BALI MANTA RAYS: MANTA POINT NUSA PENIDA

One of the most beautiful experiences when visiting Indonesia is having an encounter with the Bali Manta rays. Watching these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is a one in a lifetime experience and one of the best places to see them in Indonesia and in the entire world is in Manta Point in Nusa Penida.

Whether you are a diver or a swimmer who likes to snorkel some times to have a glimpse of the mesmerizing underwater world Manta Point in Nusa Penida is the place for you to experience and encounter with the famous Manta Rays.

I spent almost a year in Bali and became a certified Open Water Scuba Diving instructor when I was living there. I did many dives in Nusa Penida during my intership. I have dived and snorkeled Manta Point several times and I would come back still many times to observe these amazing creatures.

I have created this guide to share my experience with you and help you make the best of your visit to this unique place in the world. Let’s jump into the details!

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ABOUT MANTA POINT NUSA PENIDA

Manta point is one of the most famous dive sites in Bali, located in its neighboring island Nusa Penida, an island that used to be a prison and it has become now a famous tourist destination. The dive site is a Manta Ray cleaning station and you will not only be able to see these majestic creatures but also a vast array of marine life.

From sharks, trumpet fish, sting rays and I even saw the famous Mola Mola a couple of times handing around the site.

MY EXPERIENCE VISITING MANTA RAY IN NUSA PENIDA

I visited the dive site for the first time during my first visit to Bali when I was still a novice diver. This dive site and many others in Bali made me fall in love with the Indonesian underwater world and I went back there to do my Divemaster in Gili Air and then my Open Water Scuba Diving Instructor in Bali.

I visited the site several times during my training as we were trained in the many dive sites in Bali and around but as I was doing my training I was not allowed to bring my camera with me at all times so I do not have that many pictures or underwater footage, but I am sharing here the humble photos I could take with my humble camera back then and I can assure you visiting this dive site is one of the top things to do in Bali.

Watching Manta Rays in their natural habitat is a life changing experience and will leave you speechless. On my last trip to Indonesia I wanted to explore other Manta Ray cleaning station so I venture to diving the Komodo national park.

MANTA POINT NUSA PENIDA LOCATION

Manta point is in the middle of the South West coast of Nusa Penida, an island located near Bali, in Indonesia and in the Klungkung Regency that includes the stunning neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

Find here a pin with Manta Point in Nusa Penida location:

BOOK A BALI MANTA RAYS SNORKEL TOUR

If are staying in Canggu, Kuta, or Seminyak in Bali, you have the option to reserve this Manta Ray Snorkeling tour, which provides convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off services in Bali. With numerous positive reviews, this tour is pretty affordable, and includes transportation to and from your hotel and a swift boat ride to and from the Bali mainland.

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE: Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour

The package includes lunch and explores various snorkeling sites around Manta Point, where you can encounter turtles, vibrant corals, and tropical fish. Additionally, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise past several beaches in addition to the Manta Point snorkeling experience.

BALI MANTA RAYS SNORKELING TOUR AVAILABILITY

Feel free to utilize the calendar provided to check tour availability. Booking in advance is crucial, especially during the high season, as this tour is a popular activity on Nusa Penida. They make an effort to restrict the number of boats in the water.

BOOK A MANTA RAY SNORKELING TOUR FROM NUSA PENIDA

If you are staying in Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan there are options to book a tour from there. In Nusa Penida you can find lots of local people selling you tours in the popular Crystal Bay beach, as the tours are leaving from here. On Nusa Lembongan you can find lost of offices in the main area and find the same tour at similar prices.

However I recommend to book a tour on line if you are on a short trip to Bali and you do not want to deal with looking around looking for the best local option. This online tours usually include pick-up and drop-off at your hotel making it easier for you if you are not renting a scooter to get to the departure point.

In this case I suggest this tours, that they cost less than the tour from Bali as you do not need to include the speed boat from Bali to the Nusa islands.

BOOK TOUR: Snorkeling with Manta Rays from Nusa Penida

BOOK TOUR: Snorkeling with Manta Rays from Nusa Lembongan

SCUBA DIVING WITH MANTA RAYS IN NUSA PENIDA

Snorkeling the site is an unforgettable experience, but if you are a diver, do not skip the dive, or if you are considering to test the underwater world with this tour.

BOOK: Discover Scuba Diving Bali Manta Rays

Scuba diving with Manta Rays in this breathtaking beautiful island is a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience for any underwater world lover. The Manta Rays gracefully swimming around the site is something you will not want to miss and experience for as long a possible and that is why scuba diving is the best way to experience this amazing location.

The site is offers also an array of beautiful coral reefs and some very interesting marine life. Yes, I saw the famous Sunfish, Mola Mola, a couple of times when diving in there.

