Komodo National Park is widely considered one of the best diving destinations in the world. The park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 and a marine protected area in 2000. Scuba diving Komodo is famous for its strong currents, which bring nutrient-laden water up from the depths of the Indian Ocean, nourishing an enormous array of coral and fish species.
Diving here is recommended for more experienced divers than those just starting their diving life; it is a definite place to visit after around 50 dives. With over 40 dive sites ranging from pelagic dives to macro, stunning coral reefs and mind-bending drift dives, Komodo is a firm Infinite Blue Dive Travel favourite. If you have a few weeks, take a 10-night trip and see the best of Komodo. Here are a few reasons to consider Komodo for your next dive trip.
The park is home to over 1,000 fish and 250 coral species, including large pelagic fish like manta rays and sharks and tiny critters like nudibranchs and pygmy seahorses.
The area is famous for its manta ray cleaning stations, where these majestic creatures come to get their skin cleaned by smaller fish. This is a unique and unforgettable experience for any diver.
Scuba diving in Komodo is known for its strong currents, which offer thrilling drift diving experiences. You can glide past schools of fish and over stunning coral reefs without exerting much effort.
Komodo’s underwater topography is also a huge drawcard for divers. The park’s volcanic origins have created dramatic drop-offs, walls, and pinnacles home to a vast array of marine life.
Although not underwater creatures, they are incredibly significant to the region and the globe. These massive lizards can be seen on the islands surrounding the marine park, making it a unique experience for those interested in marine life and that onshore.
Komodo National Park is located in central Indonesia between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa and comprises three main islands, Komodo, Rinca and Padar.
The main airport to fly into is Labuan Bajo, airport code LBJ. Some liveaboard dive trips set out or disembark in Bima, west of the park and on Sumbawa Island. The airport code for Bima is BMU.
Dive resorts are generally reached from Labuan Bajo, and day diving trips leave from here also.
The short answer is yes. Komodo is home to some pretty awesome currents; the best diving is when these currents run. To enjoy dive sites like Shotgun, Castle Rock, Batu Balong, Batu Tiga and Crystal Rock, you must be experienced in diving in the current. For your safety, you should be an advanced diver with at least 50 dives under your belt.
The cost of diving in Komodo is comparable to other dive spots in Indonesia. More expensive than some other destinations in Southeast Asia, but not as expensive as diving in the Americas or Pacific in general. The best way to explore Komodo is by dive liveaboard, many of the best dive sites are only accessible by liveaboard. There are options available in budget, mid-range, and luxury range, get in touch with us to find out more.
Komodo National Park is widely considered one of the best places to dive in the world, and after diving there several times, I would have to agree. Komodo has a bit of everything, rich corals, schools of pelagics, sharks, rays and fantastic macro. Not only all of that, but it also provides some of the most intensely thrilling diving I have ever experienced.
Getting thrust through the dive site ‘shotgun’ in a current, shooting out the other side and being met by a manta ray, gently floating in rapid water. The often less mentioned lighthouse dive site begins slowly, then picks up speed into a high-speed drift, with reef manta, gorgeous corals, and huge schools of fish, ending in a vast pink and purple field of hydroids.
Komodo National Park should be high up on your must-dive list.
The diving in Komodo is very seasonal, and changes on the monsoon. The best time to head to Komodo National Park for diving is May to October.
Yes, you can get basic scuba certification in Komodo or upgrade your current level. There are several PADI dive shops, which are all located in Labuan Bajo.
The best way to dive in Komodo National Park is undeniably by dive liveaboard. This way, you can experience the best dive sites in comfort. Day dive trips from Labuan Bajo are often arduous, can only reach a short distance, and provide few dives for your troubles.
Excellent dive liveaboards are available in budget, mid-range, and luxury prices. For the complete Komodo experience, you should plan for a 10-night dive cruise if possible.
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