Lembongan Manta Safari

There’s no other appopriate way to describe this site other than just amazing. Imagine yourself surrounded by giant manta rays as they feed close to the coastal edge, gliding gracefully through the water, fairly unfazed by your presence. It’s great to forst dive with manta rays then snorkel as they often hover near surface.

Manta Bay Location.

The rugged limestone western to southwestern coast of Nusa Penida is spectacular to see as one motors by boats along this naturally irregular coast. High cliffs tower overhead and the sea crashes into sheer walls.

The rays are feeding machines, always on the lookout for concentrations of plankton. Manta rays look really like nothing else in the sea. They are  special to see as they gracefully barrel roll their odd bodies, huge mouths agape scooping in clouds of tiny plankton that form in certain areas along the coast. one spot that is great if the rays are there is Telaga Sakti. It is shallow here and the water cold but in clear. It has a bottom covered in leather corals and tough plate and table corals.

NUSA PENIDA

As a major claim to fame, this site is the stunning location for the regular gathering of adult manta rays, sea turtles and nurse sharks. Situated on the exposed southern side of the island, favorable sea conditions will make this one of most exhilarating snorkeling/diving encounters you could ever hope to experience.

We will Snorkeling at 4 Different location around three Angel Nusa Penida Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan Island).

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Lembongan Island Snorkeling
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3)      Manta point ( Batu Lumbung)

Given the proper sea conditions, Manta Point can be enjoyed by all levels of divers, including snorkelers who can watch giant devilfish coast gracefully below them. It can get very rough and dangerous here, so if your guide says it can’t be done, don’t argue! During certain times of the year, groups of manta rays gather at the reef area surrounding  this large rock to visit the cleaning stations, mate, eat, and do all those things manta rays do, like feed floating into the current with their immense open mouth.

There is a “flyway” of sorts that they follow, sort of like deer on o forest trail. They will come in along this invisible path, normally into the current, and hover over a series of cleaning stations that are closer to the cliffs. Look for the small cleaner wrasse and butterflyfish that like to preen the rays. The mantas can be calm or skittish, depending on the day and the manta. Wait in the vicinity and don’t chase or try to read them. Breathe as lightly as possible. The curious ones will come by for a look. Watch their power, beauty and grace.

Manta Point is near towering Bat Rock, adjacent to a smaller outer rock along this wild cliffline. The upper  trees are the daytime resting area of fruit bats, flying mammals resembling small foxes. At times, mantas literally line up in a long feeding parade around the outer edges of the smaller rocks, many of them breaking the surface and slapping the water with their wings. Their sizes vary and color cover a  wide range from jet black to light gray. Even a white manta has been seen here.

They also chase each other, which is mating behavior. A sighting like this cannot be guaranteed every day at Manta Point, but they are consistently seen along the Penida cliffline.