2023 Scuba Diving Guide to Komodo Island: Unearth the Underwater Paradise

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If you have dived in Komodo Island before, please share your experiences: Dive spots you would recommend, which Dive Center you used, Fishes & Diving, Visibility, Currents, etc. Please post your comments in the section below, by doing so you will help fellow divers to plan their next trip ;)

Diving at Komodo Island is an essential experience for every underwater enthusiast. Intact corals, diverse marine life, and outstanding dive sites await you.

manta ray in Komodo during a diving liveaboard cruise

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonhanson/2784353743/

Marine Discoveries at Komodo Island

Dive amidst the white-tip and black-tip reef sharks. With a stroke of luck, witness the grey shark and even the iconic hammerhead shark. Komodo Liveaboard diving trips offer a splendid view of these marine creatures. Book your diving excursions with this site, known for its competitive pricing and easy reservation system. For further insights, refer to our guide on Komodo Liveaboard Diving.

Manta Ray Ballet

Don’t miss diving with the majestic manta rays, which are visible throughout the year. The rainy season brings forth a unique spectacle of rays dancing in formation—a must-see.

In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in Komodo Island.

Best Dive Review

Discovering Komodo’s Subaquatic Gems

Komodo Island offers a plethora of dive sites, each with its unique ecosystem and charm. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping currents, ethereal coral gardens, or diverse marine encounters, here’s a list of the top dive spots for 2023.

1. Manta Point: Known for: Manta Ray Encounters One of Komodo’s signature sites, Manta Point attracts divers aiming to witness the graceful ballet of manta rays. Especially popular during the rainy season, it’s common to see several mantas gliding and feeding, making it a must-visit!

2. Batu Bolong: Known for: Breathtaking Coral Reefs A pinnacle rising from the ocean depths, Batu Bolong is a coral-covered rock teeming with marine life. From colorful reef fish to patrolling predators, it’s a vibrant and diverse ecosystem.

3. Cannibal Rock: Known for: Macro Life Situated in the southern part of the Komodo National Park, Cannibal Rock is a macro lover’s dream. Spot rare nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, and unique critters. The underwater topography with its soft corals and sponges is a visual treat.

4. Castle Rock: Known for: Pelagic Action A submerged pinnacle, Castle Rock is famed for its strong currents and rich marine life. Schools of fusiliers, trevallies, and sometimes sharks make this an exhilarating dive site.

5. Crystal Rock: Known for: Vibrant Corals and Fish Schools A shallow top reef leads to deeper coral gardens at Crystal Rock. The clear waters, hence the name, allow for fantastic visibility, offering divers panoramic views of the thriving marine life.

6. Tatawa Besar: Known for: Drift Dives Experience the thrill of a drift dive as you ride the currents along the coral-coated slopes of Tatawa Besar. Sea turtles, rays, and a spectrum of reef fish are common sightings.

7. Siaba Besar: Known for: Turtle Spotting A gentle sloping reef, Siaba Besar is the go-to spot for turtle enthusiasts. Watch these serene creatures munching on seagrass or lazing on the reef.

Planning Your Dive: With the ever-changing tides and currents of Komodo, it’s crucial to plan dives with experienced local dive operators. They’ll ensure you dive sites suiting your experience level and interests, maximizing your underwater experience.

How to dive Komodo Island?

Navigating Your Budget in Komodo’s Waters

The allure of Komodo’s marine treasures might be priceless, but diving does come with its costs. Here’s a transparent look at diving prices for 2023 to help you plan your underwater adventures seamlessly.

1. Single Dive Costs: Typically, a single dive in Komodo costs between $40 to $50, depending on the dive center and the specific location. These prices usually include basic equipment.

2. Dive Packages: Buying in bulk often leads to savings:

  • 5 Dive Package: $180 – $220
  • 10 Dive Package: $340 – $400
  • Unlimited Week Diving (6 days): $750 – $850

Note: Packages generally offer better value and often come with additional perks like complimentary surface intervals, snacks, or even a free dive.

