Manta Point Komodo Snorkeling

Considering snorkeling at Manta Point Komodo? Herewith is some information you need before you take a relaxing snorkeling trip there.

Located in Komodo National Park, the hotspot Manta Point Komodo is ready to present a memorable vacation for you. We highly recommend you combine this trip along with komodo dragons’ exploration. Especially if you’re a vivid sea lover and love learning about and swimming along with the world-famous manta rays. That’s right: the Komodo dragon isn’t the only famous creature you’ll find in the national park!

If you’re interested to know more, you’re going to need all the information to note before booking the Komodo tour package and boarding the flight. We will help you, list them down accordingly, and ensure you get equipped.

Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park was founded in 1980 and is comprised of approximately 29 islands. Three of which are the larger and more popular ones: Rinca, Padar, and Komodo island. Later in 1991. The park was gazetted as a Man and Biosphere Reserve as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Besides preserving the Komodo dragon, the world’s biggest lizard, the park also strives to provide natural flora and fauna habitats for other species. The Komodo National park is also home to about 4,000 locals and generally can welcome up to 60 thousand tourists each year.

Komodo eco-tourism growth is also supported by scuba diving and snorkeling activities. Until now, 11 diving sites have been identified, one of them is Manta Point.

How to Get There from Labuan Bajo

Komodo National Park is reachable by boat from Labuan Bajo. Previously, it is a fishing town, but today it becomes one of Indonesia’s most popular tourists destination. To accommodate more tourist surges, President Joko Widodo has inaugurated a modern Komodo Airport near Labuan Bajo.

Serving as the gateway and buffer zone for voyages to Komodo National Park, there is either a 4-hour boat ride from Komodo Island or a 3-hour boat ride away from Rinca Island. Rinca Island is lying closer to Labuan Bajo, thus making it perfect for you who plan a one-day trip instead (Unfortunately, Rinca Island is currently close to tourism activity. We will update more when it is re-open to the public).

Manta Point Komodo, Star of the Tour

Swimming along with rays may sound terrifying. But manta rays in Manta Point Komodo are among the gentlest and most harmless creatures you might end up befriending. Feel free to indulge in the magical experience of snorkeling along with their groups, and learn more about them as you go.

Currently, Manta Rays are categorized as vulnerable (Red List) by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) due to some factors like human fishing, collisions with ships, water pollution, and, unfortunately, unregulated tourism. Considering how slow their reproductive rate is, their population is slowly declining—an inch away from “endangered” status.

Snorkeling Tips at Manta Point Komodo

Those who choose snorkeling at Komodo Island will mandatorily get a set of fins, snorkel, and fitting masks. Always take time to check and make sure first that the diving or snorkeling equipment is functioning normally before plunging into the water.

Feel free to consider more optional gear like a thin wetsuit and an underwater camera if you wish, too! You don’t want to miss capturing manta rays and other marine creatures while snorkeling, and the swimsuit you wear will protect you from the stings of small jellyfish.

Be extra careful !! Since the currents at Manta Point Komodo can get a little bit fierce. Listen carefully to the instructor or guide about the directions to follow. Keep swimming in your group, and just relax!

Best Time to Snorkeling

Just like other counterpart regions in Indonesia, Komodo National Park sees annual dry and wet seasons, which can help you determine the best time to embark on the trip. The dry season usually lasts from April to November, while the wet period occurs from December to March.

You generally won’t find many problems snorkeling during the dry season, except for high heat. But hey, you’ll plunge into the water! While the wet season will challenge you with lots of rainfalls and more rough surface conditions. However, the wet season is also where you’ll greet more manta rays than usual (expect around ten to a dozen)—all circling you!

Now you have learned all you need to snorkel in Manta Point Komodo. Aren’t you getting more interested in booking the tour? It’s time to start planning a trip with your family or friends. Witness the cute manta rays right at the heart of Komodo National Park!