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Dive Review of Black Manta in
Indonesia/Raja Ampat

Black Manta, Jan, 2013,

by Eric Schindler, AZ, US (Contributor Contributor 16 reports with 19 Helpful votes). Report 6880.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving N/A
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ 5 stars
Beginners 3 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments Going there confirms that Rajah Ampat is truly an amazing place that should be on all diver's must do list. The diversity of coral, deep brilliant colors, coupled with the profusion of schools of fish is extraordinary. While visibility is not as crystal clear as, say the Maldives, it is plankton and "fish food" that takes it down to around 70 feet, and that feeds the masses, and I do mean masses of fish that surround you on most dives.
A week diving on the Black Manta offers a diversity of experiences: Manta cleaning stations, shark current dives, colorful coral, fun for the macro enthusiasts (tiniest pygmy seahorse I have ever seen),etc.
The Black Manta is a perfectly serviceable boat. Clean, typically sized cabins, marine head/shower, nice salon. While not super luxurious, food is very good and quite ample. Alcohol is limited to beer at $4 at bottle and wine at $50! a bottle (welcome to Indonesia). Some brought their own stuff with them - a smart move.Staff are very professional, with one DM per five divers, free Nitrox (for 10 dives), and excellent briefings and knowledge.
Go now, and go again. For us left coasters, the Caribbean isn't even that close and the quality of diving in SE Asia is so much better that I can't justify diving "locally" much longer, if at all
Websites Black Manta   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 501-1000 dives
Where else diving Palau, Thailand, Caribbean, Hawaii, Maldives, etc
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, cloudy Seas calm
Water Temp 82-85°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 60-90 Ft/ 18-27 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions Dive safely; most dives over an hour long
Liveaboard? yes Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks Lots Mantas 1 or 2
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles 1 or 2 Whales None
Corals 5 stars Tropical Fish 5 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 5 stars
Large Pelagics 4 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities N/A
UW Photo Comments While we are not photographers, the diving area is accomodating to their needs, though not luxurious. Dive staff very supportive and respectful/helpful to photographers' needs.
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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