Best Places to Dive with Manta Rays in Southeast Asia
Introduction 🌊✨
Few underwater encounters are as breathtaking as watching a manta ray glide effortlessly through the blue. With wingspans that can reach up to seven meters, these gentle giants combine size with elegance, captivating divers with their curious nature and graceful movements. For many, seeing a manta ray is the highlight of a dive career — a bucket-list experience that feels both humbling and magical.
A giant Oceanic Manta Ray Glides past
Southeast Asia is one of the world’s best regions to dive with mantas, thanks to warm tropical waters, thriving reef systems, and nutrient-rich currents that attract plankton — the manta’s favorite food. From famous cleaning stations to remote islands where mantas gather in large numbers, this part of the world offers unforgettable encounters.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top destinations in Southeast Asia where divers have the best chance of meeting manta rays, along with tips on the best times to visit, what makes each location special, and how to dive responsibly to help protect these magnificent animals.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia – famous cleaning stations, seasonal aggregations.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia – rich biodiversity + manta hotspots like Manta Sandy.
Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia – easy access + cleaning stations like Manta Point.
Derawan Islands, Indonesia – lesser-known but rewarding manta encounters.
Similan Islands, Thailand – big oceanic mantas at Richelieu Rock & Koh Bon.
Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago – remote, wild encounters.
Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines – UNESCO World Heritage site, pelagic mantas.
Sipadan & Surrounding Islands, Malaysia – occasional manta sightings in Borneo.
Komodo National Park, Indonesia 🐉🤿
Komodo National Park is not only famous for its legendary dragons but also for being one of the best places in the world to dive with manta rays. The park’s unique geography funnels nutrient-rich currents through its channels, creating ideal conditions for plankton blooms — a buffet that mantas can’t resist.
The most iconic spot is Manta Point (Makassar Reef), a shallow drift dive where mantas gather in impressive numbers. Divers can often spend entire dives watching these giants swoop and circle as they feed or pause at cleaning stations to have parasites removed by reef fish. Encounters here are so reliable that it’s rare to dive Komodo without seeing at least a few mantas during the season.
Another top site is Mawan, which combines beautiful coral gardens with cleaning stations frequented by mantas. Here, the water clarity can make for stunning photography opportunities, as mantas glide gracefully overhead against a backdrop of vibrant reefs.
The best time to dive with mantas in Komodo is typically December to February, when plankton blooms are at their peak. However, sightings are possible throughout much of the year, with currents and conditions varying depending on the site.
What makes Komodo especially memorable is not just the presence of mantas but the sheer drama of the dives: strong currents, vibrant reefs, and the possibility of seeing other pelagics like sharks and trevally make every dive exciting. It’s a true bucket-list destination for divers chasing manta encounters.
Raja Ampat, Indonesia 🐠🌴
Often called the Crown Jewel of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat is world-famous for its staggering biodiversity — and manta rays are one of its star attractions. The region is home to both reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) and the larger, more elusive oceanic mantas (Mobula birostris), giving divers the chance to encounter these giants in some of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth.
One of the most popular sites is Manta Sandy, a relatively shallow cleaning station where mantas reliably gather. Divers can kneel quietly in the sand as mantas circle overhead, sometimes swooping so close you can see the patterns on their bellies. Another hotspot is Manta Ridge, known for its stronger currents. Here, groups of mantas often hover in the flow, creating an unforgettable spectacle for divers confident in drift conditions.
For those exploring farther afield, Manta Wai and Blue Magic are also renowned for manta sightings, often accompanied by swirling schools of barracuda, trevally, and the occasional reef shark. Photographers, in particular, love Raja Ampat’s manta dives, as the combination of crystal-clear water, colorful reefs, and the sheer elegance of the mantas creates the perfect backdrop.
The best time to see mantas in Raja Ampat is generally from October to April, when plankton blooms attract large numbers. However, with year-round diving and pristine conditions, it’s possible to encounter mantas outside this window too.
What makes Raja Ampat unique is the diversity of the experience: in one trip you might see mantas gliding through blue water, perched at cleaning stations, or silhouetted against some of the healthiest coral reefs on the planet. Combined with the remoteness and natural beauty of the islands, it’s no wonder Raja Ampat is considered one of the ultimate manta diving destinations.
