Unveiling the Depths: Best Dive Sites in Komodo for 2024

Nestled approximately 600 kilometers east of the island of Bali, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, lies Komodo National Park. This area was dedicated a national park in 1980. This ecological marvel offer visitors countless things to see and do during their visit.  The entire national park is compressed of three major islands—Komodo, Rinca, and Padar—alongside numerous smaller islands.  The area is most famous for the world-famous Komodo Dragon that live on Komodo and Rinca Island. Under the water has become extremely famous for divers all over the world.  The vibrant underwater environments a diver can witness embodies massive coral gardens, unique geographic features and a plethora or marine life.

Komodo National Park Overview:

Komodo National Park boasts thousands of different fish species and hundreds of different coral species which creates an underwater spectacle for any diver that comes to dive the area.  One of the most famous things to see are majestic manta rays as Makassar Reef (Manta Point) or Mawan Island.  In the national park you can find the smallest of maco diving to seeing large manta rays and sharks. The best time to dive is from June to October, which offers better visibility.  Many divers also prefer to come in the height of the rainy season in January or February as there is a higher chance of seeing more manta rays.  The water temperatures typically vary from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius.   If you come in the rainy season, expect more waves on the boat ride and daily rain shower that happens almost every afternoon or evening. ​

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Best Dive Sites in Komodo for 2024. (Our staff favorites)

Siaba Besar - (Turtle Point) A Spectacle of Coral and Turtles

Siaba Besar, located in a protected bay, is often a first stop on many Komodo daily diving trips.  This is because it is an easy dive with areas of shallow sand to do open water coures and check diving.  It is a dive site not to be underestimated.  It offers minimal currents so it is suitable for all skill levels. Serving as a nursery for various species, divers can surround themselves sea turtles and very commonly seen reef sharks. The coral gardens are spectacular to see for divers of all levels and the visibly is usually very good. ​

A Sea Turtle at Siaba Besar (Turtle Point)

Batu Bolong - A pinnacle with an aquarium

​​Batu Bolong, (means hole in the rock) is situated between Tatawa and Komodo islands.  This is a must-visit dive site in 2024. Many publications and dive groups have called in on of the top 5 or 10 dive sites in the world.  It is a large rock pinnacle in the center of Komodo National Park and the current can come from the north or from the south, depending on the tides.  This rock pinnacle is in absolutely teeming with marine life. When you dives here, you will encounter a vibrant underwater world, which can include white-tip reef sharks, green turtles, giant trevally, rays, eels, and even sea snakes.  Depending on the tides, this dive site can have strong current on each side of the pinnacle, so good buoyancy and dive control are essential for this dive site. ​

Manta Point (Karang Makassar) - Manta Ray Haven:

A Manta and two scuba divers at Manta Point in Komodo National Park.

Manta Point is a famous dive site in Komodo National Park.  It is also the largest dive site as it spans a great distance in the central part of the Park.  It is very commons to spot a few manta rays in this area and sometimes in the rainy season, it is common to 10 or more of them at one time.  It is usually a gentle drift dive, as it serves as a cleaning station for Manta rays. This is a great dive site for divers of all skill levels.  When falling tide, the current usually runs from the north to south and during rising tide, the current usually runs from south to north. ​

Castle Rock - A Diver’s Paradise:

​​Castle Rock, with its sea mound structure, provides thrilling drift dives for experienced divers. It is located in the North part of the National park. Surrounded by fusiliers, batfish, and reef fish, the dive includes encounters with schooling barracuda, jacks, and black tip and and white tip reef sharks. Closer to the surface you can also enjoy beautiful coral growing all over the rock.  This can be a high current dive site, depending on moon phases and tides.  This is not a beginner dive site. Experienced is required. ​

Crystal Rock - Clear Waters and Spectacular Corals:

​​Crystal Rock is located very close to Castle rock in the north part of Komodo and boasts consistently clear waters and strong currents.  These pinnacle and strong currents attract large schools of fish. From sweet lips to tunas, reef sharks, and gliding eagle rays, this dive site is a visual delight. The underwater structure features hard and soft coral coverage, creating a vibrant marine ecosystem.  On the rare occasion, there is no current, divers can dive all around the areas and explore the entire rock perimeter.  This is an advanced dive site and is not for beginners.

