Manta Point in Komodo National Park — Swim with the Ocean’s Gentle Giants

Located within Komodo National Park — one of Indonesia’s most spectacular natural wonders — Manta Point (also known as Karang Makassar) is a world-famous marine site where visitors can encounter majestic manta rays in their natural habitat. Whether you’re a snorkeler, diver, or simply a nature lover, Manta Point offers a truly unforgettable ocean adventure.


🌊 What is Manta Point?

Manta Point is a shallow reef and marine area in Komodo National Park, renowned for its high concentration of reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi). These gentle giants are attracted to this location because of nutrient-rich currents and natural “cleaning stations” — places where small fish help remove parasites from the mantas’ bodies.

More than just a dive site, Manta Point is a marine wildlife spectacle, where graceful manta rays often glide close to snorkelers and divers as they feed, swim, and spin through the water.


🤿 Swimming and Diving with Manta Rays

🐠 Snorkeling Experience

For many travelers, snorkeling at Manta Point is the highlight of their Komodo adventure. The water here is relatively shallow — often between 2 and 9 meters deep — making it accessible even for beginners with basic swimming skills. As you float on the surface, you’ll often see mantas gently circling below or gliding past in the nutrient-rich currents.

🤿 Scuba Diving Adventure

Divers also love Manta Point for its thrilling drift dives along sweeping reefs. These reefs stretch several kilometers and offer opportunities to see mantas, turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, and vibrant coral life. The currents here vary from mild to moderate, so diving with an experienced local guide is recommended.


🐋 The Manta Ray Encounter

Manta rays at Manta Point are known for their grace and serenity. These large, filter-feeding marine animals can grow several meters wide and swim with slow, elegant movements that feel almost like a ballet beneath the waves.

Because they feed on plankton and are harmless to humans, mantas are not dangerous — but visitors are always advised to observe them respectfully and avoid touching them, to protect both the animals and their delicate skin.


📅 Best Time to Visit Manta Point

Manta rays can be seen year-round at this site, thanks to the constant flow of plankton in the park’s waters. Sightings are especially frequent during certain months:

  • Peak season: 🌿 September to November — great plankton blooms and frequent mantas.
  • Dry season: 🌞 April to October — calm seas and excellent underwater visibility.

However, mantas may appear at any time, making this a remarkable destination no matter when you visit.


🚤 How to Get There

Manta Point is typically reached by boat from Labuan Bajo on Flores Island. It is a popular stop on many Komodo National Park day trips, liveaboard tours, and snorkeling or diving excursions.

Most tours also include other highlights of the park, such as Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Komodo or Rinca Island for trekking and wildlife watching.


🌟 Why Manta Point is a Must-Visit

Visiting Manta Point is more than just a stop on your Komodo tour — it’s an opportunity to witness some of the ocean’s most beautiful creatures up close in their natural environment. The experience of floating among manta rays, watching them feed and glide, is often described as one of the most memorable moments of a trip to Indonesia.

With its accessible snorkeling, exciting diving, and abundant marine life, Manta Point truly stands out as a bucket-list destination for ocean lovers.

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