3. Specialized Dives: Certain dive experiences come with added costs due to expertise or equipment needed:

  • Night Dive: Additional $10 – $15
  • Deep Dive (Beyond 30m): Additional $15 – $20
  • Drift Dive: Additional $10

4. Equipment Rental: If you’re not traveling with your gear, here’s a rough estimate on rental costs:

  • Full Set (BCD, Regulator, Wetsuit, Mask, Fins): $25 – $35 per day
  • Dive Computer: $10 per day
  • Underwater Camera: $30 – $50 per day

5. Dive Courses & Certifications: For those looking to advance their skills or start their diving journey:

  • Open Water Certification: $350 – $450
  • Advanced Open Water: $300 – $380
  • Specialized courses (Nitrox, Deep, Photography): $150 – $250

6. Liveaboard Packages: For the ultimate Komodo experience, liveaboards offer multi-day dive adventures. Prices typically start from $250 per day, with luxury options going up to $600+ per day, all-inclusive.

Budgeting Tips for Divers:
  • Early Bird Discounts: Many dive centers offer discounts for bookings made well in advance.
  • Group Bookings: Traveling in a group? Ask for group discounts.
  • Off-Peak Season: Dive prices might be slightly lower outside the peak tourist season.

Where to stay?

I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Komodo Island as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.

Best time to dive in Komodo Island

Scuba Diving in the Komodo marine reserve is possible all year round.

Seasonal Variations:
  • March to October: This period offers the most favorable diving conditions, with relatively calm waters and high marine activity.
  • Rainy Season (December to February): While this is the prime time to spot schooling manta rays, it’s essential to check with dive clubs regarding trips, as not all operate during heavy rains.
  • November to January: These months provide the best visibility, with clear, turquoise waters offering expansive views of the marine landscape.
  • January to March: Waters can get choppy during these months. Though still suitable for diving, divers should be prepared for a more challenging environment.
destination of the month

Top liveaboards in Komodo Island according to divers reviews

Dive courses

Discover Komodo’s leading dive centers in 2023. Prioritize safety, experience, and eco-friendly operations as you embark on unforgettable underwater adventures.

Embarking on Komodo’s Waters with the Elite

Divers flock to Komodo for its marine diversity, and choosing the right dive center can make or break your experience. Here are the top-rated dive centers in 2023 that ensure both safety and spectacular dive outings.

1. Reefseekers: USP: Advanced Dive Training and Safety Protocols Reefseekers is renowned for its emphasis on diver safety and advanced training programs. With certified instructors, state-of-the-art gear, and bespoke dive packages, they cater to both novices and seasoned divers.

2. Dive Komodo: USP: Eco-Friendly Operations Championing sustainable diving, Dive Komodo stands out for its eco-conscious initiatives. From coral rehabilitation projects to reducing their carbon footprint, diving with them means supporting environmental causes.

3. Orca Dive Club: USP: Comprehensive Dive Packages Orca Dive Club offers a broad range of dive packages, from serene sunsets dives to adrenaline-packed drift dives. Their multilingual team ensures that divers from across the globe feel right at home.

4. Wicked Diving Center: USP: Community Engagement and Fair Practices Besides exceptional dive outings, Wicked Diving is lauded for its community engagement programs. They prioritize hiring locals, offer fair wages, and are involved in numerous community upliftment projects.

5. Komodo Deep Dive Club (New for 2023!): USP: Technological Integration in Diving A recent entrant, Komodo Deep Dive Club, is making waves with its integration of the latest diving technology. From augmented reality dive maps to AI-assisted dive planning, it’s the go-to center for tech-savvy divers.

Planning Your Dive Adventure: When selecting a dive center, consider factors like certification levels, equipment quality, group sizes, and customer reviews. In 2023, it’s also pivotal to choose centers promoting eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the pristine beauty of Komodo remains preserved for generations.

Scuba Diving conditions

Komodo Island’s Unique Currents

The waters around Komodo Island are known for their potent currents, making the diving experience here unlike any other. These currents arise due to the island’s unique position as a bottleneck between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. As a result, the waters brim with marine life and offer pristine visibility, drawing divers from all over the globe.

Understanding the Currents: Timing and Safety

Dive sites around Komodo are strongly influenced by tidal movements. Current speeds can sometimes soar up to 8 knots in certain spots. While this promises an exhilarating drift diving experience for the seasoned diver, it’s crucial to:

  1. Plan Your Dive: Timing is everything. Consult with local dive operators to choose dive sites based on tidal movements and your experience level.
  2. Trust the Professionals: Dive guides in Komodo Island are well-versed with the area’s shifting conditions. If they advise against or cancel a dive due to strong currents, heed their advice.
  3. Buddy Up: Always dive with a partner. The fast-moving currents can be unpredictable, so having a buddy ensures an added layer of safety.

