Posted: 22nd May 2023
Komodo diving may sound like an underwater expedition to a hidden Jurassic island somewhere in Indonesia. Actually Komodo is a hidden gem particularly for scuba diving enthusiasts looking for the best dive spots in Asia.
The island of Komodo lies smacked in-between Sumbawa and Flores in the Indonesian archipelago, famous for its warungs, crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and the world’s largest living lizard.
The highlight of Komodo island diving vacations in Indonesia is the chance to see the majestic Komodo dragons gliding underwater.
It’s a pretty suspenseful diving experience that combines the underwater world with the awesome presence of these ancient predators. In this guide, you can find all the important stuff for a great diving adventure.
Best Dive Sites In Komodo
1. Batu Bolong Pinnacle Dive
Batu Bolong lies between the east side of Tatawa Island and Komodo island to the west. Rising from the depths of the Flores Sea, this dive site is a stunning pinnacle of rock with its peak breaking out of the sea to form a small islet.
You can expect to encounter colorful reef fish, turtles, schools of pelagic species, and an abundance of marine life. One of the most popular world class dive sites, the name “Batu Bolong” in Indonesian is “hollow rock”, which describes the site’s unique location.
Currents at Batu Bolong
The currents at Batu Bolong can be strong, making it a dive site recommended for experienced divers. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, as the currents bring nutrient-rich waters that attract larger marine creatures. It is not uncommon to spot sharks, including whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, as well as manta rays gracefully gliding by.
Batu Bolong Visibility
The visibility at Batu Bolong is generally excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet), allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater beauty. The best time to dive at Batu Bolong is during the incoming or outgoing tides when the currents are less intense.
To fully explore Batu Bolong, divers typically descend along the wall and gradually circumnavigate the pinnacle. It’s common for divers to do a multilevel dive, exploring different depths and taking in the various marine life and coral formations along the way.
2. Crystal Rock Drift Dive
Crystal Rock is a renowned dive site located within Komodo National Park. It is widely recognized as one of the top diving destinations in Indonesia, offering divers a mesmerizing underwater drift dive experience.
Diving at Crystal Rock typically involves descending and circling around it while exploring the stunning coral formations and marine life. The depth ranges from approximately 5 to 30 meters, providing a suitable diving experience for different skill levels.
Currents at Crystal Rock
The currents at Crystal Rock can be moderate to strong, creating an ideal environment for the growth of healthy corals and attracting larger pelagic species. Diving at this site is recommended for experienced divers who are comfortable with drift diving.
Crystal Rock Marine Life
The marine life at Crystal Rock is diverse and abundant. Divers can expect to encounter schools of tropical fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish.
The site is also known for its resident turtles, which can often be seen gracefully swimming among the corals. Other common sightings include reef sharks, such as whitetip and blacktip.
3. Manta Alley Diving With Rays
Manta Alley also known as Manta Point is a renowned dive site located within the Komodo National Park. Manta Alley is famous for its population of manta rays, which are the primary attraction for divers visiting the site.
Diving at Manta Point offers a unique opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close. Aside from mantas, divers may also encounter other marine life, such as reef fish, turtles, and occasional sharks.
Currents at Manta Alley
Manta Point can have strong currents due to its location in a channel between two islands. These currents are responsible for bringing nutrient-rich waters that attract plankton, providing a food source for mantas.
While the currents can be challenging, they contribute to the thriving marine ecosystem. So this particular dive site is usually recommended for experienced divers or those with pro diving certs.
Manta Alley Visibility
The visibility at Manta Point can vary depending on the season and current conditions. It can range from good to excellent, providing opportunities for clear views of the underwater environment. The depth of the dive site typically ranges from around 5 to 30 meters.
Best Time to dive at Manta Alley is pretty good throughout the whole year. On the flip side, the best time to visit may vary depending on factors such as weather, water temperature, and visibility.
The dry season from April to October, generally offers better diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, suitable for underwater videography.
4. Castle Rock Drift Diving
Castle Rock is situated in the northern part of the Komodo National Park, near the islands of Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat. The dive site gets its name from a pinnacle rock formation that rises from the depths.
The pinnacle starts around 30 meters deep and reaches up to 5 meters above the breakwater. The rock is covered with colorful soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, creating a vibrant underwater landscape.
