Manta Passage

A narrow strait on Halmahera's southern coast that funnels powerful tidal currents between two volcanic headlands, the Manta Passage is one of Indonesia's most reliable manta ray aggregation points outside the well-publicised Komodo and Raja Ampat circuits. Oceanic and reef mantas gather here in mixed groups to feed on the plankton-rich upwellings, sometimes reaching concentrations of 20 to 30 individuals. The current-swept walls flanking the passage are carpeted with whip corals, gorgonians, and crinoids that filter the same productive water column.