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Scuba diver swimming alongside a majestic manta ray in the ocean depths.
📷 Matt Waters · Pexels

Manta divesite

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.1 12 species 17 contributors

Manta divesite in Madagascar offers year-round diving with documented manta encounters and diverse marine species.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers chasing chasing pelagics.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
PhotoFriendlyPelagic hotspotBleachingRiskYearRound

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Manta ray, Whale shark, Bottlenose dolphin, Green sea turtle

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
Manta divesite location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
3.2 kn
Wave
0.42 m
Water
26.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: WNW (22%)
Now: E (83°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 2.84m

Today: High 08:00 (+1.13m), Low 01:00 (-0.02m)

+2.0 m0 m-0.8 m
▼ 01:00 · -0.02m ▲ 08:00 · +1.13m ▼ 14:00 · +0.25m ▲ 20:00 · +0.72m Now -0.0m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV8.8 · very high Air PM2.58 · good 05:39 17:43
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 15.8 0.46 9 0mm
09-20 14 0.5 9 0mm
09-21 13.7 0.62 7 2mm
09-22 12.8 0.52 9 3mm
09-23 12.9 0.48 9 4mm
09-24 14.5 0.46 9 2mm
09-25 13.4 0.34 9 2mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 3.7°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

Manta divesite is a Madagascar diving destination known for manta ray sightings. The site welcomes divers year-round, making it accessible for most travel schedules. With 12 recorded species observations and active community video documentation, the dive spot has a solid foundation of documented marine life. The site sits outside protected marine areas, which can affect local management and conservation practices. Divers should stay current on coral health conditions, as the area is flagged for monitoring. The three community videos provide real-world reference for what to expect underwater. Madagascar's Indian Ocean location delivers warm tropical conditions ideal for year-round diving. Manta encounters depend on seasonal migration patterns and water conditions, so checking recent dive logs before booking improves your odds. The spot attracts both casual explorers and photographers seeking manta interactions. Before planning a trip, confirm current access requirements with local dive operators. Madagascar's marine ecosystems support unique species found nowhere else, making this destination valuable for divers interested in biodiversity.

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Manta rayWhale sharkBottlenose dolphinGreen sea turtle

Dive types

ReefBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8591km · ~1976kg · €36

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 56/100
  • Visa: Visa on arrival · 30 days max
  • Flight: 12h · with connection
  • Jet-lag: 8h east · 6 days recovery

FAQ

Can I dive Manta divesite year-round?

Yes, the site is accessible year-round. However, seasonal variations in water conditions and manta presence may affect visibility and encounter rates. Check recent dive reports before booking.

What marine life can I expect to see?

Manta rays are the signature draw. The site has 12 recorded species observations. Madagascar's waters support endemic and tropical species adapted to the Indian Ocean environment.

Is the site in a marine protected area?

No, Manta divesite is not inside an MPA. Be aware that management and conservation practices may differ from protected zones. Respect local regulations and guidelines.

What do I need to know about coral conditions?

The site is on a coral bleaching watch list. Monitor recent conditions and reports from local operators before your visit. Sustainable diving practices help protect remaining corals.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Scuba Diving Manta Reef, Mozambique

ScubaQuesters

MANTA DIVING NOSY BE - PRESENTAZIONE 2017

Emanuele Venanzi

Mantas at the Service Station on Cocos (Keeling) Islands with Cocos Dive

Diveplanit
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Sep (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (100/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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