Nusa Penida, Bali 🏝️🤿
Just a short boat ride from Bali, Nusa Penida has become one of the most accessible and reliable places in Southeast Asia to see manta rays. Unlike many manta hotspots that require liveaboards or remote travel, Nusa Penida can be visited on a simple day trip, making it a favorite for divers who want big encounters without complicated logistics.
The island’s most famous site is Manta Point, a cleaning station located along a rugged limestone coastline. Here, mantas are seen year-round, often gliding slowly over the rocky seabed as cleaner fish attend to them. Because of the shallow depth and consistent sightings, it’s possible to spend long, relaxed dives simply observing these giants as they circle again and again.
Another excellent site is Manta Bay, a shallower area where mantas often come to feed. Divers and snorkelers alike can enjoy the spectacle of multiple mantas swooping through the plankton-rich water, sometimes looping back in choreographed circles that feel like a slow-motion ballet. The bay’s turquoise backdrop and dramatic cliffs make it one of the most photogenic manta sites in Bali.
One of Nusa Penida’s biggest advantages is its year-round manta presence. Unlike some destinations that are highly seasonal, mantas can be spotted here in all months, although conditions vary with the currents and weather. Many divers combine manta dives with the chance to see the elusive mola mola (ocean sunfish), which appears in colder waters around the island between July and October.
For divers visiting Bali, Nusa Penida offers the perfect combination: easy access, reliable manta encounters, and dramatic topside scenery. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want to check mantas off their bucket list without venturing too far off the beaten path.
Similan Islands, Thailand 🇹🇭🌊
The Similan Islands are often described as Thailand’s premier diving destination, and for good reason: dramatic granite boulders, lush coral reefs, and pelagic encounters make every dive exciting. Among the highlights is the chance to see oceanic mantas, which are larger and even more imposing than their reef manta cousins.
One of the best sites is Koh Bon, famous for its manta cleaning station. Here, divers can hover at depth while these giants glide in from the blue, circling gracefully as smaller fish tend to them. Sightings can be close and prolonged, with mantas often looping back repeatedly during a single dive.
Another legendary spot is Richelieu Rock, widely considered one of the top dive sites in Thailand. While known for its biodiversity — from seahorses to whale sharks — it’s also a prime location for manta encounters. The massive pinnacle rises from deep water, attracting pelagic life of all kinds, and when mantas appear, they often soar dramatically against the open-ocean backdrop.
The best time to see mantas in the Similans is during the dive season from November to May, with peak sightings often between February and April, when plankton levels rise. Conditions range from gentle to strong currents, so sites like Koh Bon are best suited for divers comfortable in open-ocean conditions.
What makes the Similan Islands special is the combination of big-animal encounters and breathtaking dive sites. Seeing a manta ray sweep past you at Koh Bon or Richelieu Rock is an unforgettable highlight of diving in Thailand — and a must for anyone hoping to add manta encounters to their Southeast Asia adventure.
Tubbataha Reefs, Philippines 🇵🇭🐠
Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the crown jewels of Philippine diving. Remote, pristine, and protected, this marine sanctuary offers some of the best big-animal encounters in Asia — including unforgettable manta ray sightings.
Because of its isolation, Tubbataha can only be visited by liveaboard during the short dive season from mid-March to mid-June. But for those willing to make the journey, the rewards are immense. Mantas are often spotted cruising along the reefs or stopping at cleaning stations, where divers can observe them up close. Both reef mantas and oceanic mantashave been recorded here, making it an excellent place to encounter different species.
The reefs themselves are stunning — sheer walls covered in hard and soft corals, home to massive schools of fish, reef sharks, turtles, and the occasional whale shark. Seeing mantas sweep gracefully along these vibrant walls is a sight few divers ever forget. Because of Tubbataha’s strict protection and limited dive window, encounters often feel untouched and wild, adding to the magic.
Tubbataha isn’t just about mantas — it’s about immersing yourself in one of the last great unspoiled marine ecosystemsin Southeast Asia. But for manta enthusiasts, it’s a bucket-list destination that combines thrilling pelagic encounters with unparalleled biodiversity.
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar 🇲🇲🌊
Remote and rarely visited, the Mergui Archipelago is one of Southeast Asia’s last frontier dive destinations — and a rewarding place to encounter manta rays in truly wild conditions. With more than 800 islands scattered across the Andaman Sea, this vast region is only accessible by liveaboard, ensuring that dive sites remain uncrowded and pristine.
