Manta Sandy Dive Site in Dampier Strait

Encounter majestic manta rays in their natural habitat

Information about Manta Sandy

Manta Sandy, located in the heart of Raja Ampat, is one of Indonesia’s premier dive sites for encountering manta rays. Nestled between Arborek Island and Mansuar Island, this cleaning station attracts these majestic creatures year-round. Divers flock to Manta Sandy to witness the breathtaking ballet of manta rays gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear waters, often accompanied by playful remoras and vibrant reef fish.

What sets Manta Sandy apart is the unique interaction divers can experience with the manta rays. The site features several cleaning stations where these gentle giants congregate to have parasites removed by cleaner fish. This provides a spectacular show for divers as mantas swoop gracefully around them. With visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 98 feet) and water temperatures between 27-30°C (81-86°F), it’s an ideal spot for underwater photography.

For non-divers, the surrounding area offers excellent snorkeling opportunities and stunning beaches to relax on. Visitors can also explore the vibrant local culture on Arborek Island, making Manta Sandy a must-visit destination for both divers and non-divers alike.

Interesting facts about Manta Sandy

Getting there: The best way to reach Manta Sandy is by liveaboard, which offers seamless access to this remote dive site. Alternatively, you can fly into Sorong and take a boat from there.

Best time to visit Manta Sandy: The peak season for manta ray sightings is from October to April, with water temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F), providing optimal conditions for diving.

Diving Conditions: Expect depths of 5 to 20 meters (16 to 66 feet) with moderate currents, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site offers excellent visibility, often exceeding 20 meters (66 feet).

Our liveaboard trips: Numerous liveaboards frequent Manta Sandy, with trips typically lasting 7-10 days. These expeditions often include visits to other renowned Raja Ampat sites such as Misool and Kri.

A little known fact: Manta Sandy is not only a cleaning station but also a vital research site where marine biologists study manta ray behavior, contributing to their conservation and protection.

Pictures of Manta Sandy

Possible Activities in Manta Sandy

Diving

Highlights Close to Manta Sandy

Blue Magic

Blue Magic, located just under 10 kilometers northeast of Kri Island in Raja Ampat, is a submerged seamount known for its exceptional marine biodiversity and thrilling diving experiences. The site's plateaued top, ranging from 10 to 14 meters, is teeming with healthy corals and smaller critters that delight macro enthusiasts. However, the real magic happens in the blue, where divers can encounter large schools of fish, including barracuda, trevally, and tuna, as well as oceanic manta rays during the season from December to April.

What sets Blue Magic apart is the sheer biomass and the presence of pelagics, including various shark species. Divers can expect to see grey tip reef sharks patrolling the area, and on good days, the action is concentrated on the plateau, making it unnecessary to dive deeper than 15 meters. The vibrant marine life and the possibility of encountering large oceanic mantas hovering effortlessly over the reef in strong currents make Blue Magic a must-visit for experienced divers seeking adventure.

For non-divers, the surrounding Kri Island offers beautiful beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. Whether you're looking to explore the bustling marine life on the reef or relax on the pristine beaches, Blue Magic and its surroundings provide an unforgettable underwater adventure.