Currents at Castle Rock
The site is known for its strong currents, which attract a rich diversity of marine life. Diving at Castle Rock requires good buoyancy control and the ability to navigate through the currents.
Due to the challenging conditions and strong currents, it is recommended that divers have advanced diving certs and previous experience with drift diving.
Castle Rock Visibility
The visibility at Castle Rock can vary depending on the conditions, but it is generally good, ranging from 15 to 30 meters. Clear waters offer excellent visibility, allowing divers to fully appreciate the underwater scenery.
Castle Rock Marine Life
Castle Rock is teeming with marine life, making it a haven for diving enthusiasts. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of trevallies, surgeonfish, red belly yellow tail fusiliers, and snappers. There are also chances to spot larger marine animals such as sharks and rays.
5. Tatawa Kecil
Tatawa Kecil is a small islet on the south side of its bigger cousin Tatawa Besar, located on the northern central area of Komodo National Park.
Tatawa Kecil is a renowned and awe-inspiring diving destination, featuring captivating rocky outcrop, caves, swim-throughs, boulders, dramatic drop-offs, and an expansive area adorned with immense and vibrant coral gardens.
Currents at Tatawa Kecil
The currents in Tatawa Kecil can be moderate, which makes it suitable for drift diving. Drift diving allows divers to effortlessly glide along the reef current while enjoying the underwater scenery.
It is advisable to have some diving experience and be comfortable with drift diving to fully enjoy this aspect of Tatawa Kecil.
Tatawa Kecil Marine Life
This dive site is known for its stunning coral gardens and a rich variety of marine life. Divers can expect encounters with an array of colorful reef fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish including turtles.
Snorkeling at Tatawa Kecil
Tatawa Kecil is also a pretty excellent spot for snorkelers. The shallow waters near the shore offer beautiful snorkeling opportunities, allowing non-divers to explore the colorful coral gardens and observe the marine life from the surface.
How To Get To Komodo Island
Once you arrive at Komodo Airport, you’ll need to travel to the town of Labuan Bajo, which is the main departure point for diving tours. You can take a taxi or arrange a transfer with your dive operator or accommodation.
Best Time To Dive In Komodo
When to go
The best time to go diving in Komodo is from April to November, when the waters are calm, and the visibility is super clear. The water temperature typically ranges from 24°C to 30°C, so a 3mm-5mm thickness diving wetsuit is recommended.
Diving conditions
Komodo diving conditions can vary from calm to strong currents, so it’s important to have experience and proper training. Currents can be unpredictable, novice divers should be aware of their surroundings and follow the guidance of their dive master.
It’s also important to respect the marine environment and not touch or disturb any marine life or coral on your diving adventure.
Planning Your Komodo Island Liveaboard Trip
All Star Liveaboard
Many divers opt to stay on a liveaboard boat to explore the remote dive sites around the island. Komodo diving liveaboard typically offer 3-9 day packages, and provide divers with a unique opportunity to experience the park’s dive sites and wildlife.
Based in the US, All Star Velocean vessel boasts spacious and well-appointed cabins, communal areas, and state-of-the-art amenities to ensure a super relaxing and comfortable dive trip.
Their itineraries offered by All Star feature a wide range of awesome dive destinations. Gourmet meals prepared by skilled chefs, spacious sun decks for sunbathing, comfortable lounges for socializing, and even onboard spa facilities are available.
- Office Address: 204 Hospital Dr NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548 USA
- Contact: 800.327.9600 (USA/Canada), 954.734.7111 (Worldwide)
- Facebook: allstarliveaboards/
- Website: allstarliveaboard/
Calico Jack Charters
Calico Jack Charters is another renowned charter company based in the US, specializing in providing high standard Komodo island liveaboard with 6 and 9 days diving itineraries.
Named after the infamous pirate Calico Jack Rackham, the company offers a wide range of snorkeling and diving packages for divers seeking an extraordinary diving vacation.
They ensure the safety and comfort of guests while also offering a wealth of local knowledge about the islands, including hidden gems, secluded beaches, and best diving spots in Komodo.
