By VMI Vinca Voyages | Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Manta Point in Komodo National Park ranks among the most extraordinary wildlife encounter destinations on the planet. Located at the tip of Makassar Reef on the southwestern corner of Komodo Island, this site brings divers and snorkelers face to face with giant oceanic manta rays in an experience that is simultaneously humbling, thrilling, and deeply moving. If there is one underwater experience in Komodo that every visitor — diver or non-diver — should seek out, it is this one.
Understanding Manta Rays
The oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) is the largest ray species in the world, with adults reaching wingspans of up to 7 metres and weights of over 1,300 kilograms. Despite their immense size, manta rays are filter feeders, consuming vast quantities of tiny zooplankton and small fish as they glide through the water with their distinctive cephalic fins extended to funnel food toward their mouths. They are completely harmless to humans and have no stinging barb, making them safe to observe closely.
Manta rays gather at Manta Point for two reasons: feeding and cleaning. The upwelling currents that characterise this location bring dense concentrations of plankton to the surface, providing an abundant food source. The site also functions as a cleaning station, where small cleaner fish — particularly cleaner wrasse — pick parasites from the mantas' bodies, gills, and undersides. The mantas hover motionless at the station while the cleaner fish do their work, making for extended and exceptionally close observation.
Best Times to Visit Manta Point
Manta rays are present at Manta Point year-round, but sightings are most reliable and most abundant between April and October, when the dry season upwellings bring the richest concentrations of plankton. During the wet season months of November to March, manta ray sightings are less consistent but still possible. Early morning visits — before 10:00 AM — often yield the best encounters, with the largest numbers of mantas actively feeding at the surface.
How to Behave Around Manta Rays
Responsible manta ray etiquette is essential to protect these extraordinary animals and ensure that future visitors can enjoy the same encounters. Never touch a manta ray — the protective mucus layer on their skin can be damaged by human touch, making them susceptible to infection. Do not swim directly above a manta or block its path. Avoid using flash photography underwater, as this can startle the animals. Hover calmly and let the mantas approach you rather than chasing after them. VMI Vinca Voyages guides brief all guests on responsible manta ray behaviour before every water entry at this site.
Dive and Snorkel with VMI Vinca Voyages
VMI Vinca Voyages offers Phinisi liveaboard and speed boat tours with dedicated diving and snorkeling programs throughout Komodo National Park. Our experienced dive guides, quality equipment, and carefully chosen itineraries take you to the very best underwater sites in one of the world's premier marine destinations. Book your dive trip today.