Manta Point is one of the most famous dive sites in Nusa Penida, Bali. This spectacular location offers divers and snorkelers the unique opportunity to swim alongside majestic manta rays in their natural habitat. These gentle giants are frequently seen gliding through the crystal-clear waters, often gathering around cleaning stations where small reef fish remove parasites from their bodies.
But Manta Point is not just about manta rays! This dive site also boasts an abundance of marine life, including reef sharks, bamboo sharks, blue-spotted stingrays, and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeler, Manta Point offers an unforgettable experience.
Diving at Manta Point begins on a sandy seabed leading to the first cleaning station, where manta rays gather. As divers move through the site, they often travel across a vibrant coral plateau before reaching a second cleaning station. This area is teeming with marine biodiversity, including reef sharks, such as bamboo sharks, and schools of trevally.
A little further from the cleaning stations, underwater rock formations and caves offer excellent exploration opportunities. This area is also home to various species of nudibranchs, porcelain crabs, Zanzibar shrimps, and even the occasional eagle ray or marble ray. At the end of this area, there is a wall going down to 40 meters. If you are lucky, you can even see some elusive creatures like the Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) or a whale shark.
While snorkeling is possible at Manta Point, most snorkeling trips take visitors to Manta Bay, a shallower site near Broken Beach. The main advantage of Manta Bay is its proximity to Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay. The boat trip to reach Manta Bay is faster and cheaper, but the chance to see a Manta is much smaller. Moreover, it can be quite crowded, with multiple boats and snorkelers competing for a glimpse of the mantas. Not the best experience.
Snorkeling at Manta Point, on the other hand, offers a more serene experience. The mantas gather around the cleaning station, which means the boats don’t need to run after them. Also, both captains and snorkelers are usually more respectful of the Mantas because there is less rush. However, since the site is more exposed to ocean currents and swells, it is recommended to go with an experienced guide to ensure safety.
Manta rays frequently visit specific coral structures known as cleaning stations. These are natural formations where cleaner fish, such as wrasses, remove bacteria and parasites from the mantas’ skin. In addition to getting cleaned, manta rays also feed on the abundant plankton in the area, making these stations an excellent spot to observe their graceful movements up close.
When snorkeling or diving with manta rays at the cleaning station, it is essential to follow strict guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful encounter. First, avoid swimming directly above the cleaning station, as this can startle the manta rays and disrupt their natural behavior. Instead, maintain a respectful distance and observe from the side. Second, never chase after a manta ray. These graceful creatures are indeed much faster than humans, and pursuing them can cause unnecessary stress, making them leave the area.
Lastly, do not touch the manta rays under any circumstances. Their skin is covered with a protective mucus layer that helps prevent infections, and human contact can remove this barrier, making them vulnerable. By following these simple yet crucial rules, snorkelers and divers can enjoy a sustainable and unforgettable experience with these magnificent marine creatures.
Manta Rays are very smart and sometimes very curious, they usually decide to come close to you, especially if you are diving. You just have to stay still, and the Manta Ray will manage to avoid you. On multiple occasions, a manta ray came just in front of me and, at the last second, just turned around or passed just above my head. It’s easy to recognize the manta with the pattern on their belly.
Each manta ray has indeed a unique pattern on its belly, similar to a fingerprint. Researchers and conservationists use these patterns to track and identify individual mantas. Some mantas, like “Black Mama”, are well-known in the diving community due to their distinct markings. As you can imagine, “Black Mama” is all black!
The cost of snorkeling and diving varies depending on the type of experience you choose. For snorkeling, a shared boat to Manta Bay costs 300,000 IDR per person, while a shared boat to Manta Point costs 500,000 IDR per person. If you prefer a private boat, a trip to Manta Bay plus three other snorkeling spots costs 1.7 million IDR for up to four people, whereas a private boat to Manta Point with three additional snorkeling stops is 3 million IDR for four people.
For those looking to dive, discovery scuba diving, ideal for beginners aged 10 and above, costs 2.2 million IDR for two dives and a pool session. Certified divers can enjoy a fun dive at Manta Point for 1.65 million IDR per person for 2 dives. These prices typically include gear rental, guide services, and transportation to the dive sites.
While mantas are the main attraction, the dive site is home to a diverse range of marine creatures, including:
Manta rays can be found at Manta Point throughout the year, except during their breeding season when they move to deeper waters. However, their presence can be affected by factors such as pollution, water temperature, and weather conditions. The sea can also be rough at times, making access difficult. If conditions are not ideal, dive centers will usually provide updates.
Due to its popularity, the dive site can become crowded with divers. To ensure a better experience, some operators, such as Dune Penida, adjust their dive schedules to avoid peak hours or explore less crowded sections of the site.
Manta Point is situated on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida, near the Peguyangan Waterfalls. While there is a viewpoint on the cliffs where manta rays can sometimes be spotted from above, there is no direct access to the sea. The only way to dive or snorkel is by boat.
One of my most unforgettable dives at Manta Point was when I encountered a whale shark. We were exploring the wall, enjoying the usual magic of the site, when my dive buddy suddenly caught my attention. He had spotted a manta ray gliding gracefully behind me, so I turned around to admire it. Just as I was filming, I heard frantic banging on his tank and muffled shouts through his regulator. I looked up, and there it was—a massive whale shark swimming right above me! In an instant, I switched from filming the manta to capturing the whale shark. The video is hilarious—you can clearly hear my buddy’s excitement as he yells underwater!
Another incredible dive happened when I was with Karl, the manager of Dune Penida, and my Thai friend Fhon, an amazing dive instructor and photographer. We were drifting along the wall, calmly following two majestic manta rays, when Karl suddenly pointed ahead. A little farther away, a Mola Mola had appeared! As we marveled at this rare sight, we noticed another one swimming slightly deeper. I managed to get some great footage, but Fhon’s photo was even more stunning, capturing the eerie beauty of these deep-sea giants perfectly.
This dive was a quieter but equally memorable one, filled with manta rays and a bamboo shark sighting. Just as we were ascending for our safety stop, I stumbled upon something unexpected—a massive crown jellyfish floating like an alien visitor in the blue. It was mesmerizing, its translucent body pulsating with life. Watching it drift by was the perfect way to end such an incredible dive.
Absolutely! Whether you’re snorkeling or diving, Manta Point offers one of the most magical underwater encounters in Bali. The opportunity to witness manta rays up close, along with the site’s rich marine biodiversity, makes it a must-visit destination for ocean lovers.
If you’re planning a trip to Nusa Penida, don’t miss the chance to explore this breathtaking dive site. Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or a seasoned diver, it will be an unforgettable experience beneath the waves.
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