Manta Point & Kanawa Island Day Trip
Snorkel with reef manta rays at Karang Makassar in the morning window, then finish the day on Kanawa’s beach and walk-in reef.
- Departs
- 06:00–08:00
- To mantas
- 60–90 minutes
- Depth
- A few metres — snorkellers, not just divers
- Price
- Ask for price
Why the two pair in one day
Manta Point — Karang Makassar — lies inside Komodo National Park on the same speedboat corridor as Kanawa's house reef. One early departure therefore covers a big-animal encounter and an easy beach-and-snorkel finish, without choosing between a long multi-stop park tour and a lazy island day.
This itinerary is built around water time rather than sightseeing mileage. If you want Padar viewpoint and Pink Beach in the same day, that is a different pace and has its own page.
The code of conduct you will be briefed on
Included
- Enter the water quietly, away from the animal’s path
- Keep at least three metres — never touch, chase or block a manta
- Stay on the surface at cleaning stations rather than diving down
- No flash photography
- Keep fins below the surface to avoid splashing
- Reef-safe sunscreen, or better, a rash guard
Not included
- Komodo National Park entrance, snorkelling and conservation fees
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Any promise of a sighting
Karang Makassar only stays a reliable manta site if visitors behave well around the animals. Guests who follow the briefing consistently get longer, closer, more natural encounters — mantas tolerate calm snorkellers far better than splashing crowds.
How the day runs
A single early departure, then two very different kinds of water.
- Early
Pickup and marina transfer
Hotel pickup in Labuan Bajo, then boarding at the marina.
- 60–90 min
Crossing into the park
Speedboat to the manta area, sea conditions permitting.
- Morning
Manta Point
One to two guided snorkel sessions at Karang Makassar, current permitting. The captain reads the drift and positions the boat up-current; your guide enters with you.
- Midday
Lunch
On board, or ashore on Kanawa.
- Afternoon
Kanawa
Beach, jetty snorkelling, or the short hilltop viewpoint walk.
- Before dusk
Return
Back to Labuan Bajo before sunset.
Mantas are recorded at Karang Makassar year round. December to February tends to produce the largest feeding aggregations; April to November brings clearer water and calmer crossings with steady sightings at cleaning stations. Tell us which you would rather optimise for.
What it costs
Rates vary with boat class, group size, fuel and season.
Quoted per booking
Komodo National Park entrance, snorkelling and conservation fees are charged separately at posted government rates and can change without notice. Always request a written, all-inclusive quote before booking.
| Option | Detail | Indicative rate |
|---|---|---|
| Shared speedboat | Manta Point plus Kanawa, per person | Ask for price |
| Private speedboat | Small groups, flexible route, per boat per day | Ask for price |
- Shared speedboat Ask for price
Manta Point plus Kanawa, per person
- Private speedboat Ask for price
Small groups, flexible route, per boat per day
How to book
Handled directly by the desk — no forms, no portals.
Frequently asked questions
Are manta sightings guaranteed?
No, and be wary of anyone who says otherwise. Sighting rates at Karang Makassar are strong year round, and our crews coordinate with other captains on the water to improve your chances, but the encounter is never guaranteed. On quiet days we typically attempt a second site within the park.
Can non-swimmers or young children join?
Yes. Life jackets and floats are provided, guides accompany every group in the water, and anyone who prefers can watch from the deck — at Karang Makassar mantas often feed right at the surface. Kanawa’s shallow house reef is one of the friendliest entries in the area for beginners.
Do I need a diving licence?
No. This is a surface snorkelling experience and requires no certification. Certified divers who want to tank-dive Manta Point should ask the desk about dive arrangements when booking.
Can I stay overnight on Kanawa instead of returning?
Yes — the boat schedule can be split so you overnight on the island and return the next day.
Ready to swim with mantas?
Tell us your dates and group size and the desk will confirm availability, the season outlook for your window, and a written quote — usually the same day.
Check Availability