Komodo National Park Dive Sites
Manta Alley South Komodo | Komodo’s southern giant — where mantas soar and currents rule.
8.8220°S, 119.7010°E
Tucked into the southern tip of Komodo Island, Manta Alley is one of the most iconic and rewarding dive sites in the park. Known for its cooler waters, rugged topography, and guaranteed manta sightings in season, this exposed site offers advanced divers the chance to see dozens of reef mantas in their natural element — feeding, cleaning, and cruising through tight coral corridors.
This is not a beginner site. Strong currents, surgy swim-throughs, and colder temperatures make Manta Alley one of the most challenging dives in Komodo — but also one of the most unforgettable. It’s the kind of site that lives up to the hype.
-
Fast Facts
-
Dive Type: Drift / Channel / Cleaning Station
-
Experience Level: Advanced
-
Depth Range: 10–30m
-
Best Time to Dive: September–April (Southern season)
-
Key Features: Rocky outcrops, swim-throughs, sandy cleaning stations
-
Marine Life Highlights: Reef mantas, mobula rays, sweetlips, turtles, giant trevally, soft corals
-
-
Tips for Divers
-
Dive on incoming tide for the highest chance of manta activity.
-
Prepare for surge and cooler water temps — a 5mm wetsuit is recommended.
-
A negative entry may be required — descend quickly and stay tight to the reef.
-
Bring a wide-angle lens and don’t chase — the mantas will come to you.
-
About Lotus Liveaboards
Lotus Liveaboards offers immersive, small-group dive expeditions in the heart of Komodo National Park, operating out of Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia. As the liveaboard division of Azul Komodo — the first PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) in Komodo and a certified Green Fins member — we specialize in high-quality, eco-conscious diving experiences aboard our handcrafted wooden vessels.
From our flagship Blue Lotus Phinisi to the beloved day boat Biru Asmara, our fleet blends traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with modern dive functionality and comfort. Every journey is guided by experienced crew and PADI professionals who are passionate about marine life, conservation, and creating unforgettable underwater adventures.
Whether you’re here to complete your next certification, encounter Komodo’s famous manta rays, or simply relax between dives with fresh, chef-prepared meals, Lotus Liveaboards delivers personalized service and five-star experiences — both above and below the surface.