Sites for All Levels

While the general perception is that Komodo’s diving conditions cater to advanced divers, there are still pockets of calm for the novices. Several dive sites offer milder currents, allowing beginner divers to witness the marine grandeur without the intense drift.

best diving sites in the komodo islandsPristine Reefs around Komodo Islands National Park (Photo Credit)

One of the best things about diving Komodo is that you will often feel as you are the only ones underwater as there are just so many dive sites. Also the local dive centres agree on not diving the same site at the same time.

Snorkelling in Komodo Island

Snorkeling Komodo: A Splash Beneath the Surface

Komodo isn’t just for divers. With its vibrant coral gardens and teeming marine life just a few meters below the surface, snorkeling offers a captivating experience.

1. Prime Snorkeling Locations:

  • Pink Beach: Named for its rosy-hued sands, Pink Beach also boasts a rich underwater world with shallow coral gardens.
  • Manta Point: While it’s a popular diving spot, snorkelers can also have a thrilling experience watching manta rays gracefully glide by.
  • Kanawa Island: An oasis of vibrant coral reefs and calm waters, it’s perfect for beginners.
  • Tatawa Besar: Known for soft corals, turtles, and a rainbow of reef fish, it’s a visual treat for snorkelers.

2. Snorkeling Costs (2023):

  • Guided Snorkeling Tour (Half Day): $30 – $50
  • Full-Day Snorkeling Expedition: $60 – $90
  • Mask and Fin Rental: $10 – $15 per day
  • Underwater Camera Rental: $20 – $40 per day

3. Snorkeling Safety: Komodo’s waters can have strong currents. Always:

  • Snorkel with a buddy.
  • Wear a safety buoy or marker.
  • Stay close to the shore or boat.
  • Listen to local guides regarding safe spots and current conditions.

4. Eco-Conscious Snorkeling: With the Komodo National Park being a protected marine reserve:

  • Avoid touching or stepping on corals.
  • Use reef-safe sunscreens.
  • Maintain a safe distance from marine creatures.
  • Avoid feeding fish or other marine life.

5. Best Time for Snorkeling: Though Komodo is a year-round destination, the best visibility is from April to August. The seas are calmest during this period, offering crystal clear waters for snorkelers.

6. Snorkeling Tours & Operators: Several operators in the region specialize in snorkeling expeditions, providing guides, equipment, and often lunch on their tours. Research reviews and certifications to choose a reputable one.

Fishes and Coral

Komodo’s Marine Mosaic Komodo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only boasts giant lizards on land but also a dazzling array of marine life beneath its waves. This marine haven has cemented its reputation as one of the world’s premier diving destinations.

1. The Predators and Pelagics:

  • Sharks: The waters around Komodo Island are teeming with diverse shark species. Sightings of white-tip and black-tip reef sharks are common. For those seeking a real adrenaline rush, encounters with the more elusive grey and hammerhead sharks can be an unforgettable experience.
  • Other Majestic Pelagics: The waters are also home to the powerful dogtooth tuna, swift giant trevally, and shimmering barracudas. And, of course, the gracious manta rays, especially in their ballet formations during the rainy season.

2. Macro Marvels:

  • Nudibranchs: Komodo waters are a treasure trove for macro enthusiasts, housing a myriad of vibrant and rare nudibranch species.
  • Pygmy Seahorses & Frogfish: Spotting the camouflaged pygmy seahorse or the peculiar frogfish is a treat for the keen-eyed diver.
  • Coral Gardens: The underwater realm of Komodo boasts pristine coral gardens. The coral diversity here is some of the best globally, providing shelter and sustenance to a wide range of marine species.

3. Schools & Shoals: Diving here often feels like being engulfed in a whirlwind of color and movement. Schools of fusiliers, surgeonfish, and trevallies dart around, creating an underwater spectacle. Be mindful; these “walls of fishes” can be so mesmerizing that one might just lose track of their dive buddy!

4. The Night’s Mysteries: Night diving in Komodo opens up a new dimension of marine sightings. Bioluminescent creatures, nocturnal predators, and curious crustaceans come alive, promising a different kind of thrill.

Conservation and the Future: The marine ecosystem of Komodo Island is both resilient and fragile. As divers, it’s imperative to dive responsibly, ensuring minimal impact on the underwater environment. The conservation practices today will dictate the richness of marine life for future generations.

