Explore the hidden treasures of Komodo Island’s underwater realm, a true paradise for scuba enthusiasts from all around the world.
We prepared this in-depth guide to provide an overview of Komodo Island diving, from top-notch dive sites and rich marine life to the essential logistics and best practices for a successful dive trip in Komodo.
Table of Contents
Outstanding Dive Sites in Komodo Island
Batu Bolong
Batu Bolong, or also known in Indonesian as “Hollow Rock” is the most famous dive site in Komodo Island diving. This underwater pinnacle, pierced by a small hollow, is full with vibrant, healthy coral, housing a world of marine species.
Due to its strong currents, it’s more suited to experienced divers such as advanced certified divers with at least 30-40 logged dives. The currents in Batu Bolong can change rapidly which also makes diving at this dive site closely tied to moon cycles and tides.
Manta Point
For lovers of large marine life, Manta Point is the place to be. This cleaning station is frequented by majestic manta rays, offering divers a rare opportunity to observe these graceful creatures up close.
Encounters with mantas are a highlight of Komodo Island diving. Typically a drift dive, divers of almost all experiences can enjoy Manta Point. This dive site is also not the only one for an encounter with the Mantas. Mawan or Manta Alley are two of the next very popular Manta dive sites in Komodo.
Cannibal Rock
Renowned for its abundant macro life, Cannibal Rock is a macro photographer’s dream. This dive site, nestled in the southern part of the Komodo National Park, is populated with critters like nudibranchs, frogfish, and pygmy seahorses. Its colorful coral landscape adds to the enchanting Komodo Island diving experience.
It’s a good contrast to the large marine life that can be seen in the north and central parts of the Komodo National Park.
Castle Rock
Castle Rock, an underwater mound located in the north of Komodo National Park, attracts large schools of fish, including fusiliers, trevallies, and white-tip reef sharks. Its nutrient-rich waters make it a hotspot for marine life, adding to the diversity of Komodo Island diving.
This is a dive site where in the right currents, you can hook onto a rock and enjoy watching the large marine life hunting.
Castle Rock, similar to its neighbor Crystal Rock, are two dive sites suitable exclusively to advanced divers.
Tatawa Besar
Tatawa Besar, with its gentle currents and vibrant coral gardens, is perfect for novice divers or those seeking a more relaxed Komodo Island diving experience. Expect encounters with sea turtles, giant trevallies, and a plethora of colorful reef fish.
The coral reef here is simply stunning and although it’s typically a drift dive, currents are most often mild.
Journey to Komodo Island
Flights to Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo, located on the island of Flores, is the main entry point for anyone planning a Komodo Island diving trip. It’s well-connected with regular flights from Bali and Jakarta, ensuring a convenient journey.
From Bali, travelers will find several flights that reach Labuan Bajo with different airlines such as: AirAsia, Garuda, Citilink, Batik or Lion Air.
Travel Tip: Keep a close eye to your flight because Indonesian airlines are notorious for last minute cancellations.
From Bali to Labuan Bajo it’s a short and comfortable 45 minutes flight. This gives Bali travelers a new destination that they can tie to their holiday.
Ferry and Speedboat Services
From Labuan Bajo, a ferry or speedboat can whisk you away to Komodo Island. Ideally you should book your activities in the Komodo National Park with a reputable operator such as one of the dive centers in Labuan Bajo.
The resorts and hotels there also provide scuba diving trips and excursions in the park. See for example the already famous Komodo Resort placed on Sebayur island, basically right in the heart of the Komodo park.
Liveaboard Diving Excursions
The best way to explore Komodo Island diving is with a liveaboard like ours: Neptune One or Komodo Sea Dragon.
These trips allow you to stay on a comfortable, specially equipped boat for several days, providing you with access to a wide range of dive sites that are often unreachable on day trips. You can dive during the day and relax under the stars at night, making it a unique way to experience the Komodo Island diving scene.
Timing Your Komodo Island Diving Trip
The best time for diving in Komodo largely depends on what you want to see. Manta rays are present all year round, but their numbers peak during the rainy season (December to February).
Unfortunately most of the luxurious or the best liveaboards in Komodo will not be there during the rainy season. They will be in Raja Ampat. But you will be able to find local operators that will take you where you want to go or you can stay with Komodo Resort and enjoy the best of the diving.
For calmer seas and better visibility, the dry season (April to November) is ideal.
If you are planning to join Komodo Island diving with us, take a look at our Schedule.