Manta Point is a popular dive site located in the Komodo National Park, Indonesia. It is named after the giant manta rays that frequent the area, and is a popular destination for divers and snorkelers hoping to see these magnificent creatures up close.
Manta Point is located in the southern part of Komodo National Park, and is accessible by boat from the nearby islands of Flores and Komodo. The site features a large coral reef, with a cleaning station where mantas come to have parasites removed by small fish.
Diving at Manta Point is best during the dry season, from April to November, when the water is clearer and the currents are calmer. However, because of the popularity of the site, it can get crowded with other divers and snorkelers during peak season.
In addition to manta rays, divers at Manta Point can also see a variety of other marine life, including sharks, turtles, and schools of colorful fish.
Location Detail
Manta Point is located in the Komodo National Park, which is situated in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. The park is composed of several islands, including Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and numerous smaller islands.
Manta Point is specifically located in the southern part of the park, between Komodo Island and the island of Rinca. The site is located in a protected marine reserve, which helps to ensure the conservation of the area's marine life.
To access Manta Point, visitors typically need to travel by boat from the nearby islands of Flores or Komodo. The journey takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the departure point and sea conditions. Many diving and snorkeling tours operate in the area, and visitors can typically arrange a trip to Manta Point through a local tour operator or dive center.
Transportation to Manta Point
The most common way to reach Manta Point is by boat from the nearby islands of Flores or Komodo. Visitors typically arrange a trip to Manta Point through a local dive center or tour operator, which will provide transportation to the site as part of a diving or snorkeling excursion.
The journey time to Manta Point varies depending on the departure point and sea conditions, but typically takes around 1-2 hours. Visitors should be prepared for a bumpy ride, as the waters around the Komodo National Park can be choppy.
Alternatively, some visitors may choose to charter their own private boat to visit Manta Point. This option offers more flexibility in terms of departure times and itinerary, but can be more expensive than joining a group tour.
It's worth noting that the Komodo National Park is a protected area, and visitors are required to pay an entrance fee to access the park. The fee is typically included in the cost of a diving or snorkeling excursion to Manta Point, but visitors traveling independently should ensure that they have paid the fee before entering the park.
Special and Unique in Manta Point
Manta Point is a unique and special dive site because of the presence of large numbers of manta rays, which are some of the largest fish in the ocean. Here are some of the special and unique aspects of diving or snorkeling at Manta Point:
- Giant Manta Rays: Manta rays are the main attraction at Manta Point. These gentle giants can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) in wingspan and weigh up to 1,350 kg (3,000 pounds). At Manta Point, they come to a cleaning station to have parasites removed by small cleaner fish, providing divers and snorkelers with an incredible opportunity to see them up close.
- Diverse Marine Life: Manta Point is also home to a diverse range of marine life. In addition to manta rays, visitors can see a variety of sharks, including whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, as well as turtles, schools of colorful fish, and a variety of coral and invertebrate species.
- Unique Topography: The topography of Manta Point is unique, featuring a sloping reef that descends to around 25-30 meters (80-100 feet) before dropping off into deeper waters. This provides a varied and interesting dive site, with opportunities for both shallow and deeper dives.
- Currents: The currents at Manta Point can be strong, which can be challenging for novice divers but can also make for an exhilarating and exciting dive for more experienced divers.
Overall, the combination of giant manta rays, diverse marine life, unique topography, and challenging currents make Manta Point a truly special and unique dive site that should not be missed by diving and snorkeling enthusiasts visiting the Komodo National Park.
Services Fee
The fees for diving or snorkeling at Manta Point can vary depending on the tour operator or dive center you choose, as well as the specific services and equipment you require. Here are some general guidelines for the fees you can expect to pay:
- Diving Fees: The cost of a dive trip to Manta Point typically includes the cost of the boat ride, diving equipment rental, and the services of a dive guide. The cost can range from around $60-$120 per person per dive, depending on the number of dives included in the trip.
- Snorkeling Fees: Snorkeling trips to Manta Point are generally cheaper than diving trips, and typically include the cost of the boat ride and snorkeling equipment rental. The cost can range from around $30-$60 per person, depending on the number of snorkeling stops included in the trip.
- National Park Entrance Fee: Visitors to the Komodo National Park are required to pay an entrance fee. As of 2021, the fee for foreign visitors is around $15 per person per day.
- Other Costs: Additional costs to consider may include accommodation, meals, and transportation to and from the departure point for your dive or snorkeling trip.
It's important to note that prices can vary depending on the tour operator or dive center, and it's always a good idea to research and compare prices before booking a trip to Manta Point.
Tips for Traveling to Manta Point
If you are planning to travel to Manta Point, here are some tips to help make your trip safe, enjoyable, and memorable:
- Choose a reputable tour operator or dive center: When selecting a tour operator or dive center, it's important to choose a reputable and licensed company with experienced guides and good safety records. Look for online reviews and ask for recommendations from other travelers or locals.
- Check weather and sea conditions: The waters around the Komodo National Park can be choppy, and conditions can change quickly. Check the weather forecast and sea conditions before booking your trip to ensure safe and enjoyable diving or snorkeling.
- Pack appropriate clothing and equipment: The weather in the Komodo National Park can be hot and humid, so pack lightweight and breathable clothing. If you plan to dive, bring or rent appropriate diving equipment, including wetsuits, fins, and masks.
- Respect the marine environment: Manta Point is a protected area, and it's important to respect the marine environment and its inhabitants. Follow responsible diving and snorkeling practices, such as avoiding touching or disturbing marine life and following local rules and regulations.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun: The tropical climate in the Komodo National Park can be intense, so it's important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and consider wearing a hat or other protective clothing.
- Be prepared for currents: The currents at Manta Point can be strong, so it's important to be a confident swimmer and to follow your guide's instructions. Consider taking a dive course or refresher course if you are not experienced with diving in strong currents.
- Bring a camera: Manta Point offers incredible opportunities for underwater photography, so consider bringing a waterproof camera or hiring one from your tour operator or dive center to capture your memories of the experience.