Manta Bowl

Manta Bowl (Ticao Pass)

Prepare for an exhilarating and unforgettable diving experience at Manta Bowl, a world-renowned dive site located in the heart of Ticao Pass, off the northern coast of Ticao Island in Masbate, Philippines. This submerged seamount is a true magnet for pelagic encounters, offering divers the chance to witness some of the ocean's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Dive Site Overview

Manta Bowl is a unique seamount and reef system, rising dramatically from depths of over 200 m, with its plateau crest typically found between 14 m and 24 m, and slopes extending down to 50 m and beyond. This strategic location in Ticao Pass, a nutrient-rich strait, creates a vibrant ecosystem that attracts an incredible diversity of marine life.

Diving Conditions

This is an advanced dive site, demanding an Advanced Open Water certification due to its challenging conditions. Divers will encounter strong tidal currents, often exceeding 3 knots, which necessitate negative-entry drift diving techniques. Upwelling and downwelling currents are also common. Water temperatures at Manta Bowl typically range from 26°C to 30°C. Visibility can vary significantly, sometimes reaching over 30 m. We recommend carrying a reef hook for safely observing marine life at cleaning stations without damaging the delicate coral.

Marine Life Encounters

Manta Bowl is most famous for its resident populations of manta rays. Divers will find numerous cleaning stations, where smaller cleaner wrasse species such as Labroides bicolor, L. pictoides, and L. dimidiatus service majestic Reef Manta Rays (Mobula alfredi) and the larger Giant Oceanic Manta Rays (Mobula birostris). These cleaning stations provide unparalleled opportunities for observation, with over 240 individual reef manta rays photo-IDed in the area. Sicklefin Devil Rays (Mobula tarapacana) are also present.

Beyond the mantas, Manta Bowl is a prime location for encountering Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus), especially from November to June. The dive site is adjacent to the Donsol whale shark interaction area, further increasing the chances of these magnificent sightings. Divers may also be lucky enough to spot Thresher Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Whitetip Reef Sharks, and Blacktip Reef Sharks. Large schools of Bigeye Trevally (Caranx sexfasciatus), jacks, and tuna frequently patrol the waters. Keep an eye out for other pelagic species like barracudas, groupers, dolphins, whales, and various species of sea turtles.

Hazards

• Strong Currents: The powerful and sometimes unpredictable currents are the primary hazard, demanding excellent buoyancy control and experience with drift diving.
• Decompression Obligation: Given the depths and potential for extended bottom times while observing marine life, divers must carefully monitor their no-decompression limits to avoid decompression obligation.

Manta Bowl is a truly special dive site that promises thrilling encounters with large marine megafauna, making it a must-visit for experienced divers seeking an adrenaline-pumping and awe-inspiring underwater adventure.