Manta point - Loyalty Islands

Passe intérieure de Boulari, inside Prony Bay, is a drift dive we always look forward to. Drop in at the start of an outgoing current, and you’re immediately swept along, gliding over coral patches with schools of fusiliers so thick they sometimes block out the sun. We’ve had some fantastic encounters here – whitetip reef sharks resting on the sandy bottom, big spotted groupers hanging out under ledges, and once, a curious reef manta ray circled us for a good five minutes. The maximum depth is around 17 metres, making it a pretty relaxed dive, even with the current. Visibility tends to be solid, often pushing 20 metres. We love the feeling of being carried along, eyes scanning for passing pelagics like grey reef sharks or eagle rays that often cruise through the channel. It’s an easygoing drift that suits most divers comfortable with some current, offering a lively cross-section of what the bay has to offer.

Location
Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia, Australasia
Coordinates
-20.773700, 165.279600
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: Povilla Forest Reserve

Best Time to Dive in Loyalty Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Loyalty Islands occur in February, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 24.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C
  • February: 28.2°C
  • March: 28.1°C
  • April: 27.6°C
  • May: 26.3°C
  • June: 25.4°C
  • July: 24.7°C
  • August: 24.2°C
  • September: 24.5°C
  • October: 25.2°C
  • November: 26.4°C
  • December: 27.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Loyalty Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta point

Marine Life in Loyalty Islands

Home to 129 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 11 sea cucumbers, 9 sea snails & nudibranchs, 4 clams & mussels, 4 sharks & rays, 3 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Manta point

Based on average water temperature of 26.3°C, currents 10 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is Manta Point for diving, and at what depths are manta rays typically encountered?
The maximum depth for diving at Manta Point is 18m. While the exact depth at which manta rays are typically encountered isn't specified, the site is described as a cleaning station where divers descend "in the blue" at the meeting point of currents.
What kind of marine life, besides manta rays, can divers expect to see at Manta Point?
Manta Point is primarily renowned as a cleaning station for both oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) and reef mantas (Mobula alfredi). While the description mentions "reefs," no other specific marine life beyond these magnificent manta rays is detailed in the provided information.
Is Manta Point considered a difficult dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Yes, Manta Point is considered an intermediate dive site, specifically "reserved for good divers." The dive involves a descent "in the blue" at the meeting point of currents and is a drift dive, making it less suitable for beginner divers.
What is the best time of year to dive at Manta Point for optimal conditions and the highest chance of seeing mantas?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Manta Point for optimal conditions or the highest chance of seeing mantas. For general information on dive seasons, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Manta Point?
While specific certification levels are not explicitly stated, Manta Point is an intermediate drift dive "reserved for good divers." It is highly recommended that divers have experience with drift diving and feel comfortable with descents "in the blue" at current meeting points.
What are the typical current, swell, and water temperature conditions like when diving at Manta Point?
Manta Point is a drift dive characterized by currents, as the descent occurs at their meeting point at the exit of the pass. The average visibility is 12m, but there is no specific information provided regarding typical swell or water temperature conditions.