Manta Ridge

Manta Ridge lies off Mansuar Island within the Dampier Strait in Raja Ampat, West Papua, an area known for strong tidal flows between islands. The site sits along a ridge formation that channels current through a stretch of water frequented by manta rays, which is how the site earns its name locally. It is rated an advanced dive, with strong current running through the site, particularly around full or new moon and at high tide, and reef hooks are commonly used to hold position while watching the action. Divers have reported manta rays here along with barracuda, fusiliers, trevally, triggerfish, wrasse, and hammerhead sharks. Dive operators based out of Kri, Mansuar, and nearby liveaboards commonly include it on itineraries through the Dampier Strait.

Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.

• BarracudaBarracudaReported here · unconfirmed
• TriggerfishTriggerfishReported here · unconfirmed
• Hammerhead sharkHammerhead sharkReported here · unconfirmed
• WrasseWrasseReported here · unconfirmed
• Manta rayManta rayReported here · unconfirmed
• Blue LinckiaLinckia laevigataReported here · unconfirmed
• Anchor TuskfishChoerodon anchoragoReported here · unconfirmed
• Bleeker's ParrotfishChlorurus bleekeriReported here · unconfirmed
• Staghorn DamselAmblyglyphidodon curacaoReported here · unconfirmed
• Orange-spotted TrevallyFlavocaranx bajadReported here · unconfirmed
• Scissortail SergeantAbudefduf sexfasciatusReported here · unconfirmed
• Dot-and-dash GoatfishParupeneus barberinusReported here · unconfirmed
• Moorish IdolZanclus cornutusReported here · unconfirmed
• Bluefin TrevallyCaranx melampygusReported here · unconfirmed
• TrevallyTrevallyReported here · unconfirmed
• FusilierFusilierReported here · unconfirmed