Manta Point

At a Glance

• Where: south/southwest coast of Nusa Penida, Klungkung regency
• What it is: a marine site for encountering giant manta rays
• Manta wingspan: up to 7 metres tip to tip
• Activities: snorkeling and diving from a boat
• Best time: year-round; calmer seas in the dry season (April–October)
• Getting there: by boat only, from the Nusa Penida harbours

Manta Point is a famous marine site off the south coast of Nusa Penida, widely regarded as the most reliable place in Bali to encounter giant manta rays. The mantas come here to feed on plankton and to be cleaned at reef "cleaning stations," and they're seen almost year-round. The site is reached by boat only, as part of a snorkeling or diving trip.

Why Visit

It's a chance to swim alongside one of the ocean's largest and most graceful creatures: a manta's "wingspan" reaches 7 metres. Unlike many places in the world, the mantas here often stay near the surface, so you can meet them while snorkeling as well as diving.

Manta Point and Manta Bay

"Meeting the mantas" usually means one of two neighbouring sites:

• Manta Bay to the west — shallower and calmer, more often used for snorkeling.
• Manta Point further south — higher chances, but the swell is stronger and it's mostly for divers.
• Boat trips run to whichever site is calmer and has more mantas on the day.

What Else You'll See

Besides the mantas, these waters hold reef and bamboo sharks, blue-spotted ribbontail rays and rich coral reefs.

When to Go and What to Know

Mantas are around year-round, but the sea is calmer in the dry season (April–October), and the boat crossings are easier.

• The south coast is exposed to ocean swell — on a big swell, trips are rescheduled or moved to another site.
• Bring motion-sickness remedies if you're prone to seasickness.
• Don't crowd or touch the mantas — keep your distance and give them space.

Combine Your Trip

• Crystal Bay — a beach and the best shore-entry snorkeling spot on the west of the island.
• Kelingking Beach — the famous T-Rex cliff nearby.

FAQ

Are you likely to see mantas? Yes — Manta Point is considered the most reliable place to meet manta rays in Bali, with sightings almost year-round.

Snorkeling or diving? Both: the mantas are often near the surface. Manta Bay is calmer and suits snorkeling, while Manta Point is deeper and more for divers.

When is the best time to go? In the dry season (April–October), when the sea is calmer and the boat crossing is easier.