Dive Site: Manta Point (North)

About Manta Point (North)

Manta Point, also known as Karang Makassar, is a renowned dive site in the northern part of Komodo National Park. This long, shallow sandy channel lies between Komodo Island and the smaller islands to its east, serving as a critical cleaning and feeding ground for reef manta rays. The site's unique geography, where a broad, shallow shelf compresses strong tidal currents, creates plankton-rich "highways" that mantas actively cruise for food and an abundance of cleaning stations. The topography is generally shallow, with most manta encounters occurring between 5 and 15 meters. The site consists of sandy expanses interspersed with coral patches, providing ample space for mantas to glide and interact with cleaner fish. Divers typically experience a drift dive as they move along with the current, observing mantas performing cleaning rituals or feeding on plankton. Reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are the primary attraction, with typical sightings of 5 to 15 individuals on a good day. These majestic creatures frequent the site year-round, drawn by the predictable food source and dedicated cleaning stations. While mantas are the star, the rich waters also support diverse marine life, though the focus here remains largely on the rays. The water temperature is consistently warm, ranging from 26 to 29°C. Given its shallow depth and moderate, predictable currents, Manta Point is accessible to a wide range of divers, including those with less experience. The drift diving nature allows for long bottom times and excellent photography opportunities without requiring advanced buoyancy skills. Divers can expect one or two dives at this site as part of a typical Komodo liveaboard or day trip itinerary.

Dive site facts: Manta Point (North)

Depth

5–18 m

Typical dive

8–15 m, 45–60 min

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

10–25 m

Water temperature

26–29°C

Entry

Liveaboard / tender / negative entry

Level

Open Water Diver with current experience

Dive type

Drift, Manta Ray encounters, Reef

Night dive

Not typical

Region / port

Komodo National Park, Central-North

Coordinates

-8.438, 119.552

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Manta Point (North) can range from mild to strong, driven by the significant tidal exchanges between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The channel acts as a natural funnel, creating predictable current "highways" that manta rays use for feeding and transit. Divers typically experience a drift dive along the reef, moving with the prevailing current. It is crucial for divers to be aware of the current's direction and strength, often requiring a negative entry to quickly descend and avoid being swept away from the desired area. Visibility can fluctuate with the plankton blooms that attract the mantas; while these blooms reduce clarity, they are essential for the manta's presence. Due to the variable currents, divers should have experience in drift diving and maintain good buoyancy control, and a local guide is highly recommended to navigate the conditions safely.

Marine life & sighting chances

Manta ray

common

White-tip reef shark

occasional

Green sea turtle

occasional

Hawksbill sea turtle

occasional

Napoleon wrasse

occasional

Reef fish (various species)

common

Cleaner wrasse

common

Giant trevally

occasional

Barracuda

occasional

Black-spotted ribbontail ray

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Divers typically initiate a negative entry to quickly descend below the surface current. The dive largely consists of a drift along the shallow reef, usually at depths between 8 and 15 meters, following the prevailing current. The route often involves cruising over the sandy bottom and coral patches, keeping an eye out for manta rays feeding or visiting cleaning stations. Mantas are frequently observed looping or hovering, allowing for prolonged interactions. The dive continues with the current until reaching a designated pick-up point, where the boat is positioned. The safety stop is typically performed at the end of the drift, close to the ascent point, maintaining awareness of boat traffic for a safe surfacing.

Underwater photography

Manta Point (North) is a prime location for wide-angle photography, focusing on the majestic manta rays. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the mantas, especially when they come close or gather in groups. Natural light is often sufficient given the shallow depths, but strobes can enhance color and detail. Patience and good buoyancy are critical to avoid disturbing the mantas and to get clear shots in varying visibility. Be mindful of plankton in the water, which can appear as backscatter. Maintain a respectful distance, avoid chasing, and position yourself to allow the mantas to approach you, ensuring both excellent photographs and ethical marine interactions.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Siaba Besar

  Siaba Besar, affectionately known as "Turtle City," is a sheltered dive site located in a protected bay within the central region of Komodo…

• Golden Passage

  Golden Passage, also known as Darat Passage, is a premier drift dive located in the channel separating Gili Lawa Darat and Komodo Island in…

• Batu Bolong

  Batu Bolong, meaning "Hollow Rock" in Bahasa Indonesian, is a renowned dive site in Komodo National Park, situated in the central Lintah…

• Crystal Rock

  Crystal Rock is a renowned dive site in the northern reaches of Komodo National Park, celebrated for its exceptional visibility and the…

• Tatawa Besar

  Tatawa Besar, meaning 'big laugh' in Bahasa Indonesian, is a picturesque dive site located in the central area of Komodo National Park…

• Pink Beach

  Pink Beach is a renowned dive site within Komodo National Park, famous for its unique pink-hued sands, a result of microscopic red…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Manta Point (North) begins at Labuan Bajo on Flores Island, which is served by Komodo Airport (LBJ). Direct flights are available from Denpasar (Bali), Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. From Labuan Bajo, divers typically embark on either day trips or multi-day liveaboard cruises that integrate Manta Point into their itineraries. Travel time by speedboat from Labuan Bajo is approximately 60-90 minutes, while phinisi liveaboards take 3-4 hours. Liveaboard trips usually range from 3 to 8 days, covering various sites across the Komodo National Park. Park entrance and activity fees are paid separately and are not typically included in charter rates.

Safety & environment

Safety at Manta Point (North) necessitates careful attention to the currents, which can be strong and unpredictable. Divers must be experienced in drift diving and maintain excellent buoyancy control. Always dive with a certified and knowledgeable local guide who understands the site's specific conditions and manta ray behavior. Recompression chambers are available in Denpasar, Bali, requiring immediate evacuation by boat and then air for serious decompression sickness cases. Therefore, comprehensive dive insurance covering emergency medical treatment and evacuation is mandatory. Adhere strictly to marine park guidelines, especially regarding interaction with manta rays; maintain distance, avoid touching, and do not block their path or cleaning stations.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Manta Point (North) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Manta Point (North)

These liveaboards may visit Manta Point (North) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Naga Biru

Indonesia

12 guests40 m

$273/day

Ecopro Duyung Baru

Indonesia

6 guests27 m

$316/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$488/day

Mari

Indonesia

14 guests32.2 m

$328/day

Situju7

Komodo, Indonesia

10 guests32.7 m

$362/day

Pindito

Indonesia

16 guests37.79 m

$533/day

Mermaid II

Komodo, Indonesia

18 guests

$355/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m

$222/day

Mikumba Dua

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

$335/day

Aliikai Voyage

Indonesia

15 guests40 m

$658/day