Diving in Komodo

The Komodo National Park lies in the Wallacea Region of Indonesia. It's identified by WWF and Conservation International as a global conservation priority area, and is located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores.

Komodo National Park

Located in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago Komodo national park is composed of three main islands; Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. There are also numerous smaller islands scattered across the park, all are of volcanic origin, and create channels, bays, & reefs for the perfect diver’s playground! Covering a total surface area of more than 1,800km2 Komodo has one of the most dramatic landscapes of all Indonesian diving destinations, the park features rough hillsides of dry savannah, green thorny vegetation, beautiful sandy beaches and, of course, stunning coral reefs.

What to see

Discover some of Indonesia’s most bio-diverse and healthy reef systems; submerged pinnacles and stunning fringing coral reefs, big fish, adrenaline pumping currents, sharks, mantas, & dolphins all in crystal clear waters, provide a sensory over load for first time visitors. Amazing macro discoveries such as pygmy seahorses, frogfish and nudibranch galore provide secret delights for photography enthusiasts. Komodo really does have something for everyone, including stunning scenery above and below the waves and a walk on the wild side with the world’s largest Lizard; the infamous Komodo Dragon

 

Diving in Komodo

Enjoy spectacular diving in the North, Central and Southern areas of this incredible National Park.

More than 1,000 species of tropical fish, 260 species of coral, and rare marine mammals such as the dugong live within Komodo National Park. Strong daily tidal flows combine with nutrient-rich water upwelling from the depths of the Indian Ocean to create ideal conditions for thousands of species of corals and tropical fish to flourish. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 divers travel from all over the globe to experience the spectacular biodiversity of more than 50 world-class dive sites ranging from challenging blue water current dives with a chance of glimpsing large pelagic species to discovering rare invertebrates on a ‘muck’ dive closer to shore.

In the Northern and Central areas of the park expect great visibility and warm (27-28C) water, big fish sightings are common and photographers will find wide angle is the default setting. Highlight Dive Sites include Crystal & Castle Rock, Shotgun, Batu Bolong and Makassar Reef (Mantas on the moon) 

In The South the water temps are usually much cooler (21-25C) and the visibility can be less than perfect in these nutrient rich waters. However, dive sites such as Cannibal Rock, Secret Garden, and Torpedo Alley provide sightings of the most diverse marine life in the park. Incredible Manta aggregations can also be seen in the South at Manta Alley.

Prepare for strong currents and conditions suitable for advanced level divers throughout the safari. We recommend 30-50 minimum dives logged prior to your Komodo safari. Currents are usually strongest around the new and full moon. 

see Komodo Divesites for more details on some of our favourite divesites in the park.

Best times to visit

Although Komodo can be visited all year round, the best time to dive is during the dry season (April to November). Water temperatures in the north of the park are warm & range between 25 and 29°C. Around the central areas, the temperatures range between 24 and 28°C. The temperatures are lowest in the south, ranging from 22 – 28°C. Waters around Komodo are usually quite clear (10-30m visibility), although in the southern waters conditions are relatively more turbid.

Flight options

  • International flights; Labuan Bajo (LBJ), Western Flores can be accessed via Bali (DPS, Denpasar).  International connections from Singapore (SIN), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Jakarta (CGK), and Bangkok (BKK) to name but a few. Upon arrival to Labuan Bajo we will be there to collect you from the airport at the time of your flight’s scheduled arrival (Trip departure day ONLY). Please ensure your domestic flight is scheduled to arrive to Labuan Bajo BEFORE 3pm trip departure day. If arriving to Labuan Bajo in the days prior to trip departure then you will need to make your OWN WAY to local hotel. We will then arrange to collect you from local Labuan Bajo Hotel (usually 10am on the morning of departure).
  • Domestic flights; Early morning  Batik Air, Air Asia or Lion Air flights between Bali & Labuan Bajo, are the preferred option. Arrival before Midday is required to take part in the trips 1st check out dive. Alternatively, if you arrive to Bali by 9am on Trip Departure day you should be able to connect with later afternoon flights with Lion Air or Air Asia. Please ensure you book domestic flights BEFORE confirming your International flights to ensure you make your connection to & from Labuan Bajo.
  • NOTE; Since resumption of flight schedules after the Covid-19 pandemic, some airlines have experienced higher instances of schedule changes, delays & cancellations. Please do check flight schedules upon booking as times & availability are subject to change. If taking flights with Citilink we STRONGLY recommend planning to arrive to Labuan Bajo at least 1 x day prior to trip departure to mitigate for potential cancellation/delay.

How to book flights

  • Book online directly; With carriers; Batik Air, Air Asia & Lion Wings. 
  • Other airline carriers; you may need an Indonesian credit card.  For this reason, we cannot book for you but we DO recommend Indonesian agent; Come2Indonesia Contact; Rendy at tour2@come2indonesia.com 
  • Flight Schedules; Please check the current schedule with your chosen operator before booking flights as schedules and prices are subject to change. WMD or recommended agents cannot be held responsible for any flight delays, cancellation, or changes in schedules