Komodo: Makassar Reef (Manta Point) Dive Site – Komodo National Park

Site Overview

Makassar Reef, also known as Manta Point, is one of the most accessible and reliable manta ray dive sites in Komodo National Park, located on the southeastern coast of Komodo Island. The site features a shallow coral slope descending from 3 meters to approximately 20 meters, with manta cleaning stations scattered across the reef at depths of 5 to 12 meters. This shallow profile makes Makassar Reef ideal for Open Water certified divers and snorkelers who want to experience manta rays without the need for advanced certification. The reef manta rays that visit Makassar Reef are part of the same resident population seen at Manta Alley, and encounters are reliable year-round with peak activity from September through January when plankton concentrations are highest. The moderate currents that flow along the reef slope concentrate plankton against the coral, creating ideal feeding and cleaning conditions that attract multiple mantas on a single dive. The mantas circle the cleaning stations in a predictable pattern, often passing within 1 to 2 meters of divers as small wrasses and butterflyfish perform their cleaning duties. Beyond the manta encounters, the reef itself is healthy and diverse, supporting whitetip reef sharks, marble rays, hawksbill turtles, and abundant tropical reef fish. The shallow depths allow for extended bottom times, making Makassar Reef a relaxing and rewarding dive that pairs beautifully with the more intense experiences at the deeper pinnacle sites. The site is accessible from Labuan Bajo by speedboat and is a highlight of southern Komodo itineraries.