Bombana Sailing Komodo
Bombana Sailing Komodo
Manta Point: snorkelling with mantas, and the odds
Updated 23 October 2026
Manta Point is the last snorkel of day 2 on the 3-day trip on Bombana 1 and Bombana 2. It is a guided drift in a strong current, so it suits confident swimmers. Manta rays are common but never guaranteed, and the best months are December to February and July to September.
Drifting with the current, not against it
Manta Point isn't a calm lagoon. The current here is strong, and the snorkelling is guided. The guide drifts swimmers along the reef with the current rather than anchoring in one spot, so you move, and the boat follows you.
That's the first thing to understand before the stop. The second is that the place has two names. It's also known as Karang Makassar, and it sits in the central part of the park.
The level is moderate. It suits confident swimmers. The drift runs 30 to 60 minutes, and the guide sets the real time on the day. The tide matters too, because sightings and current both depend on it.
Mantas: the months and the odds
Manta rays are wild animals. They are common here, and they are never guaranteed. Nobody can schedule a manta, and a guide who promises one is selling you a feeling.
The best manta season runs December to February and July to September. The month ratings list them as peak in January, February, July, August, September and December. Outside those months the odds drop, and they never reach zero.
Tide and current set the day. The table below gives the stop's level, its current and the route day. On a quiet day you drift along a lively reef with no manta in sight, and that is a normal outcome, not a failure. On a good day, one or more can pass beneath you. Both happen.
- Time ashore / in water
- 30–60 min
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Current
- strong
- Tide
- Depends on tide
- Busiest months
- July, August, September
What it is not: wild animals: manta rays are common but never guaranteed · not a calm lagoon: currents can be strong and snorkelling is guided
Photos from the route · 12 photos
If you're not a strong swimmer
Say so before the drift, not during it. A life jacket is advised because of the current. Life jackets are on board, and the harbour master's rules require them for everyone. Ask for one before the drift.
You can also stay on the boat. Nobody has to get in at Manta Point, and a weak swimmer who sits this one out hasn't missed the trip. The rest of day 2 is much gentler.
Pink Beach and Taka Makassar are the easy snorkels on the route, and both come earlier in the day, so if you want to warm up in calmer water before the drift, take it there. Practice helps. The snorkelling page lists all five water stops in order.
What to bring to the drift
Masks are provided on both boats. Fins are not promised, and in a current a good pair helps, so bring your own if you own them. A rash guard is worth having, along with reef-safe sunscreen and a hat for the boat.
A waterproof camera is a fair idea, but a wrist strap is a better one, because current takes things. Keep your hands free and your phone dry in a pouch on the boat. Simple.
Look, don't touch. Keep your distance from any manta that comes by, and follow your guide's lead on how close to go. The animal decides how close it wants to be.
Manta Point in the day 2 order
On the printed route, day 2 ends with Taka Makassar and then Manta Point, followed by dinner. Tide and current can swap the order of the two.
The stop is on the 3-day and the 4-day routes. The 2-day charter cuts it, so if mantas matter to you, choose the 3-day route or the 4-day charter. The best time to sail rates the months.
Bombana 1 and Bombana 2 both run it on every Monday & Friday sailing. Only the 2-day charter misses it.
If mantas are the reason you are booking, tell us your month and we'll tell you what the ratings show for it.
FAQ
How strong is the current at Manta Point?
Strong, and tide-dependent. That's why the snorkelling is guided and why the stop is rated for confident swimmers. A life jacket is advised. Plan on a drift of 30 to 60 minutes, which the guide sets on the day.
Can a weak swimmer sit out Manta Point?
Yes. You can stay on the boat, and nobody has to get in. Life jackets are on board for anyone who wants one. Pink Beach and Taka Makassar are the easier snorkels on day 2.
What happens if no mantas show up?
The drift still runs, and you snorkel the reef in the current. Manta rays are wild animals, common but never guaranteed, and tide and current set the day. We can't promise a manta, even in the 6 peak months, December to February and July to September.
Is Manta Point before or after Taka Makassar?
After, on the printed route: Taka Makassar, then Manta Point, then dinner on day 2. Tide and current can swap the two. Both stops are on the 3-day and 4-day routes, and neither is on the 2-day charter.
Check availability — Bombana Sailing Komodo
Bombana Sailing Komodo is booked through PT Komodo Explorer Indonesia.