow cruise past Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong. From the boat, you can really see how these natural wonders were formed. You peer into Broken Beach through the massive natural archway, watching the waves crash inside the circular cove. It’s almost more impressive from this angle. With Angel’s Billabong, you can see the tide ebbing and flowing in the natural infinity pool. The captain navigated the yacht expertly, getting us close enough for amazing photos but, you know, always keeping a safe distance. It was all very relaxed, just gliding from one incredible spot to the next. At the end of the day, that freedom is what you pay for when booking your own private boat adventure.

Midday Break: Lunch and Lounging on the Water

Alright, so after a morning of sightseeing, we were definitely ready for lunch. The crew found a beautiful, calm little bay to drop anchor in. The water was crystal clear, and it was just so peaceful. As we got ready to eat, the team started setting up the most amazing spread on the shaded aft deck. To be honest, the smell of the barbecue firing up was absolutely mouth-watering. It wasn’t just a simple packed lunch; it was a full-on feast prepared right there on the boat. Having a great meal is a huge part of the day, and many people consider it when they look for all-inclusive boat trips around the islands.

The food itself was, you know, seriously impressive. We had freshly grilled fish and juicy chicken satay skewers straight from the grill, and they were seasoned perfectly. There was also a big bowl of fried rice, a fresh green salad, and an amazing platter of tropical fruits like pineapple, watermelon, and papaya. And, of course, there were plenty of cold Bintang beers and soft drinks. It was pretty much a perfect Indonesian meal, made even better by the setting. Eating this delicious food while gently bobbing on the turquoise water was, well, one of those holiday moments you remember for a long time. It’s this kind of detail that turns a good trip into a great one, especially if you’re a food lover exploring Bali’s unique culinary offerings.

After lunch, there was no rush to get going. We basically just had some time to chill out. Some of our group jumped straight off the side of the yacht for a swim in the calm bay, which was incredibly refreshing. Others, like me, just sprawled out on the beanbags at the front of the boat, feeling a little lazy and totally content. This downtime was actually one of the best parts of the day. There was no strict schedule to follow. We just did what we felt like. This sort of unstructured relaxation is pretty rare on organized tours, and it’s a huge benefit of a private charter. At the end of the day, you can tailor the experience to be exactly what you want.

Afternoon Adventures: Snorkeling with Gentle Giants

Okay, so after our relaxing lunch, it was time for what was arguably the main event for many of us: heading to Manta Point. The excitement on the boat was pretty high as the captain steered us towards the famous cleaning station. The crew gave us a really clear briefing on how to behave in the water with the mantas—you know, keep your distance, don’t chase them, and just let them do their thing. They provided all the gear—masks, snorkels, fins—and everything was in excellent condition, which is always reassuring. Honestly, safety and proper guidance are key when you’re looking for the top snorkeling excursions in the Bali area.

Sliding into the water, I mean, the anticipation was real. At first, you just see the deep blue. But then, literally out of the gloom, these enormous, graceful shapes start to appear. It was absolutely breathtaking. We saw several manta rays, some of them huge, gliding effortlessly through the water with their mouths open, feeding on plankton. They would just sort of cruise right by us. It’s an experience that is very, very hard to put into words. You just feel so small and in awe of nature. The crew was great, with one guide in the water with us, pointing them out and making sure everyone was comfortable. This particular encounter is what makes a Nusa Penida wildlife tour a must-do for so many visitors.

After our incredible time with the mantas, we motored over to another spot, which I think was Gamat Bay, for a different kind of snorkeling experience. The water here was shallower and incredibly clear, and the coral reef was just teeming with life. It was like swimming in an aquarium. We saw so many colorful fish—parrotfish, clownfish hiding in anemones, angelfish, you name it. The variety was amazing. It was a really nice contrast to the deep blue drama of Manta Point. We spent probably another hour just floating around, exploring the reef. At the end of the day, having different types of snorkeling stops makes a trip much more interesting and is a hallmark of a well-planned boat trip itinerary.

The Golden Hour Return: Sailing Home as the Sun Sets

So, as the afternoon started to fade, it was time to pull up the anchor and begin the journey back to the mainland. Honestly, no one was really in a hurry to leave. The crew handed out fresh towels and some final fruit snacks and drinks. We were all a bit tired from the swimming and sun, but in that really good way. We settled back onto the comfy seats, a bit salty and sun-kissed, and just watched the cliffs of Nusa Penida slowly get smaller behind us. This relaxed pace is exactly what you hope for when you book a tour designed for maximum relaxation.

The sail back was, frankly, magical. The timing was perfect, and we got to witness the sun beginning its slow descent towards the horizon. The sky started to turn all sorts of amazing colors—shades of orange, pink, and purple. This “golden hour” light just made everything look incredible. The sea was calm, and with the gentle rock of the boat and the stunning sky, it was a very peaceful and almost meditative experience. Everyone on board went pretty quiet, just soaking it all in. As a matter of fact, capturing that perfect Bali sunset is a top priority for many, and it’s a key feature in the most sought-after sunset cruises.

Cruising back into the harbor as the last light of day disappeared felt like a fitting end to a more or less perfect day. The crew helped us disembark, just as friendly and professional as they were when we first boarded. We said our goodbyes, feeling genuinely grateful for such an amazing experience. Looking back, the Dedean Yacht trip wasn’t just a tour; it was, you know, a full-day luxury adventure that allowed us to see a popular destination in a completely new and uncrowded way. It’s definitely an experience we would recommend to anyone looking to make their Bali trip extra special, particularly if you are trying to figure out whether a private charter is a good investment for your vacation.