Today the moon is full. This is the time of the month that has spring tides –  the highest high tides and the lowest low tides. It is the time of the month when the strongest currents occur. It is also the best time of the month to do manta surveys. Why? Because the strong currents and rising tides push nutrient rich waters from the south towards Karang Makassar, making it the ideal time for mantas to feed.

Of course the MantaWatch team can’t ignore this opportunity. We divided into three groups to do manta surveys today. The first team was Muti and Niomi, who joined Uber Scuba Komodo to survey Mawan, Karang Makassar and Sebayur. And at Karang Makassar they found mantas – only three but still this was a precious moment for us.

The second team, Luci and Gerald, went to Siaba Besar, Karang Makassar and Batu Bolong with Flores Diving Centre. A few more mantas this time, as they recorded five.

And finally team three. Divo and Andy went to Karang Makassar and Tatawa Besar with Blue Marlin Dive. Can you guess how many mantas they saw? Twelve mantas at Karang Makassar! Amazing!! Divo had a very, very, very great experience with one of the mantas. He saw a male manta in the distance, and tried to take a selfie. And the manta was so curious he even came closer, maybe trying to photobomb the picture! A great photo!

Curious manta approaches Divo for a selfie

Closer and closer and closer

And last of all, Haries, who did not join a manta survey today. He still did a great job, preparing an outline for our final project presentation.

Great teamwork from everyone today! And a special thank for Uber Scuba Komodo, Blue Marlin Dive, and Komodo Dive Centre who give us these experiences. We feel like we’ve had a dive trip with our family.

Uber Scuba

Manta briefing with Flores Diving Centre

Blue Marlin’s dive boat Hugo