Diving Safety

If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Komodo Island, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

 

 

Photos Komodo Island

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Travel Guide

Now that you know all about the underwater world, you might want to start planning your scuba holiday! Check out our Komodo Island Travel Review for information about how to get there, activities and excursions, where to stay, and more.

Diving Reviews for this region

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Dive spots reviews in Komodo Island

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This is one of the best dive spot of Komodo Islands national park! Not to be missed! This seabanks is full of fish with ...
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Batu bolong is a world class dive site! At the surface, we can just see a small rock with hole in it, but underwater it ...
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This dive site is maybe the most extreme of the Komodo National Park! It is a submerged pinnacle located southeast of La...
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Castle Rock is an amazing dive site in the Komodo Islands! It is a huge pinnacle underwater with a top at 4 m deep. As t...
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Lighthouse is a great dive site! Located in the North of Komodo Island National Park not far from castle rock and crysta...
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Tatawa Kecil is a small island and is a magical world class dive site for a drifting! Be careful the current there can b...
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This is one of the best dive sites in Komodo national park. It is the best place to dive with manta rays. From September...
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End of the World dive site in Komodo Islands is a big wall of rocks with small caves and overhangs. The wall is going de...
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The Passage dive site is between the two islands of Gili Lawa Laut and Gili Lawa Darat. The current in the channel betwe...
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Three Sisters dive site in the Komodo Islands seems to be pure with an incredible coral cover and a great fish life. The...

Liveaboard Reviews in Komodo Island

MSY Waow

Please note… The Waow does not operate

MSY Waow Liveaboard Review

WAOW

Please note… The Waow does not operate

WAOW Liveaboard Review

Manta Mae

The 30 meters Manta Mae is a liveaboard

Manta Mae Liveaboard Review

Tiaré Cruise

The Tiaré Cruise is a luxury liveaboard

Tiaré Cruise Liveaboard Review

Mantra

The Mantra is a traditionally styled Ind

Mantra Liveaboard Review

MV Black Manta Diving

. Please note… The Black Manta has bee

MV Black Manta Diving Liveaboard Review

MS Ombak Putih

The 42 meters Ombak Putih sails the wate

MS Ombak Putih Liveaboard Review

KLM Sea Safari VI

The luxurious Sea Safari VI is a liveabo

KLM Sea Safari VI Liveaboard Review

Arenui

The Arenui Liveaboard is a traditionnal

Arenui Liveaboard Review

MS Wellenreng

The 22 meters MS Wellenreng is a charter

MS Wellenreng Liveaboard Review

Diving centers in Komodo Island

No dive centers found

55 dive logs in “Komodo Island”

  1. I have been diving with Reef Seekers Dive center in Labuan Bajo in 2010.

    The diving was fantastic. I saw my first Manta Ray! Really good visibility, from 20m to 30m. We saw many whitetip reef sharks, turtles, schools of barracudas, Dogtooth Tuna and Giant trevallies! Awsome ;-).

    The current was really strong on most of the dive sites and it can sometimes be quite impressive.
    The Reef Seeker equipment was OK however there boat was quite slow and it took from 2 to 3 hours to reach the spots.

    For the hotel, I stayed in the Gardena Hotel in Labuan Bajo, very basic bungalows but very cheap. Don’t forget to go to the sunset bar to share a beer with your buddies and watch the amazing sunset! They also have live bands sometimes.

    I hope to come back soon to Komodo Islands!

    Dieter, Open Water Advanced, 130 dives.

  2. Hi,

    Is it possible to dive Komodo during the January/February period due to it being the rainy season? I have tried a few organistions but they do not operate because of the rain. Mnay thanks

    • Hello Pete,

      I know it is possible to dive in December even if it is the rainy season. I think it might be the same in January / February. It is even recommended as it is the Manta Ray season ;-). Did you try to contact Reefseekers dive center in Labuan Bajo? They have been operating around Komodo for 20 years so they can for sure tell you.

    • Pete! The diving in Jan/ Feb is GREAT!! Your best bet is to go with an operator who is deeply familiar with the region and the sites. Please check out our website as we are offering two back to back trips at that time!

  3. Hi there, did you see the Komodo dragons while there? Am thinking of a trip there to dive and to check out the dragons at the same time!

