Where is the best place to see mantas?

Nusa Penida: Manta Point for consistent sightings at a cleaning station, and Manta Bay, a shallow cove good for snorkelling.

How do I get to Nusa Penida?

By speedboat from Sanur Harbour, typically about 45 minutes. Your villa concierge can arrange private transport to the harbour.

Are manta rays protected?

Both species are listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area covers about 20,000 hectares, and a protection zone expansion followed in 2025.

Nusa Penida · 2026

Manta Ray Season in Bali

When and where to swim with Bali’s manta rays — and how to fit the trip around your villa stay.

Plan my stay

In short

Bali’s manta season peaks in April–May and September–November, when Manta Point off Nusa Penida has an 80–90% sighting probability.

Water 26–29°C in the peak months
About 45 minutes by speedboat from Sanur Harbour
Reef mantas are the species most often seen

The numbers

Manta season at a glance

Sighting probability at Manta Point in peak season: 80–90%
Water temperature in the peak months: 26–29°C
By speedboat from Sanur Harbour: 45min
Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area, approx.: 20,000ha

Two species

Reef manta or oceanic manta?

Both are filter feeders, living on plankton and small fish in warm, nutrient-rich water.

Scientific name

Reef manta: Mobula alfredi
Oceanic manta: Mobula birostris

Wingspan

Reef manta: Up to 5.5 metres
Oceanic manta: Over 7 metres

Around Bali

Reef manta: The species most often sighted
Oceanic manta: Less frequent, passing through deeper channels

IUCN Red List

Reef manta: Vulnerable
Oceanic manta: Vulnerable

Trait	Reef manta	Oceanic manta
Scientific name	Mobula alfredi	Mobula birostris
Wingspan	Up to 5.5 metres	Over 7 metres
Around Bali	The species most often sighted	Less frequent, passing through deeper channels
IUCN Red List	Vulnerable	Vulnerable

Overfishing and habitat degradation are the main threats to both.

Where to see them

Nusa Penida and beyond

Local operators keep to designated zones to limit disturbance.

80–90% sightings in peak season

Southwest Nusa Penida

Manta Point

A cleaning station where smaller fish remove parasites from the mantas, known for consistent sightings.

Reliable encounters

Shallow, sheltered cove

Nusa Penida

Manta Bay

Often visited by juvenile mantas, with excellent snorkelling.

Snorkellers

Couple relaxing on a liveaboard sun deck

Less common sightings

Multi-day liveaboard

Komodo National Park

Mantas also appear around Komodo, but reaching them takes a liveaboard trip rather than a Bali day tour.

Liveaboard guests

Swim responsibly

Ethical manta viewing

Guidelines set by the local marine park authorities to protect a vulnerable species.

Keep 3–5 metres away

Give mantas room and never block their path.

Never touch

Don’t touch, chase or try to ride a manta ray.

Move calmly

Sudden movements or loud noises can startle them.

Limit flash

Use natural light so you don’t disorient marine life.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Keep harmful chemicals out of the ocean.

Certified operators

Choose companies with strong environmental policies, certified guides and eco-certification.

Keep trash on board

Dispose of waste properly and never litter the ocean.

Dinner table set beside the ocean at sunset

Villa & ocean

Your villa as base camp

Villa concierge can arrange private transport to Sanur Harbour and book reputable marine operators; a stay with breakfast and a driver makes the early start easy.

Back at the villa, staff can arrange an in-villa massage or a private chef’s dinner — and an Uluwatu cliff villa keeps the ocean in view.

Quick answers

Manta season questions

Sightings are most consistent from April to May and September to November, when plankton and water clarity favour manta activity.

Start planning

Time your stay for the mantas

Tell us your dates and we’ll help you plan a villa stay around peak manta season.

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Manta Ray Season in Bali

In short

Manta season at a glance

Reef manta or oceanic manta?