- Contact (US): +62 812 4691 4305 (Katia), +62 853 969 44169 (Jamie), +62 821 4436 7599 (Adam)
- Facebook: carlicojackcharters/
- Website: carlicojackcharters/
- Calico Jack Indonesia diving reviews
Mermaid Liveaboard
The luxury vessel Mermaid 1 (28meters long) and Mermaid II ( 33meters long) offers comfortable accommodations and exceptional services, as well as a range of diving packages.
The Mermaid diving liveaboard offers spacious cabins with en-suite bathrooms, air condition, and comfortable amenities to ensure a pleasant stay.
Delicious meals are provided on board, catering to different dietary preferences, and there are communal areas for socializing and relaxation as well.
- Office Address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan no. 75 Sanur Beach Bali Indonesia
- Contact: +62 (0)8133 777 8077 (English)
- Facebook: mermaid.liveaboards/
- Website: mermaid-liveaboard/
- Mermaid Komodo diving reviews
Komodo Diving Packages
Komodo dive packages cater to different interests and experience levels. These packages may include a specific number of dives, guided trips to popular dive sites, boat transportation, accommodations and even meals.
Additionally, some resorts may provide non-diving activities such as snorkeling, island tours, or spa services to cater to guests’ needs during their stay.
It is important to choose a diving package that fits your needs and budget. If you are a beginner, you may want to choose a package such as half day easy dive. If you are a season diver, you may want to choose a package that include liveaboard diving.
Accommodations
Diving resorts in Komodo offer a variety of dive package options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can find everything from basic bungalows to luxurious villas.
Some resorts may also have beachfront properties or rooms with stunning ocean views. It’s advisable to check the available amenities, room types, and facilities offered by each resort before making a decision.
Dive Facilities
One of the primary advantages of staying at a diving resort in Komodo is the convenient access to dive facilities. These resorts often have their own dive centers or work closely with nearby dive operators to provide popular diving packages.
The package prices include diving trips, equipment rentals, and offer pro dive guides or instructors. Some resorts may even offer on-site scuba diving training packages for those looking to get certified or to enhance their diving skills.
Komodo Diving Resorts
Komodo Resort & Diving Club
Komodo diving resorts are typically situated in close proximity to dive sites near the Komodo National Park. They are often found on Labuan Bajo, Flores, or Komodo Island itself.
These strategic locations allow divers to minimize travel time and maximize their diving experiences. Here’re 5 top diving resorts near to our preferred dive site, Manta Alley.
Komodo Resort & Diving Club is situated on the picturesque island, offering an idyllic setting for nature lovers, diving enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil island getaway.
This resort is located on Sebayur Island, just a short boat ride away from Manta Alley. They offer a range of pretty impressive diving packages and have experienced dive guides who can take you to some of the best spots in the area.
- Resort Address: Tanjung Pelita, Island Komodo, Labuan Bajo, Flores 86754 Indonesia
- Facebook: komodoresort/
- TripAdvisor diving resort reviews
Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa
Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa is nestled on the western coast of Flores Island, overlooking the sparkling Flores Sea. Its proximity to the Komodo National Park makes this upscale resort an ideal base for exploring the park’s stunning landscapes and marine biodiversity.
Plataran is located on Waecicu Beach, just a short boat ride away from Manta Alley. They offer great dive packages and have an on-site dive center with experienced instructors as well.
The resort provides a range of accommodation options, including luxurious villas, and suites designed with traditional Indonesian architecture with modern comforts.
- Resort Address: Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo, Flores 86757 Indonesia
- Facebook: pl.komodo/
- TripAdvisor diving resort reviews
Ayana Komodo Resort
This resort is located on Waecicu Beach, just a short boat ride away from Manta Alley as well. They offer a competitive price range of diving packages and have friendly dive guides and instructors.
The resort offers a range of elegant and spacious accommodations, including luxurious rooms, suites, and private villas. Each room is beautifully designed with modern amenities, plush furnishings, and private balconies or terraces to enjoy the stunning views.
Guests can indulge in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean, rejuvenate at the spa with a variety of relaxing treatments, work out at the fitness center, or enjoy water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding.
- Resort Address: Kabupaten Manggarai Barat Pantai Waecicu, Labuan Bajo, Flores 86554 Indonesia
- Facebook: AYANAKomodo/
- TripAdvisor diving resort reviews
Your Travel Planner:
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