    • Yes I saw the Komodo Dragons! It was awsome, they are so impressive. You can easily go to the see the Dragons between 2 dives during your surface interval on Rinca Island.

  4. I will be with a group of non diver friends in Bali from 8/19-9/1.From 8/25-8/30 I will break away from them in search of the best possible diving, as I’ve been diving since ’83, but never in this part of the world (I’m from NYC). Initially, Lombok and Flores were recommended, but Komono might be calling!
    Is this idea reasonable and doable given the short time allotted? Would a short flight or ferry, followed by modest accommodations be out of the question?
    Thank you.

    • Hello Paul! I really think Komodo has the best Diving in Indonesia. You need at least one week to go to Komodo to enjoy the place. You can easily take a flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo. There is a ferry but it takes 2 or 3 days and comfort is really basic. You will easily find cheap basic rooms in Labuan Bajo. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need further details ;-). Julien

      • Hi julien

        U seem to know komodo diving very well. I am planning to go there and wonder best time of year with good viz and high possibility of manta.

        1) how will early september be ?
        2) I plan to spend 4-5days at komodo (after bali holiday). Will it be better on liveaboard or diving thru hotel ?
        3) cheapest flight option from Dps –> L bajo

        Rgds,
        gautam (mr)
        AOWD, 25 logged dives

  5. Hi – I have questions about diving in Komodo. My girlfriend and I have 50-75 dives each so we are inexperienced, but we have dived in varied conditions (eg Galapagos).

    We are thinking of visiting in December and doing 1-3 days diving.
    How are the conditions then? Are the seas rough?
    Is that a good time to see pelagic species?
    Is it necessary to do a liveaboard, or is it feasible to do a couple of days diving from Labaunbajo?

    Thanks!
    Tom

  6. Komodo is the best diving site. The marinelife is various from small colorfull critters such as pygmy seahorse, nudibranch, frogfish, ghost pipefish to giant such as sea turtle, manta ray even whales and dolphins. Strong and fierce current are usually common so you need to dive with experienced and safety first based dive operator. CN Dive is one of local most experienced dive operator in this area. Enjoy your dive!

  7. I dove at Komodo National Park at Christmas this year. I stayed at Angel Island Resort and dove with Reef Seekers. The dive master, Stan, is local and very knowledgeable about the sites and the area. I had two standout diving days. At Batu Bolong we saw reef sharks, tuna, moray eels, lion fish, octopus, napoleon wrasse, turtle, clown triggerfish and countless other fish. It was hard to take it all in. The next day we went diving with the Mantas. I just augured myself into the bottom and watched the show. The current was very strong and a reef hook is essential equipment here. The boat rides were about an hour but the weather was so fine and the scenery is stunningly beautiful so I didn’t mind. Diving here pushed me out of my comfort zone because of the strong currents but Reef Seekers and Stan made sure that I was looked after.

    • Hey Kathy, It was very interesting and informative to read your write up. My son and I are leaving for Komodo on Friday, July 4th. We will be there for 6 days and are staying at Angel Island. Neither of us has ever dived but I will check out Reefseekers and Stan on your recommendation! We will also do some of the other stuff…going to look for the dragons, visiting the volcano and maybe also a day long cruise on our own boat! SO excited!! :-)) Any other advice you can offer would be great. Thanks.

  8. Hi, I ended up doing the 9 night 10 day liveaboard with wicked diving and had such a brilliant time! The boat is basic, but the crew and diving was first class! Marine fee’s were included in the price and land excursions were also included i.e visiting the komodo dragons. I am looking at diving Raja Ampat next also with the wicked diving crew as they are having a 3 week expedition!

  9. Hi there, I’d like to learn scuba diving @ Komodo as a beginner, as am attracted to see the dragons there. Knowing that this place is more suitable for experience divers, may I get recommendations here of the best dive club & best season for a beginner? Thanks!

    • Wicked diving is a very good diving organisation. I have done day diving and liveaboard with them and was very happy! I think best time to start is from April onwards after the rainy season, not sure when the rainy season starts.

  10. I consider the Komodo World Heritage area among the best dive regions in the world; the combination of huge life (mantas, sharks, tuna, trevally) with the small life (nudibranch, pigmy seahorses etc.) go together to create a truly wonderful experience for divers. We dived with Divine Diving from Labuan Bajo and they were terrific. Sites dived in three days included The Cauldron (a raging current funnelled between two islands); Batu Bolong, which lived up to its nickname “Current City”, Crystal Rock, Castle Rock and two really easy dives (virtually no current) on Sebalon Kecil (small) and Sebalon Besar (large) islands, which are fairly close to Labuan Bajo.
    Loved it all and we will return to dive with Divine Diving, run by Dutch woman Marij and wonderful divemaster named Hila.

