Seeking Black Manta in Raja Ampat | Wallacea Dive Cruise

The Raja Ampat archipelago is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity with more than 75% of the coral species living beneath it’s surface, and an extremely important fish biomass including pelagic species and top predators.

On our recent voyage aboard Ambai, we headed to the remote south with one specific goal: to check a cleaning Manta station in the area of Pelee island.

Exploring the Remote Reefs of South Misool

Our mission took us toward Misool and Pelee Island, an area which is a bit off the beaten tracks, where we heard there is a manta cleaning station.

We knew we were before the migration period, a specific time of year when the oceanic manta actively visit these shallow reefs to have parasites removed from their bodies.  

Even with the right timing, the ocean offers no guarantees. You have to be patient -and lucky-. So, we simply prepped our gear and jumped into the ocean. 

A Lucky Encounter at the Cleaning Station

Divers Spotted Black Manta in Raja Ampat

The dive began along a deep ridge, moving through thick schools of jacks and shimmering silversides. Our eyes were constantly scanning the blue, hoping for the lucky encounter. 

As we began our ascent toward the plateau, our patience paid off. A magnificent Oceanic Black Manta glided into view. It stayed for over 30 minutes, hovering gracefully at the station. 

It was incredible to witness the symbiotic relationship in action. The mantas remained still while wrasses and blacktail snappers busily worked to help with the removal of parasites from their dark wings. 

Unforgettable Memories Beneath the Waves

To find exactly what we were looking for in such a remote corner of the world was a rewarding experience. Witnessing this group of oceanic mantas was more than just a successful dive, it was a memory that will last forever. 

Until the next tide,

April 22, 2026

Wallacea Dive Cruise Team