Manta Point Labuan Bajo: How to Swim with Manta Rays
Are you planning a trip to Flores, Indonesia and want to swim with Manta Rays? Then visiting Manta Point Labuan Bako needs to be on your bucket list!
Manta Point is a world-famous destination for both diving and snorkelling with Manta Rays. In fact, if you were to google “where to swim with manta rays” Komodo National Park would be the first place listed, making Flores, Indonesia a must-visit destination!
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience at Manta Point. So, if you want to swim alongside manta rays and explore the best of Flores, then keep reading!
Flores, Indonesia Mini Guide
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Want to watch instead of read? Watch our Flores Travel Guide Here
Where to Stay
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*prices shown are accurate at the time of writing and unless otherwise stated are in USD.
Manta Point Labuan Bajo Basics
Before we get into it, did you know that manta rays can grow up to 9 meters wide?
For reference, that is about as wide as a London double-decker bus! 🤯
With Manta Point’s crystal-clear waters, it offers one of the best opportunities to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Here, they are often spotted feeding or playing in the turquoise waters.
If you want to take your diving experience to the next level, there are underwater caves and canyons surrounding Manta Point to explore! Flores, Indonesia makes for an epic place to learn or you can always snorkel instead and explore the waters from the surface!
Wildlife at Manta Point
When we sign up for nature-based experiences, there is always a part of us that worries it will not be as ethical as we hope for. Here, however, we can attest that there is nothing done to attract the Manta Rays.
For us, Manta Point was the last port of call on our Slow Boat Tour of Komodo National Park. Somehow, the locals were able to spot the mantas from the boat – hello 20/20 vision! We quickly grabbed our snorkels and jumped into the water, ready for an unforgettable experience. But nature had other plans…🪼
Turns out manta rays aren’t the only stars of the show, at Manta Point Labuan Bajo you’ll also find:
🪼 Jellyfish (ouch)
🪸 colourful coral reefs
🐠 tropical fish
🐢 sea turtles
🦈 reef sharks
Location and Accessibility
As a visual learner, I thought it would be easier to just put a map here so we can all be on the same page. This region is known as the gateway to the Komodo Dragons and is home to crystal-clear waters and insane wildlife!
Getting To Manta Point
Getting to Manta Point is relatively easy. The island of Flores is easily accessible by air with flights from major Indonesian cities.
From LBJ Airport (Komodo Airport) it is only a 10-minute drive to the town of Labuan Bajo.
However, if you prefer to travel by sea there are ferry services available connecting Labuan Bako to Lombok. Or, for a more luxurious option private boats/yachts are available.
Note, travelling by sea can take a few days therefore it is best for slow travellers willing to make multiple stops!
Once you’ve arrived in Labuan Bajo, you will need to book onto a boat and depending on weather and sea conditions the journey to Manta Point can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
👀 Not sure where to stay in Labuan Bajo? We’ve put together a hotel listicle to help you find the perfect place for your budget and style.
Manta Point Labuan Bajo Tours
Okay, time to pick a tour type. There are plenty of options departing from Labuan Bajo, from day trips to multiple-day liveaboard cruises.
For those with flexible timelines, you can book your tour through a local agency on the main street of Labuan Bajo which can save you some money! Especially if you are good at haggling!
However, for those with limited timeframes, we recommend booking in advance online as tours can sell out, especially in peak season.
👉 MANTA POINT TOUR: Check Availability Here! 🚨
👀 Looking for more Komodo adventures? Don’t miss our guide on touring Komodo Island or visiting Padar Island, known for its epic viewpoints.
Everything in One Day!
So, if you want to visit Komodo Island, Manta Point, and the famous pink beaches all in one day?Easy! This is super common, and several tours offer this option!
However, these tours can feel rushed, making it harder to fully experience the animals and surroundings. Still, if time is limited, it’s possible to cover it all in one day.
👉 KOMODO ISLAND TOUR: Check Availability Here! 🚨
As the budget-friendly travellers we are, we opted for the slow boat tour, aka the cheapest possible option possible. The slow boat goes to four stops, and Manta Point was our final stop of the day. To say we were excited to jump into the water with the Manta Rays would be an understatement but, sometimes nature experiences don’t always go to plan.
We wanted to swim with manta rays and instead got the joy (and sting) of swimming with jellyfish.
Liveaboard Group Tour
For a more relaxed experience, multi-day tours (3-5 days) offer private or shared room options, typically with meals included. Prices vary based on amenities like air conditioning and food quality.
👉 LIVEABOARD GROUP TOUR: Check Availability Here! 🚨
Charter Your Own!
For the ultimate personalised experience, chartering a boat is the best option. A private boat with a certified dive instructor and captain allows you to sail wherever you like, dive as long as you want, and visit spots others can’t.
While this option is expensive, it’s perfect for group trips or special occasions. It’s on our bucket list for a future family trip!
Want to experience more off-the-beaten-path destinations? Check out our full review of Le Pirate Island and decide for yourself if it’s worth visiting.
FAQ about Manta Point Labuan Bajo
Where is Manta Point Komodo?
Manta Point is about 1 to 2 hours from Labuan Bajo Flores Indonesia.
Can you snorkel at Manta Point without a guide?
For safety reasons, it’s not recommended or advisable.
Are there sharks at Manta Point?
Yes, there are sharks within Manta Point!
What should you do if a manta ray approaches you?
Let them see you, and move away without blocking their path. Never chase or approach a wild animal.
Are manta rays aggressive?
Manta Rays are typically shy and pose no direct threat to humans.
Final Thoughts on Manta Point
While we were disappointed not to see the majestic mantas that day, that’s just how the cookie crumbles sometimes. Some days, you win the wildlife lottery. On other days, the ocean humbles you with jellyfish stings!
Want to see more of our adventures in Indonesia? Check out our Indonesia playlist on YouTube.
Looking for more travel tips and hidden gems? Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Flores, Indonesia for everything you need to know.
Have you been to Manta Point or swum with manta rays before? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear about your experience and live vicariously through you!
🦈🐢🪼✨
