Snorkeling in Labuan Bajo with Kids, Taka Makassar, Manta Point, Siaba Bay

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Best for families who want a real snorkeling experience in Labuan Bajo

Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Siaba Bay offer three very different sea experiences in one day. From a temporary white sand island, to deep open water with manta rays, to calm turtle filled bays. Beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable, but you do need to be prepared for currents and real open sea conditions.

Our Real Experience at Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Siaba Bay

Beside this blog, we also made a vlog that tells the story of one full day at sea in Labuan Bajo. We visited Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Siaba Bay with our family during the summer holiday.

I never thought it would be such a beautiful, challenging, emotional, and sometimes stressful experience. Especially because this was our first time snorkeling in the open sea with full equipment.

This is an honest, first hand story based on our real family experience. Nothing here is staged, and that is why I invite you to keep reading.

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Watch the vlog: Padar Island Adventure | Hiking ±1000 Steps to the Viewpoint with Nasi en Stamppot

Watch the vlog: Pink Beach Labuan Bajo | Swimming in a Real Pink Sand Paradise with Nasi and Stamppot

Heading back to the sea

Before this snorkeling day, we also visited Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Loh Liang Komodo. You can read our Labuan Bajo blog and watch our Labuan Bajo vlog to make the experience feel more complete. There you will find tips and practical references before visiting Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

After finding four Komodo dragons in Loh Liang Komodo National Park, we had to say see you again to them and continue our trip. We did not have much time on this beautiful island, so we wanted to experience as much as possible. Snorkeling was next. With heavy hearts, we waved goodbye to the Komodo dragons.

It was time to go back to the boat. The speedboat was ready, the sea was calling, and we were ready for our next adventure. As East Cruise took us away from the harbor, the sea opened wide in front of us, endless blue in every direction.

Our first stop was Taka Makassar, a tiny sandbank in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by light blue and turquoise water.

Watch the vlog: Nasi en Stamppot in Komodo Island

Taka Makassar, beautiful but not as easy as it looks

First time snorkeling with full equipment

Before reaching the sandbank, Vicky, our tour guide, and the boat crew asked us to put on all our snorkeling equipment. Mask, breathing tube, and flippers.

This was our first time snorkeling with full gear, and it was not as easy as it looked. We did not know how to breathe properly with a breathing tube, so we had to learn directly from the crew. The boat stopped in the open sea, and we were told to jump straight into the water next to the boat.

At first, we thought it would be simple. It was not.

Swimming in the open sea is very different from swimming in a pool. The current was strong and pushed me far from the destination. I could not even move forward at first. Make sure you are physically ready for sea conditions, not just pool swimming.

Milan stayed close in Papa’s arms. Caesar was very brave and swam on his own. I felt stressed, especially because of the flippers. Swimming with flippers felt unnatural to me. I did not know how to move my legs properly, and one flipper slipped off and sank underwater. Diving down to get it felt scary.

Luckily, Vicky was nearby and quickly retrieved the flipper. The crew threw me a life vest, and Vicky helped put it on while floating. Tightening straps in the open sea is not easy, but he managed it calmly. My honest advice is to wear a life vest, even if you think you can swim well.

The surface looked calm, but the current underneath was tricky. This is something you only understand once you are in the water.

Watch the vlog: Summer in Labuan Bajo with Nasi en Stamppot Exploring Taka Makassar, Manta Island and Siaba Bay

Stepping onto a temporary island

After swimming for a while, we finally arrived at Taka Makassar.

It felt like stepping into a postcard. Pink sand surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water, with nothing but sea in every direction. We walked barefoot on the sand, but carefully, because there can be coral pieces. The water was shallow and calm, and we could see fish swimming around our legs.

I also saw several small wooden boats nearby. These are commonly used by travelers who stay overnight on phinisi boats. Taka Makassar felt peaceful and unreal at the same time.

This sandbank is only visible during low tide. When the tide rises, it disappears under the sea. That is why it is often called a temporary island. Its shape changes constantly.

After enjoying this special place, we had to move again, even though we wanted to stay longer. We swam back to the boat. This time the current was calmer, and we reached the boat more easily.

Another underwater adventure was waiting.

Manta Point, deep water and powerful emotions

When we arrived at Manta Point, the sea looked darker and deeper. The waves were stronger, and the water felt powerful.

Milan decided to stay on the boat with me. Papa and Caesar prepared to jump in. The crew explained clearly what to do, where to look, and brought a floating ring for safety.

This time, Caesar was not as confident. He wanted to return to the boat, and Vicky understood. He let Caesar hang onto the floating ring instead.

The current at Manta Point can change very quickly. This is why exploring this area with experienced guides is essential.

Then something unforgettable happened.

A giant manta ray swam right next to our speedboat. It was huge, much bigger than us, moving slowly and gracefully like it was flying underwater. I could see it clearly, but filming was difficult because the water was deep and dark blue.

Papa and Caesar did not manage to see the manta rays themselves, even though Vicky spotted three in different locations. Still, they felt proud. Swimming in open sea conditions is already a big achievement.

Siaba Bay, calm water and turtles

After Manta Point, Papa decided not to swim anymore. His skin was burned by the sun, and the salty water felt painful. Caesar still wanted to continue. I suggested using a life vest, and it helped him float easily and relax.

Siaba Bay is often called Turtle City. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for beginners. Caesar swam with Vicky and one of the crew members and saw many fish, colorful corals, and beautiful underwater scenery. Unfortunately, he did not see turtles that day, but the experience was still magical.

When Caesar climbed back onto the boat, the current suddenly became strong again. The captain carefully maneuvered the boat until it was safe.

This was our last destination of the day.

Ending the day in Labuan Bajo

The ride back to the harbor was rough. The boat bounced hard over the waves, and I had difficulty filming. We were hungry and exhausted.

At the harbor, our boat could not dock properly. We had to step from our boat onto another passing boat to reach the stairs. We were so tired that we forgot to record a closing shot.

Back at the hotel, the sun was setting. The sky turned orange, and the sea looked calm again. We rested, swam in the pool, and later enjoyed nasi goreng, mie goreng, and ayam goreng.

Labuan Bajo is a heaven for seafood lovers, even though we are not fish eaters. Still, everything we tried was delicious.

Leaving the next day felt heavy. Two nights were not enough. This is not goodbye. We promise we will come back.

Practical tips before snorkeling in Labuan Bajo

1. Choose a trusted boat and experienced local guide
2. Always wear a life vest, especially for kids and first timers
3. Listen carefully to instructions before entering the water
4. Stay close to the guide in open sea areas like Manta Point
5. Do not panic if the current feels strong, float and signal
6. Check tide conditions, low tide is best for Taka Makassar
7. Protect your skin properly from sun and salt exposure

FAQ

Watch the vlog: Labuan Bajo Flores | Surabaya Flight, Komodo Facts & First Impressions

Watch the full snorkeling experience on YouTube

Some moments from this day are hard to capture fully in words. The waves, currents, and emotions are best felt in motion.

This vlog was filmed only with my iPhone, without an underwater camera. What you see is raw and real.

Watch on YouTube our real Labuan Bajo trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT2oWIFQrmM

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