Manta Point , Gili Trawagan - Lombok & Gili Islands

Paul Thomas, tucked away just a few minutes from Deshaies, is one of our favourite spots in the Cousteau Reserve for a genuinely relaxed dive. We love that it’s reliably calm, almost like a sheltered garden. The depth maxes out around 17-18 metres, making it perfect for a long, unhurried bottom time. You’re pretty much guaranteed to spot green turtles here, often just cruising by or munching on seagrass. We’ve seen them countless times, sometimes so close you can hear their powerful fin strokes in the quiet water. The real draw, though, is the macro life. Get your eyes dialled in and you’ll find little worlds – tiny brittle stars tucked into coral crevices, the shy pearlfish, and the sometimes-bizarre cowfish. Look for the slate-pencil urchins too, their spines a stark contrast to the softer corals. The visibility hovers around 16 metres on average, which is perfectly good for enjoying the multiple coral patches. It’s a site that rewards slow exploration, rather than racing around. We think it’s ideal for newer divers building confidence, or anyone who just wants to drift along and observe without strong currents or deep challenges.

Location
Lombok & Gili Islands, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-8.366300, 116.035900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: KK Pulau Gili Air, Gili Meno, dan Gili Trawangan

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 Point , Gili Trawagan

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 Point , Gili Trawagan

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 Point, Gili Trawangan?
At Manta Point, Gili Trawangan, the maximum diving depth is 18m. This makes it a relatively shallow and accessible dive site, perfect for exploring the vibrant reef.
What kind of marine life and coral can I expect to see when diving at Manta Point, Gili Trawangan?
When diving at Manta Point, Gili Trawangan, you can expect to encounter a good variety of hard and soft corals, including bommies and large table corals that provide shelter for numerous fish. Marine life highlights often include reef sharks, stingrays, cuttlefish, and octopus. Keep an eye out for a passing manta ray during the right season, making it a fantastic spot for marine life encounters.
Is Manta Point in Gili Trawangan a difficult dive site, suitable for beginners?
Manta Point, Gili Trawangan is classified as an intermediate dive site. While there is rarely any current, making it generally calm, its classification suggests it's best suited for divers who have some experience beyond their initial certification. Beginners with appropriate supervision and comfort in the water might find it manageable, but it's not typically recommended as a first-time dive.
What is the best time of year to dive at Manta Point, Gili Trawangan, especially for manta ray sightings?
The provided data for Manta Point, Gili Trawangan indicates that manta rays can be seen "in season," but it does not specify the best time of year for these sightings or for diving in general. For more detailed information on seasonal diving conditions and manta ray seasonality, we recommend checking a dedicated when to dive guide for the Lombok & Gili Islands region.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Manta Point, Gili Trawangan?
While the data for Manta Point, Gili Trawangan does not explicitly state certification requirements, its maximum depth of 18m and classification as an intermediate site suggest that an Open Water Diver certification would generally be sufficient. However, due to its intermediate difficulty, divers should feel comfortable and experienced at this level. It's always best to confirm specific certification requirements with your chosen local dive operator in the Lombok & Gili Islands.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Manta Point, Gili Trawangan?
At Manta Point, Gili Trawangan, you can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 18m. Furthermore, there is rarely any current at this site, making for a very comfortable and enjoyable dive experience.