Few dive experiences capture the essence of Bali’s marine life like a descent at Manta Point, off the southern tip of Nusa Penida. This is one of those rare sites where world-class diving meets reliable big-animal encounters—where the odds of seeing manta rays are so high that even seasoned divers surface grinning like it’s their first time underwater.

A Meeting Place for Mantas

Manta Point sits in an area of nutrient-rich upwelling, where cooler ocean currents push plankton toward the surface. That steady food supply draws reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) throughout the year, sometimes in groups of ten or more. The mantas come to feed and to visit the coral cleaning stations scattered along the rocky bottom. Watching these enormous fish—often 10 to 15 feet across—circle gracefully while smaller wrasse clean them is a quiet, mesmerizing experience.

Divers usually settle on the sandy seafloor around 10–20 meters and simply observe. There’s no need to chase or swim after them; the mantas are curious enough to glide by repeatedly, often within a few feet. Their calm movements and size can make time feel slower underwater, the only sounds being your bubbles and the soft flick of their wings.

Conditions and What to Expect

The dive is suitable for most certified divers, though it’s important to be comfortable with light surge or current. Water temperatures range from 73–80°F (23–27°C)—a bit cooler than Bali’s northern sites due to the open-ocean currents—and visibility can reach 40–60 feet (12–18 meters) on a good day. A 3–5mm wetsuit is ideal.

Marine life here is diverse even beyond the mantas. You may spot blue-spotted rays, moral eels, and the occasional bamboo shark. The rocky ledges are lined with soft corals, and schools of fusiliers sweep through the site. Above the surface, the cliffs of Nusa Penida rise dramatically from the sea, creating one of the most scenic surface intervals in Indonesia.

Conservation and Respect

Manta Point lies within the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area, one of Indonesia’s most successful community-managed conservation zones. Strict local regulations prohibit touching or chasing the rays, anchoring on reefs, or feeding marine life. This approach has kept the ecosystem remarkably healthy, and divers can see the results firsthand—thriving coral patches, clean water, and wildlife that behaves naturally around people.

Good buoyancy control and patience go a long way here. The best manta interactions come from staying still, keeping a respectful distance, and letting the animals choose the approach. It’s a privilege to observe them without interference.

Eco Dive Center Is Going There

In July 2026, Eco Dive Center’s group trip to Bali—led by Seaghan “Seagull”—will include a dive at Manta Point. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience this world-famous site with experienced guides and a fun, supportive dive group.

For many divers, Manta Point becomes the moment that defines their Bali trip—the stillness, the scale, and the sense of connection with one of the ocean’s most remarkable species.