Manta Point - Komodo

Patriot Reef. What a spot. We love it because it’s exactly what you picture when you think of a Fijian soft coral dive, but with a real sense of place. The highlight, for us, is that big swim-through. It starts shallow, maybe two metres down, and then just opens up, dropping you onto a sandy bottom at about 18 metres. The walls inside? Absolutely covered in yellow soft corals. They sway gently, almost glowing, as you fin through. You’ll definitely feel the current here, especially on an incoming tide, which is the prime time to dive it. When you emerge, you’re often greeted by schools of Ambon Pullers and Deep Reef Chromis. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too. Bicolor Blennies are common, as are Moorea Pygmygobies if you look closely at the sand. We’ve seen Spotted Pufferfish tucked into crevices and once, a Big-spot Angler just sitting out on a coral head. The reef top is fantastic for snorkelling, honestly some of the healthiest Staghorn and Brain Root corals you’ll see in the shallows, with plenty of Saddleback Butterflyfish flitting about. Patriot Reef is perfect for divers who appreciate vibrant soft corals and aren’t afraid of a bit of a push from the current.

Location
Komodo, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.555100, 119.581200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Komodo

Best Time to Dive in Komodo

The warmest water temperatures in Komodo occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 27.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.2°C
  • February: 28.9°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 29.7°C
  • May: 29.4°C
  • June: 28.9°C
  • July: 28.1°C
  • August: 27.9°C
  • September: 28.2°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Komodo

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta Point

Marine Life in Komodo

Home to 220 recorded species including 95 reef fish, 92 hard corals, 13 seagrass & algae, 5 sharks & rays, 4 sea cucumbers, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Manta Point

Based on average water temperature of 29.1°C, currents 5 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°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

What is the typical diving depth at Manta Point, and how deep do you usually go to see the manta rays?
The maximum diving depth at Manta Point is 16 meters, making it a relatively shallow drift dive. Manta rays are typically observed around the scattered cleaning stations found on the rubble coral bottom, which are within this shallow depth range.
Besides manta rays, what other marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Manta Point?
While manta rays are the main attraction at Manta Point, divers can also explore the site's diverse underwater features. These include a beautiful coral reef to the south, intriguing dunes to the north, and a rubble coral bottom in between, where manta cleaning stations are located. No other specific marine life is mentioned in the provided data.
How challenging is diving at Manta Point, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Manta Point is rated as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to it being a shallow drift dive site. While it's not explicitly stated as unsuitable for beginners, the intermediate rating suggests that some prior diving experience and comfort with currents are beneficial.
When is the best time of year to dive at Manta Point for the highest chance of seeing manta rays and good conditions?
Divers have the excellent opportunity to see manta rays at Manta Point all year round. This means there isn't a specific "best time" mentioned in the data for higher chances, as sightings are consistently possible. For general information on dive conditions, you can check when to dive resources.
What dive certifications are required to dive at Manta Point?
The provided data indicates that Manta Point has an intermediate difficulty rating. However, it does not specify any particular dive certifications required to dive here. It's always recommended to check with local dive operators for their specific certification requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like at Manta Point, and how do they affect the dive?
Manta Point is characterized as a shallow drift dive site, indicating that currents are typically present and will influence the dive profile. Divers can expect good water clarity, with an average visibility of 16 meters, enhancing the experience of observing the abundant manta rays and underwater topography.