Manta Point

While Manta Bay is the popular choice for casual snorkelers in Nusa Penida, Manta Point is where the real magic happens for divers and adventurous snorkelers seeking larger manta rays in a more raw, untamed setting. Located farther southwest of the island, this iconic site offers deeper waters, stronger currents, and more frequent sightings of oceanic manta rays in their natural cleaning stations.

If you’re craving a thrilling encounter in open water with manta rays gliding right beneath you, Manta Point Nusa Penida is the ultimate experience.

What Makes Manta Point So Special?

Unlike the more sheltered Manta Bay, Manta Point is exposed to the open sea and sits along a rocky cliff coastline where mantas come to feed and get cleaned by reef fish. These cleaning stations attract giant oceanic manta rays that often reach up to 6 meters in wingspan.

Here’s why Manta Point stands out:

• Higher chance of large manta sightings year-round

• Located near active cleaning stations where mantas circle repeatedly

• Great visibility during dry season

• Open ocean setting with a truly wild atmosphere

• Also home to reef sharks, turtles, and large pelagic species

If you’re lucky, you might even spot multiple mantas gliding in loops, hovering above the reef as cleaner fish nibble away parasites.

Manta Bay vs. Manta Point — What’s the Difference?

In short, Manta Point is for thrill-seekers — while Manta Bay is more beginner-friendly.

Can You Snorkel at Manta Point?

Yes — but only when conditions allow. Because of the exposure to ocean swells and current, Manta Point is typically visited by scuba divers, but experienced snorkelers can join if the sea is calm.

At Discover Nusa Penida, we only offer snorkeling trips to Manta Point on perfect weather days and always with a dedicated in-water guide. Life jackets are mandatory, and we do not recommend it for children or non-swimmers.

What You’ll See at Manta Point

• Oceanic manta rays up to 6 meters wide

• Reef mantas cruising the surface

• Cleaning stations with mantas circling in place

• Turtles, reef sharks, and sometimes mobula rays

• Large schools of fish and dramatic reef structures

The reef here is less colorful than Crystal Bay or Gamat Bay, but the open-ocean energy and giant mantas more than make up for it.

When to Visit Manta Point

• Best Season: April to October (dry season)

• Best Time of Day: Morning (7–10 AM) when the ocean is calmer

• Ideal Conditions: Low wind, gentle swell, and slack tide

We monitor sea conditions daily to determine if the site is safe for snorkeling or diving. If not, our team will adjust the tour route to Manta Bay or alternative sites.

Safety First

Because Manta Point is exposed to waves, our tours include:

• Briefing and condition assessment

• Life jackets for all snorkelers

• In-water local guide

• Emergency protocols and floatation ring

• Boat standing by at all times

We do not take risks. If the conditions aren’t right, we won’t go — your safety is our priority.

What to Bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Swimsuit and rash guard

• Waterproof bag or dry pouch

• Underwater camera (if possible — mantas are unforgettable!)

• Towel and change of clothes

Combine With Other Destinations

Because Manta Point is farther out, it’s often paired with a diver-focused trip or included in advanced snorkeling packages. A typical tour might include:

• Manta Point (main attraction)

• Gamat Bay (coral exploration)

• Crystal Bay (relaxing finish)

Our full packages include boat transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, guides, and GoPro photo service when available.

Book Your Manta Adventure Now

Final Thoughts

For those who seek the ocean at its rawest and most majestic, Manta Point Nusa Penida offers a rare opportunity to share the water with one of nature’s most graceful giants. It’s not the easiest site to visit — but it’s absolutely worth it.

If the sea is calling and you want to go beyond the usual snorkeling experience, let Discover Nusa Penida take you to where the real magic happens — under the cliffs, in the deep, where the mantas roam.