Snorkeling Mawan: Central Komodo’s Manta Playground
Floating calmly in the central section of Komodo National Park, between Siaba Besar and Komodo Island, Mawan is a small island with a lot to offer. Known for its soft coral gardens, sandy slopes, and occasional manta ray encounters, Mawan has become a favorite among liveaboard guides and returning snorkelers alike.
It’s the kind of site that doesn’t boast — but delivers. Whether you’re hoping for a peaceful reef drift or a front-row seat to the graceful dance of mantas, Mawan combines accessibility with unforgettable moments.
What Makes Mawan Special?
Mantas in the Shallows
One of Mawan’s biggest draws is its shallow-water manta encounters. Between September and June, reef mantas (Mobula alfredi) often visit the sandy slope just off the island to feed and be cleaned by small reef fish.
When they do, it’s magic. These gentle giants sometimes cruise through just 3 to 5 meters below the surface, offering snorkelers a clear, close-up view without the need to dive deep. While sightings are never guaranteed, Mawan remains one of the most reliable places in central Komodo for spotting mantas — especially with good timing and guidance.
Color, Calm, and Variety
Even on a “no-manta” day, Mawan’s reef holds its own. The gentle slope is covered in soft corals, sponges, and bommies, giving snorkelers a varied and colorful backdrop to explore.
Look closely and you’ll find:
- Angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and clownfish
- Spotted sweetlips and surgeonfish
- Turtles napping in the coral
- Reef sharks cruising deeper edges
- Octopus and cuttlefish showing off their camouflage skills
- Stingrays skimming the sandy bottom
The mix of hard and soft coral here also makes Mawan a great site for photography, especially in the early morning when light is soft and water is calm.
When to Visit & How to Get There
Mawan can be snorkeled year-round, but conditions are best from March through November, during the dry season. Water temperatures stay warm and consistent — typically between 27–29°C (81–84°F) — making it ideal for long sessions in the water. Manta sightings are most common from September to June, especially around the new or full moon, when plankton blooms and tidal flows draw them in to feed and be cleaned.
Located in central Komodo National Park, Mawan is roughly 2 hours by boat from Labuan Bajo. It’s often included on longer day trips, but those joining liveaboard cruises have the advantage of visiting at the best time of day and tide, when conditions are ideal and crowds are minimal. Many itineraries with Komodo Dragon Liveaboards include Mawan as part of their central Komodo loops or Bali–Komodo crossings, ensuring well-timed, relaxed access to this special site.
Snorkeling Tips for Mawan
Final Thoughts
Mawan blends calm reef beauty with the thrill of big encounters. It’s a site that doesn’t demand much — just a mask, fins, and a bit of patience. Whether you’re drifting over coral gardens or holding your breath as a manta ray sweeps past, Mawan delivers that quiet Komodo magic that keeps snorkelers coming back.
If you’re building your Komodo itinerary, make sure Mawan is on it. Some of the park’s most memorable moments happen right here — just a few fin kicks from the surface.