  11. Komodo island is the trip of a lifetime… You are going back with the giants dinosaurs who survived since then. Komodo is a place to be enjoyed, the diving is magnificent!

    • nih selain pulau komodo ane juga punya info wisata bahari min di jakarta yaitu pulau tidung kepulauan seribu jakarta cek aja di ebhepulautidung.com

  12. saya belum pernah snorkeling atau diving di pulau komodo dan saya ingin mencobanya jika ada waktu dan kesempatan

  13. Although I have not been to the Komodo island, after reading this article, my next scuba diving trip must be Komodo island to make my dream come true. Wow, the scenery is just magnificent. Thanks for this great article.

  14. I did a liveaboard there, with Divine Divers . The owner and the boat were a complete joke, completely unorganised for the events that happened.
    However the diving was spectacular. Superb coral huge fish, mantas sharks. Strong currents. Not for beginners as most of the people were on the trip i was on. Best diving i have done. I’ve dived the great barrier reef, Sipadan, Andaman sea Similans,Gulf of Thailand, the red sea and the mediterranean sea. Komodo was the best.

  15. Hello, I would like to dive Komodo over Christmas/New Year 2014. I am a very experienced diver. Can you recommend a land based location which is not expensive, for good diving or perhaps a live aboard which is safe and not expensive Thank you?

  16. Spent 5 days diving with Blue Marlin in last August out of Labuan Bajo and was the best diving that I have done. Great service with a fast dive boat so you have a 8.30 am start instead of 7.30 am. Boat has 3x200hp outboard motors for the fast trip to everywhere.
    Every dive was a different experience from micro crabs to schools of GTs to Eagle Rays and of coarse Manta Rays. Highly recommend Blue Marlin and their staff. Jayakata Suites is a great place to stay if you want a little luxury. 8 mins from town. Hire a bike in town to get around cheap as chips. There are 3 Italian restaurants which are pretty good and heaps of local food. Labuan Bajo is a little off the beaten track but a great place to experience.

  17. Hi
    I am interested in doing a 3 or 4 night liveaboard around Komodo starting around the 28th April

    Thanks
    Fran

  18. how long should one spend in komodo for diving and what is the best option for tight-budget backpackers who still want to go to the best dive sites (usually unreachable on day trips). thanks. Farzana790@hotmail.com Baby diver 40 dives but have AOW :)

  19. Komodo is a very special place for diving, with pristine coral reefs, spectacular underwater topography and tons of stuff to see – from manta rays to several shark species, to amazing muck dives. It’s true that the currents can be strong and challenging but there are easier dive sites suitable for beginner divers that are still interesting to check out. It is crucial to dive with a reputable dive center.

    I did my Advanced, EFR and Rescue Course with Divine Diving and couldn’t have been happier. Their liveaboard is lovely and excellent value (not luxory but perfectly comfortable with great food and a super friendly and attentive crew) and their dive guides and instructors are safety oriented, incredibly professional and have a profound knowledge of the area (local guides with 1000+ dives in komodo) so they understand currents and conditions perfectly and will spot all the interesting marine life. They really care about the protection of the park and they are a lot of fun ;-)

    I also treated myself to a liveaboard trip to South Komodo with Wunderpus liveaboard which is more on the luxory side and that was absolutely stunning as well! Beautiful boat, amazing food and the diving in the South was spectacular (50+ manta rays!!!) although we had bad visibility and the water was veeeery cold.

    The town itself, Labuan Bajo, isn’t for everyone, it’s dusty and a lot of trash everywhere, don’t expect a beach town vibe – but if you give it a chance and interact with locals you will meet the kindest and friendliest people. Plus, you have quite spectacular sunsets every day!