One of the top manta spots here is Black Rock, a small, isolated pinnacle rising from deep water. Strong currents sweep nutrients across the site, attracting large pelagics — including both reef mantas and oceanic mantas. Divers often report seeing multiple mantas at once, soaring effortlessly in the current or circling cleaning stations. The open-ocean setting adds to the drama, with mantas appearing suddenly out of the blue.
Another highlight is Shark Cave, where mantas occasionally pass through alongside grey reef sharks and eagle rays. Because of the currents and depth, many Mergui sites are best suited for experienced divers, making the encounters here feel even more special.
The best time to see mantas in Myanmar is between December and April, when conditions are calm and plankton blooms attract them in greater numbers. Since the archipelago is still relatively undeveloped compared to nearby Thailand or Indonesia, sightings here feel raw and adventurous, offering a glimpse of manta encounters as they were decades ago in other regions.
For divers seeking a manta experience away from the crowds, the Mergui Archipelago delivers not just the thrill of manta encounters, but also the sense of exploring a truly uncharted paradise.
Derawan Islands, Indonesia 🏝️🦋
The markings on a Manta Ray are unique, like a fingerprint
Often overshadowed by Komodo and Raja Ampat, the Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) are one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets — and a rising destination for manta enthusiasts. This remote archipelago offers a mix of pristine reefs, rich biodiversity, and the chance to encounter both reef mantas and oceanic mantas in relatively uncrowded conditions.
The star site here is Sangalaki Island, famous for its manta aggregations. Nutrient-rich currents sweep through the area, attracting large numbers of mantas to feed. On some days, divers can see dozens circling together, creating a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. The mantas here are often curious, swooping close to investigate divers, which makes for unforgettable encounters and fantastic photo opportunities.
Beyond mantas, the Derawan Islands are also known for their turtle populations, with thousands nesting on the surrounding beaches each year. Dive trips here often combine manta encounters with sightings of eagle rays, barracuda, and the occasional whale shark, making it a destination full of surprises.
The best time to visit for manta sightings is generally throughout the year, though conditions are calmest and most predictable between April and October. Because Derawan is more remote and less developed than Bali or Raja Ampat, it attracts fewer tourists, offering a more off-the-beaten-path experience for divers seeking manta encounters without the crowds.
Derawan may not yet have the global reputation of Komodo or Raja Ampat, but for those willing to make the journey, it delivers some of the most intimate and rewarding manta dives in Southeast Asia.
Sipadan & Mabul, Malaysia 🇲🇾🐢
When divers think of Sipadan, they often imagine its legendary walls teeming with barracuda, turtles, and sharks. While mantas aren’t as common here as in Indonesia, they do make occasional appearances, adding a touch of magic to an already world-class destination. Spotting a manta at Sipadan feels like winning the underwater lottery — unexpected, unforgettable, and guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip.
Nearby Mabul Island, best known for its incredible macro life, also offers the chance for manta sightings in the surrounding waters. While not a guaranteed encounter, divers sometimes spot mantas passing through cleaning stations or cruising the currents around nearby islands like Kapalai. What makes Mabul appealing is the combination of big and small: you might spend one dive searching for frogfish and flamboyant cuttlefish, and the next be surprised by a manta gliding overhead.
The best season for diving in Sipadan and Mabul runs from April to December, with the calmest conditions typically between April and August. During this time, visibility is at its best and the chances of spotting pelagics, including mantas, are higher.
For divers traveling through Malaysia, Sipadan and Mabul are must-visit destinations — not just for mantas, but for the extraordinary biodiversity of the region. And while mantas may not be the main attraction here, the possibility of a surprise encounter makes every dive even more thrilling.
Do’s & Don’ts of Diving with Mantas ✅❌
Seeing manta rays underwater is an unforgettable experience, but like all marine life encounters, it’s important to dive responsibly to protect both the animals and the reef. Here are some simple guidelines to follow:
✅ Do’s:
Keep your distance: Stay at least 3–4 meters away and let mantas choose to approach you. They are naturally curious and often come closer if you remain calm.