Scuba diving at Crystal Rock in Komodo National Park.

Mawan - Beach, Reef, and Manta

​​Mawan, a small island located in the center of the park, offers a stunning underwater landscape. Depending on tides, strong currents may exist, but divers are rewarded with vibrant coral and diverse marine life.  Usually the dives are a drifts from the north to the south, where the two current meet each other in the end at the sandy area. This is a great place to see Manta where to two currents meet.  Always follow your guides direction as the current can go in different ways and can pull you away from the island. ​

Batu Tiga - The Current-Filled Thrill:

​​Batu Tiga, is an advanced dive site located in the center of the national park.  It can be affected by strong currents and attracts large game fish. The are rock outcrops to navigate through which divers can encounter schools of barracuda, giant trivially, groupers, and more.  This is an advanced dive site and not for beginners and depending on the tides and currents, can be more difficult and not advisable to dive. ​

Police Corner - Cave and Overhang

​​Police Corner is another great dive site located in the center of the national park on the south side of Siaba Besar.   There are huge overhangs and it is an advanced dive site which can have medium to strong current.  When on top of the overhang, the diver gets the sensation of flying because the drop off is so far.  Under the over hang presents a partial cave to explore.  I dive torch (flash light) is recommended at this dive site.

Sebayor Kecil - A Relaxing Paradise

Sebayur Kecil is located in the central part of Komodo National Park.  This is a great beginner site but also offer much to see for any advance diver.  The topography is a slopping sandy bottom mixed with coral gardens.  On the west of the dive site, there is a large cliff that extend a high angle that rises up and offer much to see for any level of divers.  On Sebayor Kecil, you can see Turtles, Trevallies, Cuttlefish, Frogfish, nudibranch, garden eels, and more. The current conditions are easy.

The Cauldron (the Shotgun)

​​This is a favorite among many experienced divers that come to Komodo.  The Cauldron is located in the north part to Komodo National Park and is famous for this strong and fast currents.  If you are a thrill-seekers, this may be the dive for you.  It is the area of water located in between Gila Lawa Darat and Gili Lawa Laut.  Is the tides change, the current can greatly increase, either going form west to east or east to west.  The Cauldron as a large rounded “bowl” area where you can usually see black tip shark and manta ray.  The “shotgun” feature is an a rocky area to hold on to when the current in going from west to east and allows the diver to hang on and feel the current while watching the marine life in front.

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Planning Your Komodo Dive Adventure:

Choosing the Right Dive Package:

At Maika Komodo Tour & Dive, we offer different dive packages for you to choose.  We have multi-day liveaboards and daily trips.  Our Daily dive trips go our daily to the Central or North in Komodo National Park.  Whether you're an experienced, seasoned diver or a  new beginner, our itineraries balance dive sites, cultural excursions, and relaxation.​  We also can personalize itineraries to fit your skill level and experience. 

"Global Nomad" Our Komodo Daily Diving Boat

​Many of our guests choose our most popular dive package, which is our 3 day/2 night itinerary. This consists of 8 dives (including a night dive) and also visits locations such as; Komodo Island, Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Taka Makassar.   

We can also personalize longer liveaboard packages according to what you are looking for for yourself or your group.  

Best Time to Dive in Komodo:

Most visitors prefer to visit during the dry season (April to November) because this is the best for optimal underwater conditions. Divers can surely experience excellent visibility and abundant marine life during the dry season months.  For those that do not let the rain bother your vacation, you may also opt to come in the rainy season.  If you are searching for a higher chance to see Manta rays, this is the best time for that.  Manta Rays can be seen all year long at locations such as Manta Point (Makassar Reef) and Mawan, but you have a much higher chance of seeing them in the rainy season, December - March.

Our Guest's favorite 3 Day / 2 Night Itinerary for Diving and leisure..