  20. Hi there!
    Me and my gf learned to dive at Gili air (Manta dive center). Tis was the perfect place to get your open water and advanced! Now we want to check out komodo. Is it a good place to be when you only have like 10 dives? We are a bit afraid that we don’t have enough experience with these currents. What do you guys recommend please.
    Thanks dries, advanced 10 dives

    • Komodo has powerful currents in or surrounding several of the major dive sights. I would strongly suggest that you do some drift dives at spectacular and unknown/underrated Nusa Lembongan. There are fantastic drift dives there, as well as a high likelihood of seeing Manta Rays. I’ve dived with several shops there, my favorite by far is World Diving Lembongan. Best boat (two decks, toilet, great lunch, excellent service, short walk to boat, all equipment handled for you). After this, you will know if you’ve got the confidence necessary to tackle what can be found around Komodo.

  21. Me and seven of my friends are planning to visit Komodo this December for diving. Few of us have dived only once at Goa(India) last year. Not much of an experience. Is Komodo suitable for us, if not then what options do we have at this time of the year. Whats your recommendations?

  22. Pingback: Komodo Islands Dive Report | My Blog

  23. Pingback: GPS POINT | divecenterkomodo

  24. Hey Julien,
    Love your site!!
    Just wondering which company you recommend to do an Open Water PADI with on Komodo?
    We are hoping to book in on 27th, in a few days!! :D
    Cheers!
    Mara

  25. Hi,
    Me and the wife are confused between Egypt and Indonesia for diving trip. We are Advanced Open Water Divers.
    Dates : 20/05/2016 to 02/06/2016

    Help would be appreciated!

    Which place should we choose given its may end.

  26. Hi Shray,

    Both offer great diving. Depending which area you want to dive? How long are you going for? How confident are you in the water? Any budget? How many dives do you want to do? Day diving or liveaboard?

  27. Hi Julien,
    My husband and have dived in many different locations. We are thinking of going on a liveaboard (private so just us on the boat) for 6 days. The reason for this is we have 4 kids – all under 12 of which only 2 have their PADI and v inexperienced. We were therefore thinking that most of what we would do is snorkelling. Someone told me the snorkelling wasn’t that great – quite deep and dark. Can that really be true??? We’ve snorkelled with the kids in the Maldives which was amazing…..I was expecting Komodo National Park to be a similar standard. Any thoughts?
    Regards, Jenny

  28. Allthough the visibility wasnt the best in april, i was totally amazed by the diving in komodo. The Corals are all healthy and cover the place completely. I never saw so many fishes in my entire life. Clouds of reef fish, many big pelagic fish and loads of whitetips and grey reefsharks. And we were surrounded by mantas at Mawan and Manta point. If you go for the small stuff, you will have your pleasure as well. Be careful with the currents, i thought i was used to currents. But i knew shit. on Chrystal Rock and Castle Rock you really should be equipped with a reefhook. It was literally blowing us away. Awesome!!!

  29. Still love it to work as Dive Guide here in Komodo… Lots of marine life, healthy coral… On of the best place in the world…
    It is true that komodo is famous with current, but there are lots of dive site that very easy to dive even for beginners…. Come to komodo and you will be amazed by the underwater life…

  30. My husband and I went to Komodo for snorkeling in August 2018. There, the sea is very calm and there are very few tourists and dive boats.
    My husband had a wonderful encounter with Manta Rays at Manta Point of Komodo. With no other tourists there, he had the mantas all to himself. Only later came another tourist boat.

    Here you can see videos of the snorkeling with the mantas:
    LINK REMOVED

    The corals around Komodo are intact and very colorful and beautiful. We even saw a baby shark (Black Tip) near the beach, where the others were swimming. And from the boat we saw many dolphins and a turtle.

  31. Hi everyone.

    My wife and I will go to komodo island in 2 weeks for diving. We are not experienced divers we only have Advance padi with 22 dive each in Mexico Cuba red sea Egypt Costa rica and Indonesia. We did only 2 drift dive in Egypt and Mexico but we always felt confident secure we don’t hit corals and feel relax underwater. I saw that the best spot in Komodo are with very strong current so my question is : can we dive in these spot and be very careful or do you strongly believe that is not a good idea?

    Thanks a lot for your helpful comments.

    By the way we have time so we can dive at some spot with less current to get use to current if its necessary. What do you think?

  32. Hi,

    Have you contacted any dive centres yet, as it will be rainy season to see which centres will be going out.

    Also, not all the sites have the same current, I have dived in both currents and calm spots there.

    Enjoy your trip.

  33. À magic week,over and under water. Thé Ari Jaya Isa semelle, but thé crée Isa omerville, ans we have vert Nice navals, all day. Pour divas envers.

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