Also known as: Karang Makassar · Manta cleaning station
Manta Point (officially Karang Makassar) is a renowned reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) cleaning station between Komodo and Tatawa islands within Komodo National Park. Reef mantas are present year-round, with peak abundance December through February during the NW monsoon plankton bloom. The site is snorkel-accessible at 5-15 meter depth and a signature stop on virtually all Komodo dive cruises and standard phinisi charter itineraries.
Manta Point (officially named Karang Makassar) is a coral reef cleaning station located in the central channel of Komodo National Park between Komodo Island and Tatawa Besar in Indonesia. The site is internationally renowned as one of the most reliable reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) viewing locations in Southeast Asia. Reef mantas (distinct from the larger oceanic manta Mobula birostris) congregate at the cleaning station to be groomed of parasites by cleaner wrasse — making this a stationary observation site rather than a chase. Mantas are present year-round but peak abundance occurs December-February during the NW monsoon plankton bloom that draws them in larger numbers. The site is unusually accessible: snorkelers can observe mantas from the surface at 5-15 meter depths during calm conditions, while certified divers descend to 15-25 meter depths for closer observation. Wingspan: typical reef manta 3-5 meters, with maximum specimens approaching 7 meters. Etiquette protocol enforced by local dive operators: maintain 3-meter minimum distance, no touching, no flash photography, no chasing — mantas are protected under Indonesian law (since 2014) and CITES Appendix II. Sightings success rate: approximately 85% during December-February peak season, ~50% off-season. The site is included in 95% of Komodo phinisi itineraries.