Manta Sandy

One of the most renown dive site in Raja Ampat

Manta Sandy Raja Ampat
  • A world-class signature dive

    Manta Sandy is an iconic diving and snorkeling site in Raja Ampat, located off the Southern coast of Gam Island, close to Mansuar Island. It is probably one of the best known Raja Ampat dive sites and is considered a signature dive of the area.

    The site, which is a main cleaning station, is famous for its consistent population of manta rays between October and April. These majestic marine giants can be found either feeding at the surface, as the area is rich in plankton, or hovering over a cleaning station.

    Manta Sandy Raja Ampat Dive Site

    Discover the mythic archipelago of the Four Kings

    Diving Cruise RAJA AMPAT

    | 8 Days / 7 Nights | 2736 € Full Board

    South Raja Ampat & West Waigeo Island, 
    Waisai to Waisai

    Next Departure:

    2024 May 16th to 23th

    342 per day

    Up to 3 dives/day

    Please refer to the FAQ Section

    Boat Rating *

    Global
    9.8
    Vessel
    9.7
    Life Onboard
    10.0
    Activities
    9.8

    Click on the tabs above for more details.

    Click on the tabs above for more details.

    Topography & Dive Plan

    The site is a narrow channel located between the main reef and a smaller one, which features small coral bommies. Currents in Manta Sandy are usually moderate, with some exceptions though. Still, unlike Manta Ridge, this site not only welcomes experienced divers but beginners and snorkelers as well.  The depth of the dive is also perfect for all levels, ranging from an average of 5 meters down to a maximum of 20 meters. On a good day up to 20 Mantas have been spotted. They normally will be waiting above the two rocks for a cleaner wrasse to come out and start cleaning them.


    Black Manta in Manta Sandy

    Respect Manta Rays

    These gentle giants, at over five meters long with a wingspan up to 6-7 meters, they are curious and intelligent and they are not scared off by respectful snorkelers and divers. If you are patient, they will often come and check you out, but it is important not to approach the rays too closely, as they may leave the area. Sometimes, manta rays will only appear when there is a current. The feeling of being surrounded by these enormous rays, will be a memory you will never ever forget.
    It is better to book your diving or snorkeling adventure in advance, as 20 divers are allowed per day to respect the manta rays.

    Manta Sandy Cleaning Station

    Advices & Recommandations

    Manta Sandy is just half an hour away from Manta Ridge, which is another cleaning station in the area, thus another great spot to encounter mantas, so if you happen to see only a few of them in this site, better check out the second site as well.

    This cleaning station is one of the flagship sites of Raja Ampat and is one of the best spots in the world to observe all year-round these graceful beauties, however during the months of October till April is when the mantas come to feed at this famous cleaning station, giving you more chances to see them.

    Dive Site Manta Sandy Raja Ampat

    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.