Manta Point (Karang Makassar)

Karang Makassar

A 2 km shallow reef cleaning station between Komodo and Padar, where you can snorkel or dive with reef manta rays, up to 4 metres across, almost year-round. It is Komodo's most popular underwater experience.

Manta Point is the Karang Makassar reef in the strait between Komodo and Padar. It is a shallow, broken-coral reef about 2 km long, 5–15 metres deep. Strong currents carry plankton here, and reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) feed here year-round while cleaner fish groom them. It is one of the world's most reliable manta-watching sites. Seeing a dozen or more on a single dive is common. Occasionally, divers also spot fully black 'black mantas' and oceanic mantas with wingspans over 5 metres.

There are two ways to experience it. Snorkellers are dropped upstream by the skipper, timed to the tide, and drift along with the current. Mantas often glide past 2–3 metres below, and the boat picks you up downstream. Divers can make drift dives or hold onto a reef hook at the manta cleaning station and watch.

Nearby Batu Bolong, Castle Rock and Crystal Rock are among Komodo's most famous advanced dive sites, with dense fish and shark populations. The currents are very strong, so you need at least Advanced Open Water certification.

A day trip usually visits after snorkelling at Pink Beach, staying 30–45 minutes. A dive shop's day trip with two or three dives costs about Rp 1,500,000–2,500,000.

A few notes: currents are strong and the surface is often choppy. Wear a life jacket when snorkelling and follow crew instructions. Non-swimmers should be cautious. Keep at least 3 metres from the mantas. Don't chase, touch or press down on them from above. Visibility can drop to 10–15 metres when plankton is abundant. The coordinates are approximate, for the centre of the reef.

Manta Point (Karang Makassar)

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby