Manta Bay - Lombok & Gili Islands

Passe de Tikehau, or Tuheiava, is Rangiroa’s quieter cousin, and for good reason. We love how Tikehau offers a gentler introduction to pass diving, particularly when the current comes in. It’s a shallow drift, mostly under 10 meters, so you get incredible light bouncing off the sandy bottom, illuminating the schooling fusiliers and triggerfish. You’ll spot giant squirrelfish lurking under ledges and often catch glimpse of the iconic unicornfish gliding by. We’ve seen it busy, but usually, it's a calm, easy drift, perfect for those building confidence in currents or anyone who just wants a relaxed, colourful dive. Keep an eye out for the yellowmouth barracuda schools, they’re dense here. We rate this dive highly for its consistent good visibility and the sheer number of small reef fish, even if the big pelagics are a less frequent show than in some of Rangiroa's other passes.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.740500, 115.452300
Type
drift

Marine Protected Area: KK Nusa Penida

Best Time to Dive in Lombok & Gili Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Lombok & Gili Islands occur in December, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in August at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.6°C
  • February: 29.3°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 30.1°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 28.5°C
  • August: 28.3°C
  • September: 28.6°C
  • October: 29.3°C
  • November: 30.1°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Lombok & Gili Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta Bay

Marine Life in Lombok & Gili Islands

Home to 258 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 44 sharks & rays, 37 hard corals, 10 seagrass & algae, 4 other, 3 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Manta Bay

Based on average water temperature of 29.4°C, currents 23 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 Bay?
The maximum diving depth at Manta Bay is 18 meters. This depth allows for excellent opportunities to observe manta rays feeding while they filter the water for food.
What marine life can I expect to see when diving in Manta Bay?
Manta Bay is renowned as a gathering place for manta rays, where you can observe them filtering food. Beyond the majestic mantas, you might also encounter bamboo sharks, stingrays, and a variety of colorful reef fish. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is diving at Manta Bay, and is it suitable for beginners?
Diving at Manta Bay is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. The site is close to a cliff and experiences strong water movement and surge, which can be challenging. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for beginner divers.
What is the best time of year to dive at Manta Bay for manta ray sightings and good conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Manta Bay for manta ray sightings or optimal conditions. However, manta rays are known to gather here to feed due to the pressure of waves from the open ocean. For general information on diving seasons, you can check our when to dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Manta Bay?
The provided information does not specify the exact scuba diving certifications required to dive at Manta Bay. Given its intermediate difficulty and strong water movement, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience is often recommended for such sites. It's always best to consult with a local dive operator in Lombok & Gili Islands for specific requirements.
What are the typical current and water conditions like for diving in Manta Bay?
Manta Bay is characterized by strong water movement and surge, as it is located close to a cliff. Diving here is typically a drift dive, allowing you to move with the currents. The average visibility at the site is 14 meters.