Manta Point Labuan Bajo: Swim with Manta Rays in Komodo National Park

Manta Point is one of Komodo National Park's most celebrated marine sites — a reliable cleaning station where manta rays congregate to be cleaned by smaller fish. Whether you’re snorkeling from a phinisi or diving from a liveaboard, encountering these gentle giants is often the highlight of a Komodo trip. Join our most wanted Komodo island tour, open trip komodo 3d2n with phinisi boat in Labuan Bajo.

Why Manta Point Is So Special

Mantas gather at cleaning stations to remove parasites and feed on plankton, making their appearances frequent and predictable. Their graceful, wing-like movements and large size create dramatic underwater encounters that are both humbling and breathtaking.

Snorkeling vs Diving: What to Expect

You don’t need advanced scuba skills to enjoy Manta Point — many visitors snorkel and see mantas near the surface. That said, be aware of possible currents and always follow your dive guide’s or skipper’s instructions.

  • Wear fins and a life jacket if snorkeling to help conserve energy in currents.
  • Do not chase, touch, or harass manta rays — observe calmly and from a respectful distance.
  • If diving, maintain buoyancy control to avoid accidental contact with the reef.

How to Reach Manta Point

Manta Point is commonly visited on day trips and multi-day phinisi cruises departing from Labuan Bajo. Typical itineraries often combine it with Taka Makassar, Pink Beach, and Komodo or Rinca for dragon trekking. Travel time is usually around 45–90 minutes by speedboat, depending on sea conditions and your starting point.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (April–November): Best visibility and calmer seas for snorkeling and diving.
  • Tides & Currents: Manta activity can increase during changing tides when plankton is more abundant.
  • Rainy Season (December–March): Possible sightings but expect rougher seas and lower visibility.

Responsible Manta Watching

Protect the mantas and reef:
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid chemical sunscreen that can harm corals.
  • Keep a safe distance and never attempt to touch or feed manta rays.
  • Choose operators that follow park rules and support conservation efforts.

Combine Manta Point with Your Komodo Itinerary

Manta Point fits well into 1-day trips or longer liveaboard routes. Many visitors schedule Manta Point during the middle of the day when plankton concentrations are optimal, and pair it with snorkeling stops at nearby reefs and sandbars. More about Komodo boat tour start from Labuan Bajo