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

Snorkeling in Labuan Bajo often looks easy in photos. In reality, it takes more effort than it seems, and that is exactly what makes the experience meaningful.

This was our first time snorkeling as a family in the open sea with full equipment. We had no practice in a pool, no experience with flippers, and no real idea of what it would feel like to breathe through a snorkel. It was just us, the wide Flores Sea, our guide Vicky, and a plan to visit three very different spots.

In one afternoon, we went to Taka Makassar, Manta Point, and Siaba Bay. Each place felt completely different, and each one came with its own challenges.

This story is not just about the highlights. It includes the moments that felt uncomfortable, the decisions we had to make quickly, and the things we wish we had understood before getting into the water. We also filmed the day for YouTube if you want to see it as it happened, but everything important to know before you go is here.

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Heading back to the sea

This snorkeling part came after a long morning on the water from Labuan Bajo. Earlier that day, we had climbed Padar Island, swum at Pink Beach, and walked among Komodo dragons at Loh Liang on Komodo National Park. By the time we left Komodo Island, our legs were already tired and our skin felt warm after hours in the sun.

But the ocean felt like a completely new challenge.

Our first snorkeling stop was Taka Makassar, a small strip of sand in the middle of the sea, surrounded by bright turquoise water. To reach it, we had to jump straight into the open water and swim across the current.

At that moment, we still did not know what to expect.

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.

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.

Watch the Full Day on YouTube

Some parts of this day are hard to explain with words alone. The sound of the waves, the strength of the current, and the moment a manta ray appeared beside the boat are things that are easier to understand when you see them.

We filmed the entire day on an iPhone, without using an underwater camera. What you see in the video is exactly how it happened.

You can watch our Labuan Bajo snorkeling vlog on YouTube to get a clearer picture of the experience.

Practical tips before snorkeling in Labuan Bajo

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