Dive Site: Manta Point (South)

About Manta Point (South)

Manta Point (South) in Komodo National Park is a celebrated dive site, primarily known for its consistent manta ray sightings. Situated in the southern region of Komodo, it benefits from cooler, nutrient-dense waters that attract large aggregations of these gentle giants. Unlike many other Komodo sites characterized by strong currents, Manta Point (South) generally experiences milder conditions, making it accessible to a broader range of divers. The topography consists mainly of sandy areas where cleaning stations are located, drawing in mantas seeking to shed parasites. Depths at the cleaning stations are relatively shallow, often around 3-4 meters, allowing both divers and snorkelers excellent views. The surrounding seabed extends to deeper plateaus, which divers can explore after observing the mantas. While manta rays are the undisputed stars here, the plankton-rich environment also supports a variety of smaller reef life. Visibility can fluctuate due to the high plankton content, especially during the wet season, but this is precisely what brings the mantas. The optimal time for manta encounters is typically from January to March and December, when migration patterns bring more individuals to the southern sites, though sightings are possible throughout the year. Diving here is characterized by slow, observant movements around the cleaning stations, allowing divers to appreciate the mantas without disturbing them. Due to the generally mild currents, divers can often spend extended periods observing the rays. This site is frequently combined with other southern Komodo dives or visited as part of a liveaboard itinerary.

Dive site facts: Manta Point (South)

Depth

3–15 m

Typical dive

5–10 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–20 m

Water temperature

25–28°C

Entry

Back-roll / Tender

Level

Open Water, 10–20 logged dives

Dive type

Manta cleaning station, drift

Night dive

Not typical

Region / port

South Komodo / Nusa Penida

Coordinates

-8.7456, 119.4653

Conditions & Currents

Manta Point (South) typically experiences gentler currents compared to many other Komodo dive sites, making it more approachable for less experienced divers. Currents are primarily tidal and can change unpredictably with moon cycles, though they rarely reach the speeds found in northern or central Komodo. Divers should still be prepared for mild drifts and maintain good buoyancy control, especially when hovering near cleaning stations. Visibility can range from 10 to 20 meters, occasionally less, due to the nutrient-rich waters that attract manta rays, but this plankton is essential for manta feeding and does not detract from the experience. Entry is generally a back-roll from a liveaboard or day boat, and exit involves surfacing and being picked up by a tender.

Marine life & sighting chances

Manta Ray

Year-round, peak Dec-Mar · common

Ocean Sunfish

June-October · occasional

Green Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Hawksbill Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Reef Shark

Year-round · occasional

Nudibranch

Wet season · occasional

Frogfish

Wet season · occasional

Pygmy Seahorse

Wet season · rare

Devil Ray

Wet season · occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive at Manta Point (South) typically begins with a back-roll entry from the boat directly above or slightly up-current from the cleaning stations. Upon descent, divers move towards the sandy bottom where the primary cleaning stations are located, usually in depths of 3 to 10 meters. The main objective is to observe the manta rays as they hover over the cleaning stations or feed on plankton in the water column. Divers maintain a respectful distance, often kneeling on the sand or hovering neutrally buoyant, allowing the mantas to approach. The dive often progresses as a gentle drift along the reef edge or across sandy patches where mantas are known to congregate, extending down to a maximum depth of around 15 meters on the surrounding plateau. Turn-around time is determined by air consumption and bottom time, typically aiming for 50-60 minutes to maximize manta observation. Safety stops are conducted in the shallowest possible area, often in the 5-meter range, allowing for continued manta encounters.

Underwater photography

Manta Point (South) offers exceptional wide-angle photography opportunities, primarily focusing on the majestic manta rays. A wide-angle lens (e.g., 10-24mm or fisheye) is essential to capture the full wing span of these large animals. Given the often lower visibility due to plankton, external strobes or powerful video lights are highly recommended to bring out color and improve contrast, especially in shallower waters where mantas feed close to the surface. Patience is key; position yourself calmly near a cleaning station and allow the mantas to approach. Practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid disturbing the sand or the mantas, ensuring clear shots and respectful interaction. Be mindful of not chasing or cornering the rays. Consider a shorter focal length macro lens if you also want to capture some of the smaller reef inhabitants, but the primary draw here is wide-angle pelagic action.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Mawan

  Mawan is a small, picturesque island located in the central part of Komodo National Park, renowned for its pristine white sand beaches and…

• 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…

• Batu Bolong

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

• Tatawa Besar

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

• Makassar Reef (Manta Alley)

  Makassar Reef, commonly known as Manta Point, is a premier dive site in Komodo National Park, located in the central zone between Komodo…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Manta Point (South) is typically via liveaboard vessels or day trips departing from Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. Labuan Bajo (LBJ) has an airport with connections from major Indonesian hubs like Denpasar (Bali) and Jakarta. Liveaboard trips generally range from 3 to 10 days, allowing for comprehensive exploration of Komodo's diverse dive sites, including both northern and southern regions. Day trips are also a popular option for those staying in Labuan Bajo, focusing on a few select sites. A Komodo National Park diving permit is mandatory and is usually included in the liveaboard or day trip package fee. Planning several months in advance is advisable, especially during peak season (April to October), as liveaboard cabins and popular itineraries book quickly.

Safety & environment

Komodo National Park diving, while rewarding, requires adherence to strict safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Denpasar, Bali, necessitating air evacuation in case of a serious diving incident. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for emergency medical treatment and evacuation, is therefore essential. Divers should maintain awareness of their surroundings, particularly due to the presence of boat traffic, and always deploy an SMB upon surfacing. Respecting marine life, especially the manta rays, is paramount; avoid touching, chasing, or obstructing their path at cleaning stations. Always follow the instructions of your dive guide, who is familiar with the local currents and conditions.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Manta Point (South) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Manta Point (South)

These liveaboards may visit Manta Point (South) 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

$361/day

Wellenreng

Indonesia

9 guests25 m

$427/day

Komodo Aggressor

Komodo, Indonesia

16 guests29 m

$312/day

Blue Manta

Indonesia

20 guests45 m

$482/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

$391/day

Putri Naga

Komodo, Indonesia

6 guests25 m

Mikumba Dua

Indonesia

10 guests30 m

$335/day

Aliikai Voyage

Indonesia

15 guests40 m

$658/day