About Manta Bowl
Manta Bowl is a submerged shoal and marine sanctuary in Ticao Pass off San Jacinto on Ticao Island, Masbate, Philippines. Located in open water between Ticao and the Bicol Peninsula, it is internationally known as a cleaning and feeding station for manta rays. Protected as a marine reserve, the site is accessible only by boat and is regarded as one of the Philippines' premier dive sites for pelagic encounters.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an open-water dive site with no land area, reached only by motorized outrigger boat from San Jacinto or nearby Ticao Island ports. The site is a submerged shoal in Ticao Pass where manta rays congregate at a cleaning station. Underwater visibility allows observation of manta rays, reef fish and pelagic species. There are no structures or shore facilities on site; all activities are boat-based and guided by dive operators.
Key highlights
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Famous manta ray cleaning and feeding station in Ticao Pass
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Marine protected area and sanctuary off San Jacinto, Ticao Island
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Premier open-water dive site for pelagic encounters
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Seasonal aggregations of manta rays and diverse reef marine life
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Boat-access only shoal with strong currents and clear waters
History of Manta Bowl
Established as a marine protected area and sanctuary in Ticao Pass to protect the manta ray population and reef ecosystem, becoming one of the Philippines' most recognized manta ray conservation sites
Culture & Context
Important for ecotourism and livelihood of fishing communities in San Jacinto and Ticao Island, promoting marine conservation awareness
Route
| By air | Fly to Masbate Airport (MBT) in Masbate City or to Legazpi Airport/Bicol International Airport, then take ferry and land transfer to Ticao Island |
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| By road |