Manta Point Nusa Penida Marine Life, Bali

Manta Point is on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida. It is a reef manta cleaning station. Coral is not thick. The bottom is limestone, with small sandy bays. The site is exposed, so it is dived only when conditions allow.

The depth is about 5–25 m. Visibility is often 10–20 m, and the water can be 20–26°C. Current is usually light, but surge can build because the site faces the open ocean. Entry is by boat.

Reef manta rays, Mobula alfredi, are here throughout the year. The reef is shallow. They come to be cleaned and to gather, not only to pass through.

Map coordinate: −8.79883, 115.52778
Dive type: Reef
Entry: Boat
Depth: About 5–25 m
Water: Salt water

Marine life

Reef manta ray

Mobula alfredi

The main animal at Manta Point. They stop at the cleaning station and gather on the shallow reef.

Blue-spotted stingray

Often on the sand around the reef.

Eagle ray

Often passes through the open water at this site.

Bamboo shark

Often in cracks or under rocks.

Turtle

Often passes through to swim at this site.

Mola

Can be seen here. Not on every dive.

Octopus

Often hidden in cracks in the reef.

Macro life

This manta station is open and often has current, so divers usually focus on large animals. Macro subjects are much easier on denser reefs around Nusa Penida and Toyapakeh, where currents are calmer. For macro photos, use a macro lens and a focus light.

Nudibranch

Small sea slugs with odd shapes and bright colours. Often on coral, sponge, or limestone rubble. A macro photo favourite.

Shrimps

Often looked for: harlequin shrimp, transparent shrimp on anemones or coral, porcelain crab, and orangutan crab. They hide in reef crevices, anemones, sea urchins, or feather stars.

Small crabs

Often looked for: harlequin shrimp, transparent shrimp on anemones or coral, porcelain crab, and orangutan crab. They hide in reef crevices, anemones, sea urchins, or feather stars.

Seahorses

Includes pygmy seahorses, thumb-sized, camouflaged on sea fans, and ghost pipefish. Needs patience and steady buoyancy—they are small and well hidden.

Pipefish