Manta Bay - Bali

Manta Bay, over on Nusa Penida, delivers pretty consistently on its name. You’ll find a lot of boats here, all hoping for the same thing, and usually, Manta Bay delivers: reef mantas. They typically cruise through the nutrient-rich water here, mouths agape, filtering plankton. We’ve seen them swoop past, close enough to feel the water move, sometimes five or six at a time, gliding effortlessly. Don't expect much in the way of reef structure, this isn't a coral garden dive. It's about the big animals. The site can get surgy, especially closer to the cliffs, so keep your distance and listen to your dive guide. It’s a good spot for newer divers looking for a reliable manta encounter, provided conditions are calm. Just relax, enjoy the show, and don't chase the mantas.

Location
Bali, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.735345, 115.450660
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KK Nusa Penida

Best Time to Dive in Bali

The warmest water temperatures in Bali occur in December, averaging 30.9°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 29.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 30.1°C
  • February: 29.7°C
  • March: 30.1°C
  • April: 30.7°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.1°C
  • September: 29.3°C
  • October: 30.1°C
  • November: 30.9°C
  • December: 30.9°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Bali

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta Bay

Marine Life in Bali

Home to 528 recorded species including 359 reef fish, 73 hard corals, 42 sharks & rays, 12 other, 12 sea snails & nudibranchs, 11 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Manta Bay

Based on average water temperature of 30.1°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°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