Karang Makassar

Exploring the Marvels of Karang Makassar: A Guide to Manta Point Diving

Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Karang Makassar, also fondly known as Manta Point. Situated within the breathtaking Komodo National Park in Indonesia, Karang Makassar offers an unparalleled diving and snorkeling experience. In this guide, we delve into the wonders of this underwater paradise and provide insights into what makes it a must-visit destination for diving enthusiasts.

Discovering the Majesty of Manta Rays

The Magnificent Manta Rays

Karang Makassar is renowned for its population of majestic Manta Rays, the largest rays in the world. These graceful creatures, with wingspans of up to 6 meters, captivate divers with their elegant movements and gentle demeanor.

Encounter at Manta Point

Manta Point, synonymous with Makassar Reef, serves as a hub for encountering these magnificent creatures. Situated in the northern part of Komodo National Park, between Komodo Island and Tatawa, this site offers unparalleled opportunities to witness Manta Rays in their natural habitat.

Exploring Makassar Reef

Dive into Diversity

Makassar Reef stretches over 2.5 kilometers, offering divers and snorkelers a vast expanse to explore. With its shallow depths ranging from 6 to 12 meters, the reef is an ideal location for both diving and snorkeling adventures.

Mantas' Cleaning Stations

One of the highlights of Makassar Reef is observing Manta Rays at their cleaning stations. These gentle giants visit the shallower depths to be cleaned by yellow butterfly fishes and moon wrasses, providing a spectacular sight for underwater enthusiasts.

Unveiling the Topography

The Underwater Landscape

Karang Makassar boasts a diverse topography, characterized by rubbery reefs, broken coral fragments, and small stones. Divers can explore a terrain adorned with dunes, craters, and rocky oases adorned with vibrant corals, gorgonians, and sponges.

Best Spot for Manta Spotting

Navigating towards the eastern face of the reef offers the best chances of spotting Manta Rays, especially during rising tides. With the potential to encounter up to 50 mantas at once, Karang Makassar provides an unparalleled underwater spectacle.

Ideal Diving Conditions

Year-Round Diving

Indonesia's ban on the fishing and export of Manta Rays since 2014 has ensured their protection, making diving at Makassar Reef a year-round delight. With water temperatures ranging from 25°C to 28°C, divers can explore this underwater haven in comfort.

Seasonal Highlights

While Manta Rays can be sighted throughout the year, the period from December to February offers prime viewing opportunities, with an increased presence of these majestic creatures.

Choose from any of our Komodo National Park Tours
1 Day Trips
2 Day / 1 Night
3 Day / 2 Night
4 Day / 3 Night

We can visit places such as;

Komodo Island
Rinca Island
Kalong
Tatawa Kecil*
Siaba Besar

Gili Lawa
Manta Point
Kalong
Menjerite
Kelor
Bidadari
The Passage*
Batu Bolong*

Sebayur
Taka Makassar
Kanawa
Pink Beach
Long Beach
Castle Rock*
Crystal Bay
(* Only for scuba trips)

Flores Overland tours

Labuan Bajo City
Rangko Cave
Wae Rebo
Cuci Wulang
Bena Village
Bajawa
Wolokoro
Cuci Rami
Tado Village

WoloBobo

Luba Village
Kelimutu
Cancar
Ruteng
Cave
Ende
Maumere & more

Maika Komodo Tour & Diving is a full service Komodo Scuba diving center and Komodo tours center, located in Labuan Bajo Indonesia. Our staff is happy to help with anything our guests need while experiencing Komodo National Park.

Dive and Snorkel Expeditions with Maika Komodo Tour & Diving

Daily Excursions

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Maika Komodo Tour & Diving as we offer daily dive and snorkel trips to Karang Makassar. Our expert guides will lead you to the best spots for encountering Manta Rays and exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of Makassar Reef.

Liveaboard Adventures

For those seeking a more immersive experience, our company provides exclusive 3-day liveaboard packages to Karang Makassar. Set sail aboard our luxurious vessels and indulge in multiple dives amidst the stunning landscapes of the Komodo National Park. With comfortable accommodations and top-notch service, our liveaboard expeditions promise an unparalleled diving adventure.

Conclusion

Karang Makassar, or Manta Point, stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring beauty of the underwater world. With its abundance of marine life, captivating topography, and ideal diving conditions, it beckons adventurers to explore its depths and create unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can visitors touch the Manta Rays at Manta Point?
No, touching Manta Rays is prohibited as it can damage their protective mucus layer.
2. Are Manta Rays dangerous to divers?
No, Manta Rays are gentle creatures and pose no threat to divers.
3. What is the best time to visit Manta Point for diving?
The dry season from April to November offers ideal diving conditions, with a higher likelihood of Manta Ray sightings from Jan to April.
4. How long do Manta Ray encounters typically last at Manta Point?
Encounters can last anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, providing ample time to observe these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.
5. What marine life can be found besides Manta Rays at Karang Makassar?
In addition to Manta Rays, divers can encounter a variety of marine life including turtles, reef sharks, giant trevallies, and vibrant coral formations

For all our services, you can visit our individual pages here;
Daily Diving Trip in Komodo
Komodo Open Water Course
Komodo Advanced open water course
3 day 2 night komodo tour
one day komodo tour

Maika Komodo Tour & Diving offer Komodo tours and scuba diving in Komodo National Park. Our office is located on the main tourist street in Labuan Bajo. The address is;

Maika Komodo Tour & Diving
Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86763, Indonesia

Our Google maps can be found here at Komodo Tour & Diving

Contact Maika Komodo Tours for any questions you may have.

Maika Komodo Tour