Honest Review of Manta Point, Bali: Here’s All You Need to Know [2025]

Manta Point is one of Bali’s most famous dive sites, known for offering divers and snorkelers the rare opportunity to swim alongside majestic manta rays. Located near Nusa Penida, this site is a must-visit for those seeking a thrilling underwater experience. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and breathtaking scenery, Manta Point attracts experienced divers and adventurous snorkelers looking to witness these gentle giants up close.

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Table of Contents:

• TripAdvisor Ratings & Reviews 
• What Did Visitors Like About Manta Point?
• What Did Visitors Not Like About Manta Point? 
• Pro Tips to Keep in Mind About Manta Point
• The Basic Things to Know About Manta Point
• Deep Dive into Finer Aspects Of Manta Point
• Other Things to Do Near Manta Point
• Hotels Near Manta Point
• Restaurants Manta Point
• The Final Verdict
• FAQs

TripAdvisor Rating for Manta Point

TripAdvisor rating: 4.7/5 (70 reviews)

• Excellent: 58
• Very good: 5
• Average: 5
• Poor: 1
• Terrible: 1

Manta Point holds an impressive 4.7-star rating on TripAdvisor, with visitors praising the breathtaking experience of swimming alongside giant manta rays in crystal-clear waters. Most divers and snorkelers describe it as a magical and surreal encounter, often calling it the highlight of their Bali trip. While the strong currents and occasional lack of manta sightings led to some disappointment, the majority agree that the dive's adventure, marine biodiversity, and overall thrill make it a must-visit spot.

What Did Visitors Like About Manta Point?

Manta Point offers a truly unforgettable experience, making it a favorite among divers and snorkelers. Here’s what visitors love the most:

• The Chance to Swim with Manta Rays: The main highlight of Manta Point is the incredible opportunity to see and swim alongside giant manta rays in their natural habitat. These graceful creatures often glide just meters away from divers and snorkelers, creating an awe-inspiring encounter.
• Clear Blue Waters and Vibrant Marine Life: The waters around Manta Point are evident, providing excellent visibility for underwater photography and marine observation. In addition to manta rays, visitors can spot colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even occasional reef sharks or turtles.
• A Unique Diving Experience: Unlike crowded dive sites, Manta Point offers a more peaceful and immersive experience in nature. The calm and graceful movement of the mantas makes the dive feel almost meditative and surreal.
• Scenic Boat Ride to Nusa Penida: The journey to Manta Point is as beautiful as the dive, with stunning views of Nusa Penida’s rugged cliffs and turquoise waters. Many visitors enjoy the boat ride as part of the adventure, often spotting dolphins.
• Suitable for Both Divers and Snorkelers: Unlike some deep-water dive sites, Manta Point offers snorkeling opportunities as well. This allows even those without a diving certification to experience the magic of swimming near manta rays, making it a great option for families and beginner-level adventurers.

What Did Visitors Not Like About Manta Point?

While Manta Point is a breathtaking experience, there are a few challenges that visitors have mentioned:

• Strong Currents Can Be Challenging: The area is known for its strong currents, which can be difficult for beginner divers and snorkelers to navigate. It’s highly recommended to go with an experienced guide or instructor for safety.
• Unpredictable Manta Sightings: While Manta Point is one of the best places in Bali to see manta rays, sightings are not always guaranteed. Weather conditions, water temperatures, and plankton levels affect manta activity, leading to occasional disappointments.
• Cold Water Temperatures: Compared to other Bali dive sites, Manta Point has cooler water temperatures, often ranging between 20-26°C (68-79°F). A full wetsuit is recommended to stay comfortable during longer dives.
• Choppy Boat Rides During Rough Weather: The boat ride to Nusa Penida can be bumpy, especially during rough sea conditions. Those prone to seasickness should consider taking motion sickness medication before the trip.
• Can Get Crowded During Peak Season: Although Manta Point is a relatively spacious dive site, it can still attract multiple tour groups, especially during the high season (April–October). Arriving early in the morning can help avoid crowds and increase the chance of a more peaceful experience.

Pro Tips to Keep in Mind About Manta Point

To make the most of your Manta Point experience, here are some valuable tips:

• Book with a Reputable Dive Center or Tour Operator: Since Manta Point has strong currents, it’s best to dive or snorkel with experienced guides who know the conditions well. A reputable operator will also ensure proper safety measures and environmental responsibility.
• Check Weather and Sea Conditions Before Visiting: Manta rays are more active in warm, sunny weather, so checking forecasts and ocean conditions before booking increases the chances of a successful encounter.
• Bring or Rent a Good Wetsuit: Due to the cooler water temperatures, a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit is recommended to keep warm and comfortable during the dive.
• Respect the Marine Life and Environment: Avoid touching or chasing manta rays, which can stress them out and disturb their natural behavior. Maintain a safe and respectful distance while observing these magnificent creatures.
• Take Motion Sickness Medication If Needed: If you are prone to seasickness, take motion sickness tablets at least 30 minutes before the boat ride to ensure a smoother experience.

