Manta Point: Komodo's Manta Ray Cleaning Station

Updated July 2026

Manta Point is a stretch of open water in Komodo National Park known as a cleaning station, where manta rays gather to have parasites removed by small cleaner fish, making sightings while snorkeling relatively reliable. It's accessible only by boat, with currents that can be strong, so trips go in daylight with a guide monitoring the water. On a Labuan Bajo speedboat day trip, it's usually the afternoon stop, around 14:30.

8°38'S 119°36'E · On the day trip: 14:30

What Happens at Manta Point

Manta Point isn't a beach or island — it's an open patch of sea over a reef where manta rays regularly pass by to be cleaned by small fish that pick parasites off their skin and gills. Because of this cleaning behavior, mantas tend to linger rather than just swim through, which is what makes it a snorkeling site rather than just a boat-watching spot.

Sightings aren't guaranteed on any single visit since mantas are wild animals, but the site's reputation as a reliable cleaning station is why it's a standard stop on Komodo boat itineraries.

Currents here can be noticeably stronger than at calmer stops like Pink Beach or Taka Makassar, so snorkelers usually stay close to the boat and follow crew guidance on where it's safe to enter the water.

How to Get to Manta Point from Labuan Bajo

Fly into Komodo Airport (LBJ) in Labuan Bajo, the departure point for all Komodo National Park boat trips.
Leave from Labuan Bajo harbor in the morning, since Manta Point sits later on most multi-stop itineraries and is usually reached in early-to-mid afternoon.
Travel by speedboat at 25–35 knots through the park; a guide typically checks current conditions before anyone enters the water at Manta Point.
Our Komodo speedboat open trip includes Manta Point as the fifth stop, around 14:30, following Taka Makassar and ahead of Siaba Besar. Flat rate IDR 1,400,000/pax, daily departures, pickup ~05:30, WhatsApp-only booking at +6285190096797.

Best Time to Snorkel at Manta Point

There's no fixed guarantee window for mantas, but afternoon visits — as on the standard day-trip schedule — regularly catch them at the cleaning station. Calmer sea conditions in the dry season, roughly April to December, also tend to make for easier snorkeling and better visibility.

Wear a well-fitted mask and fins, keep a respectful distance from any manta you see (no touching), and stay near your guide given the stronger currents.

Manta Point is inside Komodo National Park, so standard entrance fees apply: Rp250,000 for Indonesian citizens and Rp400,000 for foreign visitors, paid at the gate.

Common Questions

Am I guaranteed to see manta rays at Manta Point?

No sighting is ever guaranteed since mantas are wild, but Manta Point is a known cleaning station where they gather regularly, giving snorkelers a good chance, especially on afternoon visits during the dry season.

How do I get to Manta Point from Labuan Bajo?

Manta Point is only reachable by boat. A speedboat day trip from Labuan Bajo is the practical option, usually reaching Manta Point in the early afternoon, around 14:30, as part of a full Komodo National Park route.

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