Stay low and steady: Kneel or hover calmly on the reef or sand without chasing. This makes mantas feel more comfortable and increases your chances of prolonged encounters.
Control your buoyancy: Good buoyancy prevents accidental contact with the reef or animals and makes you look less threatening to mantas.
Be patient: Mantas often circle cleaning stations — the longer you wait quietly, the more likely they are to glide by multiple times.
Use responsible operators: Choose dive shops that follow eco-friendly practices and contribute to manta conservation efforts.
❌ Don’ts:
Don’t touch or chase: Touching mantas removes their protective mucus layer and can cause stress. Chasing them will almost always make them swim away.
Don’t block their path: Always give mantas space to move, especially around cleaning stations where they return repeatedly.
Don’t flash excessively: If taking photos, avoid repeated flashes that can disturb the animals. Use natural light or red filters where possible.
Don’t kick up sand: Stirring sediment reduces visibility and may disrupt cleaning stations where mantas gather.
Don’t overcrowd: If there are many divers at a site, take turns at the cleaning station to avoid stressing the mantas.
By following these simple rules, divers not only enjoy better encounters but also help ensure that future generations will get to witness the beauty of mantas in their natural environment.
Photographing Manta Rays 📸✨
Capturing the elegance of a manta ray on camera is a dream for many underwater photographers. Their size, graceful movement, and curious nature make them ideal subjects — but shooting them well requires preparation, patience, and the right approach.
📷 Camera Settings
Wide-Angle Lens: Because mantas are large, a wide-angle or fisheye lens is essential to capture their full wingspan while still showing the environment.
Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter (1/125 – 1/250 sec) to freeze motion, especially when mantas swoop quickly overhead.
Aperture: Set between f/5.6 – f/8 to balance sharpness with light.
ISO: Keep as low as possible for clear shots (ISO 200–400), adjusting for depth and light conditions.
Strobes/Flash: If using strobes, angle them outward to reduce backscatter and avoid blasting the manta directly in the face.
🎨 Composition Tips
Go Wide, Stay Low: Position yourself below the manta for dramatic silhouettes against the blue water.
Include Scale: Adding a diver in the background can emphasize the sheer size of a manta.
Look for Behavior: Cleaning stations often offer the best photo opportunities — mantas circle slowly, giving you time to frame your shot.
Use Negative Space: Wide blue backgrounds help highlight the manta’s graceful form.
Patience Pays Off: The best shots come from waiting calmly. Mantas are curious and often circle back, giving you multiple chances.
🙏 Etiquette for Photographers
Remember, the manta’s well-being comes first. Always maintain distance, avoid chasing for the “perfect shot,” and limit flash use. A calm, respectful approach not only protects the animals but also increases your chance of capturing natural, unhurried behavior.
Final Thoughts ✨
Few experiences in diving compare to the thrill of sharing the water with a manta ray. Whether it’s watching dozens of them swirl around Sangalaki in Derawan, hovering quietly at a cleaning station in Raja Ampat, drifting alongside oceanic giants at Koh Bon in Thailand, or catching a surprise encounter at Sipadan, each manta dive is unforgettable in its own way.
What makes Southeast Asia so special is the diversity of encounters. Here, you can see both reef and oceanic mantas, sometimes in huge numbers, sometimes in solitary grace — all set against backdrops of vibrant coral reefs, turquoise bays, and remote archipelagos. Add to that the region’s accessibility and variety of dive experiences, and it’s clear why this corner of the world is a manta lover’s dream.
But with that privilege comes responsibility. Following the do’s and don’ts of manta diving — keeping your distance, controlling buoyancy, and avoiding disturbance — ensures that these magnificent animals remain unbothered and protected. Photographers, too, can capture stunning shots while still respecting the manta’s space, preserving both the memory and the moment.
As dive travel continues to grow, mantas are increasingly seen not just as symbols of marine wonder, but also as ambassadors for ocean conservation. By diving responsibly, supporting eco-conscious operators, and sharing the beauty of these giants with others, every diver has the chance to contribute to their protection.
So whether your dream is gliding alongside mantas in Komodo, drifting over coral gardens in Nusa Penida, or venturing into the wild waters of the Mergui Archipelago, the opportunity is waiting. Pack your fins, bring your sense of awe, and prepare for one of the most magical experiences the ocean has to offer.