The Basic Things to Know About Manta Point

Manta Point is a world-famous dive site near Nusa Penida, attracting adventurers eager to swim with majestic manta rays in their natural habitat. Due to its unique conditions and marine life, knowing a few key details is essential before planning your visit.

Location and How to Get There

Manta Point is off the coast of Nusa Penida, requiring a boat ride from Bali’s mainland. Most tours depart from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan, or Nusa Penida, and it takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach the site.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (April–October) offers calmer seas and better visibility, making it the best time for manta sightings. However, depending on plankton availability, mantas can be spotted year-round.

Diving and Snorkeling Conditions

The site has strong currents and calmer waters, making it more suitable for intermediate and advanced divers. Snorkelers can still enjoy the experience but should stick close to their guide for safety.

Entry Fees and Tour Costs

Manta Point has no entrance fee, but you must book a diving or snorkeling tour. Prices range from $50–$150 per person, depending on the tour operator, equipment rental, and inclusions.

Marine Conservation and Responsible Tourism

Manta Point is part of Bali’s marine conservation area, and visitors are encouraged to respect marine life, avoid touching animals, and follow responsible snorkeling/diving practices.

Deep Dive into Finer Aspects of Manta Point

Beyond being a manta ray hotspot, Manta Point is a unique dive site with diverse underwater landscapes and marine biodiversity. Here are some fascinating aspects of this world-class location:

The Manta Cleaning Stations

Manta rays visit Manta Point primarily for cleaning stations, where small fish remove parasites from their skin. This natural behavior allows divers and snorkelers to witness mantas gliding gracefully in circles.

Coral Reefs and Marine Ecosystems

While Manta Point is most famous for its rays, it has a beautiful coral ecosystem teeming with tropical fish, turtles, and occasional reef sharks. Divers can explore vibrant coral formations and rocky underwater landscapes.

Manta-Ray Behavior and Interaction

Manta rays are harmless, intelligent, and curious creatures. They often swim close to divers out of curiosity. However, avoiding direct contact and letting them approach naturally is essential.

Other Dive Sites Nearby

Many dive operators combine Manta Point with other dive sites, such as Crystal Bay (for mola sightings) and Toyapakeh (for coral gardens and fish diversity), making Nusa Penida an incredible diving destination.

Other Things to Do Near Manta Point

Since Manta Point is part of the Nusa Penida region, there are many other incredible attractions to explore after your dive or snorkel session.

Kelingking Beach

One of Bali’s most famous beaches, known for its iconic T-Rex-shaped cliffs and breathtaking ocean views. The hike down to the beach is challenging but rewarding, offering pristine white sands and turquoise waters.

Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong

Broken Beach is a great photography spot because it is a natural rock formation creating a stunning circular cove. Nearby, Angel’s Billabong is a beautiful natural infinity pool where visitors can swim during low tide.

Crystal Bay

It is a popular snorkeling and diving site known for its clear waters, coral reefs, and occasional mola (sunfish) sightings. It’s also a great place to relax on the beach after an adventurous day.

Atuh Beach & Diamond Beach

Located on the eastern side of Nusa Penida, these hidden paradise beaches offer dramatic cliffs, white sands, and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a quiet escape from tourist crowds.

Hotels Around Manta Point

Here’s a list of hotels near Manta Point, offering a range of options from luxury to budget-friendly stays! Always check current prices and reviews before booking.

Restaurants Around Manta Point

Here’s a list of restaurants near Manta Point that offer a mix of cuisines and dining experiences: 

The Final Verdict: Is Manta Point Worth Visiting?

Manta Point is one of Bali’s most extraordinary underwater experiences, offering divers and snorkelers the chance to encounter majestic manta rays in the wild. While strong currents, calmer waters, and unpredictable sightings can make it challenging, the sheer beauty and uniqueness of swimming alongside these gentle giants make it a bucket-list experience. If you love marine life and adventure, Manta Point is worth visiting—just be sure to choose a good tour operator, check conditions, and prepare accordingly.

FAQs About Manta Point

Is Manta Point suitable for beginners?

Due to its strong currents and open-sea conditions, Manta Point is better suited for intermediate to advanced divers. However, snorkelers and beginners can still enjoy the experience by staying close to their guide and using proper safety gear.

When is the best time to see manta rays at Manta Point?

Manta rays can be seen year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (April–October) when sea conditions are calmer and visibility is higher. However, as mantas are wild creatures, sightings are never 100% guaranteed.

Do I need to book a tour to visit Manta Point?

Yes, Manta Point can only be accessed by boat, so book a snorkeling or diving tour from Bali, Nusa Penida, or Nusa Lembongan. Tours typically include boat transport, guide, and equipment rental.

What should I bring for a trip to Manta Point?

Visitors should bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, motion sickness medication (if needed), and an underwater camera. Due to cooler water temperatures, a wetsuit is recommended for diving.

How long does a trip to Manta Point take?

A trip to Manta Point typically lasts half a day (4–5 hours), including the boat ride and diving/snorkeling session. Some tours also combine Manta Point with other Nusa Penida dive sites, making it a full-day adventure.