How to Interact with Wildlife in Komodo National Park

Komodo Dragons

• What to Expect: Komodo dragons are the largest lizards in the world, and they’re often seen on Komodo and Rinca Islands. These apex predators have a strong sense of territory, so it’s important to be cautious. On our Komodo boat trips, our guides will provide insight on where these dragons are commonly spotted and explain their fascinating behaviors.
How to Interact Safely:
- Always keep a safe distance and strictly follow the guidance of park rangers.
- Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as these can provoke them.
- Do not attempt to feed or touch the dragons; they are unpredictable and can be dangerous.
Photography Tips: For the best photos, use zoom lenses rather than getting too close. Our Komodo tour guides can recommend ideal spots for photography while keeping you at a safe distance.
Fun Fact: Komodo dragons have an acute sense of smell, which helps them locate food even from miles away. This is why it’s essential to keep all food hidden while exploring their habitat.

Manta Rays

What to Expect: Manta rays are gentle giants often found near Manta Point, a popular stop on our Komodo scuba diving trips. These graceful creatures can be seen swimming in large circles as they filter-feed on plankton.
How to Interact Safely:
- Maintain a respectful distance and never chase or attempt to touch manta rays.
- Approach them from the side, not from above or below, as this can startle them.
- Avoid rapid movements; let the mantas approach on their own if they feel comfortable.
Photography Tips: For divers, wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the full beauty of these creatures. Our Komodo scuba diving guides can advise on the best ways to photograph mantas without disturbing them.
Fun Fact: Manta rays have the largest brain-to-body size ratio of any fish, making them curious and highly intelligent. On a Komodo diving trip, you may notice them circling divers with curiosity!

Timor Deer

What to Expect: Timor deer are commonly spotted grazing on Padar and Komodo Islands. They are a primary prey species for Komodo dragons, making them an integral part of the local ecosystem. Our Komodo boat trips often include stops where these deer are seen in the early morning or late afternoon.
How to Interact Safely:
- Keep a respectful distance and avoid making loud noises to avoid startling them.
- Refrain from feeding or approaching the deer closely.
Photography Tips: Capture them during early morning or golden hour for beautiful lighting. Use a zoom lens to avoid getting too close.
Fun Fact: Timor deer play a vital role in the diet of Komodo dragons, showcasing a fascinating predator-prey relationship in Komodo National Park.

Maika Komodo Tour & Diving offers many options for our guests. For any questions about Tour or Scuba diving, just contact us.

Choose from any of our Komodo National Park Tours
1 Day Trips
2 Day / 1 Night
3 Day / 2 Night

We can visit places such as;

Komodo Island
Rinca Island
Manta Point
Kalong
Menjerite
Kelor
The Passage*
Batu Bolong*
Castle Rock*

Bidadari
Sebayur
Taka Makassar
Kalong
Gili Lawa

Tatawa Kecil*
Siaba Besar
Kanawa
Pink Beach
Long Beach
Crystal Bay
(* Only for scuba trips)

Flores Overland tours

Labuan Bajo City
Rangko Cave
Cuci Rami
Tado Village
Wae Rebo
Ruteng
Cave
Bajawa
Wolokoro

Cuci Wulang
Bena Village
Luba Village
Kelimutu
Cancar
WoloBobo
Ende
Maumere & more

Sea Turtles

• What to Expect: Sea turtles are a highlight for snorkelers and divers, often spotted near coral reefs. These gentle creatures are frequently encountered on our Komodo scuba diving trips and snorkeling adventures.

How to Interact Safely:
- Avoid touching or riding the turtles, as this can stress them out.
- Allow them a clear path to the surface for breathing, keeping a safe distance at all times.
Photography Tips: Patience is key when photographing sea turtles. Our dive guides can recommend approaches that allow for beautiful shots without disturbing the turtles.
Fun Fact: Sea turtles are ancient creatures, having existed for over 100 million years. While on a Komodo diving trip, observing these peaceful creatures up close can feel like stepping back in time.

Dolphins

• What to Expect: Dolphins are often seen in pods around the waters of Komodo National Park, especially during Komodo boat trips. They are social, playful, and known to leap out of the water, offering unforgettable sightings.

How to Interact Safely:
- Enjoy watching dolphins from the boat, keeping noise levels low to avoid disturbing them.
- Avoid attempts to swim with dolphins, as they are most comfortable in their natural groups.
Photography Tips: Use a fast shutter speed to capture the dolphins as they leap and splash. Our Komodo tour guides will point out the best spots for sightings.
Fun Fact: Dolphins communicate using a variety of clicks and whistles. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of them “speaking” to each other in the waves!

Coral Reefs and Small Marine Life

What to Expect: The coral reefs around Komodo are some of the most biodiverse in the world, home to vibrant fish, sea anemones, and soft corals. These are highlights of our Komodo snorkeling and scuba diving trips.
How to Interact Safely:
- Practice good buoyancy control to avoid accidentally touching or damaging corals.
- Avoid collecting shells or interacting with marine life directly.
Photography Tips: For macro photography enthusiasts, Komodo’s reefs are a paradise. Our dive guides can point out unique and colorful creatures perfect for close-up shots.
Fun Fact: Coral reefs support thousands of marine species and are vital for a healthy ocean. Respecting these reefs helps ensure they thrive for generations to come.

Join Our Komodo Boat and Scuba Diving Trips for an Unforgettable Wildlife Experience!

Exploring Komodo National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact responsibly with some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife. Whether you’re witnessing the strength of Komodo dragons, marveling at manta rays, or enjoying the company of dolphins, our guided Komodo boat trips and Komodo scuba diving trips ensure that your experience is both safe and respectful to the natural habitats we encounter.

For more information on how to experience these incredible creatures up close, contact us or explore our Komodo tours and diving packages today!

For all our services, you can visit our individual pages here;
Daily Diving Trip in Komodo
Komodo Open Water Course
Komodo Advanced open water course
3 day 2 night komodo tour
one day komodo tour

Maika Komodo Tour & Diving offer Komodo tours and scuba diving in Komodo National Park. Our office is located on the main tourist street in Labuan Bajo. The address is;

Maika Komodo Tour & Diving
Jl. Soekarno Hatta, Labuan Bajo, Kec. Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat, Nusa Tenggara Tim. 86763, Indonesia

Our Google maps can be found here at Komodo Tour & Diving
For those looking, you can also visit our Phinisi for sale page.

Contact Maika Komodo Tours for any questions you may have.

Maika Komodo Tour