Day 1:

• Sebayur Kecil: This is a great place to start your adventure with a check dive or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by a rich marine ecosystem.  There is little to no current at the location. 
• Siaba Besar (Turtle Point): Divers and Snorkellers can encounter graceful sea turtles as you visit this beautiful location.  An experience that will surely bring you up close to these gentle giants of Siaba Besar.
• Taka Makassar (Sandbank): Relax on this picturesque and famous sandbank, surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters of Komodo, and soak up the stunning surrounding views.
• Padar Night Dive: This is a great place to experience the magic of night diving, a truly unique and thrilling underwater adventure, where you'll witness the underwater world completely transform after dark.

Day 2:

• Padar Island Trekking: Guests take about a  30-45 minute hike up to the top of Padar Island for amazing panoramic views. The top of Padar viewpoint offers a spectacular perspective of the rugged landscapes and multi-colored beaches.
• Komodo Island Trekking: Get ready to meet the famous Komodo dragons and see their natural habitat. This gives our guests a thrilling encounter with these amazing reptiles.  Visitors can choose between the short or medium trek when they visit the island. 
• Pink Beach: Visitors to Pink Beach can scuba dive or snorkel in the colorful and beautiful coral gardens areas or they can relax on the beautiful pink sands of Pink Beach.
• Mawan (Manta Spot): Dive or snorkel in a beautiful island location which is known for its beautiful coral and majestic manta rays. This is usually a light drift dive, but it depends on the currents and tides.  You can also relax on the pristine beaches.

Day 3:

• Batu Bolong (Diving Only): Batu Bolong is an iconic dive site located in the middle of Komodo National Park.  It is a pinnacle rock which gets larger and larger was you go deeper and deeper. You'll be surrounded by a plethora of marine life and colorful corals on the rock pinnicle in the middle of the National Park.
• Manta Point: Also known as Makassar Reef.  Dive or snorkel alongside magnificent mantas, a truly awe-inspiring experience as you glide through the water with these gentle giants.
• Tatawa Besar (Coral Garden): Explore the vibrant coral gardens as you dive or snorkel, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life, a perfect finale to your Komodo adventure.

Experiences Shared by Our Valued Customers:

See what our guests have to say about their trips.

"We loved this trip! The boat was basic but comfortable. Staff was friendly and the food was amazing! Excellent dive spots and very nice visits to the Island. We would have liked it to have other guests on the boat, but it was still low season. The pro to this 'private' tour was that the program was flexible. Communication was fast and clear. Hope they grow, can develop their business and get a listing in Lonely Planet because they are not in for the big money but to contribute to local employment and supporting families in Lubuan Bajo."​ -  Nick La Gije


"We did 1 N 2 D. This company, crew, group, and place was all amazing. We loved our whole crew of seven so much it was a hard to say goodbye! Definitely recommend this company they were organized and responsive. The dive instructors were great and accommodating. I went on my first night dive which was incredible. It was 1v1 with me and the guide, as the other group was more experienced. LOVE Labuan bajo and this tour ...I wish I had more time"
- Sabrina Turbidy

"I did a 3D/2N dive trip with Maika. Great crew. Both the land activities and the diving were fantastic. Our dive master Paul was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The food served on the boat was delicious."
-Abhishek Patra

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Book Your 2024 Komodo Scuba Diving Adventure:

If you are ready to get more information for booking your 2024 Komodo Scuba diving adventure, please contact our staff and they will be happy to help you.  Get ready to unleash your adventurous spirit and enjoy all that Komodo has to offer in 2024 with Maika Komodo Tour & Diving.  Send us a message and book your Komodo Tour experience and create lifelong memories with our dedicated team here in Labuan Bajo

To contact our Komodo Dive shop or Tour agency, you can reach us through WhatsApp or Phone at +6281238553678 

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We also offer options such as; Komodo Open Water Courses,  Advance Diving Courses, and a chance to enjoy Try Dive. (for non-certified divers)   Take a moment to give our staff a call and they would be delighted to help you plan your perfect vacation for 2024.  As well, if you are in Labuan Bajo, you can also stop in our Dive Shop for any questions you may have. 

Contact Maika Komodo Tours for any questions you may have.  You can also check out our Best Komodo Diving 2024.

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