Manta Ridge - Raja Ampat

The Pedernalis is one of our favourite easy wreck dives in Aruba. You’ll find her broken up across a shallow sandy bottom, just 10m down, which means plenty of light illuminates the twisted metal. We always recommend getting there early, before the snorkel boats arrive and turn it into a busy swim-through. Once you’re in the water, the first thing you notice is how much life has taken hold. Schools of Red Snapper often hold formation around the larger sections, and we’ve spotted Tobacco Basslets tucked into crevices. Keep an eye out for Spotted Goatfish sifting through the sand nearby. The stern section is particularly interesting; you can spend a good while navigating the scattered plates and beams, always finding something new. Visibility here averages around 17m, so you get a clear view of the entire site, making it perfect for a relaxed dive, especially if you’re keen on photography without the pressure of depth or strong currents.

Location
Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-0.562800, 130.544800
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: TAMAN WISATA PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN RAJA AMPAT

Best Time to Dive in Raja Ampat

The warmest water temperatures in Raja Ampat occur in November, averaging 30.3°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 29.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.7°C
  • February: 29.4°C
  • March: 29.6°C
  • April: 29.9°C
  • May: 29.9°C
  • June: 29.7°C
  • July: 29.3°C
  • August: 29.4°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 30.3°C
  • December: 30.1°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Raja Ampat

Nearest Dive Centres to Manta Ridge

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

Home to 250 recorded species including 176 reef fish, 43 hard corals, 8 seagrass & algae, 5 sea cucumbers, 4 clams & mussels, 4 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Manta Ridge

Based on average water temperature of 29.7°C, currents 20 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at Manta Ridge and where are the manta rays usually found?
At Manta Ridge, the maximum diving depth is 15m. Manta rays are typically found at the dedicated manta cleaning station within the dive site. This shallow depth allows for extended bottom time to observe these magnificent creatures.
What kind of marine life, besides manta rays, can divers expect to see at Manta Ridge?
Beyond the incredible manta rays, divers at Manta Ridge can expect to encounter a diverse range of marine life. Keep an eye out for eagle rays and mobula rays gracefully swimming by. Additionally, various shark species such as black tip, white tip, and grey reef sharks are often spotted in the area.
How difficult is diving at Manta Ridge, considering the currents and conditions?
Diving at Manta Ridge is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive. While the specific current conditions are not detailed, divers should be prepared for varying conditions typical of an intermediate site. This rating suggests that some experience with drift diving or stronger currents might be beneficial.
What is the best time of year to dive Manta Ridge for optimal manta ray sightings?
For optimal manta ray sightings at Manta Ridge, the primary season runs from December to May, offering excellent chances to see both reef and oceanic manta rays. However, it's worth noting that in 2022, reef mantas were observed as early as the end of August. For more general information on dive seasons, check our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications or experience levels are recommended for Manta Ridge due to its challenging conditions?
Given that Manta Ridge is classified as an intermediate dive site, it is recommended for divers who have some prior experience. Divers should be comfortable with varying conditions and potentially stronger currents. While no specific certification is listed, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience would be beneficial for navigating this site safely.
What are the usual current conditions and visibility like at the Manta Ridge dive site?
At Manta Ridge, divers can typically enjoy excellent visibility, averaging around 18m. While specific current conditions are not detailed, the site's intermediate difficulty rating suggests that divers should be prepared for potential currents. It's always advisable to consult with your local dive guide for real-time conditions.