Makassar Reef

Also known as "Manta Point"

Dive Site Komodo Manta Point Makassar Reef
  • One of the best dive site to admire Mantas

    The Manta is the largest ray in the world, they can grow up to 6 meters wide, and Manta Rays, the ones you find in Komodo National Park, are with no doubt one of the highlights of any diving trip in this park. Makassar Reef, also known as ‘Manta Point’, it is located in the Northern part of Komodo National Park, between Komodo Island and Tatawa. Manta rays can be seen in the Southern part of the park in Manta Alley, another site where you will feel blessed to be surrounded by this majestic species.

    Taka Makassar Manta Rays Sanctuary

    The experts of Komodo National Park

    Diving Cruise KOMODO

    | 6 Days / 5 Nights | 1926 € Full Board

    Cruise through Komodo archipelago, 
    Labuan Bajo to Labuan Bajo

    Next Departure:

    2024 October 05th to 10th

    321 per day

    Up to 4 dives/day

    Please refer to the FAQ Section

    Boat Rating *

    Global
    9.9
    Vessel
    9.8
    Life Onboard
    9.9
    Activities
    9.9

    Click on the tabs above for more details.

    Click on the tabs above for more details.

    Mantas cleaning station

    Makassar Reef is the longest dive site in the park with more than 2,5 km long. It is a shallow drift dive to see Manta Rays at their cleaning stations. It is commonly dived between 6 to 12 meters, which makes it also a very popular and excellent place to go snorkeling in Komodo National Park. This sloping reef descends further but all the action is in the shallow, you can even spot the mantas easily from the boat before you jump in. Mantas go closer to the sea surface to feed and closer to the sea bed to be cleaned by yellow butterfly fishes and moon wrasses which are the primary cleaner fishes. That is the reason why mantas can be seen at any depth and at any time in this extraordinary site.

    Manta Ray in Makassar Reef Komodo Manta Point

    Topography of this dive site

    The reef is quite rubbery, with a base of broken coral fragments and small stones. You will find at some points of the site, a succession of dunes and small craters as well as a rocky oasis thickly covered by hard and soft corals, gorgonians and sponges. The best way to find mantas is to cruise toward the Eastern face of the reef and you will quickly see them on the surface. The best time to spot Manta Rays here is during rising tide. There can be encountered up to 50 mantas together here. Despite their huge size, Mantas are a harmless sea animal, in fact they are very smart, friendly and curious, and you will be delighted by seeing them gliding above your head. In addition to this splendid display, you may also find turtles, bamboo sharks, black tips reef sharks, eagle rays, bumphead parrotfish, giant trevallies, huge clams, various kinds of sponges, and cuttlefish. And don’t forget to look around for macro life, as you can see some incredible nudibranchs and other macros, this is actually one of the best dive sites for spotting blue ring octopus.

    Manta Point Komodo Makassar Reef

    When should you dive in Makassar Reef?

    A great news is that from 2014 Indonesia outlawed the fishing and export of manta ray to protect the species, so you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to have an encounter with these curious, intelligent underwater giants.

    It is possible to dive at Makassar Reef throughout the year, since the average annual water temperature varies from 25°C to 28°C, providing comfortable diving conditions at any time. Manta rays are also seen all year round, but more mantas are sighted from December to February.

    Black Manta at Manta Point Komodo Makassar Reef

    THE CRUISE OF YOUR DREAMS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

    Whether you're looking for a private charter, or to live an adventure on the sea while discovering new landscapes & meeting new people, We can help you make your dream come true.

    FAQ

    To enter Indonesia your passport must have:
    •  Expiration date of the applicant’s passport must be at least 6 (six) months at the date of entry.
    •  At least one blank visa page
    •  Round-trip airplane ticket

    There is no Visa required for 61 countries and 1 region.
    Maximum length of stay without Visa is 30 Days, if you are planning to stay up to 60 days, you can buy a visa on arrival for 35 US$ at Airports and Seaports.
    For more details about COVID restrictions, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia.


    We choose to work with people we know for years, all offering a high quality service on perfectly maintained Phinisi.

    All boats, Cabins & on-board furniture's have an authentic and sophisticated design, made with quality materials.


    Spacious and Comfortable
    shared space, Lounge, Sun Deck, Restaurant will grant you a maximum comfort.

    You will also enjoy free access to kayaks and stand-up paddles (SUP) if you wish to explore the surrounding.
    Then it's up to you to chose if you want to enjoy a stunning sunset from the lounge with a fresh drink or from the SUP in the middle of pristine water.

    One of the most, if not the most important part of your cruise, The Crew. They all are experienced, they know when to be discreet and how to treat you well.

    Another important part of your journey, the Food., you will enjoy some great dishes cooked with love by some skilled chef. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, you will be delighted all day long. 


    You can refer to the label on the boat description to have a quick overview about the class of the cruise.
    Luxury
     All cabins are equipped with Air conditioning and Private bathroom (ensuite). 
    Comfort: All cabins are equipped with Air conditioning and some cabins may have shared bathroom (Max 2 cabins).

    You should definitely consider the full charter option especially if you are planning this cruise with your family or friends. It will make the experience even more exceptional. As we offer a large choice of boat, no matter if you are 6, 10 or more than 12 we will find the best vessel according the standing you are expecting. From 1000$ per night in adventure standing, 2000$ per night in Comfort standing and from 3000$ in Luxury standing. Contact us for more informations.

    Not at all, beginners can do discover scuba diving during the cruise (let us know to arrange it)


    Open water certified divers or equivalent will have access to most of the dive sites, but to make the best of the cruise Advanced level and experience in drift dive is recommended. You can spend a few days with us in Bali before starting your cruise, by joining our Safari tour or to get your Advanced certification in one of our four dive centers, it will allow you to dive up to 30m depth, to join night dives and be more confident and comfortable while drift diving.

    For an even better training we recommend you to join the drift specialty in Nusa Lembongan.

    If you are more into Leisure, Yoga or Surfing, we can offer you some great cruise experience while practicing some of your favourite activities. Contact us for more informations.

    Indonesia spread over its more than 5000 km along the Equator which offers a tropical climate with only two season, dry & wet.

    Dry season is mainly from May to October Wet season from November to April.
    Keep in mind that Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, so you can visit year-round as wet season won’t start in the same time in different places.

    Landscapes are also pretty different due to Tropical rainforest climate and Tropical savannah climate.

    Komodo: All year around
    North Komodo: April to December
    South Komodo: January to march
    Raja Ampat: October to May
    Banda Island: September to November
    Alor: May to November

    We do recommend you to bring your own gears if you already own it. If not it’s not a big deal, you can rent the full set onboard, some of our partners provide rental equipment for free, maximum you can expect another 60$ per day.
    As a reminder, every scuba diver should be equipped with: Wetsuite/BCD/Regulator set/Fins/Weight system/Dive computer/SMB/Torchlight/Compass.


    Nitrox tanks are available on most of the boats, please refer to the boat description.

    Included: Transportation between airport & boat (return)/ Accommodation/ Meals and snacks/ non alcoholic beverage/ 12L tanks and weight system for divers

    Not Included:
    Marine park and Port authority fees / International and domestic flights/ Traveling - Diving Insurance / alcoholic beverage & espresso/ massage/ 15L tanks and dive gears rental for scuba divers

    Most of the time €, Us$ are accepted onboard, but we do recommend you to bring enough cash in local currency IDR. Payement by card are available on some boats, please refer to the boat description.
    Most of electric outlets on board are European type.

    Tipping from 5 to 10% of the cruise amount are expected, it express your satisfaction level. Tips are also an important income part for crew members.