The dive site is suitable for both experienced and newbies so you can always enjoy the beauty of the marine life while the sun rays filter through the surface and create a world of ocean love.

If you are an experienced diver you can book this tour that has very positive reviews and a fair price.

BOOK: Scuba diving Nusa Penida and Manta point

MANTA POINT NUSA PENIDA DIVE SITE

The Manta Point Dive Site in Nusa Penida is one of the most popular dive spots in Bali.

Find here the dive site characteristics:

1. Depth: The depth at Manta Point can vary, but it is generally around 10 to 20 meters.
2. Topography: The underwater topography at Manta Point typically includes rocky formations and a cleaning station where reef mantas come to have parasites removed by smaller fish.
3. Entry Points: Divers usually enter the water from a boat and descend to the desired depth. The boat captain and dive guide will coordinate the entry and exit points based on current conditions.
4. Marine Life: Manta Point is named for its frequent sightings of manta rays. It’s one of the best places around Nusa Penida to encounter these graceful creatures. Besides mantas, you may also see other marine life, including reef sharks, various species of rays, and schools of tropical fish.

Always check with local dive operators for the latest information concerning the dive site.

WHAT IS A MANTA RAY CLEANING STATION

A Manta Ray cleaning station is a underwater place where the mantas go to get cleaner fish to take away parasites and debris from them.

The cleaner fish are usually small reef fish, such as cleaner wrasse. Manta Rays visit these places often and stay there for long while the cleaner fish are doing their cleaning duties.

The cleaner fish gets a meal while the Manta Rays get cleaned to preserve their health. As Manta’s stay still for long periods of time while they are being cleaned, it is a great place to observe these creatures for a long time.

When diving Komodo National Park in Indonesia you can also visit a Manta Ray cleaning station.

FACTS ABOUT MANTA RAYS

Giant Size: Manta rays are one of the largest species of rays. Their width can exceed 6 meters.

Filter Feeders: Mantas are filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton and small fish by swimming with their mouths wide open..

Unique Spot Patterns: Each manta ray has a unique spot pattern on its belly, which can be used for individual identification. This allows researchers to track and study specific individuals.

Warm Waters habitat: Mantas prefer warm, tropical and subtropical waters. They can be found in both coastal and offshore environments.

Intelligence: Manta Rays have the largest brain-to-size ration of any other cold-blooded

fish. Some research have shown that they might be able to recognize themselves in the mirror, an indication of high cognitive function.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MANTA POINT IN NUSA PENIDA

The best time of the year to visit this spot is during the dry season, from April to October.

The weather is mostly sunny during these months and the sea conditions calm, having the sea

then, optimal visibility for snorkeling or diving with these majestic creatures.

Avoid the monsoon season as rough seas and rain can make the experience less enjoyable.

WHAT TO PACK FOR MANTA POINT IN NUSA PENIDA

Swimwear: Bring a comfortable swimsuit for snorkeling or diving. A rash guard is also recommended to protect against the sun.

Sunscreen: Use a high SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from the strong tropical sun. Ensure it’s reef-friendly to minimize environmental impact.

Snorkeling/Diving Gear: If you have your own gear (mask, snorkel, fins), it’s advisable to bring them. However, many tour operators provide equipment if needed Check with your tour operator.

Water Shoes: Wear water shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks and coral while entering or exiting the water.

Towel: A quick-dry towel can be handy after your snorkeling or diving session.

Dry Bag: Protect your belongings, especially cameras and electronics, from water by using a waterproof dry bag. Yes, this is an important one. You do not want to spoil your camera as it happened to me when somebody splash the water jumping out of the boat as it happened to me once in Nusa Penida. Always keep al your electronics in a dry bag when diving or snorkeling.

Hat and Sunglasses: Shield yourself from the sun with a wide hat and polarized sunglasses.

Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated by bringing your reusable water bottle. Pack some light snacks for energy. Most tours provide some Indonesian food but you might want to bring your own.

Underwater Camera: Capture the incredible marine life, including the manta rays, with a waterproof camera. This is a real must. The experience is so life changing that you will want to capture it on camera

Cash: Bring some cash for any additional expenses, tips, or small purchases.

Dry Clothes: Have a change of clothes for after your water activities.

WRAP-UP

Manta Rays encounters are one of the most beautiful experiences that you can have in your life. These creatures’ presence evokes the feeling of good omens and beautiful things happening in your life. Their slow majestic pace will bring you to a state of awe and spontaneous meditation that you will bring back home with you after the experience.

If you are visiting Bali, this is a must do during your stay. The Bali Manta Rays will leave you speechless and will take away all your stress and worries from daily life.