Have you ever seen a creature so big and graceful while flying underwater? That is exactly what a mantaray looks like when it glides through the waters of Komodo Island. Watching them in their natural habitat is not just a sight; it’s an experience that makes you feel connected to the ocean.
But what makes it so famous anyway? Isn’t Komodo Island famous for its dragons? This article has the answer just right. You will explore the basic things about these gentle giants. From where to spot them to the best time to see them. Additionally, you also get to know their difference from the usual stingrays.
Mantaray explained
When you see a mantaray, you notice a very large and flat fish with wide fins that look like wings. Some of them are so big that they can grow up to 7 metres across. They are among the largest rays in the ocean. They feed on tiny plankton and small fish by filtering up to 120 litres of water every minute. Despite their size, they are gentle and completely harmless to humans.
Around Komodo Island, there are two types of this creature. The reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) is smaller and usually stays near coral reefs or cleaning stations. The giant oceanic manta ray (Manta birostris) can grow huge, with wingspans up to seven metres. It travels across open water in search of plankton. Both types feed in similar ways, but their habitats differ.
Is Mantaray a Stingray?
No, a mantaray is not a stingray. Although they have a similar look with their flat body, their behaviour and body features are totally different. For example, stingrays commonly have a long, thin tail with a sharp spine for defence. On the other hand, the gentle feeders have short tails with no stingers at all. Unlike stingrays, they do not hunt or sting.
Other differences can also be seen in the way they navigate underwater. The Komodo star swims in open water, while stingrays stick close to the floor. The size also differs. Reef manta rays often reach 3–4 metres across. Stingrays, by comparison, usually stay under 2 metres. This size difference makes them stand out in the ocean.
Another key difference is their mouths. Stingrays have mouths on the underside of their bodies to pick up food from the sand. The other one has wide mouths at the front. This allows them to scoop plankton as they swim. These differences make mantaray completely safe for divers. They are very different from stingrays, even though at first glance, they may look alike.
Time and place to see them in Komodo Island
Komodo Island offers the best dive sites that will let you see the mantaray up close in their natural habitat. The most famous site is the Manta Point. You will see the shallow reef area where they stop to feed. Another key area is the northern channels between the islands. The current here brings plenty of plankton that attracts them to feast on. This spot is less known but is a favourite among experienced divers, as they are almost guaranteed to get sightings of these giants here.
There are also smaller reefs and cleaning stations where they usually gather. If you are not ready for deep diving, but still want to see them, then this spot is perfect. With calmer and shallower water, you can opt for snorkeling instead. To reach this area, it is advisable to use the services of local guides, as they are familiar with the best paths and times to encounter them.
Best time to spot mantaray
The best time to see them in Komodo Island is during the months when the water is clear and plankton is abundant. During this period, both the reef and the giant oceanic species are more active, making sightings easier. Currents are also safer, so divers and snorkelers can enjoy watching these gentle giants up close.
- Peak months: April to December.
- Why it’s ideal: Plankton blooms attract mantaray, keeping them near reefs and cleaning stations.
- Activity level: Both the reef and the giant oceanic species are more active and visible.
- Safety for divers: Currents are calmer, making it easier to float alongside them.
- Off-season sightings: Possible, but the chance of seeing them is much lower.
Get to know manta rays closer with Diving FIRST
Mantaray are gentle giants of Komodo Island, gliding gracefully with wingspans up to seven metres. Unlike stingrays, they feed on plankton and remain harmless. For the best experience, visit Manta Point, northern channels, or cleaning stations from April to December. Observing them responsibly lets divers enjoy their calm, elegant presence safely.
Join Diving FIRST and get up close with Komodo’s majestic mantarays. Their experienced local instructors will guide you safely through the best dive sites, where you can watch these gentle giants feed and move with ease. You can explore the ocean while also supporting eco-friendly tourism. Visit their dive centre to plan your Komodo diving experience today.