Gamat Bay is a magnificent destination on Nusa Penida, though it is less convenient to access than Crystal Bay. To reach the beach, you must travel by road to the top of the hill and then follow a relatively simple trail down to the shore. Gamat Bay is a more natural and untouched setting. It was totally preserved from any construction until 2 years ago. But there is now a warung and a glamping resort.
Snorkeling at Gamat Bay
If you want to snorkel from Gamat Bay beach, you can bring your own equipment or rent some on the road, just before parking your scooter. And do not forget the fins because the currents can be very strong, as often in Nusa Penida island. Do not go too far from the beach and be very careful, especially if there is no boat in front of the beach. We have already rescued a woman with our diving boat who was snorkeling and was being driven out to sea. Fun fact: she was very worried about her husband («Help me, where is my husband ?») who was quietly waiting for her at the beach. However, if you follow all these instructions, snorkeling is indeed very nice!
Gamat Bay is also typically one of the spots proposed by snorkeling tours departing from Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay. In this case, you will typically be well-supervised (if the tour is professional). The tour is a great experience as it usually includes Manta Bay to swim with Manta Rays.
Scuba Diving
Gamat Bay is also one of the most beautiful scuba diving spots in Nusa Penida. Because the bay is a plateau about 8 meters deep, it is home to a diverse array of colorful fish and coral. And you will often see turtles as well. It is, therefore, a good place to make a discovery dive when conditions are good. Especially if there is no current at the time of the tide. And at the exit of the bay, there is a wall that goes down to a sand plateau 40 meters deep. This is where I saw 14 Mola Mola one day! But there is no need to go that deep for a beautiful dive. You may also see bamboo sharks and marble rays. But pay attention to diving conditions and currents as well.
The Dune Penida dive center also offers diving initiation, including training in its three-meter deep pool, before heading out to sea for two discovery dives.
How to get to Gamat Bay
To go to Gamat Bay from Toyapakeh, you will take the first intersection to the right towards Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay.
Arriving at a small fork, you will take the small asphalt road to the right. There is a green sign that reads ‘Gamat Bay 1 kilometer.’ You will continue this road till the end. Halfway, the road is no longer asphalted. After a while, and a concrete road going down, you will see a small green sign that says Pantai Gamat. Park your scooter there and follow a large path going down to the right for 10 minutes. It used to be a nice road that you could follow with your scooter. Not anymore. That shows you how fast a road can get really bad after a few rainy seasons … You will find a very small path on your left, 20 meters before the end of this dirt road. After 5 minutes, you will be on the beach.
If you follow the road till the end, turning left after the Pantai Gamat sign, you will arrive at Amok sunset bar and restaurant. The place you want to be to enjoy the afternoon around the pool with a great view of the sunset!
How do you get from Bali to Gamat Bay ?
You will find all information about how to get to Nusa Penida island from Bali, which port to choose in Bali and in Nusa Penida, how to choose the best fast boat to go to Nusa Penida, all the timetables and prices on this page: https://nusapenida.org/how-to-get-to-nusa-penida-from-bali/